Ultimate Weekend in Atlanta: 2 Day Itinerary

This Atlanta 2-day itinerary shows you exactly how to make the most of a typical weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.  The rumors about Atlanta traffic are true.  Crossing the city during rush hour takes longer than it should.  I live here and I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.  To make the most of your 2-day weekend trip to Atlanta, focus on a specific part of town each day.  Plan breakfasts and dinners near your accommodation or near the attractions you visit.

Friday Evening: Dinner

If you arrive early enough, start your weekend in Atlanta with dinner reservation on Friday evening at South City Kitchen.  If I you only have the opportunity to eat at one restaurant in Atlanta – this, is it!  They are famous for their fried chicken (and shrimp and grits).  It may be the best fried chicken that I’ve ever eaten and you should test it out!  Lucky for you, the rest of Atlanta feels the same way, and now there are multiple locations to choose from.  Midtown is the original location in case you are wondering.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Check out my recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in for this itinerary at the end of this post.  If a vacation rental is a good fit for your group, be sure to check out my detailed Guide for the Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Vacation Rentals.  The guide includes the closest grocery stores and breakfast restaurants in addition to the type of traveler the neighborhood is the best fit for. 

Saturday: Downtown Atlanta Attractions

If you’ve never been to Atlanta’s downtown attractions before, then you must spend Saturday exploring this area.  My family likes to go downtown and play tourist in our own city on occasion.  I love that we can park the car or ride MARTA downtown and then walk everywhere.  We always make a point to go to the German Biergarten for lunch!

Saturday Morning in Atlanta: the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is a magical place. It is the largest aquarium in the United States. The Aquarium is incredibly busy – especially on weekends. I highly recommend that you arrive the moment that the aquarium opens to make the most of your day. Expect to spend 3-4 hours touring the aquarium.

At the Aquarium

Upon your arrival, make a reservation for the dolphin and sea lion shows – these are included with your ticket. Then head over to the Ocean Voyager tunnel. If you arrived early, then you will enjoy being surrounded by magnificent sea life without the crowds. Enjoy the huge viewing gallery at the end of this exhibition. The penguins live in Cold Water Quest. Kids can crawl into one of the acrylic pop-up tunnels to get up close with the penguins in the middle of their habitat! The beluga whales are beautiful creatures.

Next, visit the Tropical Diver Exhibit, where you can admire the beauty of the coral reef. The otters and the piranhas live in the freshwater River Scout Exhibit. Sharks are on display in the newest gallery called Sharks: Predators of the Deep.

Helpful Information

Visit the Georgia Aquarium website for information on how to get to the aquarium as well as their hours. The Georgia Aquarium does not allow any outside food. If you are hungry, then your only option is the Coastline Café. They have online ordering now to help with the long lines. They have basic food available. I recommend picking up a mid-morning snack here (if needed) and eating lunch outside the aquarium.

Lunch in Downtown Atlanta on Saturday

There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the downtown Atlanta Attractions District.  A few of our favorites include:

• Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria – this restaurant offers New York style pizza and is sure to please everyone in your group – including the kids
• Der Biergarten – this German beer garden sells German food and authentic German brews.  There is always a soccer match on the TVs.  Sit outside or inside.  They offer a children’s menu and highchairs.  Kids will love the German version of macaroni and cheese: kasespatzle
• Dos Bocas – This restaurant blends the flavors of Tex-Mex and Louisiana Cajun cuisine.  Plus, there is a view of Centennial Olympic Park from the second floor.
• The Yard Milkshake Bar – treat yourself to one of their magnificent milkshakes for dessert or as a later afternoon treat!

Saturday Afternoon: Select a Downtown Attraction

The afternoon is your opportunity to personalize Atlanta weekend itinerary!  There are several attractions to choose from. Because you are visiting on a weekend, I recommend that you purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry to the attraction of your choice in the afternoon.

1. The World of Coca-Cola

If you love Coca-Cola products, then this is the museum for you in the afternoon!  In Atlanta, everything is Coke.  It is not a soft drink, a soda or a pop.  If you tell someone that you want a Coke, then the next question will be, “What kind of Coke do you want?”  Always go for Powerade – not Gatorade – if you are in charge of snacks after the kids’ soccer game in Atlanta!

Visiting the World of Coca-Cola

In my experience, there is always a line at the World of Coca-Cola on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  To make the most of your time, I recommend purchasing a Guided Tour Ticket on weekends.  We waited in line for 45 minutes the last time we visited.  Plan to spend roughly 2-hours touring the World of Coke.  The museum offers free entrance to active duty, Veterans, reserve, and retired members of the US Armed Forces with the Military Appreciation Ticket.  Be sure to bring your Military ID. 

Exploring the World of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is an iconic brand across the world.  When I lived abroad, it reminded me of home.  The World of Coke is a special place, where this Atlanta based company shares the history of its brand and the American cultural icons that go with it.  In the museum, you will see the well-known Contour Bottle, Santa Claus, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and more.  You can take photos on the American Idol couch, with the Coca-Cola sign and with the beloved Polar Bear. 

Walk the timeline of Coca-Cola’s history from its first sale in an Atlanta pharmacy to its sponsorship of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics through present day.  Check out the Vault, where the secret formula is kept.  In the Beverage Lab, you can learn about how the Coca-Cola company develops new drinks.  You can taste discontinued drinks including the “New Coke.”  Plus try out new unreleased drinks and let the company know what you think!  Everyone’s favorite part of the World of Coca-Cola is the Beverage Tasting Experience.  In this room, you will have the opportunity to taste Coca-Cola drinks from around the world.  As a warning, the guides recommend that everyone try Beverly.  This is arguably the worst drink that I have ever tasted – but you will have to try it for yourself!

2. The College Football Hall of Fame

Are you a college football fan?  Then the College Football Hall of Fame is the attraction for you in the afternoon.  Select your team as you enter the museum and your lanyard will customize your experience.  Memorabilia relating to your team will light up as you move through the Hall of Fame.  The museum offers free tickets to active duty and retired members of the US Armed Forces plus a discount for members of your party.  Be sure to bring your Military ID.  Discounted tickets are available to Students with student IDs and Senior Citizens also.  Ticking Information available here.

Interactive Exhibits

The interactive activities at the College Football Hall of Fame are what puts this destination over the top. Be sure to spend time at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl Skill Zone, where the staff will coach you through a variety of training exercises including kicking a field goal and receiving a pass. There are all kinds of interactive exhibits including creating a mascot and being on ESPN’s College Game Day. Plus, so many memorabilia to enjoy.

Visiting the College Football Hall of Fame

Be sure to wear athletic shoes or closed toe shoes so you can participate in the Skill Zone area.  You will need at least 2 hours to visit the Hall of Fame.  If you get hungry, you may need to grab a snack from the Chick-fil-a on the property to keep you going. Check the website for directions and hours. Hours change seasonally. 

3. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Are you traveling with children who are 10 years old and younger?  Then this is the place for your family to spend the afternoon.  The Children’s Museum of Atlanta will keep your kids engaged after a busy morning at the aquarium.  Plan to spend at least 1:30 at the Children’s Museum.

At the Children’s Museum

The museum features a series of permanent exhibits as well as featured exhibits, which change every few months. Upon a return visit, your children will enjoy activities that they remember and experience something new. My children always loved the Fundamentally Food Exhibit – especially the grocery store. I recall that the Sand Tables in the Let Your Creativity Flow area was another favorite.

Visiting the Children’s Museum of Atlanta

I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online to ensure that the museum reserves space for your party. Check the website for hours and days that the Children’s Museum is open – they are closed on Wednesdays for most of the year. You can bring snacks into the museum, but they can only be eaten in the Snack Stop area near the entrance. This space is meant only for a quick break. Full meals are prohibited.

4. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Atlanta was a center for US Civil Rights Activism during the 1950s and 1960s. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights memorializes the larger movement, local activism in Atlanta, and the importance of Human Rights around the world.  Expect your visit to the Center to be impactful and emotional.  While young children can visit this museum, I think it will be the most meaningful for teens 13 years old and up.  Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the Center.   

The expanded Center reopens on Saturday, November 8, 2025 following an extensive renovation. The renovation adds new galleries for rotating exhibits, more classroom space and a café so you can take a break during your visit. The renovated space will open a new gallery in April 2026 called Change Agent Adventure that is designed for children 12-years-old and under.

Civil Rights

Civil Rights are the rights that belong to a citizen of a specific country.  Explore Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood and the Jim Crow Laws that dominated the southern United States in the mid-20th century.  Don’t hesitate to wait in line for the Lunch Counter Experience.  My teenage son visited the Center with his school and he told me that the lunch counter was the most impactful experience in the museum.  Check out the film about the Freedom Riders.

Follow the exhibit through the 1963 March on Washington to President Kennedy’s assassination.  There is an interesting exhibit on President Lyndon B. Johnson and how his personal views changed over his lifetime.  Before his assassination, President Kennedy requested a Civil Rights bill from congress.  President Johnson picked up the baton and successfully shepherded in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 followed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  The exhibit closes with the death of Martin Luther King, Jr and contrast between how the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia reacted to this monumental event.

Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection

Don’t miss this exhibit featuring the personal letters to and from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The exhibit includes many of King’s photographs too.  You can see King’s handwritten Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. The artifacts are changed out two times each year, so expect to see something new here if you return to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Global Human Rights

Human Rights are the rights that belong to all people across the world.  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations in 1948 following the Holocaust.  In this exhibit, the Center highlights that the struggle for civil and human rights is not limited to the United States.  Sadly, this issue is present across the entire world.  Learn about the different types of rights including Women’s Rights, Disability Rights, and Worker’s Rights.  The Center also pointed out the dictators across history who violated these rights including dictators currently in power.  The political freedom world map is eye opening.

Note the history of the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Polaris Restaurant in the Dinner section of this blog post.

Dinner in Downtown Atlanta on Saturday Evening

There are so many restaurants in downtown Atlanta to choose from!  Here are a few of my favorites:

Family Restaurants

• Ted’s Montana Grill Downtown – this is a great restaurant for a family, a couple, or a group friends. This restaurant accepts reservations, and they offer a kids’ menu.
• Meehan’s Public House Downtown – this is a great restaurant for a family, a couple, or a group of friends. This restaurant accepts reservations for groups of 8 or more only and they offer a kids’ menu.
• Sun Dial Restaurant – this restaurant at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hoteloffers 360-degree views of Atlanta and the surrounding area.  I consider this to be a date night or an adult special occasion restaurant although families are welcome and they offer a children’s menu.  The Sun Dial no longer rotates.  The dress code is business casual.  Reservations required.
  • You can visit the Observation Deck for a fee without dining at the restaurant.

Adult Restaurants

• Polaris – this is the ultimate date night or adult special occasion restaurant in Atlanta above the Hyatt Regency Hotel.  This rotating restaurant originally opened in 1968.  My husband and I dined here to celebrate our anniversary.  The food was amazing, and the views were spectacular.  Be sure to finish your meal with the Polaris Blue Dome dessert!  Reservation required.  This is an adult-oriented restaurant and they do not offer a children’s menu.  The dress code is Creatively Chic.
  • After being rejected by a nearby hotel, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference held their 10th anniversary convention at the newly opened Hyatt Regency Hotel in August 1967.  You can visit the ballroom where this event took place.  Visual artist, Lillian Blades created a civil-rights themed mirror installation called, “Trailblazers and Torchbearers,” across from the ballroom to celebrate the hotel’s history in the Civil Rights movement
  • Polaris continues the tradition of the Hyatt Regency’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement by sourcing many of the foods featured on its menu from black owned small businesses.
• Trader Vic’s – this is fun tropical themed restaurant for adults to enjoy.  Located in the Hilton Atlanta Hotel.  I dined here with a group of girlfriends, but it would be great for couples too.  Trader Vic’s is known for their fun tropical cocktails. Reservations recommended.

How to Get to Downtown Atlanta on your 2-Day Atlanta Weekend Itinerary

By Car: Where to Park in Downtown Atlanta

It is easy to drive to downtown Atlanta.  Simply park your car to visit all the attractions listed on Saturday for this itinerary. There are many parking options, but the most affordable parking garages belong to the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.  You do not have to visit these attractions specifically to park in their decks. 

We visited downtown on a Saturday recently and we parked at the World of Coca-Cola Parking Deck at 126 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta.  It offers a reasonably priced flat fee to park for the entire day and electric vehicle charging stations are available.  I recommend arriving early to ensure that there is a parking space available.  We arrived around 10am and when we left at 3pm, the deck appeared to be full. 

The Georgia Aquarium Parking Deck also offers flat rate parking for a reasonable price at 357 Luckie St NW, Atlanta.  The Center for Human and Civil Rights has great information about these two parking decks.

Public Transportation: MARTA

Take the North/South Red Line or Gold Line to Peachtree Center Station or Civic Center Station to get to downtown Atlanta. 

You can also take the East/West Blue Line or Green Line to the Georgia World Congress Center Station.

Or ride the Atlanta Streetcar to the Centennial Olympic Park stop. Please reference the Georgia Aquarium map for directions from each MARTA station and the approximate walk times.

Sunday in Atlanta: Explore Civil Rights History & Intown Atlanta

Dedicate Sunday to the Civil Rights Movement and Atlanta history.  The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is not to be missed.  Explore Oakland Cemetery, which is a spectacular Victorian era Garden Cemetery.  Beyond its amazing art, architecture and gardens, the cemetery tells the story of Atlanta.  Visit the Inman Park neighborhood.  It has so much to offer from its amazing dining scene to its incredible historic architecture.  Wrap up your day at Ponce City Market and the Atlanta Beltline – which may be the coolest place in the city! As a bonus, almost every place on today’s itinerary is free to visit.

Sunday Morning in Atlanta: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Atlanta is known as the “cradle of the Civil Right Movement.”  The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park celebrates the neighborhood and its residents who worked together to end segregation in the United States.   Martin Luther King, Jr., who gave his life to the fight for social justice, and his community are celebrated at this urban National Historical Park in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn and Old Fourth Ward Neighborhoods.  Historically this area was home to the vibrant and successful African American community that shaped King and his colleagues.

What to See

• Visitor Center – make this your first stop.  Sign up for the Birth Home Tour or reserve a spot for the Birth Home Presentation.  The earlier in the day that you arrive, the better your chance is of securing a tour of or presentation on the Birth Home.  The birth home is currently being renovated and is not open for tours.  Tour the exhibits at the Visitor Center to orient yourself and watch the short films. 
• The King Birth House – our guide took us around the house and told us stories of Martin Luther King Jr’s childhood antics.  He went into the bathroom to read comic books to avoid cleaning up after dinner.  This typical little boy grew up to be a great man! 
• Gift Shop – you will find the park store in a historic house next door to the King Birth home.  Even if you are not interested in shopping, it is an opportunity to see a home similar to the one in which the young King family lived. 
• Historic Fire Station No. 6 – learn the history of the desegregation of the Atlanta fire department in this historic fire station that dates from 1894.  Discover the 1927 American La France fire engine inside.
• Ebenezer Baptist Church – this church is the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many other black Atlantans.  King was baptized in this church as a child, and he led the congregation as a co-pastor with his father.  To bookend King’s life, his funeral took place at Ebenezer Baptist Church as well.  The historic building was restored in 2001.   
• The King Center – the King Center continues to work to foster social justice across the world.  It is also the final resting place of Dr. and Mrs. King.  

Visiting the Historical Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park

The park is free to visit, and it is open almost every day.  You will find a free parking lot at 434 Irwin Street NE between Boulevard and Jackson Street.  There is a playground here, if you need to take a break with your littles.  My family spent 3 hours exploring the park from 9am-noon.

Lunch on Sunday in Atlanta

Grab lunch in the Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Cabbagetown, Grant Park or at Krog Street Market.

Krog Street Market Food Hall in the Krog District

This unique food hall offers local specialty cuisine on the Beltline. There are so many local concepts available to try. If you and your friends have different tastes – no problem – there is something for everyone!  The Krog District mixed-use district that straddles the Atlanta Beltline between Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park.  Check out everything that the Krog District has to offer!

A few favorite restaurants include:

• Varuni Napoli
• Gu’s Dumplings
• Superica
• Bell Street Burritos

How to get to the Krog District

You can access these restaurant and retail spaces from the Beltline. Paid Parking is available in the Krog Parking Deck at 73 Krog St NE, Atlanta. There is also a paid surface lot including Tesla chargers available at Krog Street Market on the corner of Lake Ave and Waddell St.

Sunday Afternoon in Atlanta

Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s spectacular Victorian garden cemetery.  It is the final resting place of many notable Atlantans including those from the African American community.  Visit this outdoor space during the most pleasant time of the day – depending on the season.  If you come in the summertime, you should enjoy the cooler morning temperatures touring the cemetery; but I recommend that you stop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Visitor Center to secure your tour of the King Birth House first. 

Notable sections of Oakland Cemetery include the Original Six Acres, Bell Tower Ridge – this is my favorite section to explore, Jewish Hill & Flat, the African American Burial Grounds, and the Confederate Burial Grounds.  Check out this printable map of Oakland Cemetery.  You can take an organized tour or use this Oakland Cemetery Guide to wander through the garden cemetery on your own.  Most visitors spend between an hour and three hours here.  

Visiting Oakland Cemetery

Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery hosts a variety of events and tours.  Check out upcoming special events as you plan your visit.  The cemetery is free to visit.  Paid parking (via the ParkMobile app at 342 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SE) is available in a lot near the Visitor Center & Shop or you can park for free on the street; or take public transportation to MARTA’s King Memorial Station.

Some notable residents at Oakland Cemetery include:

• Margaret Mitchell Marsh – author of Gone with the Wind
• Maynard Holbrook Jackson – first African American mayor of Atlanta
• Kenny Rogers – country singer
• Bobby Jones – golfer

Inman Park Neighborhood

If you have more time in the afternoon, check out the nearby Inman Park neighborhood. This is one of intown Atlanta’s oldest and most beloved neighborhoods.  Explore the Carter Center, walk the Atlanta Beltline, grab a treat in the Krog District or soak in the historic neighborhood architecture by visiting the Trolley Barn and taking a free self-guided walking tour of the Victorian Grand Dames.  To learn about everything this neighborhood has to offer, check out this Inman Park Neighborhood Guide. 

Walking Tours of Inman Park

Step back in time and explore the Grand Dames of Inman Park and learn about the families who built these beautiful homes in the 1890s on this Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Inman Park. Are you looking for a more in-depth tour? Sign up for a guided tour with the Atlanta Preservation Center!

Getting to Inman Park

If you drive to Inman Park, there is free street parking available in most of the neighborhood.  It may be difficult to find near the retail districts.  Street parking is permit-only near the Little Five Points district.  You can also take public transportation to MARTA’s Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station.    

Paid Parking in Inman Park:

• Krog Parking Deck: 73 Krog St NE, Atlanta
• Krog Street Market surface lot on the corner of Lake Ave and Waddell St
• Inman Quarter Parking Deck: 299 North Highland Ave

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum

The Carter Museum and the Carter Center sit on 35 landscaped acres of Georgia’s rolling hills. The museum’s permanent exhibits walk you through the important milestones in President Jimmy Carter’s life and presidency. The replica of the oval office from Carter’s time in the White House is the highlight. The museum also displays two to four traveling exhibitions each year.

Parking is available onsite. Children 16 and under receive free admission. Learn more about visiting the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on their website.  MARTA Bus Route 816 – North Highland Avenue stops at the Carter Center.

Sunday Evening in Atlanta: Ponce City Market and the Atlanta Beltline

Enjoy dinner at Ponce City Market.  You can make a reservation at a sit-down restaurant or simply grab a quick bite at one of the many food hall restaurants.  After dinner, you have options:

• Explore the retail shops at Ponce City Market
• Check out the carnival experience on the Roof at Ponce City Market
• Make a reservation for the 9 Mile Station – Ponce City’s Market’s rooftop bar and restaurant
• Walk the Atlanta Beltline – an after-dinner stroll along the Atlanta Beltline is just what the doctor ordered.  Enjoy the people watching and the unique views of the city

Where to Stay during your 2-day weekend in Atlanta

I highly recommend staying in intown Atlanta so that you can maximize your time enjoying the city and minimize time spent sitting in traffic.  If you want to stay further afield, you can easily drive into the city each day.  This itinerary includes parking information.

Downtown Hotels

If you stay at one of Atlanta’s downtown hotels, you should be able to walk or take MARTA to get to Centennial Olympic Park and the downtown attractions.  My husband and I stayed at the Glenn Hotel for an anniversary weekend downtown one year.  We enjoyed this boutique hotel, and it would be a great place for a couple to stay.  They have a rooftop bar with a beautiful view.

You can take MARTA directly from the airport to a downtown hotel and eliminate the need to rent a car if you fly to Atlanta.  If you’ve personally stayed in a downtown Atlanta hotel that you recommend, please let me know which one and why you recommend it in the comments!

Old Fourth Ward Hotels

• FORTH Hotel Atlanta
• Wylie Hotel Atlanta
• Voco the Darwin – Atlanta Midtown
• Scout Living at Ponce City Market

Choose a Vacation Rental in an Intown Atlanta Neighborhood

Another option is to stay in a vacation rental such as a VRBO or AirBnB.  Check out this Guide to the Best Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods for Vacation Rentals to select the best location for your group.  This guide recommends the best grocery stores, breakfast places, and lunch and dinner restaurants in each neighborhood.

2-Day Weekend in Atlanta

Are you planning a weekend trip to Atlanta?  If yes, let me know where you want to visit in the comments!  Have you spent a weekend in Atlanta?  What is on your list of can’t miss places?  Please share in the comments!