These fun Atlanta tours will show you the best the city has to offer. These best Atlanta tours will take you to less-visited places you might never discover.
Plus, many of these tours are led by expert guides who can share insiders’ secrets and tips. Read on to discover your next Atlanta adventure!
Note: To make sure you have all the right information, be sure to check each tour’s website.
TL;DR – in this list, you’ll find:
- best Atlanta tours
- tour ideas for history lovers in Atlanta
- Atlanta activities for foodies
- Ideas for exploring Atlanta’s civil rights history
- Atlanta brewery tours
- COVID-safe experiences in Atlanta
- animal encounters in Atlanta
- spooky and haunted Atlanta spots
- …and much more!
Why take the best Atlanta tours?
Tours are important to help you discover a city. For example, in the King district, many buildings look like rubble. In fact, they are important historic locations.
The tours described here will get you a closer look at the city. Go beyond Centennial Olympic Park to really explore Atlanta.
Are the tours of Atlanta included here COVID-safe?
We have chosen primarily COVID-friendly tours. Many tours are outdoors only. On many indoor tours, masks are required. We recommend checking the websites for more information.
The best Atlanta walking tours:
Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk
Atlanta is a city built on food. During this fun food tour, you’ll learn about the founding of Atlanta. The experience includes a stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery. Plus, you’ll taste 9 southern dishes at 3 food stops, including the incredible shrimp and grits at Six Feet Under.
King Historic District Tour
This memorable 1.7-mile walking tour tells the story of Martin Luther King, Jr. Discover the people and locations that inspired him. This is a must do activity when visiting Atlanta. In addition, it was named by Conde Nast as one of the 16 best things to do in Atlanta. It includes stops at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, and the King Center.
If you’re a history buff:
Cooking & Live History Demonstrations at the Smith Plantation
The Smith Plantation building and grounds are open to the public as a museum. The museum bears witness to the lives of the 30 enslaved people who built and worked on this property.
The museum’s interactive experiences include a free, regularly-occurring cooking and living history demo.
Virtual Tour of The Wren’s Nest, Home of Joel Chandler Harris
The Wren’s Nest, located in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood, was the home of Joel Chandler Harris and his family. Harris is known for writing the Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit stories, based on African American folk tales.
The Wren’s Nest became a museum in 1913, at which time it became the first and oldest house museum in Georgia. While The Wren’s Nest is currently closed, you can experience a virtual tour.
If you’re passionate about the Civil Rights Movement and social justice:
Atlanta’s Journey for Civil Rights Bike Tour with Bicycle Tours of Atlanta
On this unique bicycle tour, you’ll learn more about Atlanta’s civil rights history. Explore our city’s past, from the Antebellum South to the present day. This tour provides a safe space for people from all walks of life to come together and gain insight.
Your tour includes the use of a bicycle, helmet, bottled water, and snacks. You will also get to ride down the famous Atlanta beltline.
Virtual Holocaust Exhibit Tour with The Breman
The Breman Museum in Atlanta works to connect people to Jewish history. In this hour-long tour, you’ll learn about the events leading up to the Holocaust and the post-war lives of those who survived.
This exhibition was designed by Atlanta Holocaust survivor Benjamin Hirsch. It features historic photographs, memorabilia, and family documents of survivors who moved to Atlanta after the war.
If you consider yourself a foodie:
Atlanta Food Walks
Great food, awesome storytelling, and fun walks through beautiful neighborhoods? Sign us up! These popular small-group tours max out at 12 people. A walking food tour is a great way to eat and chat with other locals and tourists.
You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy this tour – you just need to enjoy eating, chatting, and seeing the city!
Virtual Chocolate Tour with Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate
Learn about everything chocolate from the comfort of your home. Xocolatl is one of Atlanta’s most beloved chocolate-making companies! Xocolatl’s Craft Chocolate Primer and Tasting is a live, hour-long exploration. You’ll learn how chocolate is made. Best of all, experience a guided tasting of three single-origin dark chocolate bars.
The experience includes a printed tasting guide, a tasting mat for recording your flavor notes, plus a few surprises.
If you love exploring craft beer and spirits:
Self-Guided Tour & Tasting at Old Fourth Distillery
Old Fourth Distillery is Atlanta’s first distillery since Prohibition. It makes bourbon, gin, and vodka. The company’s handcrafted spirits are made with sugar cane, making it sweet and mild. Book your self-guided tour and tasting from preselected time slots. Plus, you’ll get a taste of some of Old Fourth’s delicious, locally-made spirits.
Brewery Tour & Tasting at Sweetwater
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Sweetwater Brewing is one of the largest breweries in the country. Visiting this brewery is a classic Atlanta experience. Sweetwater prides themselves on their mellow, outdoors-inspired vibe. You’ll enjoy a spacious tasting room as well as an on-site restaurant.
Purchase a brewery tour during operating hours. For example, you’ll learn all about the beer-making process. Plus, you’ll enjoy 15 oz of samples along the way. Pups are welcome to join on the brewery’s patio.
Tour & Tasting at Urbantree Cidery
If beer isn’t your thing, try Urbantree Cidery in West Midtown Atlanta. Enjoy hard ciders made using traditional European methods. The cidery largely utilizes local apples. Taking a tour of Urbantree is a great way to taste and support local. Best of all, you can drink and enjoy on their beautiful patio.
Cidery tours are currently offered on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Urbantree is a dog-friendly establishment that also has a patio and games to play.
Mountain Escape with North Georgia Wine Tours
A short drive north of Atlanta, enjoy rolling hills and truly beautiful wineries. North Georgia Wine Tours offers private wine tour escapes from Atlanta in cars or buses! As a result, you can kick back and relax on this full day experience.
Atlanta Brewery Tour with Southern Beer Tours
If you want to make the most of your time in Atlanta, visit multiple breweries. Southern Beer Tours is a beer-lovers bus tour. It stops at Sweetwater, Atlanta Brewing, and Monday Night Brewing. Tours include transportation, admission, and a pint of beer at each stop.
For an even better time, upgrade your experience and get a meat and cheese plate.
If you’re an animal lover, try these best Atlanta tours:
Georgia Aquarium Penguin Encounter
It’s been a rough year – and maybe you just need to chill out with some penguins. Go behind the scenes for a personal penguin encounter. You’ll learn all about penguin care and conservation initiatives. You’ll also meet an African penguin with guidance from a penguin trainer.
Plus, take home a professional photo with a penguin! Additional animal encounter options include shark, sea lion, dolphin, otter, and more. The Aquarium is at Centennial Olympic Park.
Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounters
Zoo Atlanta will get you behind the scenes. Know (and feed!) some of the zoo’s beautiful and interesting animals. You can choose a wild encounter. For example, visit with a giant panda, elephant, or rhino. A Zoo Educator will walk you through the animal’s care and habits. These events allow you to create memories that will last.
If you love ghosts, Halloween, and everything mystic:
Group Scavenger Hunt at Historic Oakland Cemetery
You don’t need to be into the macabre to enjoy a day at Oakland Cemetery – but it helps! The cemetery offers custom group scavenger hunts for purchase. The experience is perfect for 3-4 people, making this ideal for families and friends to enjoy.
Explore Oakland while searching for hidden clues, including in its Civil War section. You’ll also learn fun facts and complete photo challenges.
Full Moon Ziplining on the World’s Largest Zipline
Go soaring through the moonlit night sky on an epic ziplining adventure. Each month, Historic Banning Mills offers full moon ziplining sessions.
This spot is home to the world’s largest ziplining canopy. You’ll soar above a deep hardwood forest on sections ranging from easy to hair-raising.
If you’re a thrill-seeker:
White Water Rafting on the Ocoee, Chattooga, and Chattahoochee
Atlantans can drive to many fantastic whitewater locations. The Ocoee, Chattooga, and Chattahoochee Rivers are all a short drive from Atlanta. At each spot, you’ll find fun and fast-paced whitewater adventures.
Ride a Segway with ATL Cruzers
Segways are a super fun and fast way to zoom around the city. ATL Cruzers offers several great tour options for folks interested in trying out the Segway experience. The Eastside Atlanta Segway Tour includes Inman Park and Grant Park, plus views of the city.
Or, choose the Midtown tour, with a stop at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. You can even zoom by the World of Coca Cola, the CNN Center, and the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Get Behind the Wheel at the Porsche Experience Center
Located near Atlanta’s airport, the Porsche Experience Center was built with the thrill of the drive in mind. As a result, the Porsche Driving Experience is perfect for a treat. You’ll get one-on-one instruction from a driving coach. In addition, you’ll have plenty of time on the 1.6-mile circuit track.
If you’re a nature-lover:
Sunset Beltline Arboretum Tour with Trees Atlanta
Trees Atlanta is a local tree-planting nonprofit group. This summer, they’re offering free recurring sunset tours of the Eastside Beltline trail and arboretum.
An expert docent will guide the experience. It ends near the popular Ponce City Market. You’ll meet fellow nature lovers while exploring local history and seeing funky local art.
Farm Tour at Serenbe
Serenbe is a tranquil spot to hike, shop, dine, and enjoy a taste of rural farm life. Each Saturday, you can register for a tour of Serenbe’s active certified organic farm. You’ll learn about sustainable growing and harvesting practices.
In addition, you’ll find more than 300 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Experience a taste of local produce by visiting one of the nearby restaurants after your tour.
Whew! That’s a lot of amazing Atlanta tours. We hope you’ll try one of these experiences the next time you’re seeking something unique and fun to do in our city.
