Thanks to our city’s brave changemakers, Atlanta played a key role in the Civil Rights movement. Today, Georgia’s capital city offers rich opportunities to learn more about social justice activism and explore Civil Rights history. Atlanta is the perfect place to learn about and honor the movement’s leaders. You’ll walk in the footsteps of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Congressman John Lewis.
In this post, you’ll find a weekend itinerary packed full of Civil Rights Atlanta activities. Experience historic dining spots, must-see sites, unforgettable tours, world-class museum exhibitions, and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about important historic moments while being inspired to take action toward a brighter future. Let’s go!
Atlanta Civil Rights Itinerary
Saturday: Get a Taste of History and Explore Atlanta Civil Rights Legacy
Start Your Weekend Off By Following in Dr. King’s Footsteps: An Unforgettable Atlanta Experience
If you’re looking to learn more about influential African American leaders, Atlanta Black history tours are a must.
Start off your weekend off with the King Historic District Tour, named one of the top 10 history tours in the country by Tripadvisor. This unforgettable walking tour traces Dr. King’s life and legacy throughout the heart of the city.
Dive deeply into the impact of changemakers like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many other Civil Rights leaders.
During this top-rated experience, you’ll get the chance to:
- See Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, operated by the National Park Service. This is where MLK, Jr. and his father both preached.
- See Freedom Hall at the King Center and the Visitors Center, home to a variety of exhibitions on social justice as well as artwork from around the world.
- Learn about Dr. King’s work at his office with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
- Pay your respects at Dr. King’s memorial, created by his wife, Coretta Scott King.
- Take in amazing Atlanta skyline views at the Jackson Street Bridge.
- End at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, and stand in the shoes of icons like Rosa Parks and Maynard Jackson.
- Hear expert local guides share immersive stories of resilience and activism, bringing history to life in an inspiring way.
Saturday Lunch: Take a Historic Food Market Tour + Biscuit-Making Class!
Pro tip: buy a ticket to ride the Atlanta Streetcar! The climate-controlled streetcar runs between the Martin Luther King National Historic Site and the Centennial Olympic Park area, with 10 stops in between. It’s a unique way to see the city while minimizing your driving and parking logistics.
After your King Historic District Tour, head just a few Streetcar stops over to the Municipal Market, Atlanta’s oldest market and home to many Black-owned businesses, for an immersive Atlanta Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class! During this experience, you’ll try 9 delicious tastings from 5 local food vendors.
Learn about the rich history of the Curb Market and its role in the city’s culture, including how it has been used by politicians like Ambassador Andrew Young. Your friendly local tour guide will share fascinating stories of Atlanta’s history and Southern cooking, answering questions and sharing insider tips about the city as you go. Bring the kids and grandparents – this family-friendly food tour is great for all ages!
After tasting your way through the market, the adventure continues with a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make the perfect Southern biscuits! A fun activity for foodies and travelers alike, this tour is an immersive way to savor the city’s culinary scene while creating something memorable.
After class, you can spend time browsing local market vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. Support local businesses and pick up unique souvenirs that celebrate Atlanta’s culture and history!
Saturday Afternoon: Keep Exploring Auburn Avenue
After spending time at the Municipal Market, head further down Auburn Avenue and keep your eyes peeled for some of these incredible sites and locations:
- John Lewis Heroes Mural: This huge mural is unmissable and absolutely stunning
- APEX Museum: The African-American Panoramic Experience shares stories of early African American pioneers in Atlanta
- Atlanta Daily World Building: Currently housing restaurants, this is the home of the first Black-owned daily newspaper in the country
- Sweet Auburn Library or the Auburn Avenue Research Library: This stunning library is one of the largest depositories of African American culture in the country and often has interesting programming, like book talks and festivals
Soul Food at Paschal’s Restaurant
In the evening, head to Paschal’s Restaurant, a historic spot in Downtown Atlanta known as the “unofficial headquarters” of Atlanta’s Civil Rights Movement.
The restaurant’s origins start in 1947, when brothers James and Robert Paschal opened a 30-seat sandwich and soda shop. Over the years, they grew their business, adding hot foods and then a dinner service. Robert’s secret Fried Chicken recipe became the house special – and many Atlantans will still tell you it’s the best around!
In the 1960s, the brothers became involved in the Civil Rights movement. As a result, Paschal’s became an important meeting place for Civil Rights leaders, including Dr. King. In fact, James and Robert Paschal frequently posted bond for protesters who were arrested. On top of that, when protesters were released, the brothers made a habit of offering meals to the protester and their loved ones, on the house.
When you dine at Paschal’s, you’re experiencing a taste of history. Try their famous fried chicken or blackened catfish while soaking in the rich history of this Atlanta institution.
Sunday: Celebrate Food, Culture, & Community
Start Your Morning Off at the Atlanta University Center
The Atlanta University Center is an important center of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Morehouse College and Spelman College. This is the world’s largest consortium of HBCUs and includes many famous leaders from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Samuel Jackson and Spike Lee. Take a stroll through this beautiful campus or visit the Museum of Fine Art at Spelman, the only museum in the nation dedicated to art by and about women of the African diaspora.
Visit the Hammonds House Museum
This stunning museum features artists of African descent and is located in the former residence of Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, a prominent Black anesthesiologist and supporter of the arts.
ALTERNATIVE WHEN OPEN: Then, Explore Atlanta Civil Rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (CURRENTLY CLOSED UNTIL FALL 2025)
Then, head to the nearby National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This modern museum connects the Civil Rights Movement to ongoing global human rights struggles around the world.
At the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, you can explore:
- An immersive exhibition on the U.S. Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
- A powerful simulation of lunch counter sit-ins.
- Stories of activists around the world who are fighting for equality.
Set aside a couple hours to fully experience this Downtown Atlanta museum and its profound impact.
Planning a group trip? Unexpected Atlanta hosts fun, engaging experiences for groups of all sizes. Click the button below to reach out to our team. Let us make planning easy!
Lunch: Pick Your Favorite Black-Owned Restaurant
The Hammonds House Museum is located in the West End neighborhood, and there’s some great places to eat in this side of the city. Here are some of our top picks:
- Tassili’s Raw Reality – a raw vegan sandwich and salad place known for their gigantic sandwiches
- New Soul Vegetarian Restaurant – a long-running vegan restaurant
- Breakfast at Barney’s – head further toward Grant Park to visit this popular brunch spot
Afternoon: Visit Oakland Cemetery’s African American Grounds
In the afternoon, explore the Historic African American Burial Grounds at Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Located in the Grant Park neighborhood outside Downtown Atlanta, Historic Oakland Cemetery welcomes respectful visitors to stroll, explore, and even picnic on the grounds (no grills or fires allowed). In fact, Oakland often hosts community events and festivals that encourage people to visit and learn more about our city’s past.
The 3.5-acre African American Burial Grounds area of Historic Oakland Cemetery was carefully restored in 2022, with the goal of repairing and preserving cemetery features while also better educating the public about our important shared history. In this section of the cemetery lie the graves of Bishop Wesley John Gaines, who founded Morris Brown College; Rev. Frank Quarles, who founded the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary (the precursor to Spelman College); and Carrie Steele Logan, the founder of the first orphanage for African Americans in Atlanta.
Learn more by taking a self-guided tour, including a dial-in option for the “African American Voices” tour. You can also book a guided tour (March-October) through the Historic Oakland Foundation, or explore the cemetery as part of Unexpected Atlanta’s Grant Park Food and Cemetery Tour.
Dinner at Busy Bee Café
Cap off your weekend with a hearty dinner at Busy Bee Café! This beloved Soul Food spot has been serving the community since 1947.
Locals rave about the food at this iconic spot, and for good reason! As a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Busy Bee Café is known for its consistently excellent food served at reasonable prices. In fact, the restaurant was also inducted into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame in recent years!
You’ll find all your favorite Soul Food items here, including chicken and waffles, black eyed peas, and sweet potato pie. Be sure to go early for dinner; Busy Bee Café is open from 11am-7pm on Sundays!
Tips for Your Visit
Use Ride-Sharing & MARTA to Get Around Atlanta
Use ride-sharing apps and Atlanta’s MARTA public transit system to navigate the city easily. Many popular tourist spots and Civil Rights landmarks are located near Downtown Atlanta, readily accessible via MARTA.
Pack for Maximum Comfort
Dressing in layers is a great way to stay comfortable during your trip to Atlanta, as many buildings are air-conditioned during summer and heated during winter. Temperatures can vary! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the King Historic District Tour and other walking activities. Remember to also bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if visiting Atlanta during warm seasons!
Allow Time for Reflection
Allow time to reflect on the significance and emotional impact of sites and exhibits. Consider journaling about moments or thoughts that stand out to you. Not only will this help you process what you experience – it will also serve as a time capsule of important memories and explorations.
Looking for more Atlanta Civil Rights tours and activities? Explore our blog post with more than a dozen Atlanta Black History Month activities. Plus, watch our YouTube video sharing ways to honor the legacy of Civil Rights leader John Lewis in Atlanta.
Planning a Group Trip? Let Us Help!
Unexpected Atlanta offers group experiences for your next work conference, school field trip, scouting experience, family reunion, and more! Reach out below to speak with a member of our team and make planning easy.
