One Day in Atlanta for History Lovers

By Taylor Boser

Published May 19, 2026

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Atlanta’s is full of historic sites, landmarks, colleges, churches and museums to let you dive deeper into the city’s roots. In the early 1960s, Atlanta became the cultural catalyst for the American Civil Rights movement. That’s why one day in Atlanta for history lovers will only scratch the surface of all there is to explore.

Atlanta History Center

Starting off in Buckhead, you can’t beat Atlanta History Center. Founded in 1926 the center is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Here, you’ll find more than 33-acres of history to explore. Take in the Cyclorama, a 49-foot-tall hand painted work of art that is longer than a football field and weighs 10,000 pounds. It depicts the Civil War’s Battle of Atlanta, which took place in July 1864. The Zero Mile Post is preserved at the History Center, too. It marked the terminus of the Western and Atlantic railroads in Atlanta.

After all that exploring, if you need a quick pick-me-up. Fortunately, Atlanta History Center is home to a coffee shop, Brash Coffee, and popular lunch spot, Souper Jenny. The restaurant is open during lunch hours and promises an ever-changing menu full of fresh ingredients.

Margaret Mitchell House

The Atlanta History Center also includes the Margaret Mitchell House, which is located in Midtown, about five miles away. This is the where Mitchell wrote “Gone With the Wind.” Today, it houses a museum exploring her life and the popularity surrounding her novel.

Centennial Olympic Park

If you’re heading from the Margaret Mitchell House to Centennial Olympic Park, you can easily hop on MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system, to take you there. This 22-acre green space in the heart of Downtown serves as the legacy to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Kids are encouraged to run around the Fountain of Rings splash pad, and you’ll always see someone taking a picture with at The Spectacular sculpture of the Olympic Rings.

Surrounding the park are some of the city’s top attractions, including Georgia Aquarium, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, National Center for Civil and Human Rights and World of Coca-Cola.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Located in the historic Sweet Auburn District, (Auburn Avenue once was dubbed the “richest Negro street in the world” by Fortune Magazine), the Municipal Market, historically called the Curb Market, was founded in 1918 as an open-air market. Grab fresh produce here, enjoy a bite to eat or shop from local vendors.

While in the area, you can visit additional historic locations, including the Auburn Avenue Research Library and Atlanta Daily World. Visit stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail including the APEX Museum, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Madam CJ Walker Museum and WERDStudio. Ride the Atlanta Streetcar to easily see all the historic landmarks.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

After grabbing a bite to eat from the Municipal Market, take a short walk over to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Here, you can explore the life of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born and raised in Atlanta, you can visit his birth home where he lived for the first 12 years of his life. Also on the park’s campus is the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King was baptized and later became a co-pastor alongside his father. While here, tour The King Center, founded by Coretta Scott King. You can also visit the tombs of MLK and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

President Jimmy Carter is the only president born and raised in Georgia, so when touring this museum, you can learn about his upbringing in Plains, Ga., along with the work accomplished during his time at the 39th U.S. president. Take a picture inside the replica Oval Office and see his Nobel Peace Prize.

The Candler Hotel

If you’re visiting and need a place to stay, consider The Candler Hotel, originally a high rise (well, a high rise for that period in history) built by Coca-Cola magnate Asa Griggs Candler. Find it on the famous Peachtree Street in Downtown. Housed in the basement of the hotel is the vault where the original recipe of Coca-Cola once was stored. Guests today have the opportunity to tour the space by checking with the front desk for tour times.

Have another lens that provides a peek into Atlanta? Check out our guide for 24 hours in Atlanta no matter you’re vibe.

A Chicago transplant, Taylor loves exploring what makes Atlanta the place to be. Name a popular festival, food hall or brewery to check out and she will be there.