Touring Atlanta in a Day

By Lindsey Ford

Published July 20, 2020
Last Updated June 20, 2023

Atlanta is full of options to keep you entertained during your visit, even if you only have one day to experience it. From animals to history and plenty of breathtaking views in between, you’ll catch yourself planning your next trip back before you make it out of the city limits.

Many attractions and tours have adapted operations to keep customers and employees safe and healthy with social distancing, timed ticketing, limited capacity and additional sanitation to meet government regulations. Visitors should check attraction websites prior to visiting to confirm hours of operation.

Start with a guided tour

If you’re visiting the city and don’t know where to start, take to the streets of Atlanta with one of  these amazing tour options.

ATL-Cruzers. Make your way through Atlanta on an intimate and eco-friendly tour covering history, trivia, architecture and hidden neighborhood hot spots. Tours cover historical neighborhoods, show you outstanding architecture and give you recommendations on the best local eateries and hidden gems that will make your stay enjoyable.

Bicycle Tours of Atlanta. Get some fresh air and explore the beautiful in-town neighborhoods on a private bike tour. On History Tours, guests explore Piedmont Park, Virginia Highland, Inman Park, Cabbagetown, Oakland Cemetery, The MLK, Jr King National Historical Park, Sweet Auburn, Little Five Points, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, The High Museum of Art, Ansley Park, Grant Park and many other places off the beaten path.

Tour Downtown in the convention and entertainment district

With restaurants on every corner and attractions all within walking distance of one another, Atlanta’s walkable convention and entertainment district has plenty to keep you busy and active.

Georgia Aquarium. Dive into an underwater paradise at the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. With more than 10 million gallons of water, the aquarium offers visitors the opportunity to see whale sharks, beluga whales, sea otters, mantas and more.

SkyView Atlanta. This 20-story Ferris wheel is located in the heart of Downtown, adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park. Four complete rotations on the wheel feature panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline, day or night.

Venture out and explore

Atlanta Botanical Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden spreads its roots across more than 30 acres. Explore the lush green garden while sipping on a drink during Cocktails in the Garden beginning daily at 5 p.m.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History. A visit to this natural history museum brings a unique opportunity to explore cultural treasures and marvel at the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. Explore outdoor exhibits, walking trails, a canopy walk and native wildlife.

Zoo Atlanta. Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is home to more than 200 species of animals. Zoo Atlanta is one of only three zoos in the U.S. housing giant pandas and is home to one of North America’s largest zoological populations of great apes. The all-new African Savanna exhibit is open, with expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and meerkats.

Get some fresh air

Known as the City in the Forest, Atlanta prides itself on its large tree canopy, parks and multiuse green spaces. Here are a few great escapes to get you outdoors.

Atlanta BeltLine. Walk, bike or jog on the Atlanta BeltLine. The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is part of a larger project that will transform 22 miles of historic rail segments into parks, green space and transit around Atlanta. Explore this two-mile segment to discover what makes this project so impressive, and see art commissioned by locals.

PATH 400. PATH 400 runs along the Georgia 400 highway in Buckhead and connects neighborhoods, retail and more for cyclists and pedestrians.

Piedmont Park. Piedmont Park provides nearly 200 acres of green space in Midtown for a place to enjoy an outdoor meal or relax by Lake Clara Meer.

Explore like a local in nearby neighborhoods

Atlanta is a blend of distinct, vibrant neighborhoods ready to explore for unique and unexpected experiences.

Old Fourth Ward. Old Fourth Ward is located in Atlanta’s Eastside and melds great history with trendy restaurants and condos. The neighborhood is home to two historic food halls that provide dining and shopping options. Grab a bite to eat at Krog Street Market then head over to Ponce City Market to have a drink on THE ROOF and see all three of Atlanta’s skylines.

Sweet Auburn. Atlanta’s rich history comes to life in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, once the wealthiest black community in America. The area is a focal point for the American civil rights movement as Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Ebenezer Baptist Church are located within the district.

Street art throughout the city. Many Atlanta neighborhoods have found their creative aura through highly talented local and international artists delivering diverse and vivid murals across the city. Castleberry Hill, East Atlanta Village and Cabbagetown each have clusters of vibrant murals, covering everything from walls, crosswalks and underpasses.