Atlanta doesn't need to shout to make itself known. The capital of Georgia, this dynamic metro of more than six million—including around half a million within the city limits—quietly asserts its place at the intersection of history, culture, and creativity. Often described as a “Black mecca,” Atlanta has long been a center of Black excellence in the South, home to a thriving African American cultural, economic, and political scene. Its LGBTQ+ community is just as vibrant, with one of the largest Pride festivals in the country and a network of queer-owned spaces that fuel the city's creative pulse.
It's a hub of higher education, with a dozen colleges including the illustrious HBCUs: Spelman, Clark, and Morehouse. It’s also a media powerhouse—CNN first hit the airwaves here in 1980, changing how the world consumes news (and, let’s be honest, probably spiking our collective anxiety in the process, but I digress). And in a twist that might surprise you, Atlanta has quietly outgrown Hollywood: Tyler Perry Studios, spanning 330 acres, is now the largest film production site in the U.S., surpassing the combined size of Disney, Warner Bros., and Paramount.
The Atlanta Midtown skyline at sunset Courtesy Gene Phillips for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
It's a true culinary city, too, where you can savor Georgia-style BBQ or explore the refined tastes of Michelin-starred restaurants tucked into historic neighborhoods like Grant Park.
Atlanta has also played a quiet but pivotal role in LGBTQ+ progress. It’s where the Human Rights Campaign opened its first field office outside of D.C., and where the late Coretta Scott King publicly declared support for gay and lesbian rights as early as the 1980s—long before it was a safe political stance. That kind of allyship and advocacy still echoes through the city’s queer community today.
I first visited Atlanta a decade ago, and what struck me then still resonates now: this is a city that refuses to be easily defined. It's sprawling yet green, with nearly half the landscape shaded by oaks, magnolias, and pines. It's industrial and cinematic, steeped in history yet relentlessly forward-looking. And if you give it a little time, it just might challenge what you thought you knew about the South.
Getting There
Atlanta Pride takes place in October and draws in more than 350,000 attendees to the city each year Courtesy Peter DeMoore
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is consistently ranked the world's busiest airport by passenger numbers, with direct flights to over 150 U.S. cities and 70 international destinations. Delta Air Lines calls ATL home, so odds are good you'll find a convenient route no matter where you're starting from. And while the airport itself is massive (two terminals, seven concourses, and a train system to navigate it all), it's surprisingly efficient. Downtown Atlanta is located 10 miles north, a 15 to 20-minute drive without traffic, although this is Atlanta, so the likelihood of no traffic is rare.
Where to Stay
Loews Atlanta Hotel
Loews Atlanta Hotel in MidtownCourtesy Loews Atlanta Hotel
Modern, light-filled, and quietly luxurious, Loews Atlanta Hotel offers a polished but unpretentious base in the heart of Midtown. The soaring lobby feels grand without being stuffy, and the friendly staff makes check-in feel more like a welcome return. Rooms and suites—some with in-room Pelotons—are gorgeously decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of Piedmont Park, the downtown skyline, and even Stone Mountain on a clear day. No white refrigerators here—only sleek, stylish spaces you'll be proud to wake up in. The lobby-level Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar is a highlight—no buffet lines, just made-to-order classics like Southern-style grits, avocado toast, cinnamon brioche French toast, and cold-pressed juices. The overall vibe leans effortlessly sexy, thanks to a chic, well-dressed crowd and a layout that encourages lingering.
Fitness lovers will appreciate Exhale, the spacious spa and gym where you can hit a full workout or book a body treatment after a day of exploring. The location doesn't miss either: you're within walking distance from Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and neighborhood favorites like Fadó Irish Pub and Wicked Wolf. Plus, Midtown's MARTA station is just two blocks away. Loews also hosts First Friday Pride nights each month and offers a year-round Pride Package that includes a complimentary suite upgrade (based on availability), a Pride-themed welcome treat, two signature cocktails (or mocktails), and complimentary self-parking.
Forth Hotel
FORTH Hotel in Historic Old Fourth WardCourtesy FORTH Atlanta | Photo By Matthew Williams
Atlanta’s Historic Fourth Ward just got a serious glow-up. FORTH, the newly opened hotel and social club along the Beltline’s Eastside Trail, blends laid-back luxury with a lived-in cool that’s already attracting a certain in-the-know crowd. The rooms are spotless and beautifully designed, with blackout curtains, Le Labo toiletries, and that unmistakable new-hotel polish—something this germaphobe always appreciates. Suites offer extra space to lounge, and the 15,000-square-foot fitness center includes a full spa, sauna, and eucalyptus-scented steam room. I managed to sneak in an early morning deep tissue massage before check-in, and it was genuinely one of the best I’ve had—focused, restorative, and expertly delivered. It set the tone for the rest of the stay. The outdoor pool, lined with sleek loungers and overlooking the Beltline, is ideal for swimming laps or just soaking up the scene with a cocktail in hand. Just like the vibe of the hotel itself, the staff are warm, welcoming, and effortlessly on point—attentive without ever hovering.
With several options to choose from, dining here is genuinely worth exploring. Bar Premio is ideal for morning espressos or evening charcuterie with a great wine list, while Elektra delivers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a coastal-casual setting. For guests interested in a traditional steakhouse experience, Il Premio serves prime cuts alongside housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and an impressive regional wine selection. I highly recommend ending your evenings at Moonlight, the rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Historic Fourth Ward Park and the kind of golden-hour glow that makes it hard to leave. FORTH pulls off that rare mix of being both a relaxing retreat and a local hotspot, without ever feeling like it's trying too hard.
What to Do
Visit Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
The Final Resting Place of Dr. King and Coretta Scott KingCourtesy Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
One of the core memories from my most recent visit was walking through the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. The Park spans nearly 35 acres and includes the places most closely tied to Dr. King’s life and legacy. Start at the Visitor Center, where exhibits and a short film provide context for his significantly impactful role in the Civil Rights Movement. Then walk over to Ebenezer Baptist Church, where you can listen to some of his sermons and speeches, and visit the reflecting pool and final resting place of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. His birth home, where he was born and lived during the first 12 years of his life, remains closed for renovations, but you can still view it from the outside. Entry into the Park is free, and so is the insight; thus, give yourself a couple of hours here to take it all in.
See Atlanta from Above
A Golden-Hour Glide Over Midtown AtlantaCourtesy Prestige Helicopters
For a different perspective on the city, take to the skies with a helicopter tour from Prestige Helicopters. Their 10-minute King and Queen ride ($75 per person, two-person minimum) is an exciting, accessible way to experience Atlanta from above. You'll glide past two of Atlanta’s most iconic skyscrapers, nicknamed the King and Queen buildings, and take in sweeping aerial views of Buckhead, Midtown, and beyond. The pilots are friendly and full of facts, without slipping into tour guide mode. If you're looking to take things up a notch, opt for their extended 60-minute Ultimate Tour ($395 per person, two-person minimum), which traces the Chattahoochee River to Lake Lanier before looping back around Stone Mountain, Decatur, and the heart of the city. Whether it's your first helicopter ride or just your first time seeing Atlanta from the air, it’s a jaw-dropping way to see just how green, sprawling, and stunning Atlanta really is.
Visit the World of Coca-Cola
Take a colorful walk through Coca-Cola historyCourtesy Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Even if you’re not a soda drinker, the World of Coca-Cola is worth a visit for the sensory experience alone. This highly visual and interactive museum celebrates Atlanta’s most iconic export, featuring everything from a behind-the-scenes look at its secret formula vault to an 1880s-style soda fountain and the world's smallest bottling line. Their short film at the start of the experience is surprisingly moving, but the overall highlight was getting to sample a selection of Coca-Cola products from around the world. There are over 100 to choose from, though I definitely didn’t make it through the full roster. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., with general admission priced between $23–$26 for adults. Nearby, you’ll also find the Children’s Museum of Atlanta and Centennial Olympic Park, making it a great destination for families with children.
Explore the Atlanta Beltline
A vibrant stretch of the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail Courtesy Gene Phillips for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
What began as a thesis project for a Georgia Tech graduate student has evolved into one of the most transformative urban projects in the country. The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile loop of repurposed rail corridors connecting neighborhoods through parks, trails, and public art. While the entire project is impressive, the Eastside Trail was the standout to me, stretching three miles through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and beyond. On any given day, you’ll see locals jogging, cycling, pushing strollers, or simply taking it all in. It’s a prime spot for people-watching, outdoor fitness, and spontaneous art displays. Along the way, you’ll pass rotating murals, sculpture installations, breweries, and some of the city’s best bites. Make a detour into Historic Fourth Ward Park or refuel at Ponce City Market, both just steps off the trail.
Take a Tour with ATL Cruzers
If you want to get your bearings in Atlanta without breaking a sweat, join one of ATL Cruzers’ electric car tours. Their 90-minute guided ride covers 12 miles through some of the city’s most historic and eclectic neighborhoods, including Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Cabbagetown. You’ll pass landmarks like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birth Home, the 1996 Olympic Village, and Centennial Olympic Park. There’s even a moment to pause and reflect at the King Center. This small-group tour is intimate, informative, and surprisingly fun—guides are locals who keep things light with music, trivia, and plenty of personality. At just $40 for adults, it's a wise way to get the lay of the land (rain or shine) and soak up Atlanta’s history and culture.
Visit the Margaret Mitchell House
Margaret Mitchell’s typewriter, used to draft the manuscript of Gone With the Wind Courtesy Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Even if you’ve never read Gone With the Wind or have mixed feelings about its legacy, the Margaret Mitchell House offers a thoughtful look at the author’s life and the complicated cultural footprint of her work. Located in Midtown, the museum features the apartment where Mitchell wrote most of her novel and a well-curated exhibit that critically examines how Gone With the Wind has shaped American memory, including its role in perpetuating the Lost Cause mythology. Admission is $18.50 for adults and $14.50 for youth, with free entry for children under 4. It’s a quick, informative stop that doesn’t shy away from context, making the museum and experience itself feel less like glorification and more like reflection.
Where to Eat
Politan Row at Colony Square
The sleek, central bar anchors Politan Row’s chef-driven food hall Courtesy Melissa McAlpine for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
If you’re traveling with friends who can never agree on where to eat, Politan Row at Colony Square in Midtown is the answer. This chef-driven food hall features a diverse lineup of local vendors—think Latin, Jamaican, Thai, curries, kebabs, pizza, and more—all under one stylish roof. Grab what you’re craving, meet back at a communal table, and enjoy the lively vibe. There’s also a central bar for cocktails, plus a tucked-away speakeasy-like lounge if you’re in the mood for something a little more intimate. Open daily, it’s a great go-to for casual bites with plenty of flavor.
Plant-Powered Posse
The original Slutty Vegan in Edgewood Courtesy Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Atlanta’s vegan scene is bold, flavorful, and far from basic. I’d already tried Slutty Vegan in NYC, but there’s something special about experiencing it where it all began. Their famous One Night Stand burger always lives up to the hype, but I couldn’t resist picking up a bottle of their signature Slut Dust, an all-purpose seasoning that’s perfect on roasted veggies, potatoes, or just about anything that needs a kick. For something equally satisfying, Café Sunflower in Buckhead delivers globally inspired vegan comfort food like fried avocado tacos and hearty curry bowls packed with flavor. And at Inman Park, Planta offers a sleeker, more upscale vibe with standout options like firecracker cauliflower wings and a vodka sauce pizza that had me plotting a second visit before I’d even finished the first slice.
Where to Eat & Drink
Atlanta's Gay Bars
Courtesy Gene Phillips for Atlanta Convention & Visitors BureauCourtesy Gene Phillips for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Atlanta's gay bar scene is as vibrant and varied as the city itself—more than I had time to fully explore, but here are a few standouts where I had a genuinely good time. First up: Blake's on the Park, an iconic Midtown mainstay with a strong-pour reputation, drag shows that never disappoint, and a friendly, mixed crowd that keeps the energy going seven nights a week. Over in East Atlanta, Mary's is a beloved local dive bar with karaoke, DJs, and an anything-goes spirit. And if you're in the mood for something even more low-key, Friends on Ponce offers pool tables, poker nights, and a no-attitude vibe with some of the friendliest bar staff in town.
Cocktails With Character
Inside The James Room: A Hidden Gem for Cocktails and Cozy Vibes Courtesy The James Room
In a city that knows how to dress up and go out, these three cocktail spots deliver on both style and substance. Make a reservation, skip the sneakers, and prepare for a night that starts with a perfect pour.
El Malo is ideal for post-dinner drinks and dancing. With art deco flair, great music, and a sultry, low-lit interior, this bar nails the mood. The cocktails are strong and well-balanced, and the energy picks up as the night goes on. Originally opened as a private members’ club, 12 Cocktail Bar at Ponce City Market still feels exclusive in the best way. The views are unbeatable, the service is polished, and the drinks? Flawless. Just a heads up—it’s a cashless spot, so make sure you bring a card. The James Room sits just off the Beltline, and inside, it’s all moody lighting, plush seating, and expertly crafted cocktails. This Black-owned speakeasy makes a killer take on an espresso martini and has a vibe that lands somewhere between a jazz lounge and a very stylish house party.
Major Annual Events
Atlanta Pride Takes Over Midtown Every October Courtesy Peter DeMoore
Be sure to check local listings for exact dates and lineups, but here are a few of Atlanta’s major annual events worth timing your trip around:
Atlanta Jazz Festival (May)
Held in leafy Piedmont Park, this free music fest features a stellar lineup of jazz greats and emerging talent. It’s an ideal way to kick off your Memorial Day weekend.
Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (Labor Day Weekend)
One of the most important celebrations of Black LGBTQ+ culture in the world. Expect community panels, high-energy parties, and performances that highlight Black queer excellence.
Out on Film (Late September–October)
A beloved LGBTQ+ film festival now in its 35th year. With screenings, panels, and special guests, it’s an Oscar-qualifying event that continues to spotlight queer stories from around the globe
Atlanta Pride (October)
There’s a reason the city's nicknamed “Hotlanta,” but don’t expect rainbow-filled parades in June—Atlanta’s Pride celebrations are wisely held in October, when the heat is less intense. With over 350,000 attendees each year, it’s the largest Pride celebration in the Southeast and one of the biggest in the U.S. The parade through Midtown is the main draw, but the full weekend includes concerts, parties, and a massive festival in Piedmont Park. This year’s theme is “Rooted in Resistance,” a nod to the deep activist history of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community.
Other Important Information
Aerial View of the Rainbow Crosswalk in Midtown Atlanta Courtesy Christopher Watkins
- LGBTQ+ rights: Georgia doesn't have statewide nondiscrimination laws for LGBTQ+ people, but Atlanta is known for its progressive stance, with strong local protections and one of the most active queer communities in the South.
- Traffic: Atlanta traffic has a reputation (think LA congestion with a touch of New York impatience). Luckily, the city’s MARTA system can be a real time-saver. With direct access from the airport and lines running through neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead, it’s an efficient, affordable way to hop around town.
- Weather: The summer heat is no joke, so pack transitional clothing you can easily peel off outside and throw back on once you step into that glorious, full-blast Southern AC. In the winter months, though, daytime temperatures typically range from the low 40s to mid-50s.
- Cannabis is decriminalized in the city but still not legal statewide. Possession of up to an ounce is punishable by a $75 fine without any jail time.
