Why Go to Atlanta
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Atlanta is the South with big-city energy. People from all over the country have made this business hub home, and the result is a progressive, eclectic city with a thriving restaurant scene, world-class culture and plenty of green space.
Families love the enormous Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, both right downtown next to Centennial Olympic Park. Culture lovers can explore the city's museums and theaters, including the moving Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Outdoor types can walk or bike the BeltLine and relax in Piedmont Park. You can see many of the highlights in two or three days based downtown, then head to neighborhoods like Buckhead and the Westside in the evening for great dining and lively nightlife.
Atlanta's airport is the busiest in the world, so it's easy to reach from almost anywhere. I'll plan a weekend that balances family attractions, history and food, with a hotel in the right part of town.
BEST FOR
History buffs, families, foodies and urban explorers
BEST MONTHS
March–May and September–November are generally pleasant for outdoor exploration; summers are hot and humid.
EXPLORE
Downtown houses major attractions; Midtown features Piedmont Park and arts venues; Old Fourth Ward connects to the BeltLine, while Buckhead offers shopping and hotels.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Atlanta
North America › Southeast › USA › Georgia
Southern culture, green neighborhoods and landmark museums
History
Culinary
Museums
Business
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. historic sites early and reserve enough time to explore Sweet Auburn respectfully rather than treating the neighborhood as a photo stop.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Book in advance and consider weekday mornings.
Georgia Aquarium
Large downtown aquarium featuring marine habitats and educational exhibits.
Combine with nearby Centennial Olympic Park and the aquarium.
World of Coca-Cola
Interactive downtown attraction exploring the soft-drink brand’s history and global reach.
Check National Park Service tour availability before arrival.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
National Park Service sites connected to Dr. King and the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.
Check special exhibits and seasonal opening hours.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Landscaped gardens and seasonal installations adjoining Piedmont Park.
Pair a stroll with the nearby botanical garden.
Piedmont Park
Popular Midtown green space with lawns, skyline views and recreation paths.
A luxury hotel in Midtown convenient for cultural attractions, restaurants and Piedmont Park. Confirm parking and room choice.
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Midtown / Fourteenth Street
City
A refined luxury hotel in Buckhead, useful for a quieter upscale stay near shopping and dining. Downtown attractions require a separate transfer.
The St. Regis Atlanta
Buckhead / West Paces Ferry Road
City
A boutique hotel in a historic downtown landmark, convenient for central attractions and business travel. Confirm parking and preferred room layout.
The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton
Downtown / Peachtree Street
Boutique · City
An upscale downtown property close to entertainment venues and central attractions. Check event traffic and valet parking terms.
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
Downtown / Peachtree Street
City
A food-focused hotel in Midtown, positioned near dining, arts venues and urban attractions. Confirm current restaurants and room inclusions.
Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection
Midtown / West Peachtree Street
Boutique · City
A buzzy boutique hotel with a famous rooftop bar.
Hotel Clermont
Poncey-Highland
Boutique · City · Value
A design-led boutique hotel in Buckhead with a rooftop bar.
Kimpton Sylvan Hotel
Buckhead
Boutique · City
A central hotel near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, good for families.
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Downtown
City · Family
A big, good-value downtown hotel near Peachtree Center.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Downtown
City · Family · Value
Luxury in Buckhead, near Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square.
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
Buckhead
City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Atlanta
High 63°F · Low 44°F · Rain 4.1 in
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights begins at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
March–May and September–November are generally pleasant for outdoor exploration; summers are hot and humid.
Best Times to Visit Atlanta
WHEN TO GO
06
BeltLine paths
Shared-use trails connect parks and dining areas; watch for cyclists and crowds.
05
Rental car
May suit suburban excursions; expect congestion and parking costs.
04
Rideshare and taxi
Useful for neighborhoods and attractions not directly near rail stations.
03
Walking
Downtown attractions and Midtown corridors can be explored in clusters.
02
MARTA bus
Buses cover areas beyond the rail network; check route and transfer details.
01
MARTA rail
Rail links Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and central Atlanta; verify which stops suit your hotel.
MARTA trains connect the airport with Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. Use walking for compact sightseeing clusters and rideshare for destinations farther from stations.
Getting Around Atlanta
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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