Atlanta Tour | Best of Atlanta with a Self-Guided Tour

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Tour Details

Tour Type: Walking
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Distance:3+ miles
Audio Stories: 23+
Purchase Qty: One Per Person
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Atlanta Self-Guided Walking Tour

Explore all that Atlanta, Georgia has to offer! From Coca-Cola World to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace and everything in between, your Atlanta walking tour is brimming with history and activity.

About the Atlanta Tour

Our walking tour of Atlanta begins at Centennial Olympic Park. Here, we’ll revisit the 1996 Olympic Games and the shocking bombing which rocked the ceremonies and went unsolved for an entire year. From there, we’ll swing by the World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta’s most popular attraction. With all sorts of quirky exhibits on offer, plenty of history, and, of course, coke flavors from around the world, this funky museum is a must-see.

After that, we’ll see the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States. Ever wanted to see an enormous whale shark up close? Well, thanks to this aquarium’s staggering 10 million-gallon tank, you can!

Continuing the Atlanta city tour through downtown, we’ll hear about the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917. This great blaze left a whopping ten percent of the city homeless, and if you know where to look, you can still find evidence of the fire.

If you want to get a birds-eye view of Atlanta’s gorgeous downtown, hop on board the SkyView Ferris wheel next! As we keep walking through downtown, we’ll tune in to the city’s entertainment business, from movies to hip-hop. Did you know many movies set in New York are filmed in Atlanta? Or that Childish Gambino is from Atlanta?

As we pass the APEX Museum, dedicated to Black history in Atlanta, we’ll turn back the clock to a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when half of Atlanta’s population wasn’t even allowed to vote. We’ll step into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical District and walk to Auburn Ave, where King was born.

As we continue through this historic neighborhood on the Atlanta tours experience, we’ll give you the whole story of King, from his formative years to his studies in the ministry and, finally, his world-changing activism. We’ll stop by the World Peace Rose Garden and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. There, we’ll learn Gandhi’s importance to King and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.

After we walk the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, we’ll hear about King’s shocking assassination and his enduring legacy, which is felt even to this day. Finally, we’ll visit the King Center, hear more about Coretta Scott King, and conclude our Atlanta walking tour at the home of King’s birth.

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Atlanta Map

Where To Start?

Starting Point Address: Atlanta Visitor Information Center at Centennial Olympic Park, 267 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome to Atlanta
Your tour of Atlanta begins by the Atlanta Visitor Information Center in Centennial Olympic Park. From here, you'll walk through the coolest neighborhoods of this ecclectic city, from the high rises of downtown to the rich history of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, once home to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Centennial Olympic Park
This 22-acre public park was built in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics. In addition to playing a role in the opening ceremony, this park was also the site of a shocking bombing during the games. It stands today as a testament to the resilience of the Olympics, which continued in spite of the tragedy.
World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola is a truly one-of-a-kind attraction you won't find anywhere else. This sprawling museum details the iconic beverage's long history. It also features samples of coke flavors from around the world!
Georgia Aquarium
Boasting more than 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water, the Georgia Aquarium is the third largest aquarium in the entire world. There are over 120,000 marine creatures here, and a must-see underwater tunnel which brings the ocean floor to life.
Great Atlanta Fire
Learn about the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917, a devastating event that resulted in widespread destruction but only one fatality.
Giant Ferris Wheel! SkyView Atlanta
This ferris wheel is 20 stories tall and provides sweeping views of Centennial Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Even better, the gondolas are climate controlled!
Hollywood of the South
Experience Atlanta's reputation as the "Hollywood of the South," where numerous movies and TV shows are filmed.
Fairlie-Poplar District
Explore the historic Fairlie-Poplar District, known for its fireproof buildings and vibrant arts and culinary scene.
A city of Hip Hop
Discover Atlanta's rich musical heritage, with influential artists like Ray Charles, Usher, and Childish Gambino calling the city home.
APEX Museum
APEX stands for African American Panoramic Experience, and this museum absolutely delivers on this title. Here, you'll find exhibits on everything from ancient African culture to contemporary Black art and beyond.
Why not me?
Witness the pivotal moment when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and igniting a powerful movement for Civil Rights.
Ebenezer Baptist Church
A place of profound significance where Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father led the congregation and where King delivered his unforgettable "I Have A Dream" speech
Seven Minutes at the Mike
Uncover the influential voice of Reverend William Borders, whose popular radio show "Seven Minutes at the Mike" became a platform for fostering dialogue and understanding on racial justice in Atlanta and beyond.
March on Washington
A monumental event where hundreds of thousands of people gathered, and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s impassioned speech echoed
MLK National Historic Park Visitor Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, just like iconic natural parks such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, offers a unique experience focused on the life and work of the legendary civil rights leader.
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, renowned for his nonviolent protests against British rule in India, serves as an inspiration for Martin Luther King, Jr., who admired Gandhi's tactics and incorporated them into his own fight for civil rights in the United States.
Civil Right Walk
The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, marked by footprint plaques, honors influential figures of the civil rights movement, symbolizing the progress made and the ongoing journey towards equality and freedom.
Xernona Clayton
A prominent civil rights activist, made significant contributions to the movement and later became a broadcasting executive, breaking barriers as the first black woman in such a role.
Maya Angelou
A multi-talented artist, activist, and author, left an indelible mark on literature and the arts, using her powerful words to shed light on issues of race and social justice.
Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame includes notable names such as baseball legend Hank Aaron, civil rights activists Ralph David Abernathy and Juanita Abernathy, and poet Maya Angelou, among others, all recognized for their significant contributions to the fight for civil rights.
King's Assasination
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination in Memphis, where he was supporting a sanitation workers' strike, marked a tragic turning point in the civil rights movement.
The Legacy Lives On
The Lorraine Motel, where King was staying, became the site of his assassination, forever changing the course of history.
Coretta & The King Center
This big brick complex is The King Center, dedicated to carrying on his legacy and works. At the center, you’ll find King’s tomb, situated on a raised platform and surrounded by flowing water.
Birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr
The birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., represented by the yellow and black house, serves as a tangible reminder of where the iconic civil rights leader began his journey.
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame, shaped like a football, celebrates the achievements of select players and coaches who have left a mark on the sport.
World Congress Center
The Georgia World Congress Center, a significant convention center, experienced a devastating tornado in 2008 that caused extensive damage and one fatality.
Downtown Tornado
The tornado coincidentally spared the lives of thousands of spectators attending a basketball game at the Georgia Dome, which had gone into overtime, preventing them from being exposed to the storm outside.
Fire Station Number 6
A historic fire station serving the Auburn community since 1894.
Desegregation Milestone
In 1963, 16 black firefighters joined the previously all-white department.
Horse-Drawn Carts
Early firefighting relied on steam-powered carts with water tanks and hoses.
Pioneering Selection
Psych evaluations were conducted to ensure horses remained calm during emergencies.
Alt Stop: The Hamilton Howell House
Alexander Hamilton, an African American architect, designed homes for Atlanta's black community.
Alt Stop: Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery, established in 1850, showcases Atlanta's past.
Bell Tower Visitor Center
A convenient stop for burial records, self-guided tour maps, and a museum shop.

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

The best time to visit Atlanta for a driving tour is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

The World of Coca-Cola is Atlanta’s most popular attraction, offering quirky exhibits, historical insights, and a chance to taste Coke flavors from around the world.

Most Atlanta driving tours are suitable for all ages, but some tours may have age restrictions, especially those that focus on specific themes or historical events.

Midtown and Buckhead are generally considered to be some of the safest areas to stay in Atlanta. They offer a mix of upscale neighborhoods, dining options, and attractions.

Spending 2 to 3 days in Atlanta should give you enough time to explore the city’s major attractions, historical sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.

You can rent cars for an Atlanta self-guided tour from various rental car agencies located in the city. Some popular options include Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National Car Rental.

Generally, the cheapest time to visit Atlanta is during the winter months, from December to February, excluding holidays and special events. Hotel rates and airfare are often more affordable during this period.

Avoiding weekday rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) in Atlanta can make driving easier. Weekends and mornings are best for city driving.

The most famous road in Atlanta is Peachtree Street. It is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and is well-known for its historical significance and numerous landmarks.

Yes, Atlanta offers several free attractions, such as the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and the High Museum of Art (on select days).

Families can enjoy visiting the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.