One day in Atlanta - Visit Civil Right sites

Question

We have one full day, sort we have a flight @ 6:00 P.M. but we are staying night before. We are interested in Civil Right sites, such as Center for Civil Right, King Center, and MLK Park.

Can we do this. We can start early.

Where should we stay for night before.

We will have a car.

Appreciate our expert advise.

Answer

With one full day to explore Atlanta and your interest in Civil Rights sites, you can absolutely visit the major landmarks like the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the King Center, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Since you have a car and can start early, it’s entirely feasible to see these sites, even with a flight at 6:00 P.M.

Here's how you can structure your day:

Start Early at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park:
This park is one of the most iconic Civil Rights landmarks in Atlanta. It includes the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached, and his childhood home. The visitor center is excellent, with exhibits about his life and legacy. The park opens at 9:00 A.M., so arriving early gives you plenty of time to explore before it gets too crowded.
Visit the King Center:
Just a short walk from the MLK Park, the King Center is dedicated to Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. It’s home to their tombs and a collection of exhibits about the Civil Rights Movement. You can also view the Eternal Flame. Expect to spend around 45 minutes to an hour here.
Center for Civil and Human Rights:
After visiting the King Center, head to the Center for Civil and Human Rights, which is located nearby in downtown Atlanta (about a 5-minute drive). This museum features powerful exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement, including interactive experiences that tell the stories of struggle and triumph. Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here.
Quick Visit to MLK's Birth Home (Optional):
If you have some extra time, consider visiting the Birth Home of Dr. King, which is part of the historical park. It's a quick stop, and you can get a feel for his early life.

Regarding where to stay for the night before your visit, it’s best to stay in a central location so that you can easily access these sites. Some options include:

Hotel at Five Points or Downtown Atlanta:
Hotels near Five Points or downtown are convenient, as they are close to the Civil Rights sites and offer easy access to major roads. The Hyatt Centric or the Marriott Marquis are popular choices.
Stay Near the King Center:
The area near the King Center and MLK Park has several well-rated hotels that are just a short walk or drive away from the major sites. The Holiday Inn Express or the Hampton Inn are good options in this area.
Stay in Midtown Atlanta:
If you prefer a livelier area with more dining and entertainment options for the evening, Midtown Atlanta is about a 10-minute drive from the Civil Rights sites. The Four Seasons or the Loews Atlanta are both excellent choices in Midtown.

Since you'll have a car, parking shouldn’t be an issue, as most of these locations have parking nearby, including free or low-cost options at the King Center and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

To wrap up your day, after visiting the Civil Rights sites, you’ll have enough time to head back to your hotel to freshen up before your flight at 6:00 P.M. Depending on your interests, you could even grab a quick meal in downtown Atlanta or explore some other nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park.

Enjoy your trip to Atlanta and the important Civil Rights history that the city has to offer!