Places You Need To Visit in Atlanta
Have you ever been to Atlanta? I had never been until this summer when I got to visit not only once, but twice. My first time was for a blogging conference and I didn’t get to see much of the city, just the airport and my hotel. My latest visit was a few weeks ago with my family. We attended a family wedding and then hit downtown Atalanta for some awesome sight seeing.
I know this city has a lot to offer, so I am just going to highlight a few places you need to visit in Atlanta when you’re visiting downtown.
My first place (this is a MUST SEE) is the Georgia Aquarium.
(Image Courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)
This aquarium is amazing! The very first exhibit we toured was Ocean Voyager. It has that famous acrylic tunnel I’m sure you’ve seen.
This famous exhibit also has a gigantic acrylic viewing wall. I think we all stood here memorized for about five minutes. So BIG and so beautiful.
We also took in the Dolphin Show which was pretty spectacular and then we took our private Behind the Scenes Tour. We were able to see how they care for the animals, prepare their food and we even got to view the top of Ocean Voyager where they feed the whale sharks!
The tour was such a wonderful experience not to be missed. After it was over, we got a chance to visit the rest of the exhibits. It was fabulous facility and fun was had by all. This family gives it two thumbs up for sure!
Second place to visit is a great hotel that’s right across from the aquarium, The Hilton Garden Inn.
(Image Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta)
We were lucky enough to get a room on the 12th floor at the very end of the hall. Not only was it extremely quiet, but the view was spectacular!
The room was super nice and very clean. The bathroom was even stocked with Neutrogena products (which I love) and a little packet of q-tips. I tell ya, it’s the little things that really make this lady happy. 🙂
The beds were so comfy too. After touring around the city all day, this pregnant lady was really happy to have this place to relax and unwind. I may or may have not even ordered a little ice cream from room service for my night cap. 😉
They offer a great breakfast too in their City View Room on the fourth floor.
(Image Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta)
It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet and kids eat FREE! Super convenient and so good. The chef made me a french toast breakfast with fresh fruit and the hubby got a personalized omelet. We had very happy tummy’s when we left the Hilton!
So if you’re ever in need of a place in downtown Atlanta to rest you weary head, be sure and stop by the Hilton Garden Inn on Baker Street. Tell them Laura from Inspiration for Moms sent ya! 🙂
My third place is a fun location to get some dinner, Stats. This restaurant is located right next to the Hilton, talk about convenient!
They are a sport bar technically, but really I thought they were still very family friendly.
(Image Courtesy of Stats)
We found plenty to eat! My husband was first to discover the beer tap at the table! I guess Stats is one of the only bars to offer a beer tap system at the table for customers with no bartender needed. This is what my husband says too that….
Good food, good times, good memories. 🙂
My last place is for pure fun and adventure. If you’re ever in downtown Atlanta, you HAVE to ride the SkyView Ferris Wheel.
This was located just a few blocks over from the Hilton. It took us about 10 minutes to get there and it was so worth it!
I didn’t know if little man would be scared but you can probably tell by the picture above, he loved every minute of the 4 minute ride. I’m pretty sure we all did. 🙂
Oh and did I mention the views? Those are pretty spectacular too!
Atlanta was such a neat city and I hope to go back some day and see even more of what it has to offer. Have you been to Atlanta? What are some of your favorite places to visit?
Disclaimer: I was compensated for parts of my trip but all opinions expressed are my own. I really love Atlanta!
We have never visited Atlanta before- just Savannah- but it is definitely on our must-visit travel list now! 🙂 The aquarium looks amazing, and the restaurant with the beer tap at the table?? Now that is my kind of place, lol! 😉
What a fun trip! I love Atlanta; though I’ve never been brave enough to ride on that Ferris wheel.
I love visiting Atlanta! We came down last summer to visit the American Girl store and then I had a conference there last Fall and actually just came back from a visit a few weeks ago. The aquarium is great! The food at Stats looks yummy!
I’ve been to Atlanta twice now for conferences but have never had a chance to explore the city. The aquarium looks amazing and that great hotel that close to it is a bonus! I will have to go back with the family!
This looks like sooo much fun! We need to go to the aquarium.
Atlanta looks so fun! It’s on my list of places to visit someday! The aquarium pictures are beautiful!
WOW! I’d LOVE to go to the Georgia Aquarium! And that hotel looks awesome!
Love visiting Atl! Would love to see the whale sharks.
You look like you had a fun time! I’ve never been to Atlanta, but the aquarium looks like a lot of fun!
I love aquariums!! This one looks awesome!
This looks like so much fun! Next time I’m in Atlanta I’ll be sure and check it out.
🙂 Beth
Wow. Looks like a fabulous place to visit! I may be going to Ga later this year and would love to see that beautiful aquarium!
Looks like so much fun! The hotel looks really nice. I’ll have to remember the Hilton Gardens next time I’m booking a hotel.
And, I’d love to visit that aquarium one day! Got to get to Atlanta first…on my bucket list. 😉
Looks like such a fun time Laura!!! That aquarium is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Nancy
Looks like a fun trip and probably a good idea to take a family trip since baby will be here before you know it. 🙂 XO
I’ve also been to Atlanta twice.
Once driving from South Carolina to ATL. ATL was the layover stop on our way home to CA, but the flight between SC & ATL was cancelled, so we rented a car and drove down. We arrived in downtown Atlanta just as evening approached, and the city lights were beautiful!
Second time was this last summer, also for a conference. Didn’t get to see much, but the hotel we stayed in was beautiful and the mall across the street was one of the nicest malls I’ve been to.
If we ever get a chance to visit Atlanta for pure fun, I’ll be sure to add these spots to our itinerary!
Laura, I love you suggestions of what to see and do in Atlanta. I am planning on visiting in the Fall and I will most definitely visit the Aquarium. I am also going to check out the feasibility of staying at that hotel. It looks comfortable and safe. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle Sunday. I hope to see you at the party next week.
Great post! I live in Atlanta and these are all great recommendations. I’m planning to take my boyfriend to the College Football Hall of Fame soon and I think Stats and a ride on the ferris wheel will round out the day nicely!
There is so much more to Atlanta and the surrounding areas than just the Aquarium and Ferris Wheel…
Take in a play or concert at the Fox Theatre, try out a chili cheese burger at the Varsity “What’ll ya’ have?”, tour CNN, visit the World of Coke, go to the Fernbank Science Museum (there actually are two), see the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, check out the Atlanta Zoo, venture out for a day at Stone Mountain Park, shop at Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and the list goes on and on.
We live in Atlanta and love to visit the Puppetry Center for the Arts–soo great for kids! And this fall, they’re opening their new museum with a special Jim Henson wing–that’s right wing–a whole wing of Jim Henson muppet brilliance! So, you’ll have to come back. 🙂
Cheers,
Shana
A whole wing of Jim Hanson muppets?! Oh my! I loved that show when I was little. You are right, Shana. I will have to come back!
That looks like so much fun! I have been to the U.S.A., but never to Atlanta. Your post sure makes me want to go there one day! 🙂
Greetings from Sweden!
Oh wow! Sweden! Now that’s a place I have never been but would love to visit. Just writing the word Sweden makes me want to go there. 😉 lol
You just made me want to go to Atlanta! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Great post! Pinned and tweeted. Please join us tonight at 7 pm, and party with us. I can’t wait to see your new masterpieces or amazing classics! Lou Lou Girls
I just found your post on diamonds in the rough link party. We are headed to ATL in a couple weeks. Perfect timing! Thanks for sharing! Lisa @ wiggles & whimsy