A B O U T   A T L A N T A

At every turn, rich Atlanta history is revealed through the people and events that grew this settlement into an international city. The roads you travel through Atlanta were worn from the Native Americans who first called this land home. The beautiful and serene greenspaces once were the battlefields of a nation torn apart in civil war. From the many railroad tracks crossing the area to the skyscrapers lining Peachtree Street to the world's busiest airport, the story of two centuries of changing Atlanta, Georgia history unfolds. The spirit of Atlanta and the ideals of our people reflect those of the courageous and visionary leaders of our past and present.

Located at the foothills of the southern Appalachians, the landscape of Atlanta is predominantly characterized by rolling hills and broad, smooth uplands. The Chattahoochee River is one of the most prominent natural features of Atlanta. It forms the northwestern boundary of the city, flowing through a valley, which ranges from 150 to 400 feet in depth and from two to five miles in width from rim to rim. On the eastern side of the metro area, Stone Mountain rises high above the tallest pines. At 825 feet tall, it is the world's largest free-standing piece of exposed granite.

WEATHER

Despite having a mild Atlanta climate, the city does experience all four seasons. The average annual temperature is 61 degrees. July is our hottest month averaging 89 degrees and January as the coolest month with the average low at 33 degrees. With less than two inches of annual snowfall, it's not easy to ski or sled here, but you can enjoy more than 100 golf courses, 200 public tennis courts and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails more than 300 days a year. The moderate Atlanta climate also allows us to take advantage of many outdoor festivals, concert venues and parks nearly year-round.

DOWNTOWN ATTRACTIONS

Downtown Atlanta, Georgia's walkable attractions loop is where you can see the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Inside CNN Atlanta and Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta and more, all circling Centennial Olympic Park. Click here to download a downtown area map.

Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is a 21-acre public park that is owned and operated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. The park was built by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) as part of the infrastructure improvements for the Centennial 1996 Summer Olympics. ACOG's chief executive, Billy Payne, conceived it as both a central gathering location for visitors and spectators during the Olympics and as a lasting legacy for the city. web site

Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest and most engaging aquarium experience! With more than eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and the largest collection of aquatic animals, you are sure to see things you've never seen before! Guests marvel at whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, as well as beluga whales, California sea lions, African penguins, Asian small-clawed otters, American alligators, tropical fish, jellies, sharks, grouper, guitarfish, cownose rays and a hammerhead shark and loggerhead sea turtle. With so many exciting animals, the Georgia Aquarium promises wonder and excitement around every corner. web site

World of Coca-Cola
World of Coca-Cola, next to the Georgia Aquarium, is the only place you can explore the complete story - past, present and future - of the world's best-known brand. From a thrilling 4D cinematic experience, to the largest permanent collection of Coke memorabilia ever assembled and a World of Coca-Cola favorite - the tasting experience with more than 70 different products to sample - there's something for everyone to enjoy! There's even a fully-functioning bottling line so you can get an up close and personal look at the magic that goes into bottling Coca-Cola. Each guest will get to take home one of these unique bottles at the conclusion of their tasting experience. All this and more awaits you at the World of Coca-Cola! web site

Inside CNN Atlanta
Journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide and get an up-close look at global news in the making! Inside CNN is a 55-minute guided walking tour with exclusive, behind-the-scenes views of Atlanta’s CNN studios and an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action from the world headquarters of CNN, the Most Trusted Name in News. Advance reservations are recommended. Tour times subject to change. And now you can go behind the scenes of Headline News acclaimed morning show, Morning Express with Robin Meade. On the Inside CNN Morning Express Tour, visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch a live broadcast of Morning Express with Robin Meade from inside Headline News Studio H and experience exactly what it takes to produce this fast-paced and interactive show. The Morning Express Tour takes place Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. Space is limited. Call for pricing. web site

Underground Atlanta
Six historic city blocks in the heart of Atlanta transformed into an urban market with unique shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife! Underground Atlanta offers History Tours- Friday & Saturday 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Sunday- 1pm & 3pm only. web site

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Learn more about America's best-known civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta. Tour the two-story home where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born, Ebenezer Baptist church where Dr. King served as co-pastor alongside his father or the gravesite where he was laid to rest in 1968. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site is located in Atlanta's "Sweet Auburn" section, the focal point of the city's black community. Places of interest include Fire Station No. 6, where visitors can learn about desegregation of Atlanta's fire department. web site