What to Do in Atlanta if You Only Have One Day

Atlanta is a lovely, cosmopolitan city with a wealth of things to see and do. If you only have one day, it's best to stick to the sights close to downtown and Midtown, and there are plenty to choose from. Whether you're in town for a romantic weekend for you have a day to play with the kids, Atlanta offers something fun for everyone. Vibrant green spaces, interesting cultural offerings and a plethora of restaurants to choose from - enjoy your time in The Big Peach!

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Soothing blues and creams greet you after a long day of seeing the sights, which are all within a mile. You'll be in the middle of walkable midtown with fabulous restaurants such as Baraonda Cafe Italiano just outside your door. The murals, scents and menu items change seasonally and there's a fun little bar in the lobby area. How many nautilus shells can you spot? They represent perfection and simplicity.
Get your fill of wonderful Southern flavors here. They're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it's a classy place with a big menu. Don't pass up on the chocolate chip waffles or the fired chick and waffle combination - it's much better than it sounds. The grits are fab. Get there early on weekends or you'll be waiting for a while... More >
Get your fill of wonderful Southern flavors here. They're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it's a classy place with a big menu. Don't pass up on the chocolate chip waffles or the fired chick and waffle combination - it's much better than it sounds. The grits are fab. Get there early on weekends or you'll be waiting for a while. Photo: benderbending, flickr
It's in the middle of Centennial Park close to many other sights.
This extraordinary green space in the heart of the city offers a lake where you can feed ducks, a 3-acre dog park, large green fields and countless walking trails. It's a gorgeous place to have a picnic or to take a break from sightseeing. Try your hand at the new bocce ball courts and the gorgeous new pool if it's summer! Photo: Clint... More >
This extraordinary green space in the heart of the city offers a lake where you can feed ducks, a 3-acre dog park, large green fields and countless walking trails. It's a gorgeous place to have a picnic or to take a break from sightseeing. Try your hand at the new bocce ball courts and the gorgeous new pool if it's summer! Photo: Clinton Steeds, Flickr
Go figure - the world's largest aquarium is in a city that's four hours from water! It's truly amazing, though, and a true treat for kids and adults alike. Gawk at the whale sharks and Beluga whales and then stop by the stadium area to view the largest tank. It's totally worth it to pay extra to go scuba diving or snorkeling in the big... More >
Go figure - the world's largest aquarium is in a city that's four hours from water! It's truly amazing, though, and a true treat for kids and adults alike. Gawk at the whale sharks and Beluga whales and then stop by the stadium area to view the largest tank. It's totally worth it to pay extra to go scuba diving or snorkeling in the big tank, but you have to reserve ahead of time. Short on time? Grab lunch here too.
Where else can you taste Coca Cola flavors from Italy, Africa and the Middle East in a matter of ten minutes? An interesting museum here can entertain adults while the tasting room delights everyone. It's in the middle of Centennial Park close to many other sights. Be forewarned: the opening video you're forced to watch is a little odd... More >
Where else can you taste Coca Cola flavors from Italy, Africa and the Middle East in a matter of ten minutes? An interesting museum here can entertain adults while the tasting room delights everyone. It's in the middle of Centennial Park close to many other sights. Be forewarned: the opening video you're forced to watch is a little odd and trippy.
Dinner here will set you back about $80/person, but lunch is usually around $25/person.
Do try to sneak in a show at the gorgeous Fox Theater if you have time! The renovated theater is a show in itself (bring your camera!) A lovely way to spend the end to your Atlanta visit would be dinner at a nearby restaurant (Enoteca is very good) and then a show enjoy a show or a movie here. Recommended: a before or after dinner drin... More >
Do try to sneak in a show at the gorgeous Fox Theater if you have time! The renovated theater is a show in itself (bring your camera!) A lovely way to spend the end to your Atlanta visit would be dinner at a nearby restaurant (Enoteca is very good) and then a show enjoy a show or a movie here. Recommended: a before or after dinner drink at the Georgia Terrace bar across the street.
Dinner here will set you back about $80/person, but lunch is usually around $25/person. The sushi here is without a doubt the best you'll find in the Southeast, and it rivals anything I've had anywhere, including at Nobu. The squid salad appetizer is amazing, and the sashimi absolutely melts in your mouth.
A must for any history or Civil Rights buff. I love the well-written displays that are full of pictures, videos and sound bytes. You can visit Dr. King's birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he and other members of his family preached. A really moving experience, perfect for slightly older kids. Photo: randwill, Flickr More
A must for any history or Civil Rights buff. I love the well-written displays that are full of pictures, videos and sound bytes. You can visit Dr. King's birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he and other members of his family preached. A really moving experience, perfect for slightly older kids. Photo: randwill, Flickr
This is about a 25 minute drive from Midtown, but if you have a car, it's definitely worth a visit. The Antebellum Plantation offers insight into Atlanta's past, and if your kids want some action, they can check out the rides in Stone Mountain Park itself. The walk up Stone Mountain is a good, vigorous climb; take the tram up and walk back down if you're not up for it.Don't miss the nightly laser light show if you're there ... More
This is about a 25 minute drive from Midtown, but if you have a car, it's definitely worth a visit. The Antebellum Plantation offers insight into Atlanta's past, and if your kids want some action, they can check out the rides in Stone Mountain Park itself. The walk up Stone Mountain is a good, vigorous climb; take the tram up and walk back down if you're not up for it.Don't miss the nightly laser light show if you're there in summer! There are picnic tables throughout the park if you want to pack a light lunch or dinner.
A totally unique way to learn about Civil War History. You sit in the middle of this 40 foot tall, 360 foot long painting of the Battle of Atlanta. Three-D figures in front really make it come to life, and the narration is excellent. The museum boasts a large collection of Civil War artifacts as well. This might be better for kids over... More >
A totally unique way to learn about Civil War History. You sit in the middle of this 40 foot tall, 360 foot long painting of the Battle of Atlanta. Three-D figures in front really make it come to life, and the narration is excellent. The museum boasts a large collection of Civil War artifacts as well. This might be better for kids over the age of eight, though all kids will love the old locomotive on display.
Get there early on weekends or you'll be waiting for a while.
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About the Author

Jenny Bengen Albert
Jenny Bengen Albert
I'm a private tutor, writer, editor and travel fanatic. I eat a lot of gelato.
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