Have an Atlanta Adventure

Atlanta is a southern city that is truly unique whether the visit is for leisure or business. This jam-packed single day itinerary will make any visitor feel like a local!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! The West Egg Cafe has been voted the “Best Breakfast in Georgia” for three years, and it lives up to the name! The most popular menu options are the Georgia Benedict, the Black Bean Cakes and the Fried Green Tomato Wrap. West Egg is also known for their award-winning Coca-Cola cupcake.

Start the day by visiting the Georgia Aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the western part of the world. Outside of Asia, it is the only institution housing whale sharks. In addition to many exciting exhibits featuring beluga whales, penguins, dolphins and alligators, there is plenty of entertainment including the Behind the Seas Tour, an Under the Boardwalk sea lion presentation, a dolphin presentation and a 4D Theater. Allot three to four hours to view the entire aquarium and additional attractions at a comfortable pace.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights expresses the brave fight for equality in The American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The museum shows the struggles of the individuals who fought to transform the United States from Jim Crow Laws to having equal rights for all. Through art, music, videos, artifacts and interactive experiences, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a place where visitors can explore the fundamental rights of all humans.

After visiting these two attractions, it’s lunch time and there’s an Atlanta staple at the top of our list. The Varsity is certainly one of the most recognizable and iconic Atlanta restaurants. The downtown location is the original, which seats up to 800 diners and has gained the reputation of “the world’s largest drive-in.” Although there are several menu options, the Varsity is famous for its chili hotdogs, Frosted Orange Milkshake and the iconic “What'll Ya Have!” greeting as you walk to the counter.  

It’s no question that the World of Coca-Cola is unique to Atlanta. Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta by Dr. John S. Pemberton in 1886. The company has since become the largest beverage manufacturer and distributer in the world. The World of Coca-Cola has many exhibits; some of the most popular include the 3D theater, the Milestones of Refreshment history exhibit and the Taste It! experience, which allows visitors to try different Coca-Cola products from around the world. It should take approximately two hours to complete the World of Coca-Cola experience.

You may have noticed SkyView Atlanta, located in Centennial Park, peeking above the trees from the aquarium and World of Coca-Cola! The Ferris wheel gives the best view of downtown Atlanta from 20 stories above. The enclosed gondolas provide riders with a private, climate-controlled Ferris wheel ride for 7-12 minutes. Don’t look down!

A trip to Atlanta would not be complete without an Atlanta sports game. The southern city is home to five professional sports teams! The lineup includes the Atlanta Falcons football team and Atlanta United FC soccer team at Mercedes Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Hawks basketball team at State Farm Arena, the Atlanta Dream women’s basketball team at the Gateway Center Arena and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Rooting for the home team is a favorite pastime of many Atlanta locals!

Atlanta has many dinner options, but you can find the best burger in the city at Vortex. The restaurant features many different burgers with exotic toppings such as BBQ, mac ‘n’ cheese and even peanut butter for those who want to try something different! The burger joint is famous for its Coronary Bypass Burgers. For those wondering, Quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger and side of fries has a whopping 9,600 calories! The skull entrance at the Little Five Points location has been a staple in the Atlanta community since 1996. There are three locations throughout Atlanta and all locations are 21+.

There are many options to grab a drink in Atlanta. Whether you choose to enjoy a drink and a view of the stadium from Live! at the Battery in Truist Park, sing karaoke at Dark Horse Tavern or visit New Realm Brewing Company on the Atlanta Beltline, there are many opportunities to wind down with an adult beverage.

A jam-packed day in Atlanta ends at a beloved landmark, Hotel Clermont. With the amazing rooftop view, unique boutique hotel rooms and convenient location, the Hotel Clermont will be an unforgettable stay.

If you’re planning a longer stay in Atlanta, getting an Atlanta City Pass might be a great option. City pass offers three or more attractions in a single bundled purchase. Most activities included in this itinerary are available on the City Pass, but other attractions we love include Zoo Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the College Football Hall of Fame

We hope you enjoy your Atlanta adventure!

Grant Little