Top Atlanta Attractions: CNN Tour, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium & More
We traded Savannah's 90°F heat for a cool, rainy welcome in Atlanta after a 248-mile drive—our penultimate stop on the NYC-to-NOLA road trip.
Dark clouds threatened heavy rain, but our Atlanta CityPASSes unlocked the city's premier indoor attractions. Discover the best places to visit in Atlanta below.
Best Places to Visit in Atlanta
CNN Studio Tour
The CNN Center tour provides an insightful behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the world's largest news networks. We toured studios, the bustling newsroom, and learned why anchors avoid green clothing on air.
World of Coca-Cola
Next, we immersed ourselves at the World of Coca-Cola. It starts like stepping into a vibrant ad, but the highlight is the tasting room with 64 global Coca-Cola varieties. We sampled Inca Kola from Peru, Thai melon soda, and flavors from Africa and Germany—a delightful world tour despite our usual soda hiatus.
Georgia Aquarium
Adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium—the largest in the world—is a must. We marveled at massive manta rays (evoking Belize snorkeling) and 18-foot whale sharks, dreaming of Holbox dives. Ideal for families.
The CityPASS included a Behind-the-Scenes tour, offering overhead views of the giant ocean voyager exhibit. Spot the whale shark? Six snorkelers were below—snorkel for $275 or dive for $350.
More Atlanta Highlights
Strolling revealed Atlanta's diversity: downtown finance, chic Buckhead, charming Vinings, and emerging East Point (home to rap icons). We may have passed Usher's neighborhood—no paparazzi moments.
A meal at Mary Mac's Tea Room, an Atlanta institution, introduced authentic Southern fare. Indulge in fried green tomatoes, mac 'n' cheese, veggie soufflés, banana pudding, bread pudding, and Georgia peach cobbler. Road trip calories? Worth it!
