T he King Historic District is massive and most visitors don’t know where to start. Guests repeatedly tell us that the Martin Luther King Jr. History Tour was the favorite part of their conference networking because we guide you through downtown Atlanta and showcase the places you might visit, as well as those that you would never even notice, in just 3 amazing hours.
You’ll walk in the footsteps of Civil Rights leaders like Dr. King, Congressman John Lewis, Coretta Scott King and many others. Named by Conde Nast as one of the 16 best things to do in Atlanta, this customizable tour will inspire and thrill you.
Most importantly, you’ll walk away from the tour with a strong understanding of how Atlanta changed the world while connecting with your peers.
We Love Our Customers
Customize your tour for:
- Flexible start and end time
- Seeing Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (interior when open)
- Private presentation with the owner and optional add-on reception at Madame CJ Walker Beauty Museum
- Bottled water refreshment
- Hearing immersive stories of Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders
- Add-on bus transportation
- Taking in skyline views of Atlanta at the Jackson Street Bridge
- Understanding the impact of Atlanta on the Civil Rights Movement
- Interacting with our unique and fun sticker brochure
- Photos emailed to you after the tour
- Add-on Southern Biscuit Class at the nearby Municipal Market
- Add-on scavenger hunt game
Private tour guests outside the Madame CJ Walker Beauty Museum
Inside the Madame CJ Walker Beauty Museum
Private Tour guests in front of the I Am Somebody mural
Add On Options
Why Book A Private Unexpected Atlanta Tour?
We are Atlanta experts, passionate storytellers, and home-grown Atlanta natives. That’s not just marketing fluff: we have *literally* written the award-winning book on Atlanta’s culinary history.
There’s a reason we have more 5 star reviews than any other Atlanta walking or food tour: we love our city and can’t wait to share Atlanta with you.
What’s Included with a Private Tour:
- Concierge Level Service with start to finish planning;
- an entertaining and knowledgeable guide;
- a donation to the King Center;
- an exclusive hand-drawn souvenir postcard;
- entrance to the Madam CJ Walker Beauty Museum with a private talk (and optional reception) by the owner;
- post event photos emailed to you
- gratuity and service fee for your guide
When:
Customizable to fit your schedule
Duration:
Generally 2.5- 3 hours. Shorter tour times are available with advance planning.
Cost:
$40 per person + 18% gratuity that goes directly to your guide. At the end of the tour, you’ll agree it’s well deserved!
Booking Deadline:
We recommend booking your private tour at least two weeks before your event date. For last minute inquiries, please call us at 470-223-2203
Tour Size:
We can accommodate groups up to 225 guests with enough notice. Our minimum group size for private tours is 10 guests. For groups under 10 guests, we recommend you book a public tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the King Historic District
Walking Tour Details
Why should I book a walking tour for my team?
A walking tour is an amazing, memorable, and fun way to explore your own city, or a new city!
Plus your team will love getting out of the office to stretch their legs and see some of Atlanta’s best hidden gems and popular historic spots, led by our expert guides!
For instance, the MLK Jr. National Historic site is a massive site filled with history about Dr. King’s life. Additionally, there is the King Center, which is a separate area. Beyond that, the entire Sweet Auburn and Old Fourth Ward neighborhood is full of historic sites.
Our guides will help you make the most of your time. You will see more and learn more with our tours, created by historians and award-winning storytellers.
Additionally, we promise you’ll experience much more on a walking tour than sitting on a bus or driving through the city!
Are the buildings open to the public?
Generally yes. When the buildings in the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park are open, our tours may go inside Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Center, and the National Park Service Visitor Center. While there is construction at Historic Ebenezer and The King Center, admittance to the buildings are limited. However, the walking tour of the neighborhood does not rely on the buildings for the story and impact, so the tour is not affected!
Does the tour include Dr. King's memorial and the reflecting pool?
Yes, the Martin Luther King Jr. History Tour ends at the reflecting pool and the memorial where Dr. and Mrs. King are entombed.
Does the tour visit the home where Martin Luther King Jr was born?
Your guide will take you to the exterior of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth home during this tour. However, we do not visit the interior due to time constraints.
But, if you want to see the interior, you can request free tickets at the Visitor Center.
Are there breaks during the tour?
The tour is conducted at a leisurely pace. We stop for one break in the middle of the tour for water and restrooms when the facility is open.
Is this tour appropriate for all physical conditions?
This is a 1.7 mile outdoor walk with limited seating. Guests should be in good physical condition to walk 2 miles through a city. A rest halfway and restroom break is available if the facility is open. A private tour is walked at a leisurely pace and can accommodate your group pace as needed.
Neighborhood Details
What is "Sweet Auburn"?
Sweet Auburn is MLK’s neighborhood. He was born on Auburn Avenue. But, there is much more to the story of the Sweet Auburn area! It was also home to early leaders who created the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, it was always one of the wealthiest early Black neighborhoods.
This neighborhood has a rich history and culture. For tourists and locals alike, it’s worth exploring!
Why explore Sweet Auburn?
The Sweet Auburn neighborhood is one of America’s historic “Black meccas.” In the 1950s, Fortune magazine called it the richest street for African Americans in the world.
In addition to being the home of many early Civil Rights leaders, it was also a street filled with lawyers, doctors, and more. Additionally, Jazz clubs and restaurants sprang up on the street. The history of this street continues to remain important.
Are there great Instagrammable spots?
Yes, the Martin Luther King Jr History Tour is full of Instagrammable spots. Some of our favorite places to take a photo or video are:
- Jackson Street Bridge
- Homage to King
- Hamilton Howell Home
- King Birth Home
Where should we eat lunch after seeing the Martin Luther King National Historic Site?
Fortunately, our tours are located near some incredible Atlanta restaurants. Here are a few of our favorite lunch spots near the King District:
- Edgewood Avenue: Slutty Vegan, Noni’s, Harold’s Chicken and Ice
- Municipal Market on Auburn Avenue: Panbury’s, Miss D’s, Metro Deli
- Krog Street Market: Gu’s Kitchen
- Krog Street area: Nina and Rafi’s