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Atlanta Attractions

Atlanta History Center

Set in nine hectares (23 acres) of beautiful gardens, the Atlanta History Center is the ideal place to soak up the rich history of the state. The main attractions are two historic homes, open to the public offering informative guided tours. The Tullie Smith House originally stood outside the city limits but has been relocated to the History Center, along with its outbuildings. The house was built in the 1840s and survived the near-total destruction of Atlanta in 1864 when General William Sherman burned almost every business and more than two thirds of the city's homes during his infamous 'March to the Sea'. It was once the home of yeoman farmer Robert Smith and his family, who owned 11 slaves and farmed on about 324 hectares (800 acres). The farmhouse is typical of most in Georgia at the time, despite popular belief that not all Georgians owned large plantations and mansions. The Swan House, built in 1928, is a grand Italianate mansion that is an Atlanta landmark, once the home of Edward and Emily Inman, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune. The History Center also features several other historic buildings and exhibitions.

Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Road; Website: www.atlantahistorycenter.com; Telephone: (404) 814 4000; Opening time: Centre: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday 12pm to 5.30pm. Tullie Smith House and Swan House: Monday to Saturday 11am to 4pm, Sunday 1pm to 4pm; Admission: $15 (adults), $10 (children 4-12 years). Rates exclude tax

'I have a dream...' © NPS

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site

In January 1929 a baby boy was born in an upstairs bedroom of a house in Atlanta. Today the Victorian house is the centre of a protected site dedicated to the memory of that baby, Martin Luther King, who grew up to become America's Nobel prize-winning Civil Rights leader. A half-mile stretch of Auburn Avenue, including King's birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the memorial tomb at the King Center where he is buried, has been designated a historic site, drawing hundreds of visitors every day. The exhibits contained within provide insight into the life and times of this much-revered man.

Address: 450 Auburn Avenue; Website: www.nps.gov/malu; Telephone: (404) 331 5190 or 331 6922 for recorded information; Transport: Auburn Avenue bus 3 at the MARTA Five Points station, or MARTA's Atlanta Tourist Loop; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm (until 6pm from mid-June to mid-August); Admission: Free

Coca-Cola classic logo © The Coca-Cola Company

World Of Coca-Cola

In 1886 Jacob's Pharmacy, a small drugstore in Atlanta, began selling a new headache and hangover tonic called 'Coca-Cola'. In 1891, entrepreneur Asa Candler paid $2,300 to acquire the rights of what is now the world's most valuable brand. The following year he founded the Coca-Cola Company. The new, environmentally-friendly construction houses more than just a museum dedicated to Coca-Cola; it is an entire soft-drink experience. Thousands of Coke objects, trivia and memorabilia are contained among the interactive exhibits in this building, backed up by commercials, radio jingles, a 4-D theatre, tasting and a Pop Culture Gallery.

Address: 121 Baker Street, Pemberton Place; Website: www.woccatlanta.com; Telephone: (404) 676 5151; Transport: MARTA stop W1 or N1; Opening time: Daily, generally 9am to 5pm, but hours vary on weekends and in season; Admission: $15 (adults), $9 (children 9-12); other concessions available

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield © National Park Service

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield

In 1864 Kennesaw Mountain was the scene of a bloody Civil War battle when General Sherman led his Union forces against the entrenched Confederate forces at the site, resulting in the death of more than 67,000 soldiers. The park consists of several thousand acres of protected land, covered with more than 17 miles (27km) of interpretive walking trails. The trails encompass historic earthworks and cannon placements, and notable markers and memorials have been provided to commemorate the event. A small museum at the site displays Civil War artefacts, and a visitor’s centre provides information about the battle on the site. This popular park is visited by more than a million people each year, many of whom come to picnic and enjoy the views afforded across Atlanta.

Website: www.nps.gov/kemo; Telephone: (770) 427 4686 x0; Opening time: Daily 7.30am to 5pm (winter 8.30am); Admission: Free, but there is a fare of $2 (adults) and $1 (children) to ride the shuttle bus to the top of the mountain

Botanical gardens conservatory © Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden

A highlight of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the Fuqua Conservatory, a giant greenhouse enclosing different climate-controlled eco-systems that was financed by an Atlanta businessman in memory of his wife. A walk through the conservatory takes visitors from a desert into a steamy tropical jungle. Outdoors the gardens are criss-crossed with dedicated nature walks, bypassing many quiet spots designed for peaceful contemplation, as well as tasteful garden sculptures.

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave; Website: www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org; Telephone: (404) 876 5859; Transport: North Decatur bus 36 from the Arts Center Station; on Sundays, Monroe/Lindbergh bus 27; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7pm (April to October), 9am to 5pm (November to March); Admission: $12 (adults), $9 (children 3-17 years), concessions available

Giants of the Mesozoic © Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

As one of the South's pre-eminent museums, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a gateway for discovery and exploration, unfolding the story of the earth's history, the physical universe, the environment and human culture through exhibitions, programs and films in the IMAX Theatre. Opened in 1992, Fernbank is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is 'Atlanta's Home to Dinosaurs,' a reputation highlighted by Giants of the Mesozoic, a distinctive permanent exhibition which features the world's largest dinosaurs.

Address: 767 Clifton Road; Website: www.fernbank.edu; Telephone: (404) 929 6300; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Admission: Museum: $15 (adults); $13 (children 3-12). IMAX: $13 (adults), $11 (children 3-12); discounted combination tickets are also available

Georgia Aquarium © Angela Grider

Georgia Aquarium

The impressive Georgia Aquarium is the largest of its kind and boasts over 100,000 animals from 500 species. A range of different environments play host to fascinating animals from around the world, from belugas and African black-footed penguins, to sea lions and sea otters, stingrays, sharks and a riot of colourful fish. The Aquarium also has a 4-D theatre that features an animated 3-D film, interactive seats and live actors; a café and the Ocean Ballroom for special events.

Address: 225 Baker Street, Pemberton Place; E-mail: visitorservices@georgiaaquarium.org; Website: www.georgiaaquarium.org; Telephone: (404) 581 4000; Transport: The Aquarium is connected to the Five Points MARTA Train station by bus Route 97; Opening time: Sunday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm. Extended hours apply during holidays; Admission: $26 (adults), $19.50 (children 3-12 years). Free audio tours are available