Exciting Things to See and Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the country's most accessible destinations. After all, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest passenger airport in the world, hosting more than 107 million travelers in 2018. ATL-which is located just a few miles south of Downtown Atlanta-is a hub for Delta Air Lines and a focus city for budget carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines so finding a great flight deal shouldn't be too hard.

If you're looking for wallet-friendly accommodations without sacrificing comfort, services and amenities, I recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Galleria-Ballpark Area just 10 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta near Smyrna. Highlights include free high-speed internet; a complimentary hot breakfast buffet available from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily; free parking; a seasonal outdoor pool; a well-equipped fitness center and free shuttle service. What's more, the hotel is within walking distance to the vibrant Battery Atlanta.

The Battery Atlanta at SunTrust Park is a premier entertainment destination not just on Atlanta Braves game days but year-round. Visitors can choose from a slew of excellent restaurants, bars and nightlife options such as Live! at the Battery Atlanta, the Terrapin Taproom and Fox Brothers BBQ, Punch Bowl Social and El Super Pan Latino Kitchen & Bar. The area is also home to a variety of unique shops including Baseballism; Sugarboo & Co. and the South End Trading Company. The outdoor plaza features a large grassy area where kids can play and watch movies on the big screen. There's plenty of on-site parking or you can easily take an Uber or Lyft from your hotel. Once you arrive, everything is within easy walking distance.

The legendary Coca-Cola Roxy is yet another reason to spend some extended time in the Battery. This two-year-old venue can host up to 3,600 during epic concerts and other live performances and features multiple levels and bars. The Roxy recently hosted the Marquee Moments Home for the Holidays Concert featuring a stacked lineup that included Big Boi, Clay Cook, Arrested Development and more.

Opened five years ago on Marietta Street in Downtown Atlanta, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is undoubtedly one of the city's most impressive attractions. Even if you don't consider yourself a sports fan, the fully interactive All-Access Pass you receive upon entry makes it easy to personalize your experience whether you want to light up your favorite school's helmet on the eye-popping helmet wall in the Quad; relive the best games and greatest moments throughout college football history though highlight packages or hear stories told by the game's most iconic players and coaches. Visitors can even test their own football abilities at the indoor skill zone where you can throw passes, kick field goals and attempt to conquer an obstacle course.

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world's largest featuring well over 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water that's home to a wide range of animals, including massive whale sharks-the world's largest known extant fish species-beluga whales, sea lions and bottlenose dolphins. Be sure to purchase your tickets online and select an arrival time between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to save as much as 20 percent on gate admission prices.

Hop into one of the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel's 42 climate-controlled gondolas to experience the city from nearly 20 stories off the ground. Located across the street from Centennial Olympic Park, this can't-miss attraction also features VIP gondolas boasting Ferrari style seats, a glass floor and a longer flight time for those travelers looking to enhance their experience.

The unmistakable Coca-Cola soft drink traces its roots to Atlanta, where it was invented by John Stith Pemberton in the late-19th century. Today, the World of Coca-Cola in Pemberton Place is home to interactive exhibits showcasing the rich history of the legendary beverage brand. Visitors to this museum can even sample dozens of beverages from around the world and get a behind-the-scenes view of the bottling process.

If you're fortunate enough to visit Atlanta during the holidays, there's a whole lot more to look forward to, including an exciting pop-up Christmas market at Centennial Olympic Park. The free Atlanta Christkindl Market is great for families and is the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts while sampling authentic bratwurst and gluhwein and soaking in German culture. Festive holiday light displays such as Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden are also must-see events this time of year.