Thanks to a host of local technology leaders and innovators, Atlanta has grown to become “Tech City South.” But that’s not all our city has to offer. There are a ton of interesting places to see, both historic and new. If you’re coming to WordCamp Atlanta early or want to discover the city during your downtime, here’s a list of some noteworthy points of interest to check out while you’re in town.
Georgia Aquarium 
Are you an oceanographer at heart? Meet the local beluga whales, whale sharks, penguins, dolphins and 100,000+ other animals at the Georgia Aquarium! This is the world’s second largest aquarium and conveniently located just one mile north of Loudermilk Conference Center. You can get your tickets here.
World of Coca-Cola
One of the most significant inventions produced from Atlanta is the most iconic beverage of all time; Coca-Cola. If you’re a sucker for nostalgia or just love soda, the World of Coca-Cola is the place to be. Learn about the history of Coca-Cola, see the vault where the secret recipe is kept, and taste of 100+ sodas from around the world. This museum is located right next to the Georgia Aquarium, and you can purchase your tickets in advance here.
College Football Hall of Fame
Baseball might be America’s pastime, but football is just as exceptional in the A. The College Football Hall of Fame is one of our most recent attractions and devoted to honoring the college players, coaches, and influencers of the game. Not only can you explore this facility through a personalized experience based on your favorite team, but you will gain a new appreciation for the game through their interactive activities and exhibits. Get your game on and buy tickets here.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum
This museum is quite special to Atlanta, as it’s dedicated to the achievements of both the civil rights movement in the US and the worldwide human rights movement. The exhibits range from a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. collection to interactive ones about the American Civil War. You’ll walk away feeling empowered, inspired and proud. Don’t wait; get your tickets at their website.
High Museum of Art
From sculptures to graffiti, art of all styles is very precious to Atlanta. A great place to see some of the world’s most treasured works of art can be discovered at the High Museum of Art. They’re always putting on new exhibitions and showcase some of the most renowned collections in the Southeast. You can plan your visit at their website.
Centennial Olympic Park
If you can remember, the summer Olympics was held in Atlanta in 1996. The Centennial Olympic Park was developed for these games, and today it remains one of the biggest tourist attractions of Atlanta. See a show at the Fountain of Rings or take in the views of Atlanta from the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel. Admission to this park is free, and it’s just a mile away from the WordCamp location.
Topgolf
This place is not your mama’s mini-golf course; this is the ultimate golfing experience that everyone will enjoy (even those who are not golf enthusiasts)! Topgolf combines golfing with target hitting and has an array of food and drink selections. Bring a group from WordCamp and head to Midtown to experience this amazing entertainment venue. Learn more about this place at their website.
Piedmont Park
Another park option to explore is Piedmont Park, located in Midtown. This park offers breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline and continuously hosts events and festivals all year long. It’s a quick cab or Marta ride from Loudermilk and free to the public.
Ponce City Market
Atlanta is home to some of the country’s best restaurants and chefs, and a great place to have a taste of everything is at Ponce City Market. Located in Old Fourth Ward, which is about three miles from Loudermilk, this mixed-use development not only houses a food hall with cuisine choices from Greek to Southern cooking, but it also has boutiques, office spaces, and a winery. You can learn more information about this area here.
The Varsity
“What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” is how you will be greeted by The Varsity staff. As the largest drive-in fast food restaurant in the world, The Varsity is an iconic stable of Midtown. Here, you’ll be able to indulge in classics like chili dogs and burgers and taste their world-famous orange milkshakes and fried peach pies. You can drool over their menu here.
While these points of interest are just some of our favorite places to visit, Atlanta has MUCH more than this to see. Do yourself a favor and plan to explore Tech City South before or after WordCamp! You’ll be happy you did!