How to Spend One Day in Atlanta: Itinerary from a Local

Are you spending one day in Atlanta and wondering how to make the most your time?  Then this post is for you!  The truth is that Atlanta is a big city and it has big city traffic and trying to get across the city during rush hour is not fun.  To make the most of your one day in Atlanta, I recommend that you spend the day downtown and walk everywhere!  The Georgia Aquarium is hands down the top attraction in the city and you should not miss it – particularly if this is your first visit to Atlanta.  For other parts of your day, I will provide some options in this one day in Atlanta itinerary that you can select from based on your personal preferences.

Information on the Best Way to Get to Downtown Atlanta is available at the end of this blog post. 

Are you planning to stay in a vacation rental when you come to Atlanta? Check out this post: Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Vacation Rentals.

Breakfast in Downtown Atlanta

A good southern breakfast is always a treat, but be prepared for a wait if you are not an early bird.  Breakfast has the potential to eat up a lot of time and limit what you can do in one day in Atlanta.  You may want to go early or eat a quick breakfast at your hotel or at home to maximize your day.

• Atlanta Breakfast Club – This restaurant is by far the most popular breakfast spot in downtown Atlanta.  My husband and I ate here on our downtown anniversary weekend.  The food was delicious, but we arrived mid-morning on a Saturday and waited for 70 minutes.  I recommend that you arrive early or be prepared for the wait.

• Waffle House – There are several Waffle Houses to choose from in downtown Atlanta.  This Atlanta-based chain offers a quick and solid breakfast choice.  Plus, they are open 24-hours!  There is even a Waffle House right on Centennial Olympic Park. 
  • Waffle House at Centennial Olympic Park – 135 Andrew Young International Blvd
  • Waffle House on Courtland Street – 112 Courtland St
  • Waffle House on Marietta Street – 300 Marietta St. This one is close to the Georgia Aquarium
• Flying Biscuit – This beloved local Atlanta breakfast chain is opening a new location in the downtown neighborhood of Castleberry Hill in 2025.  This is another great option for breakfast. 

Morning: 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 one day in Atlanta. 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 exhibit. 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, you must visit the Coastline Café. They have online ordering now to help with the long lines. They have basic food available. I recommend that you pick up a mid-morning snack here and eat lunch outside the aquarium.

Lunch in Downtown Atlanta

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 high chairs.  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!

Afternoon: Pick a Downtown Atlanta Attraction

The afternoon is your opportunity to personalize one day in Atlanta itinerary!  There are several attractions to choose from. If you are visiting on a weekend or during a busy season, then 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 a 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 the 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 to go through security 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.  You will pick 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.

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. 

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 much memorabilia to enjoy.

If you are visiting Atlanta with kids, be sure to check out this post: Atlanta’s Best Things to do with Little Kids. My big kids ranked their favorite things to do growing up in Atlanta.

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

Visiting the Children’s Museum of Atlanta

I recommend that you purchase 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.

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.

4. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is currently closed until the fall of 2025 as they complete their renovation and expansion. Visit the website for virtual exhibits.

Dinner in Downtown Atlanta

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 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 Hotel offers 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 her 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.
  • Cocktail Menu
  • Dinner Menu

Evening in Downtown Atlanta

After dinner, I recommend a stroll around Centennial Olympic Park or enjoy city views from the Skyview Atlanta Ferris wheel to wrap up your one day in Atlanta.

Centennial Olympic Park

Couples and Friends will enjoy strolling around the park.  Centennial Olympic Park offers an hour-long Audio Walking Tour, which you can listen to on your smart phone. Or simply refer to this map as your stroll.

Note the 430,000 Olympic Games commemorative engraved bricks.  My husband’s grandmother had one engraved for his family.  If your family has one, you can use the purchaser’s name or the inscription to locate it on the Georgia World Congress Center’s website.

If you are a family with young kids, this is the destination for you!  When it is warm, plan on getting wet in the Fountain of Rings! The park features two playgrounds: the Von Gorden Playground and the All Children’s Playground.  This accessible playground offers multi-sensory play elements and wheelchair-accessible glider swings. 

Skyview Atlanta – Ferris Wheel

This Ferris Wheel offers private gondolas that are heated and cooled.  Six people can ride together in one of Skyview Atlanta’s gondolas.  Each group rides in their own gondola, so you will not share it with someone you do not know.  The 7 to 12-minute ride will take you close to 20 stories above downtown Atlanta for incredible views.  There are no height restrictions to ride the Ferris wheel, so children of all ages are welcome! You can reserve tickets in advance or you can simply walk up. 

How to Get to Downtown to Spend One Day in Atlanta

By Car: Where to Park in Downtown Atlanta

It is easy to drive to downtown Atlanta.  Simply park your car all day and walk everywhere!  You do not need your car to visit everything on 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

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!

Wrapping up Your One Day in Atlanta

Atlanta is an incredible destination.  There are so many things to do in Atlanta.  I’ve lived here for over 20-years and I’ve made a point to do everything possible.  I’ve done so many amazing things in Atlanta, but there are still so many things to do on my list.

I hope that you enjoy your one day in Atlanta following this itinerary.  I created an itinerary that can actually be accomplished in a single day.  They key to this itinerary is to stay in the downtown area and walk to the various attractions, so you don’t waste any time in traffic.  Pre-purchase timed tickets or make reservations to visit the afternoon attractions so that you can ensure entry.  Plus dinner reservations will eliminate unnecessary waiting!

Let me know in the comments if you are planning a trip to Atlanta or if you have recently been and what your favorite thing to do is and where you stayed.  If you only have one day in Atlanta, I recommend that you come back again to explore more of what this city has to offer!