Atlanta Travel Guide

Your ultimate guide to ATL.
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August 8, 2023
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Before you begin your trip, it's important to know a little bit about Atlanta, Georgia. We'll cover things like Why Go to Atlanta, When to Go, and How to Get Around. We'll also talk about what to do once you get there. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a great time exploring this southern city!

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About Atlanta, Georgia - The Capital of the Deep South

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and played a vital role during the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. If you're interested in learning more about the city's history, consider visiting the Atlanta History Center. Its exhibits provide insight into the city's history, while the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site pays tribute to the civil rights leader's life and legacy. Also in Atlanta, you'll find the huge Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympics.

Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Deep South, and it's proud of its diversity. It's also a very peaceful place to visit, with more things to do than to hate. One of Atlanta's most striking aspects is its skyline, which is one of the most distinctive and striking in America.

Atlanta has become a haven for talent, with notable rappers including Usher, Lil Jon, and Bow Wow. The city is also home to several successful television shows, including the Real Housewives of Atlanta and Braxton's Family Values. A number of major films have also been shot in the area.

Atlanta is a cultural hub, as it hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics and the Civil Rights Movement. It also served as the unofficial capital of the "New South." The birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and it was a major hub for the Civil Rights Movement, leading to desegregation in stages during the 1960s. Today, the city is home to both soaring skyscrapers and stately historic homes.

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Why Go to Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the most popular cities in the United States, and its diverse population makes it a great destination for a vacation or a short break. There are dozens of things to see and do, from the top museums in the South to its bustling food scene. There are also hundreds of festivals and outdoor events to choose from. You can also enjoy its many historic cemeteries and state parks.

Atlanta is also a major hub for the Civil Rights Movement and has played a major role in the advancement of human rights around the world. You can learn more about the city's history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which opened in June 2014. A visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is another great way to learn about his life and influence. You can visit the Freedom Road Exhibit and the home where Dr. King was born.

If you love animals, Atlanta has zoos and parks with many animal species. The Atlanta Zoo is home to the world's largest aquarium and features hundreds of animals. You can even see twin panda cubs! The Atlanta Zoo is also involved with field conservation programs around the world.

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Best Time to Go

If you want to avoid the crowds and high prices of summertime, autumn is the best time to visit Atlanta. While the weather will still be warm and pleasant, there won't be as many tourists. As a result, hotel prices will be lower. Autumn is also the best time to go to Atlanta for its outdoor activities.

While summer is a busy time in Atlanta, spring is a great time to visit. Unlike the summer, temperatures will be warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities like the Atlanta Botanical Garden. During spring, you'll also avoid the crowds that can clog up the city during the summer months. During this time, many beautiful flowers will begin blooming. You'll also have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of festivals and events during this time.

Atlanta's weather is temperate all year long, but summer is the most crowded. The summer months are hot and humid, so if you're looking for the best room rates, visit during March and April. During these months, hotel prices will be the lowest, and you'll be able to enjoy the city's museums and outdoor activities. Winter is also a good time to visit Atlanta if you enjoy food festivals.

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How to Get Around

If you are visiting Atlanta, you'll need to know how to get around. The city is quite large and navigating it without a car is not very easy. Atlanta's public transportation system is fairly limited, but it is still possible to get around without a car. For example, the MARTA system has buses, trains, and a streetcar in the downtown area. The metro system connects downtown with the suburbs, and a day pass will cost you about USD 9.

If you are traveling on a budget, a motorized scooter is a good option. These scooters are cheaper than cars and are easy to drive. When you're planning a trip to Atlanta, it's important to know when the city's Pride Festival will take place. By knowing when the festival will be held, you can plan your route accordingly.

There are several bus companies that serve Atlanta, and you can usually catch a bus from a bus terminal at Forsyth Street. Megabus also operates in the city, with connections to cities like Birmingham, Miami, Cleveland, and New Orleans. You'll also want to know how to get around Downtown, the city's busy business district. Whether you're looking for restaurants or shopping, the Downtown area offers a great variety of activities.

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Best Restaurants

When you're visiting Atlanta, one of the first things you should do is sample some of the city's best restaurants. This culinary city boasts a variety of culinary festivals and iconic dishes. There's something for every type of palate in Atlanta, from classic American fare to international specialties.

Originally a railroad hub, Atlanta's food scene has been shaped by its history. For example, the city's former railway station, Terminus, is now the location of Terminus Restaurant. The restaurant was named for its owner, Mike Plummer, and is fashioned like an old brick general store. It features dishes like black-eyed pea hummus, brisket poutine, and smoked short ribs.

Another Atlanta restaurant that stands out is Canoe. Located on the Chattahoochee River, this riverside restaurant has become a destination for special occasions. The sweeping river views and seasonal menus have made it a popular spot for business dinners and family celebrations. It also offers outdoor seating for those wanting to take in the scenery.

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Things to Do

Atlanta is a cultural and historical center with a history museum and a large collection of art. The Atlanta History Center is a 33-acre campus that includes six award-winning permanent exhibitions, gardens, and historic houses. The museum is also home to the recently restored Atlanta Cyclorama, the largest oil painting in the world. The work depicts the Battle of Atlanta in 1864 and is 15 meters high and 100 meters long. It can be seen by taking an elevator to the top of the structure and then walking out onto a circular walkway.

There are many things to do in Atlanta during the summer. You can enjoy live music at a rooftop bar or swim in a pool. The city also hosts a variety of sports events, including a baseball game at a nearby stadium. If you are looking for a late-night adventure, a bar crawl is a great way to spend a night in Atlanta.

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Neighborhoods to Know

When you're visiting Atlanta, be sure to explore the city's neighborhoods! These neighborhoods are home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, King Centre, and Ebenezer Baptist Church. You can also find cool bars and a great street art scene in these neighborhoods.

One of Atlanta's most unique neighborhoods is Little Five Points, which has vibrant art and music scene. The neighborhood is home to the Atlanta Cyclorama, Zoo Atlanta, and the Civil War Museum. There's also a plethora of great restaurants and shopping centers. The neighborhood is perfect for families or single professionals, and the cost of living is affordable.

Westside: While formerly industrial, this neighborhood now boasts some of the city's best restaurants and breweries. The former warehouses are home to Monday Night Brewing, Second Self, and Atlanta Brewing Company. The state capitol is nearby, where you can view rare manuscripts, such as the King James Bible, or visit the Georgia State Capitol Museum. Midtown also has a number of museums, including the Federal Reserve Monetary Museum, which documents the work of the Federal Reserve Bank.

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Weather

Summer is a popular time to visit Atlanta, Georgia. While the temperatures are high during the day, you can expect lower temperatures at night. The city's climate is humid, with an abundance of rainfall. The average high temperature is in the 70s and low 80s. Even though Atlanta is inland, you should be aware of the possibility of hurricanes.

The average hourly wind speed in Atlanta varies seasonally. The windiest part of the year is from October 19 to May 12 and averages more than 5.7 miles per hour. The calmest month is August. In general, there are two dominant wind directions throughout the year. While the summer months are windy, they are generally not uncomfortable.

While spring and autumn bring pleasant weather, they are also notable for stormy conditions. The first half of March and the second half of November can bring an outbreak of cold air. Spring and autumn can also bring tornadoes, but these are rarer in Atlanta than in other southern states. Hurricanes are also common during late summer and fall, but Atlanta is in a protected area.

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