Atlanta Travel Guide

Feb 25, 2026

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My family recently took a trip to nearby Atlanta, GA which is a wonderful history packed city that has something for everyone I compiled this Atlanta Travel Guide to help your family have an equally amazing time!

There are so many options for both adults and children to enjoy in Atlanta including the Atlanta Aquarium, Ponce City Market, the Botanical Gardens, and my favorite friend chicken restaurant Hattie B’s!

A wooden walkway leads to an elevated treehouse structure with railings and netting among tall trees, next to a building—an enchanting spot often highlighted in any Atlanta travel guide.

A large whale shark swims in an aquarium tank surrounded by various smaller fish against a blue water background—a must-see highlight in any Atlanta travel guide.

Two pieces of spicy fried chicken with pickles and a "medium" heat flag, served in a basket with greens, biscuits, and classic Southern sides—just the kind of meal highlighted in any great Atlanta travel guide.

Two children play on a playground structure designed to look like a large tree with climbing rocks, tunnels, and slides—an inviting spot often highlighted in an Atlanta travel guide, surrounded by trees and mulch.

A child in a red jacket and blue hat walks alone on a suspended rope bridge, surrounded by trees and greenery—just one of the hidden gems you might discover in an Atlanta travel guide.

Large dinosaur skeleton display inside a spacious, sunlit museum atrium with brick walls and glass ceiling—an iconic spot featured in many Atlanta travel guide recommendations.

Rooftop view of a city skyline with several low-rise buildings in the foreground, including "The Sideshow" and signage for food and drinks—perfect for any Atlanta travel guide. Trees and skyscrapers are visible in the distance.

A large stone fountain with a blue glass sculpture centerpiece, surrounded by benches, flowers, and manicured hedges—a serene spot recommended in many Atlanta travel guides.

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Where to Stay in Atlanta
Where to Dine in Atlanta
Atlanta Activity Guide
More Family Travel

Where to Stay in Atlanta

When planning a trip to Atlanta its helpful to know which area you are booking in. Where you stay will determine how easy it is to walk places and how loud it is at night. Read about the different safe and ideal areas of town below before you book your trip!

Downtown Atlanta – This is the heart of the city, ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Staying downtown means you’re at the hub of the MARTA transit system, making it easier to navigate around the city.

Midtown – Known as the “Heart of the Arts”, this area is perfect for those interested in culture and arts. Midtown is home to the Fox Theatre, Ponce City Market, High Museum of Art, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene, plus it’s pedestrian-friendly.

A small landscaped park with rocks, waterfalls, trees, and a pathway, with buildings visible in the background—an inviting spot often highlighted in any atlanta travel guide.

Buckhead – If you’re looking for upscale shopping and dining, Buckhead is the place to be. It’s known for its luxury shopping centers like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, as well as high-end dining options. Buckhead is also home to beautiful residential streets and boutique hotels, making it a stylish choice for accommodation.

East Atlanta Village: For a more bohemian vibe, East Atlanta Village offers an eclectic mix of night spots, indie shopping, and diverse dining options. It’s less touristy and offers a glimpse into a hipper, younger Atlanta culture.

Where to Dine in Atlanta

Atlanta has world class restaurants whether you are looking for fine dining or grab and go there is something for everyone in this Atlanta travel guide!

Breakfast

Buttermilk Kitchen – Located in North Buckhead, this spot is known for its commitment to scratch-made, locally-sourced Southern breakfast and brunch dishes. Their chicken biscuit and blueberry pancakes are must-tries.

Pancake Social – This place located near Ponce City Market is perfect for breakfast or lunch and has a bright comfortable space to dine and hang out.

Java Jive – This cash only scratch breakfast restaurant was definitely the best breakfast we had in Atlanta. It has a diner look but super fresh breakfast food and artisan coffee. This place is located right across from Ponce City Market.

A city plaza with a central fountain, people sitting nearby, tall buildings in the background, and a clear blue sky overhead—a perfect scene featured in any Atlanta travel guide.

Lunch

Antico Pizza Napoletana – For some of the best pizza in Atlanta, head to Antico, located in West Midtown. With family-style seating and pizzas baked in traditional wood-fired ovens, it offers a casual yet authentic Italian dining experience.

Staplehouse – Located in the Old Fourth Ward, this spot is a favorite among food critics and locals alike. It operates as a for-profit subsidiary of The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to food service workers. The menu is seasonal and creative, perfect for foodies looking for a unique dining experience.

Ria’s Bluebird – Across from Oakland Cemetery in the Grant Park neighborhood, Ria’s Bluebird is known for its pancakes, which have been declared some of the best in the nation by The New York Times. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

A basket of crinkle-cut fries topped with fried chicken, pickles, cheese sauce, and scallions—marked “Mild”—is a must-try from any Atlanta travel guide. Side dishes like greens and macaroni are also pictured in the background.

Dinner

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – My family loved this amazing moist juicy chicken with delicious crunchy exterior.

Ponce City Market – This massive market in the Old Fourth Ward offers a variety of food stalls serving everything from gourmet tacos and ramen to Southern fried chicken and artisanal baked goods. It’s perfect for groups with diverse tastes or for those looking to sample different dishes in one spot. It is also a great place for a good time!

Ruby Chow’s – This Asian fusion restaurant has delicious 5-star food and is located in Midtown close to the popular Ponce City Market. They have amazing dumplings that you have to try!

Atlanta Activity Guide

Large globe structure labeled "Gateway to the World" inside a colorful indoor exhibit space—a must-see highlight recommended in any Atlanta travel guide, with adults and children exploring interactive activity tables below.

Mini-golf course on a rooftop with the city skyline in the background, featuring playful sculptures and a carnival-themed sideshow area—a must-see highlight in any Atlanta travel guide.

A large sign reads "The Lou Glenn Children's Garden" with butterfly and caterpillar decorations, surrounded by blooming tulips and daffodils—a delightful spot featured in many Atlanta travel guide recommendations.

Dark purple tulips with layered petals are blooming in a garden bed, surrounded by green leaves and stems—a hidden gem you'll discover in our Atlanta travel guide.

Atlanta has something for everyone! If you love the outdoors the Botanical Garden in an oasis in the city and my kid’s loved the Georgia Aquarium which is the largest aquarium in the Northern Hemisphere!

Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, it’s a must-visit with its vast array of sea life, including whale sharks and beluga whales. The aquarium offers interactive experiences like animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. When planning your trip, I highly recommend going in the afternoon since all the school groups go in the morning. Also make sure you check out all the shows!

Atlanta Botanical Garden – Located in the heart of Midtown, these beautifully maintained gardens feature a variety of themed areas, including a Japanese garden and a canopy walk that elevates you into the treetops. Seasonal events and exhibits make it a great place to visit year-round.

A large whale shark swims in a clear indoor aquarium tank with smaller fish and a grated walkway surrounding the pool, making it a must-see highlight in any Atlanta travel guide.

Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s version of Central Park, this large urban park hosts many festivals and concerts. It’s also a lovely spot for walking, jogging, biking, and picnicking with views of the Atlanta skyline.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Visit the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his final resting place, and the church where he preached. It’s a moving tribute to the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.

Ponce City Market – This mixed-use development in the Old Fourth Ward is housed in a renovated historic building and offers some of Atlanta’s best dining and shopping. It’s also connected to the Atlanta BeltLine, perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

World of Coca-Cola – Explore the history of Coca-Cola through fascinating exhibits, vintage advertisements, and a tasting room where you can try different Coke products from around the world.