Martin Luther King Jr Atlanta Tour

O ur unforgettable Atlanta History Tour of the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr.

Get an in-depth look at the people and locations that inspired him, while literally walking 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 Martin Luther King Jr tour will inspire and thrill you.

The King Historic Area is massive and most visitors don’t know where to start. Guests repeatedly tell us that this was the favorite part of their trip because we showcase the places you might visit, as well as those that you would never even notice, in just 2.5 amazing hours.

Most importantly, you’ll walk away from our tour with a strong understanding of how Atlanta changed the world.

Please note that this is a 1.7 mile outdoor walk with lots of standing, so contact us directly if you have any physical limitations or difficulty walking or standing.

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Highlights include:

Exploring Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (when open)
History of Dr. King’s office at the Prince Hall Grand Lodge
Seeing Dr. and Mrs. King’s memorial
Hearing immersive stories of Dr. King and the many Civil Rights leaders
Taking in amazing skyline views of Atlanta at the Jackson Street Bridge
Understanding the impact of the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood and the Civil Rights Movement
Interacting with our unique and fun sticker brochure

Watch a short preview:

Martin Luther King Jr Tour in Atlanta Details

When:

Daily at 10am

Duration:

Approximately 2.5 hours

Cost:

$30 per person

What’s Included:

Visiting Freedom Hall at the King Center, seeing Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (interior when open), Prince Hall Grand Lodge, and many other locations; an entertaining and knowledgeable guide; a donation to the King Center; an exclusive hand-drawn brochure

Sales Deadline:

Tickets must be purchased 2 hours before the start of the tour

Tour Size:

Public tours are no more than approximately 14 people; call us at 470-223-2203 for larger groups of up to 140 people

What to Wear:

Comfortable weather-appropriate clothes and very comfortable shoes

What to Bring:

A bottle of water, an umbrella on rainy days, and cash for gratuities if you have an awesome time on your tour

Weather Conditions:

Tour takes place rain or shine

Distance:

1.7 easy miles with plenty of stops

Meeting Point:

Provided with ticket purchase via email

Learn About Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the King Historic District

Walking Tour Details

Why should I take a walking tour?

A walking tour is an amazing, memorable, and fun way to explore your own city, or a new city! During an Unexpected Atlanta tour, you’ll be led by expert local guides to some of Atlanta’s best hidden gems and popular historic spots.

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 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.

Additionally, we promise you’ll experience much more on a walking tour than sitting on a bus or driving through the city!

Is the Visitor Center closed due to COVID?

Fortunately, it is open! While the Visitor Center was previously closed due to the pandemic, it is now re-opened.

Does the tour include Dr. King's memorial and the reflecting pool?

Yes, the King Historic District 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 children?

Many children attend our tours. Generally, we recommend that children are over the age of 9, since the tour includes around 1.7 miles of walking. We’ve found that many children love the Martin Luther King Jr tour as a way to bring their classroom lessons to life.

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