Best Atlanta Tours & Holidays 2023/2024

From civil war to civil rights, this city’s been at the heart of America’s history for centuries.

Bask in some southern hospitality, order yourself a sweet tea, and get ready to explore the extraordinary and historically significant city of Atlanta on our tours and holidays in Atlanta. Nicknamed the ‘city in a forest’, Atlanta is a cultural melting pot, brimming with theatre shows, music festivals, lush gardens, sports games, and fascinating museums. Follow your trip leader as you dive into the past at the Atlanta History Center and learn about this peachy-keen city’s involvement in the civil rights movement at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Whether you fancy cheering on your favourite sports team in a crowd of thousands, sipping on a craft beer at one of the many breweries, or strolling through perfectly curated gardens full of blooming flowers, Atlanta is a city that has it all.

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Highlights of Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr in Atlanta, Georgia.

Discover the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Atlanta might be full of historical sites that tell the story of this city’s involvement in shaping America as we know it today, but there are perhaps none quite as significant as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Born and raised in Atlanta, explore Martin Luther King Jr’s family home, and learn about how he grew from a boy living in a world full of segregation to a man who spoke, petitioned, and championed for social change, becoming one of America’s greatest and legendary civil rights leaders.

Flower sculpture at the Atlanta Botanica Gardens in Georgia.

Wander through the incredible Atlanta Botanical Garden

There’s a reason why Atlanta is considered a ‘city in a forest’ and its beautiful and lush botanical garden is just one of them. Opening its gates in 1976, this beautiful expanse of greenery has not only become a haven for nature-lovers and avid horticulturalists but also for families and travelers looking for a fun day spent outside. With amazing plant collections, magnificent exhibitions, extraordinary flower displays, and its very own canopy walk, it’s easy to get lost in this wondrous celebration of nature.

Swan House at the Atlanta History Center in Georgia.

Visit the Atlanta History Center

Founded in 1926 as a way to study and preserve Atlanta’s history, this center has now grown to showcase over 33 acres of curated Goizueta Gardens, several historic houses, and a varied collection of both ancient and modern exhibitions. Join your group on a guided tour of the center, stopping to learn about the struggles of this city’s past and present, its development over time, and the cultural movements that have taken place. From the classical architecture of Swan House to confronting exhibitions around American democracy and unity, the Atlanta History Center can’t be missed.

Explore Oakland Cemetery

The incredibly breathtaking Oakland Cemetery is so much more than just a place to bury the dead. Not only is it the final resting place for many of the city’s past notable figures but it’s also full of spectacular gardens that are bursting with fascinating architecture, intricate sculptures, and flowering magnolia trees. Among the 70,000 people buried within its extraordinary walls are Margaret Mitchell, the author of the iconic novel ‘Gone with the Wind’, and Maynard Jackson, the city’s first African American Mayor. While cemeteries can sometimes be creepy, this one will remain in your mind for all the best reasons.

Walk around the Ponce City Market

Located on the iconic Ponce de Leon Avenue, the Ponce City Market is a must-visit attraction for those who love their unique and historical sites, as well as their local food and boutique trinkets. However, this market is filled with more than just restaurants and retail. From office areas and rental apartments to event spaces and the activity-filled rooftop, this cultural and historic building is the place to go if you’re looking for an entertaining day with various spaces to work in, eat at, have fun in, and explore.

Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Play around in Centennial Olympic Park

Arguably Atlanta’s most recognizable downtown attraction, Centennial Olympic Park was built in 1996 for the Summer Olympics but is now used as a recreational, entertainment, and hospitality area featuring the iconic Fountain of Rings and the newly created sculpture of the famous Olympic rings, The Spectacular. Whether you prefer to set out a picnic on the lush and expansive lawn or fancy the idea of following the commemorative brick road, this picturesque park offers the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Atlanta tour reviews

Atlanta FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a trip in Atlanta?

Everyone traveling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travelers are required to produce:

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

How to get to Atlanta

There are several ways to get to Atlanta, with the best option differing depending on where you're traveling from. If you're traveling from a neighboring state such as Tennesse or Florida then driving or catching public transportation is popular and often cheaper than other ways of traveling. If you're coming from a state on either the east or west coast then flying is the best option but it will be more expensive.

How do I get around Atlanta?

Public transport is a great way to get around Atlanta as the city's rail and bus systems are efficient and easy to navigate with routes available to take you all over the city. You can also hire a car from Atlanta International Airport if driving is more your thing or catch various rideshare options. Atlanta is also a great city to explore on foot or by bike with heaps of parks and gardens scattered throughout the city.

What's the weather like in Atlanta?

Atlanta is known to have a relatively mild climate with warm - hot summers and cold - freezing winters. July is the hottest month at an average of 81°F but temperatures can reach as high as 90°F, while January is the coldest month with an average of 43°F but temperatures of 34°F or lower can also be expected. July is also the month that experiences the most rain and April is the month that experiences the least.

Click to read about snow in Atlanta

When's the best time to visit Atlanta?

Due to Atlanta's mild climate, it's always a good time to visit this culturally diverse city regardless of the season. The most popular time to go is during summer with June, July, and August being the months that welcome the most travellers, however, March, April, and May are considered the best months to travel to Atlanta. During this time the city enjoys mild temperatures with little to no rainfall and all the city's parks and gardens are lusciously green and blooming with flowers.

What should I pack for Atlanta?

What you should pack for your trip to Atlanta largely depends on what kind of holiday you want to have and which season you're traveling in. The weather in Atlanta is fairly good all year round so packing jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters is a safe bet. You should also pack comfortable walking shoes as the city is full of parks and gardens to explore. Things like cameras, reusable drink bottles, and sunscreen (even if you're traveling in winter) are a must as well.

Is Atlanta accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.