Guide to the Best Attractions in Atlanta, Georgia

Located in downtown Atlanta, the GA Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium including more than 60 exhibits. Some of the key attractions in the aquarium include the whale sharks, penguins in their indoor/outdoor facility, and the beluga whales. The aquarium consists of 5 themed areas: Cold Water Quest, Georgia Explorer, Ocean Voyager, River Scout and Tropical Diver. Each represent different aspects of marine life found in various habitats. The layout of this aquarium allows you to explore at your own pace and leisure. All themes begin and end at a central location allowing you to re-visit your favorite exhibits more than once.

General Admission ranges from $19-27. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but it is strongly advised to purchase in advance. You can visit www.georgiaaquarium.org for more information about your visit.

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is minutes from downtown Atlanta. It was founded in 1889, and operates as one of the oldest continuously operating zoos in the country. Home of the late Willie B., Zoo Atlanta is best known for its family of gorillas and giant panda bears. Devoted to creating an environment replica of each animal, Zoo Atlanta has a diverse setting for each animal. The park is designed to imitate the natural environment of the animals thus taking you through Africa, Australia and even parts of Asia. The zoo also hosts a children's playground and carousel as well as a petting farm.

General Admission ranges from $13-18. You can visit www.zooatlanta.org for more information about your visit.

Located next to the GA Aquarium, the New World of Coca Cola is also in downtown Atlanta. This newly open facility replaced the old World of Coca Cola. The New World of Coca Cola now hosts a 4-D Theater, a fully operating line producing commemorative Coca Cola bottles and the famous tasting room where you can taste of 70 world products of Coca Cola. It also is home to the world's largest collection of Coca Cola memorabilia. This is sure to provide fun for the whole family.

General Admission ranges from $9-16. You can visit www.woccatlanta.com for more information about your visit.

Located about 20 minutes outside Atlanta in the suburbs of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Stone Mountain Park is the world's largest exposed granite. It is a privately owned park open to the public to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, paddle boats, and golf. Other attractions include a Crossroads which allows you to become a member of the 1870's southern town and its ways of life. Crossroads is full of shops and down home cooking. Stone Mountain also offers a sky lift that takes you to the top of the mountain to experience a breathtaking view of neighboring Atlanta. Also available is the Scenic Railroad that takes you around the park while providing a historical account of the mountain's past. If you plan to stay the evening, feel free to enjoy the lasershow where a full show is illuminated on the mountain face ending with a firework spectacular. There is something for everyone at Stone Mountain Park. Plan on spending an entire day here.

General Admission ranges from $8-20 per vehicle (many of the attractions are free of charge) and One Day Adventure Pass ranges from $13-25. You can visit www.stonemountainpark.com for more information to plan your visit.

Located in Midtown-Atlanta also known as the business district, the High Museum was founded in 1905. It is formerly known as the Atlanta Art Association. Taking home the prize as the largest art museum in the southeastern US, the High is home to over 11,000 permanent pieces of work. The High hosts many world exhibits on a rotating schedule along with other educational venues for the entire family.

General Admission ranges from $11-18. You can visit www.high.org for more information to plant your visit.

These are just a few of Atlanta's star attractions. Other places of interest to consider when planning your visit to Atlanta, Georgia are:

-Fernbank Museum of Natural History
-CNN Center
-Turner Field
-Margaret Mitchell House
-Atlanta Botanical Gardens
-Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum
-Centennial Olympic Park
-Underground Atlanta
-Center for Puppetry Arts
-Fox Theater

Now pack your bags and hit I-85, I-75 or I-285 and head on down to Hot-lanta! Excitement is just waiting to happen!