1st trip to Atlanta

Question

We cancelled our Phoenix trip and going to visit Atlanta for the first time! Going to be here for 6 days and will be a busy 6 days. Land on a Saturday in September and plan on staying at the Sheraton Perimeter North then heading to a baseball game on Sunday. I am renting a car but really do not need it until Monday morning? Renting from the airport adds on around $300.00 which is not needed. Wondering if we can jump on the subway with luggage to the nearest station then just grab an uber? Honestly, would not mind doing this at all as it brings us closer to the city / locals etc., Monday morning we are heading to North Carolina to Harrahs Cherokee resort and I want to tour around on Tuesday visiting the water falls and anything else in that area - possibly cross into Tennessee just for the hell of it? Thoughts? We are then coming back to Atlanta on Wednesday bright and early and still deciding where to stay for those last 2 nights. In a perfect world I would rent a car in the Sheraton area (Sandy something cannot remember :) ) then just drop the car off on Wednesday and take an uber to wherever we are staying then to the airport on Friday morning. On Thursday I was thinking of visiting downtown - maybe the Zoo, Coca-Cola - not sure. Could really care less of downtown and would love to now of any other areas to vist - maybe some nice parks or an area with good food and cold beer alongside some water etc., The question is - is it easy enough to jump on the subway when we land on Saturday afternoon to get us close to the Sheraton? Any other tips , suggestions etc., would be appreciated. Any recommendations of any local individuals as guides looking to make a few bucks? Thanks in advance.

Answer

Sounds like you’ve got an exciting trip planned to Atlanta! I’ll try to give you as much useful info as possible to help you make the most of your time there and save on those rental car fees.

To address your main question about taking public transit from the airport to the Sheraton Perimeter North: Yes, it’s definitely possible to take the subway (MARTA) and Uber from the airport to your hotel, which will save you some money on the rental car. Here’s how you can do it:

Public Transit (MARTA) from the Airport:

MARTA Train: When you land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you’ll head to the MARTA station located directly in the airport. From there, you can take the Gold Line (Airport to Doraville) or the Red Line (Airport to North Springs), both of which pass through downtown Atlanta and will get you closer to your hotel.
Transfer to Uber: You’ll need to get off at the nearest MARTA station to your hotel (the closest is likely Perimeter Center Station, which is about a 15-minute ride). From there, you can grab an Uber or Lyft for a short ride to the Sheraton Perimeter North. This will be much more affordable than picking up the rental car at the airport.
Luggage Considerations: MARTA isn’t super crowded on weekends, but if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, be mindful of busy times. There’s plenty of room, but it’s still good to plan for a little extra time, especially if you need to transfer from the train to the Uber.

On Monday, when you need the car for your trip to Harrah’s Cherokee, you can rent it locally in the Perimeter Center area. This will definitely save you the $300 rental fee from the airport and give you more flexibility for your plans. I’d recommend looking into rental options nearby, as there are several car rental agencies in the area.

Visiting Waterfalls and Tennessee on Tuesday:

Waterfalls: There are several beautiful waterfalls in the North Georgia mountains, including Amicalola Falls, Tallulah Gorge, and Toccoa Falls. These are all fairly easy to access by car and perfect for a day trip.
Crossing into Tennessee: If you’re in the mood to cross into Tennessee, you can take a scenic drive to Chattanooga, which is about a 2-hour drive from Atlanta. While in Chattanooga, you can visit places like Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, or the Tennessee Aquarium.

On your return to Atlanta on Wednesday, you’ll be back to making some final decisions on where to stay. The Sheraton Perimeter North is in a quieter area but not far from the attractions and restaurants in Midtown and Buckhead. If you’re looking for a more central place, consider staying in Midtown, which is more walkable and close to Piedmont Park, some great restaurants, and bars. The Buckhead area is another option if you want more upscale dining and shopping.

Thursday: What to Do in Downtown Atlanta:

Coca-Cola Museum: A fun and iconic attraction in downtown Atlanta, but it’s a little touristy. If you’re not as interested in Coca-Cola history, you might want to skip it.
Zoo Atlanta: The zoo is lovely, but it might be a bit much if you’re not as into animals. It’s definitely family-friendly, though, so your 12- and 15-year-old might enjoy it.
Other Attractions: If you’re more into food and drinks, you can check out Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market for great food, drinks, and a local vibe. Both are less touristy and perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening. If you’re into craft beer, there are also some great breweries in the area, like Monday Night Brewing and SweetWater Brewing Co.

Alternative Places to Visit Beyond Downtown:

Piedmont Park: Great for a leisurely stroll, especially if you want some time outdoors without having to venture far. It’s located in Midtown, so you can easily visit it while exploring the area.
Atlanta BeltLine: A vibrant, multi-use trail that runs through several neighborhoods. You can bike or walk it, and it connects to various parks, street art, restaurants, and shops.
Lake Lanier Islands: A bit farther out, but if you’re craving water and nature, this is a nice area to visit. It’s about 45 minutes north of Atlanta.

Suggestions for Guides:

If you're interested in having a local guide, consider checking out Airbnb Experiences or Viator for tours of Atlanta that could provide a more personalized touch. You can also look up independent tour guides on local Facebook groups or websites. Many guides in the area offer fun, unique, and affordable tours, from historical walking tours to food and drink tours.

All in all, you’re going to have an amazing time in Atlanta, and you’re making great choices with your plans! Enjoy your time at the Braves game, your trip to North Carolina, and everything in between!