Centennial Olympic Park (Self Guided), Atlanta

The Visitor Center in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park provides a wealth of information about the park's history, as well as the city's role in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The exhibit includes interactive displays and artifacts from the games, including the famous torch used to light the Olympic flame. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the park and learn about its architecture, landscaping, and public art installations. The Visitor Center is staffed with knowledgeable guides who are happy to answer questions and provide recommendations for other attractions in the area.

The Fountain of Rings is the primary attraction of Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, and is renowned worldwide. Originally designed for the Centennial Summer Olympics in 1996, it comprises computer-controlled lights and jets of water synchronized with music played from speakers in light towers surrounding the fountain. The fountain forms a splash pad for children to play in, as well as for concertgoers and joggers to cool off on hot Atlanta summer days.

The waterplay area comprises 251 jets that shoot water 12 to 35 feet (4 to 10 m) in the air, creating a stunning water sculpture that serves as the front yard of the nearby museum. The fountain area is surrounded by flags of previous host countries of the Summer Olympics, and eight 65-foot-tall light towers reminiscent of classical Greek marker columns. Additionally, there are various sculptures scattered throughout the park, including a statue of Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympic movement, and a small amphitheater located at the southern end.

The fountain is an essential formal architectural landmark that is also a fun and playful space. The concept of a computer-controlled fountain has since been replicated in other urban designs such as Dundas Square in Toronto and in commercial uses such as the Bellagio Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There are fountain shows held at Centennial Olympic Park all 365 days of the year, four times daily, playing at 12:30PM, 3:30PM, 6:30 PM, and 9:30PM.

Why You Should Visit:
Whether you want to take a break from sightseeing or enjoy some family-friendly entertainment, the Fountain of Rings is a must-see attraction in Atlanta.

Centennial Plaza was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympics. The plaza showcases 23 national flags that symbolize the past Olympic host cities. At its heart stands the official flag of the Olympic Games; however, the most significant attraction are the striking 'Hermes Towers' consisting of eight towers that rise to 25 feet high. Named after the Greek god Hermes, they each represent an Olympic sport and are adorned with images related to that sport. The towers are made of stainless steel and are illuminated at night, providing a spectacular sight for visitors to the plaza.

The Quilt of Remembrance Plaza is a place of reflection and remembrance. Visitors can pay their respects to the victims of the 1996 Olympic bombing and other acts of domestic terrorism by viewing the Quilt of Remembrance, which consists of 71 panels featuring the names and photographs of those who lost their lives.

The plaza also features a memorial fountain, surrounded by a mosaic depicting the Olympic rings and the names of the 1996 Olympic sponsors, and serving as a place for visitors to sit and contemplate.

In addition to the Quilt of Remembrance and the memorial fountain, the plaza features a number of benches and seating areas, as well as informational plaques detailing the history of the bombing and the efforts to create the memorial. It is a peaceful and solemn space that honors the memories of those who lost their lives and serves as a reminder of the need for peace and understanding in society.

The Children's Garden and Playground in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park is a great place for families to visit. Designed specifically for children, it offers a range of activities to keep them engaged and entertained. The garden features interactive fountains and sprays, a playground with slides, swings, and other fun equipment, a maze, and a reading area. There are also shaded areas where parents can relax while their children play. The garden is open year-round and is free to the public, making it a great budget-friendly option for families looking for a fun day out.

Since it bills itself as the largest in the world, the Georgia Aquarium should definitely be on most visitors' lists of things to do while in Atlanta. It's a well designed aquarium with exhibits broken down by habitat and the only water tank big enough to accommodate several whale sharks, which is reason alone to buy tickets, especially if you've never seen them live.

Of course, while the whale sharks are the star attraction, the Aquarium has so much more! Their many smaller tanks feature an array of interesting species with everything from freshwater fish to penguins, otters, and beluga whales. Sea lion and dolphin shows are a part of the admission fee, but just watching the several species of jellyfish in their individual tanks can keep you mesmerized for hours as they move gracefully up and down with their flowing hairlike tentacles.

Everything is beautifully presented with large walls of thick glass so visitors can feel close to the sea life, separated by mere inches from the most amazing coral and fish, both large and small. In some places aquarium windows glitter with fish moving overhead, and at the entrance there is even a watery wall of schooling fish reflecting changing shades of blue light.

Why You Should Visit:
To experience all the world's major marine ecosystems in a single place – mostly via spectacular large displays and sometimes pop-up viewing stations/crawl spaces. From the Arctic waters where you'll see beluga whales and penguins to tropical seas where there is everything from seahorses to stingrays and sharks.

Tip:
Buy your tickets online as it is a better deal – some discounts there cannot be purchased in person.
Consider paying a little extra to do the backstage tour – well worth the money and great for all ages.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 9am–6pm; Thu: 9am–9pm; Fri-Sun: 8am–9pm

Prepare to have your taste buds tickled and your senses stimulated at this classic Atlanta tourist destination that is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand the global impact of Coca-Cola on people's lives. For a very reasonable admission fee, you can enjoy a leisurely 2-hour exploration of the museum's exhibits spread over two floors. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a free can of Coke and an introduction to the historical artifacts of the company, as well as a video – essentially a long Coca-Cola ad – which acts as a nice segway into the next portion – the entrance into the main hall.

On the first floor, you'll get to explore "The Vault" (rumored to hold the physical copy of the top-secret Coca-Cola recipe), the "Milestones of Refreshment" walk-through exhibit, where you'll learn about the company's history, see the manufacturing process at "Bottle Works," and even take a selfie with the ever-jovial Polar Bear mascot. On the second floor, you'll be treated with a 4D theater that offers a wild roller-coaster-like sensation as the seats move in sync with the short film, plus various galleries, massive gift shop, and of course the most exciting portion: the Tasting Room!

In the Tasting Room, you can sample over 100 different flavors of drinks from all over the world, produced under Coca-Cola license, as well as some drink specials from the bar. A very cool way to end the tour!

Why You Should Visit:
Tons of Coca-Cola paraphernalia and memorabilia, and you are given a virtually unlimited supply of Coca-Cola beverages from around the world to taste (naturally, you won't find any Pepsi drinks or merchandise here!).

Tip:
Try to book online or buy the City Pass to jump at least one or two queues for entrance.

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 10am–6pm; Fri-Sat: 10am–7pm