walking tour in atlanta

THE 10 BEST Atlanta Walking Tours

Walking tours in atlanta.

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1. 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour

2. Private Stranger Things "The Upside Down" Film Locations Tour in Atlanta

3. Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour

4. The Walking Dead: Private Film Locations Tour of Senoia

5. Grant Park Food and Cemetery Tour

6. 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour

7. Atlanta Street Art and BeltLine Tour with Happy Hour and Activity

8. 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market

9. The Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

10. Private Atlanta History Tour From Civil War to Civil Rights

11. Food and Street Art Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine

12. The Walking Dead in the City: Private Atlanta Film Location Tour

13. Sunset Photography Tour of Piedmont Park Atlanta

14. Private Midtown Atlanta Mystery Picnic Experience

15. Between Past & Present Escape Game in Downtown Atlanta

16. Ultimate Atlanta Walking Tour and Activities

17. ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl

18. Atlanta Hip Hop House Wives and Movie Tour

19. Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option

20. Atlanta Vineyards and Wines Full-Day Tour

21. Custom Atlanta Private Tour

22. Atlanta's Best and Historic Treasures - Private Walking Tour

23. Atlanta Self-Guided Audio Tour

24. Atlanta Civil Rights Full-Day Guided Walking Tour

25. Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Atlanta

26. Welcome to Atlanta: Private Tour including Skyview Ferris Wheel

27. Guided Historic Photo Walking Tour in Auburn Atlanta

28. Atlanta Photo Walking Tour with Pics Taking

29. Atlanta Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide

30. Sweet Auburn Famous Food & History Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Atlanta's Black History and Civil Rights Tour
• Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour
• 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour
• Private Stranger Things "The Upside Down" Film Locations Tour in Atlanta
• Midtown Atlanta Food & Cocktail Tour
• Questo Outdoor Escape Games in Atlanta
• Great Exploration Tours Atlanta
• Rue La La Day Tours and Excursions
• Adventures For Solo Travelers
• Unexpected Atlanta Walking Tours
• Food Tours Atlanta

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Atlanta on the Cheap

Have fun. Be cheap. LIve the Good Life for Less in Atlanta.

FREE walking tours by Trees Atlanta, along the BeltLine and intown neighborhoods

Take a stroll with Trees Atlanta! You’ll be guided by an expert docent who will point out noteworthy trees and public art, while talking about local history and Atlanta’s urban forest.

Most of these tours are in the morning — except, obviously, the sunset tours.

Tour space is limited. You’ll need to register in advance for these FREE walks, and no walk-ups are permitted.

Click thru the links to find out the details of each walk, including when and where to meet your guide.

While the tours are FREE, please consider making a donation to Trees Atlanta, if you’re able to, when you reserve your ticket.

Remember to wear good walking shoes, apply sunscreen, and carry a water bottle with you.

You may also be interested in:

• Complete guide to Atlanta spring festivals -- March, April, & May
• Midtown Garden Stroll: Tour gorgeous private gardens for FREE
• 40+ egg hunts, pics with the Easter Bunny, and more
• Atlanta Fair returns to Turner Field this spring
• The Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park

FREE walking tours by Trees Atlanta

Click through and register for the tour you want — space is limited!

Friday, April 8, 2022 10 to 11:30 a.m. Walking Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Westside Trail

Saturday, April 9, 2022 9 to 10:30 a.m. Walking Tour: History of the BeltLine Arboretum

Friday, April 22, 2022 10 to 11:30 a.m. Walking Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Eastside Trail

Saturday, April 23, 2022 10 to 11:30 a.m. Walking Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Westside Trail

Friday, May 6, 2022 9:30 to 11 a.m. Walking Tour: Inman Park Neighborhood Arboretum

Saturday, May 7, 2022 9 to 10:30 a.m. Walking Tour:  Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail Arboretum

Saturday, May 7, 2022 10 a.m. to noon Walking Tour: Virginia Highland Neighborhood Arboretum

Friday, May 13, 2022 10 to 11:30 a.m. Walking Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Westside Trail

Saturday, May 14, 2022 9 to 10:30 a.m. Walking Tour: History of the BeltLine Arboretum

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunset Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Saturday, May 21, 2022 10 a.m. to noon Walking Tour: What’s Blooming on the Westside Trail

Friday, May 27, 2022 10 to 11:30 a.m. Walking Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Eastside Trail

Saturday, May 28, 2022 10 to 11:30 a.m. Walking Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Westside Trail

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunset Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Find more of these tours here

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Atlanta Tour: Self-Guided Walk

Tour Details

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Welcome to the atlanta self-guided walking tour.

Explore all that Atlanta, Georgia has to offer! From Coca-Cola World to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace and everything in between, your Atlanta walking tour is brimming with history and activity.

About the Atlanta Tour

Our walking tour of Atlanta begins at Centennial Olympic Park. Here, we’ll revisit the 1996 Olympic Games and the shocking bombing which rocked the ceremonies and went unsolved for an entire year. From there, we’ll swing by the World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta’s most popular attraction. With all sorts of quirky exhibits on offer, plenty of history, and, of course, coke flavors from around the world, this funky museum is a must-see.

After that, we’ll see the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States. Ever wanted to see an enormous whale shark up close? Well, thanks to this aquarium’s staggering 10 million-gallon tank, you can!

Continuing through downtown, we’ll hear about the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917. This great blaze left a whopping ten percent of the city homeless, and if you know where to look, you can still find evidence of the fire.

If you want to get a birds-eye view of Atlanta’s gorgeous downtown, hop on board the SkyView Ferris wheel next! As we keep walking through downtown, we’ll tune in to the city’s entertainment business, from movies to hip-hop. Did you know many movies set in New York are filmed in Atlanta? Or that Childish Gambino is from Atlanta?

As we pass the APEX Museum, dedicated to Black history in Atlanta, we’ll turn back the clock to a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when half of Atlanta’s population wasn’t even allowed to vote. We’ll step into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical District and walk to Auburn Ave, where King was born.

As we continue through this historic neighborhood on the Atlanta walking tour, we’ll give you the whole story of King, from his formative years to his studies in the ministry and, finally, his world-changing activism. We’ll stop by the World Peace Rose Garden and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. There, we’ll learn Gandhi’s importance to King and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.

After we walk the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, we’ll hear about King’s shocking assassination and his enduring legacy, which is felt even to this day. Finally, we’ll visit the King Center, hear more about Coretta Scott King, and conclude our Atlanta walking tour at the home of King’s birth.

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Atlanta Tour Map

Where To Start?

Starting Point Address: Atlanta Visitor Information Center at Centennial Olympic Park, 267 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome to atlanta.

Your tour of Atlanta begins by the Atlanta Visitor Information Center in Centennial Olympic Park. From here, you'll walk through the coolest neighborhoods of this ecclectic city, from the high rises of downtown to the rich history of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, once home to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Centennial Olympic Park

This 22-acre public park was built in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics. In addition to playing a role in the opening ceremony, this park was also the site of a shocking bombing during the games. It stands today as a testament to the resilience of the Olympics, which continued in spite of the tragedy.

World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola is a truly one-of-a-kind attraction you won't find anywhere else. This sprawling museum details the iconic beverage's long history. It also features samples of coke flavors from around the world!

Georgia Aquarium

Boasting more than 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water, the Georgia Aquarium is the third largest aquarium in the entire world. There are over 120,000 marine creatures here, and a must-see underwater tunnel which brings the ocean floor to life.

Great Atlanta Fire

Learn about the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917, a devastating event that resulted in widespread destruction but only one fatality.

Giant Ferris Wheel! SkyView Atlanta

This ferris wheel is 20 stories tall and provides sweeping views of Centennial Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Even better, the gondolas are climate controlled!

Hollywood of the South

Experience Atlanta's reputation as the "Hollywood of the South," where numerous movies and TV shows are filmed.

Fairlie-Poplar District

Explore the historic Fairlie-Poplar District, known for its fireproof buildings and vibrant arts and culinary scene.

A city of Hip Hop

Discover Atlanta's rich musical heritage, with influential artists like Ray Charles, Usher, and Childish Gambino calling the city home.

APEX Museum

APEX stands for African American Panoramic Experience, and this museum absolutely delivers on this title. Here, you'll find exhibits on everything from ancient African culture to contemporary Black art and beyond.

Why not me?

Witness the pivotal moment when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and igniting a powerful movement for Civil Rights.

Ebenezer Baptist Church

A place of profound significance where Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father led the congregation and where King delivered his unforgettable "I Have A Dream" speech

Seven Minutes at the Mike

Uncover the influential voice of Reverend William Borders, whose popular radio show "Seven Minutes at the Mike" became a platform for fostering dialogue and understanding on racial justice in Atlanta and beyond.

March on Washington

A monumental event where hundreds of thousands of people gathered, and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s impassioned speech echoed

MLK National Historic Park Visitor Center

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, just like iconic natural parks such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, offers a unique experience focused on the life and work of the legendary civil rights leader.

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, renowned for his nonviolent protests against British rule in India, serves as an inspiration for Martin Luther King, Jr., who admired Gandhi's tactics and incorporated them into his own fight for civil rights in the United States.

Civil Right Walk

The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, marked by footprint plaques, honors influential figures of the civil rights movement, symbolizing the progress made and the ongoing journey towards equality and freedom.

Xernona Clayton

A prominent civil rights activist, made significant contributions to the movement and later became a broadcasting executive, breaking barriers as the first black woman in such a role.

Maya Angelou

A multi-talented artist, activist, and author, left an indelible mark on literature and the arts, using her powerful words to shed light on issues of race and social justice.

Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame includes notable names such as baseball legend Hank Aaron, civil rights activists Ralph David Abernathy and Juanita Abernathy, and poet Maya Angelou, among others, all recognized for their significant contributions to the fight for civil rights.

King's Assasination

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination in Memphis, where he was supporting a sanitation workers' strike, marked a tragic turning point in the civil rights movement.

The Legacy Lives On

The Lorraine Motel, where King was staying, became the site of his assassination, forever changing the course of history.

Coretta & The King Center

This big brick complex is The King Center, dedicated to carrying on his legacy and works. At the center, you’ll find King’s tomb, situated on a raised platform and surrounded by flowing water.

Birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr

The birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., represented by the yellow and black house, serves as a tangible reminder of where the iconic civil rights leader began his journey.

College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame, shaped like a football, celebrates the achievements of select players and coaches who have left a mark on the sport.

World Congress Center

The Georgia World Congress Center, a significant convention center, experienced a devastating tornado in 2008 that caused extensive damage and one fatality.

Downtown Tornado

The tornado coincidentally spared the lives of thousands of spectators attending a basketball game at the Georgia Dome, which had gone into overtime, preventing them from being exposed to the storm outside.

Fire Station Number 6

A historic fire station serving the Auburn community since 1894.

Desegregation Milestone

In 1963, 16 black firefighters joined the previously all-white department.

Horse-Drawn Carts

Early firefighting relied on steam-powered carts with water tanks and hoses.

Pioneering Selection

Psych evaluations were conducted to ensure horses remained calm during emergencies.

Alt Stop: The Hamilton Howell House

Alexander Hamilton, an African American architect, designed homes for Atlanta's black community.

Alt Stop: Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery, established in 1850, showcases Atlanta's past.

Bell Tower Visitor Center

A convenient stop for burial records, self-guided tour maps, and a museum shop.

Preview The Tour

  what is the best time to visit atlanta for a driving tour.

The best time to visit Atlanta for a driving tour is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

  What is the World of Coca-Cola, and why is it a must-see attraction?

The World of Coca-Cola is Atlanta’s most popular attraction, offering quirky exhibits, historical insights, and a chance to taste Coke flavors from around the world.

  Are there any age restrictions for the Atlanta driving tour?

Most Atlanta driving tours are suitable for all ages, but some tours may have age restrictions, especially those that focus on specific themes or historical events.

  What is the safest area to stay in Atlanta?

Midtown and Buckhead are generally considered to be some of the safest areas to stay in Atlanta. They offer a mix of upscale neighborhoods, dining options, and attractions.

  How many days are enough for Atlanta?

Spending 2 to 3 days in Atlanta should give you enough time to explore the city’s major attractions, historical sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.

  Where can I rent cars for the Atlanta self guided tour?

You can rent cars for an Atlanta self-guided tour from various rental car agencies located in the city. Some popular options include Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National Car Rental.

  What is the cheapest time to visit Atlanta?

Generally, the cheapest time to visit Atlanta is during the winter months, from December to February, excluding holidays and special events. Hotel rates and airfare are often more affordable during this period.

  Is there a good time to drive through Atlanta?

Avoiding weekday rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) in Atlanta can make driving easier. Weekends and mornings are best for city driving.

  What is the most famous road in Atlanta?

The most famous road in Atlanta is Peachtree Street. It is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and is well-known for its historical significance and numerous landmarks.

  Are there any free attractions in Atlanta?

Yes, Atlanta offers several free attractions, such as the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and the High Museum of Art (on select days).

  What are some family-friendly activities in Atlanta?

Families can enjoy visiting the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Inclusions and Exclusions

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Historic Downtown Walking Tour

127 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30303

Visit Website

See Atlanta’s first skyscrapers and learn how this early business district developed through efforts of the businessmen, architects and prominent families of the 19th and 20th centuries.  Tour the interiors and exteriors of several of Atlanta’s Landmark structures and their environs.  Atlanta's downtown architecture includes styles from the Victorian period to Art Deco to contemporary.

$13 for Adults

$7 for Students and for Seniors (60+)

Free   admission for current Atlanta Preservation Center members.

Nearby Dining

• By George 127 Peachtree St NE (adjacent)
• Quiznos Subs 710 Peachtree St NE Ste 116 (140 feet NE)
• Rising Roll Gourmet 113 Peachtree St NE (161 feet SE)
• Dunkin' Donuts 98 Forsyth St NW (165 feet W)

Nearby Shops & Services

• Wilbourn Sisters Designs 134 Peachtree St NW (171 feet NW)
• Flowers by Lucas 100 Peachtree St NW (219 feet W)
• FedEx Office Print & Ship Center 100 Peachtree St NW (225 feet SW)
• CVS Pharmacy 235 Peachtree St NE (461 feet NE)

Nearby Destinations

• Atlanta-Fulton Central Library 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq (234 feet N)
• Broad Street Boardwalk Broad St NW (331 feet SW)
• The Rialto Center for the Arts 80 Forsyth St NW (346 feet W)
• Georgia State University School of Music 75 Poplar St (450 feet SW)

Nearby Parking

• Candler Building Parking Garage 67 Park Place NE (177 feet SE)
• 100 Peachtree Parking Garage 100 Forsyth St NW (184 feet W)
• 90 Forsyth Street Parking Lot 90 Forsyth St NW (383 feet W)
• 55 Park Place Parking Garage 55 Park Place NE (442 feet SE)

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Travel Guide

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Walking Tours in Atlanta

You never really understand a city until you walk around it a bit, and Atlanta's climate allows for walking tours almost year-round.

Sweet Auburn, the focus of the following walking tour, includes the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site, which comprises about 2 blocks along Auburn Avenue, plus the surrounding preservation district (about 10 more blocks). A neighborhood that nurtured scores of 20th-century black businesspeople and professionals, it contains the birthplace, church, and gravesite of Martin Luther King, Jr. The area was a vibrant commercial and entertainment district for black Atlantans from the late 1800s until the 1930s, when it went into a steep decline. In the 1980s, the area where Martin Luther King, Jr., was born and raised was declared a national historic site, and now, under the auspices of the National Park Service, portions of Auburn Avenue are in an ongoing process of restoration. Although parts of the area are still in sad disrepair, new landscaping has beautified some of the street, and several homes on the "Birth Home" block have been restored to their 1920s appearance. For more information about the national historic site, contact the National Park Service at tel. 404/331-6922, or visit the website at www.nps.gov.

This walking tour provides insight into black history, the civil rights movement, and black urban culture in the South. If you're traveling with children, it's a wonderful opportunity to teach them about a great American.

A Walking Tour of Sweet Auburn

Start : The corner of Howell and Irwin streets. To get here, take I-75/85 S and exit at Freedom Parkway/Carter Center. Turn right at the first light onto International Boulevard. Follow signs to the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. You can park in a lot on the north side of Irwin Street between Boulevard and Jackson Street. By MARTA: King Memorial station is about 8 blocks away, or you can take bus 3 east from the Five Points station.

Finish : Auburn Avenue and Courtland Street.

Time : Allow a half-day to explore this area thoroughly. If you want to include a tour of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, Birth Home (stop no. 3) -- and a visit to this area would not be complete without it -- start out early in the day and obtain your tickets at the National Park Service Visitor Center at 450 Auburn Ave. Only a limited number of tickets are available each day.

Begin your stroll at:

1. Howell and Irwin Streets

Walk south along Howell Street, where renovated historic homes and housing (designed to harmonize with the architecture of the neighborhood) provide testimony to the area's continuing renaissance. Note 102 Howell St., built between 1890 and 1895, which was the home of Alexander Hamilton, Jr., Atlanta's leading turn-of-the-20th-century black contractor. Its architectural details include Corinthian columns and a Palladian window.

Turn right on Auburn Ave. As you proceed, look for interpretive markers indicating historic homes (mostly Victorian and Queen Anne) and other points of interest en route to 499 Auburn Ave., home of:

2. The King Center

The organization here (tel. 404/526-8900; www.thekingcenter.com) continues the work to which King was dedicated -- reducing violence within individual communities and among nations. Freedom Plaza, on the premises, is King's final resting place. Stop in to take a self-guided tour of exhibits on King's life and the civil rights movement. Admission is free; the center is open every day from 9am to 5pm.

Now double back a few blocks east to 501 Auburn Ave., the:

3. Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Free half-hour guided tours are given on a continual basis, daily from 9am to 5pm, at King's birthplace. On weekends, especially, arrive early -- demand for tickets often exceeds supply. Tickets are obtained at the National Park Service Visitor Center, at 450 Auburn Ave.

Walk back toward stop no. 2, noting the turn-of-the-20th-century homes in the area, such as the:

4. Double "Shotgun" Row Houses

Standing at 472-488 Auburn Ave., these two-family dwellings with separate hip roofs were built in 1905 to house workers for the Empire Textile Company. They were called "shotgun" because rooms were lined up in a row, and one could (theoretically) fire a shotgun straight through the whole house.

Continue west on Auburn Ave. At the corner of Auburn Ave. and Boulevard is:

5. Fire Station No. 6

This is one of Atlanta's eight original firehouses, completed in 1894. The two-story Romanesque Revival building was situated to protect the eastern section of the city. The station houses a museum, open daily from 9am to 5pm, where exhibits include restored fire engines and vintage fire-fighting paraphernalia. Note the Italianate arched windows on the second story. Admission is free.

Continuing west on Auburn Ave., a notable stop on your tour is at 407 Auburn Ave., where you'll find the:

6. Ebenezer Baptist Church

This church (tel. 404/688-7263 ), founded in 1886, is where Martin Luther King, Jr., served as copastor from 1960 to 1968. Short but informative tours are given Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, Saturday from 9am to 2pm, and Sunday from 2 to 4pm. The church has built a new sanctuary across the street, but the original building remains as a historic site under the auspices of the State Department of Parks and Recreation. The church is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

One block west, at 365 Auburn Ave., is the:

7. Wheat Street Baptist Church

This church has served a congregation since the late 1800s. Auburn Avenue was originally called Wheat Street in honor of Augustus W. Wheat, one of Atlanta's early merchants. The name was changed in 1893.

Farther west, on Auburn Ave. btw. Hilliard and Fort sts., is the:

8. Prince Hall Masonic Building

This was an influential black lodge led for several decades by John Wesley Dobbs. Today, it houses the national headquarters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

On the other side of the expressway, at 228-250 Auburn Ave., note the:

9. Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium

This was another black fraternal lodge, which originated in Atlanta in 1870. Completed in 1914, the building later became headquarters for an insurance company.

Across the street, at 234 Auburn Ave., is the:

10. Sweet Auburn Bread Company

Auburn Avenue native Sonya Jones is known for her delectable sweets, from her signature sweet-potato cheesecake to red velvet cupcakes. Drop in for a cup of coffee, a one-serving-size cheesecake, and some delightful conversation at this Atlanta gem.

Make a left on Butler St., and you'll see the:

11. Butler Street YMCA

Built in the early 1900s, this was a popular meeting place for civil rights leaders. Today, the building is augmented by a modern YMCA across the street.

Continue south along Butler St. to the:

12. Sweet Auburn Curb Market

The market is located just below Edgewood Avenue. Formerly called the Municipal Market, this historic market dates from 1924, when Atlanta was still a segregated city. Whites shopped within, while blacks were only permitted to patronize stalls lining the curb. The market's current name reflects that era. Today, it sells groceries and fresh produce -- including many regional and ethnic items, such as ham hocks and chitlins ("We sell every part of the pig here but the oink," says the owner). Fully cooked ethnic meals are available as well, and there is seating so you can dig in right away. Open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 7pm.

13. Sweet Auburn Curb Market

This is a delightful mix of scents and sights. Seating is scattered throughout in case you just can't wait to get home to eat your purchases. Variety abounds, with fresh fish, meats, veggies, salads, and flowers to take home, plus fully cooked foods from every corner of the earth -- everything from specialty cheesecakes to chitlins. Open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 6pm. 209 Edgewood Ave. tel. 404/659-1665.

Walk back to Auburn Ave. on Butler St. and turn left. To your right, at 220 Auburn Ave., is the:

14. Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

This church was originally built in the 1890s, destroyed by fire, and then rebuilt in 1924. In the 1920s, John Wesley Dobbs called the Bethel "a towering edifice to black freedom."

Farther along, at 186 Auburn Ave., is the:

15. Royal Peacock Club

This music club's walls were painted from floor to ceiling with peacocks. It has been closed for years, but in its heyday it presented top black entertainers such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Dizzy Gillespie.

At 135 Auburn Ave., the corner of Auburn Ave. and Courtland St., is:

16. The APEX (African-American Panoramic Experience) Museum

This museum features exhibits on the history of Sweet Auburn and the African-American experience, including a children's gallery with interactive displays. You can call tel. 404/521-2739 to see if there's anything special happening at the museum while you're in town.

Cross the street to:

17. Herndon Plaza

Here, you can see exhibits on the high-powered Herndon family, including patriarch Alonzo Herndon, a former slave who started the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.

If you'd like to do further research on the history of Auburn Ave. -- or on any aspect of African-American history and culture -- continue on to 101 Auburn Ave., the:

18. Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History

This is the place to go for answers about African-American history. Operated by the Atlanta-Fulton County Library System, the library's collection includes literature, documents, rare records, and more. A Heritage Center on the premises features special exhibits, workshops, seminars, lectures, and other events. Open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, and Friday through Sunday from noon to 6pm.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Atlanta’s Best History Tours

July 26, 2019

The Trolley Barn on Edgewood Avenue

Everyone’s always looking for new things to do in Atlanta, and we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of the best guided and self-guided tours in the ATL. We sought out the best tours for families, architecture lovers, sports fans, nature nerds, and first dates. There’s something here for everyone.

Whether you’ve got an hour to kill or a weekend to fill, make the most of the last days of summer and go explore the history of our city.

Guided Tours

Inman park – atlanta’s first planned suburb walking tour | atlanta preservation center.

This is one of many guided walking tours offered by Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) each month. APC’s Inman Park tour explores the history of Atlanta’s first planned suburb.

Established in 1889, the Inman Park neighborhood is a celebrated example of community preservation. You’ll walk away able to identify all of the distinctive elements of the Victorian style—from turrets to dentils and everything in between.

Tours meet at the front steps of the King Keith House (889 Edgewood Ave NE) every other Sunday in March through November (see their website for exact dates). If you’re looking for more Atlanta preservation tours, APC also offers walking tours of Grant Park, Historic Downtown, and Druid Hills.

• Admission: $17.50 for Adults; $10.50 for Children (ages 6-17), Students and Seniors (60+); $12.50 for current APC Members
• Duration: 90–120 minutes

Atlanta is a dense city which means you can see a lot on your morning run!

Atlanta History + Highlights Tour | City Running Tours

Lace up your Nikes and hit the road—this tour is for folks who want to get their HIIT and history at the same time. On the Atlanta History + Highlights Tour, you’ll run through Atlanta history on this 3.5-mile run through downtown.

See sites from our earliest days as a railroad town, find out what General Sherman didn’t burn down during the Civil War, check out where Coca-Cola was first bottled, take in the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement at birth place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ebenezer Baptist Church, then head back to Centennial Olympic Park.

• Admission: $30
• Duration: 1 hour

A view of the Womans Building from the Cotton States and International Exposition in 1895. See the spot where it formerly stood on this Piedmont Park tour!

Piedmont Park History Walking Tou r | Piedmont Park Conservancy

On this walking tour, guests will discover how the park’s history is interwoven with the greater Atlanta story. Explore the evolution of iconic Piedmont Park from forest to fairgrounds for the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895 to Atlanta’s premier urban green space. Bring sunblock and a blanket to linger a while after the tour ends.

Tours take place on Saturdays at 11:00am from March–November. Meet at the Green Market and Conservancy information table located at 12th St and Piedmont Ave NE Park entrance.

• Admission: Free and open to all ages
• Duration: 60–90 minutes

Martin Luther King, Jr. stands in front of his birthplace at 501 Auburn Avenue.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site | U.S. National Parks Service

It’s the most popular tourist destination in the A—the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. Located in the heart of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic District, the site offers free tours daily. Just stop by the information desk inside the Visitor Center or King Center to pick up a timed ticket.

Birth Home Tours are limited to 15 people and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the tour. Visit early in the week or Sunday morning and visit early in the day to secure your spot.

Also in the Martin Luther King National Historic District are the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Fire Station No. 6, Dr. and Mrs. King’s Tomb, and the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

• Cost of admission: Free and open to all ages

Designed by Philip Shutze for the Inman family, Swan House is a fine example of Jazz Age architecture in Atlanta

Behind the Scenes: Swan House Tour | Atlanta History Center

Fascinated by secret spaces and new places? Ever wondered what’s behind those closed doors? We’ve got the perfect thing to satisfy your inner snoop.

This special tour offers the opportunity to explore rooms not open during regular hours. Peek in basement rooms, explore attics, and see special collections spaces of Phillip Trammel Shutze’s iconic 1928 mansion. Find out what we keep in our closets!

This behind the scenes tour is available every day at 4:00pm.

• Admission: General Museum Admission + $10:00 tour fee
• Duration: 45 minutes

Meet up at the ATL Playground for a crash course on Atlanta history.

A tlanta from the Ashes: Downtown History Tour | Downtown Atlanta – Woodruff Park

You may know Woodruff Park, but do you know the man it’s named for? Located in the heart of Downtown, the stories of Robert W. Woodruff Park and its surroundings touch on some of the most influential people and events of Atlanta’s modern history. From the Civil Rights Movement to the birth and growth of the Coca-Cola Company, you’ll hear about the buildings that once stood in and around the Park and major historical events that happened nearby.

This free tour is offered at noon on the 1st Thursday and the 3rd Saturday of each month. The tour begins at the ATL Playground across from the Flatiron building (84 Peachtree St).

• Admission: Free, but an RSVP is required

Completed in 1898, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’s spires have seen a lot. Learn more about the site on this unique tour

Monthly Tours of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Founded in 1880, with the current church building being completed in 1898, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the second-oldest parish in Atlanta. Its nearly 150-year history is intertwined with that of the city.

Tours are offered on the first Sunday of each month following 10:00am Mass. Tours cover the site’s history, architecture, and the challenges faced by the congregation over the years. You can also learn more about the church’s history by visiting the display located on the lower level outside O’Hagen Hall.

• Admission: Free
• Duration: 30 minutes

Self-Guided Tours

The Flatiron Building is stop number six on this tour. Learn about Atlanta’s steel-framed skyscraper and others on this architecture-lover’s tour.

Atlanta Historic Downtown Tour | American Institute of Architects, Georgia Chapter

Grab your headphones and get ready to explore. This self-guided audio tour will take you through downtown’s historic districts to look at the eclectic skyscrapers that line the streets. Stops included in the tour demonstrate Atlanta’s growth from the New South Period of the 1890s to the Wall Street Crash of 1929. It’s a must for any architecture nerd in your life.

• Admission: Free ( just download the app! )
• Duration: Go at your own pace, but averaging 1.5-2 hours

Self-Guided Civil Rights Tour | Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau

This tour is more of a daylong itinerary than a traditional tour. The Atlanta CVB outlines every moment from where to go for breakfast to which play to catch in the evening. The itinerary outlines historic sites, museums, restaurants, and organizations that all played an active role in the history of Civil Rights in Atlanta.

It’s great for out-of-town guests looking to get a full day’s worth of Atlanta history, or a new way to be a tourist in your own city.

• Admission: Varies between museums. See website for details.
• Duration: Go at your own pace

It’s not Georgia’s original capitol, but you know what they say: sixth times’s the charm.

Georgia Capitol Museum | University of Georgia Libraries

We can all use a civics lesson every now and then! The Georgia Capitol Museum offers two self-guided tours that focus on the architecture and history of the Capitol Building itself. Print-outs of the Self-Guided Capitol Tour and Self-Guided Capitol Grounds Tour are available to download, or can be picked up at the information desk in the lobby. You can also download the Georgia Capitol Tour app , which features historic images, videos, and stories about Georgia’s history.

All guests are welcome to visit the Georgia Capitol Museum, located on the fourth floor, during their visit. Admission is free of charge.

• Admission: Both the self-guided and guided tours of the Capitol are free
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Projects & Initiatives

As Atlanta History Center works to make history available and accessible to all, a key component is women’s history. This initiative is made possible by Emily Bourne Grigsby whose bequest endows support for the research, interpretation, and presentation of the role of women in the South.

For more than 150 years, unwavering young activists have taken up the torch and blazed their own trail through history.

We are losing a generation who brought about sweeping social change as teenagers in the 1960s. Constance “Connie” Curry, Congressman John Lewis, and Rev. C.T. Vivian are just three towering Atlantans who have recently died. Often, as they go, so do their stories.

The deaths of Atlanta’s own Constance “Connie” Curry, Congressman John Lewis, and Reverend C.T. Vivian signal the ongoing passage of responsibility to those of us who are making history today. The legacies of these three key figures of the Civil Rights Movement live on in the works of contemporary Atlantans.

Home > Things To Do > Atlanta BeltLine Tours > Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Walking Tours

Take a Walking Tour on the BeltLine!

Enjoy fresh air, new city views, fascinating Atlanta history, and every season of horticulture interest! Come walk the Atlanta BeltLine with an expertly trained Trees Atlanta Docent and learn firsthand from a well-trained expert to learn about Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum. These walking tours explore both the Eastside Trail and Westside Trail with a strong focus on the horticultural collections and interesting facts about these different segments of the Atlanta BeltLine. A walking tour of the Atlanta BeltLine is the best way to see the progress and be active at the same time! Learn more about the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum .

For specific tour dates and to register visit treesatlanta.org/calendar .

View Frequently Asked Questions for More Information

If your specific question is not addressed here, please contact: Michelle Diaz Laboy, [email protected] .

What is the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum?

The Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum will evolve into a twenty-two mile long horticultural collection. This one-of-a-kind linear expanse provides neighborhood connectivity along the Atlanta BeltLine, while showcasing unique natural characteristics within each community. The Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum is a free and open-to-all green museum.

Visit Trees Atlanta calendar of events for a walking tour schedule .

What is a Walking Tour?

Envisioned as a one-of-a-kind twenty-two mile linear expanse, the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum forms a unique tapestry whose natural fabric reveals a plant-based narrative of our city’s rich history. This Trees Atlanta docent-led walking tour tells the BeltLine story with an added focus on native trees, grasses, wildflowers and greenspaces along the corridor.

What is Trees Atlanta?

Trees Atlanta is a vital partner in the Atlanta BeltLine project. Established in 1985, Trees Atlanta is one of the city’s most widely respected volunteer organizations, and it seeks to protect and improve Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. With more than 96,000 trees planted (and counting!), Trees Atlanta is a phenomenal resource for good tree stewardship, smart growth, and overall conservation.

Unexpected Atlanta Tours

Prohibition Progressive Dinner

The  Prohibition Progressive Dinner  gets you exclusive access to the best joints in Downtown Atlanta. You won’t want to miss getting a peek at the real Coca-Cola vault and experiencing the city’s stunning skyline from a rotating rooftop, while trying sumptuous cuisine and drinks from the city’s acclaimed chefs.

Grant Park Food & History Tour

Atlanta is the city built on food and you’ll dive into its food-loving past while tasting modern Southern-inspired flavors like fried catfish and okra with cucumber wasabi sauce and sample fruit turnovers from an award-winning bakery. Plus, this tour includes a guided walk through beautiful Historic Oakland Cemetery.

Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class

This is the ultimate Atlanta food experience and you won’t want to miss it. In  just two hours , you will try  9 delicious tastings from 5 vendors in Atlanta’s oldest market  and become Southern cooks with a  hands-on Atlanta cooking class . You’ll learn fascinating Atlanta history and get a close look at Southern cooking and Georgia’s most famous foods, including peaches, collards, and pecans. And, you will love learning how to make the perfect Southern biscuit in our Atlanta cooking class.

Martin Luther King Jr. History Tour

Track the fascinating life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in a fast-paced, unforgettable 2.5 hours, that reveals how Atlanta and the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood changed the world. This must-experience Atlanta History Tour includes inspiring visits to Ebenezer Baptist Church (when open), the King Center, and unexpected locations even locals don’t know.

• Cabbagetown Street Art Tour

Explore Atlanta’s street art scene with a local guide on a 2.5 hour tour through charming Cabbagetown neighborhood. You’ll discover Cabbagetown history and understand how street art is both a response to current events and often encourages response. Plus, design your own street art in a salon-style happy hour!

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Civil rights itinerary, get an in-depth look at atlanta’s past.

In the early 1960s, Atlanta became the cultural catalyst for the American civil rights movement. As activists found their center within the Sweet Auburn District, the city built a legacy. Explore these attractions for an in-depth look at Atlanta’s past.

“Atlanta is known for its rich African-American culture,” said Kathleen Bertrand, former ACVB senior vice president of governmental and community affairs. “Visitors to Atlanta may find history, cultural attractions and the spirit of the black family in the many churches, restaurants and attractions in Atlanta.” 

MUNICIPAL MARKET

Wake up with a cup of coffee paired with sweet and savory bites from  Sweet Auburn Bread Company . For produce and unique eateries, visit the historic  Municipal Market , also known by locals as Sweet Auburn Curb Market.

Address: 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

SWEET AUBURN HISTORIC DISTRICT

The  Sweet Auburn District  was Atlanta’s first African-American business district. Take a self-guided tour of Sweet Auburn historic district and explore the historic landmarks.

Address: encompasses a mile and a half of Auburn Avenue Estimated Time: 45 minutes

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Also in this district is the  Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park with the King Birth Home,  Ebenezer Baptist Church , a visitor center and the tombs of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

Address: 450 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA. 30312 Estimated Time: 1 hour

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS WALK OF FAME

Behind the visitor center is the  International Civil Rights Walk of Fame , where the shoe prints of civil rights heroes such as Rosa Parks, Andrew Young, Thurgood Marshall and others are embedded in a memorial.

Address: a 2-minute walk from Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park Estimated Time: 1 hour

APEX MUSEUM

Visit the  APEX Museum  (African-American Panoramic Experience) to hear stories of early African-American pioneers who helped transform Atlanta.

Address: 135 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 Estimated Time: 45 minutes

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the  National Center for Civil and Human Rights  connects the American civil rights movement to today’s global human rights movements. 

Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Estimated Time: 1 hour

BUSY BEE CAFÉ

Enjoy traditional soul food at  Busy Bee Café . Must-try items include fried, smothered or oven-roasted chicken, pork chops, Southern style veggies and banana pudding for dessert. Or head for  Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint , located Downtown on Peachtree Street, and sample sumptuous Southern staples such as fried green tomatoes and beef brisket.

Address: 810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

The Atlanta University Center, the world’s largest consortium of  historically black colleges and universities , has educated many famous leaders.  Clark Atlanta University , established in 1867, houses one of the nation’s finest collections of African-American art.  Morehouse College  is the alma mater of Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Spelman College  spotlights African-American artists, exhibiting contemporary works, folk art and more at its Museum of Fine Art.

Address: 156 Mildred St SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 Estimated Time: ranges from 1 to 3 hours

HAMMONDS HOUSE MUSEUM

Visit the  Hammonds House Museum , which features artists of African descent with more than 350 works in the permanent collection.

Address: 503 Peeples St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 Estimated Time: 1 hour

HERNDON HOME

Tour the 1910  Herndon Home . The home is a tribute to the family of Alonzo Herndon, founder of Atlanta Life Insurance Company and the city’s first African-American millionaire.

Address: 587 University Pl NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 Estimated Time: 1 hour

THE WREN’S NEST

Tour  The Wren’s Nest , home of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories. Harris’s narratives became the first serialized storyline of walking, talking animals. Preserved with the original 1880s furniture, structure and fixtures, the house also hosts storytelling on some Saturdays.

Address: 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310

PASCHAL’S RESTAURANT

Starting in the 1960s, civil rights leaders and strategists came together for savory cooking at Paschal’s Motor Hotel and Restaurant, now closed. Today,  Paschal’s Restaurant  in Castleberry Hill still hosts Atlanta’s leaders for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

Address: 180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

TRUE COLORS THEATRE COMPANY

Check the schedule of  True Colors Theatre Company . The company is committed to staging groundbreaking African-American plays.

Address: 915 New Hope Rd, Atlanta, GA 30331

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Get to know Atlanta, and discover the best things to do around the city.

2 Days in Black-Owned Atlanta

History & heritage in atlanta, cultural experiences not to miss in atlanta, atlanta attractions for families, visiting sweet auburn, civil rights legacy.