Atlanta Info Network

The Peach Tree State is rich in history and cultural traditions and moves into the 21^st century with style. Some world-renowned attractions are in Georgia! Discover the world’s largest aquarium that houses the world’s largest fish! Explore the birth home of one of the greatest peace activists of our time! Investigate artifacts, documents, and historic ruins relevant to the African American, Jewish, and Native American experience in the South. These and more await you in Georgia; be sure not to miss any of these Georgia attractions.

1. Trail of Tears National Historic Trail – Northern GA
To honor the tragedy suffered by the Cherokee people as a result of their forced removal from their homes in the 1830s, congress designated this trail in 1987. Spanning an area of 9 states, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail includes parts of northern Georgia. Many entry points make this trail highly accessible. Visit the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home in Rome, GA and view onsite archaeological dig artifacts, exhibitions detailing the Ridge family’s involvement in the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and a museum educating you on this terrible moment in history. Other Trail of Tears sites in Georgia are located in – or near – Calhoun, Rossville, and Chatsworth. To learn more about this most haunting of Georgia attractions go to: www.NPS.gov.

2. The King Center – Atlanta
Georgia is home to the world’s most famous Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At The King Center you will find the birth home, burial site, and museum of Dr. King. Founded in 1968 by his wife Coretta Scott King – the Center is an effort to educate the public about this important man’s legacy as well as ensure that he is not forgotten. To learn more about these important American landmarks and Georgia attractions go to: www.TheKingCenter.org.

3. Savannah Tours
Savannah is a Georgian city with a strong link to its past. Tour the historic neighborhoods, mansions, the Colonial Cemetery, and more in a red trolley! Don’t miss the Haunted Trolley Tour which takes you on a detailed journey past Savannah’s spooks. Through Gray Line Tours, you can combine your Trolley Tour with a Steamboat Ride on the Savannah River. To learn more about these fun things to do in Georgia go to: www.GraylineofSavannah.com.

4. Braves Game, Turner Field, and Braves Hall of Fame and Museum – Atlanta
Georgia is home to the legendary team of baseball greats Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson – the Atlanta Braves. Take in a Braves Game at Turner Field. Get an inside look at Turner Field on one of their many guided tours. Visit the Braves Hall of Fame and Museum and scout out your favorite pitcher’s jersey. Great for family fun! To learn more about the Atlanta Braves and the fun things to do in Georgia at Turner Field go to: Atlanta.Braves.mlb.com.

5. Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta
When searching for fun things to do in Georgia, look no further! Georgia is home to the world’s largest aquarium! Showcasing over 60 exhibits in 8 million gallons of water, the Georgia Aquarium displays whale sharks – the largest fish species in the world – and manta rays –, which can grow to 25 feet long and are not contained in any other aquarium in the world! Don’t miss the Georgia Explorer exhibit which gives you a view of Gray’s Reef and right whales which dwell along the Georgia coast. To learn more about this cutting-edge aquarium go to: www.GeorgiaAquarium.org.

6. Fort Pulaski National Monument – Savannah
This monument preserves a Civil War era fort that was used by Confederates to protect their port in Savannah. The fort was the last to be built of brick after the Union’s new James Rifled Cannon could breach the wall. The fort was used as part of the Underground Railroad, and later as a prisoner of war camp. Take a guided tour of this historic fort, watch the interpretative programs, and don’t miss the Cockspur Island Lighthouse which served as a beacon for over 150 years. To learn more about these historical Georgia attractions go to: www.NPS.gov.

7. Appalachian Trail – Northern Georgia
The Appalachian Trail – which stretches from Maine to Georgia and spans over 2,000 miles – covers 75 of its miles in Georgia, eking its way through the Chattahoochee National Forest and reaching its terminus at Springer Mountain. Be a part of the 10,000 people who have officially reported to have hiked the trail since its creation in 1937. To learn more about things to do in Georgia at this world-famous trail go to: www.AppalachianTrail.org.

8. Douglass Theater – Macon
Take in a show at the Douglass Theater in Macon, Georgia and know that you are on hallowed ground: Jazz and blues greats Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Duke Ellington, and Cab Calloway got their starts at the Douglass Theater – the only venue open to black performers. Later African American musicians James Brown and Little Richard also played at the Douglass Theater. In the farthest reaches of its history, the Douglass staged black minstrel shows, and later, vaudeville performances. Founded by African American Charles Douglass, it was the best theatre open to African Americans in the 1920s. To learn more about this historic cultural landmark go to: www.DouglassTheatre.org.

9. Georgia Coast and Barrier Islands
You might not guess, but Georgia has a dozen islands off its coast that are semi-tropical and make for a vacationer’s paradise. For things to do in Georgia, visit Tybee Island or St. Simon’s Island, secure a vacation rental, and lounge on the beach gazing at the crystal blue sea. Certain islands also include a host of historical destinations – like Tybee Island’s Fort Pulaski National Monument – and Jekyll Island’s National Historic Landmark District. Don’t worry there is fun stuff too! Take a Sea Turtle Walk; camp at Blythe Island Regional Park; learn about shrimping at Brunswick Shrimp Docks. To learn more about this idyllic Georgia vacation destination go to: www.N-Georgia.com.

10. Stone Mountain Park – Atlanta
If you are looking for fun things to do in Georgia, Stone Mountain Park may be just the place! This 2,300 acre Atlanta attraction includes a number of rides for you and your family. Ride the Ducks, an open-air amphibious vehicle that takes you on land and water; pitch a tent and camp under the stars; hike the 1.3 miles to the top of Stone Mountain to view the Confederate Memorial carved into the rock; tour the Antebellum Plantation – a series of original 1783-1875 buildings from around Georgia that were disassembled and brought to Stone Mountain; last if not least – sprawl on the grass under a blanket of stars and watch the popular Lasershow Spectacular which is choreographed to your favorite music. To learn more about this one-stop family fun destination go to: www.StoneMountainPark.com.