3 Days in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is an easy getaway from the South Shore, just a quick two-hourish flight from Boston, making it an easy destination for a long weekend.
If you're planning a visit, here are a few places well worth your time.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium absolutely lives up to its reputation.
A few tips:
Purchase your admission tickets in advance.
Once your admission is confirmed, reserve your Dolphin and Sea Lion shows. Note, they can’t be booked until the day of your visit.
Pay $5 per ticket for preferred seating at the dolphin show. However, I don’t think it’s necessary if you arrive about 20 minutes early; there are plenty of good seats available in the regular section.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
If you enjoy gardens, and even if you don’t, this is a must-see.
During the summer, the garden stays open until 9:00 p.m. In my opinion, you need at least 3 hours to explore.
Christmas is a great time to visit to see it lit up with all the lights.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home, the reflection pool, and the tomb where Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are buried. Unfortunately, the birth home was closed for restoration during our visit, but walking through the historic site remains a powerful experience and is well worth the stop.
Ponce City Market & the Atlanta Beltline
The first floor is filled with local restaurants. Upstairs, you'll find a mix of unique, locally owned boutiques. There are also national retailers, making it feel much different from a traditional shopping mall.
Just outside, you'll find the Atlanta Beltline.
Follow the signs upstairs to access the paved trail. When you get to the trail I would walk right. The Beltline is for walkers, runners, and cyclists, not cars. The Beltline is also lined with restaurants, patios, and gathering spots, making it a great place to stroll, people-watch, and experience another side of the city.
Lenox Square
If you enjoy shopping, Lenox Square in Buckhead is worth a visit. It's a large indoor mall with many well-known retailers, making it an easy afternoon activity, especially if the weather is hot or rainy.
Centennial Olympic Park
One unexpected surprise, we booked a hotel overlooking Centennial Olympic Park without realizing Atlanta would be hosting two FIFA Club World Cup matches during our stay. The park was filled with fans from around the world, outdoor concerts, and a festive atmosphere. Watching everything from our hotel room was an experience we couldn't have planned.
World of Coca-Cola
Conveniently located near Centennial Olympic Park, next to the aquarium.
Between the beautiful botanical garden, meaningful historic sites, and a world-class aquarium, Atlanta makes a great long-weekend getaway. At just over a two-hour flight from Boston, it's an easy trip from the South Shore.