Got 48 hours in Atlanta? Lucky you. The city has enough to keep you occupied for weeks, but you can see the highlights during your short stay, as long as you’ve got a plan. Here’s how to make the most of your quick trip to the ATL.
Day 1
Morning
Get your most important meal of the day at the Flying Biscuit. (We recommend anything served with their warm peach compote.) Once you’re fueled up, head to the Whitewater Creek Trails near the Vinings area. Bring a little cash for parking. Since the trails are not all marked, be sure to print out a map. Take some time to appreciate the Chattahoochee’s rushing waters along the trails and enjoy the morning tranquility.
Afternoon
For a filling lunch, we recommend The Varsity. It has been a favorite for classic drive-in fare since the 1920’s and is the world’s largest drive-in eatery. After lunch, make your first afternoon attraction the Millennium Gate Museum. The breathtaking gate monument is designed in classical Roman tradition. It signifies the role of Atlanta’s railroad as the “Gate City of the South”. You’ll also learn about Georgia’s rich history of art, culture, and philanthropy. When you’re finished, head to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. See hundreds of varieties of plants and flowers in a quiet setting, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to view some of the private exhibition gardens.
Evening
Stop by South City Kitchen near the Botanical Gardens. You can eat-in or pick up some sophisticated Southern soul food for the road. (Don’t miss their famous pineapple upside down cake!) Your next stop is the Starlight Six Drive-in Theater on Moreland Avenue, which allows you to bring your own food. For less than $10, you can sit back and enjoy a double feature. If you happen to be there on the weekend, you’ll also catch the artisan flea market. Make sure to rest up after this, then get set for your next 24 hours in this epic city.
Day 2
Morning
Wake up to morning pastries and coffee at Cafe Intermezzo. There are over 800 drink choices and more than 70 pastry variations to satisfy your taste buds. Then, head to the World of Coca-Cola. Learn about the beverage’s history, try samples and see how it is made. The pop culture gallery is a fan-favorite, with a special exhibit that highlights how fans have made the brand iconic.
Afternoon
To see everything from birds and reptiles to mammals and a cool panda cam, visit Zoo Atlanta. For quicker entry, buy your tickets online in advance. Take a lunch break next at Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House. The menu is filled with fresh, tantalizing seafood – a must when visiting the South. Enjoy your lunch with drinks at the pub or on the rooftop for a better view. Your final afternoon stop is the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum. The main attraction is The Battle of Atlanta painting. Don’t miss out on learning about Atlanta’s part in the Civil War, with compelling artifacts and exhibits.
Evening
Cocktails at Sunset at the Sun Dial Restaurant
Now that you’ve experienced Atlanta from the ground, it’s time to see how spectacular it looks from above. Visit SkyView Atlanta to ride the 20 story Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the city. To keep the aerial theme, enjoy a leisurely dinner and cocktails at the nearby Sun Dial Restaurant. As you treat your taste buds to fine local and classic cuisine, watch the city lights sparkle against the darkening sky. If you still feel adventurous after dinner, visit the Fernbank Science Center Observatory to stargaze. Admission is free on Thursdays and Fridays, and an astronomer is usually there to answer questions.
We hope you enjoy your action-packed 48 hours in Atlanta. Next time, stay awhile, won’t you? Atlanta has so much to offer.
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