2 Day trip to Atlanta

Question

We will be driving to Atlanta and reaching there by 10pm on a Thursday in next 2 weeks

Friday and Saturday is open for visits and Sunday morning will be driving back.

Need itinerary help for Friday and Saturday

2 adults and 2 kids( 11 and 8 yr old)

Planning below activities:

Friday - Georgia Aquarium and World of Coco Cola

Saturday - Botanical Gardens and Stone Mountain

Any hotel suggestions ? Should we stay in Mid-town or look for more affordable places within a 30min drive from say Aquarium

Answer

Your 2-day trip to Atlanta sounds like a great family adventure! With two kids in tow, you'll want to balance some fun attractions with a bit of downtime. Based on your current plan, here's a suggested itinerary and some tips for hotels in the area.

Friday Itinerary: Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca-Cola

Morning: Start your day with breakfast and head to the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. It’s a great spot for kids with interactive exhibits, a 4D theater, and the Ocean Voyager exhibit featuring whale sharks and manta rays. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours here to see everything.
Lunch: There are several restaurants in the area, including Steamhouse Lounge (a casual spot with seafood), or you could head to the nearby Pemberton Cafe for a quick bite.
Afternoon: After lunch, head over to World of Coca-Cola (located just a short walk from the aquarium). It’s an interactive museum where you can learn about the history of the Coca-Cola brand and try over 100 different beverages from around the world. The kids will love the tasting room and the 4D theater. Expect to spend 2–3 hours here.
Evening: For dinner, consider dining at the Hard Rock Cafe or explore the Centennial Olympic Park area for family-friendly restaurants. You can also check out the nearby SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel for great city views to end the day.

Saturday Itinerary: Atlanta Botanical Garden & Stone Mountain

Morning: Start with a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden (opens at 9 AM). This is a beautiful, family-friendly place with themed gardens, a children's garden, and seasonal exhibits. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy nature, and your kids will love the splash fountains and the fun sculptures. Plan for 2–3 hours here.
Lunch: You can grab lunch nearby in the Midtown area, or if you want to take your time, head toward Stone Mountain and have a picnic at the park.
Afternoon: After lunch, head to Stone Mountain Park (about a 30-minute drive from Midtown). There’s a lot to do here, from hiking to the top of the mountain (or taking the Skyride) to exploring the exhibits, the laser show (if it’s the season), and the train ride around the mountain. Stone Mountain offers plenty of outdoor activities for kids, so it’s a great spot for both exploration and relaxation. Expect to spend 3–4 hours here.
Evening: You can return to the city or have dinner at Stone Mountain Park itself (restaurants like The Commons offer family-friendly meals). If you’re back in the city, you might want to check out Atlanta’s Varsity for a casual and classic Atlanta dining experience.

Hotel Recommendations:

Staying in Midtown: Midtown is a great central location if you want easy access to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and other downtown attractions. Some family-friendly hotels include:
- Loews Atlanta Hotel: Upscale and family-friendly, with a great location near the aquarium and parks.
- The Georgian Terrace: Historic charm with large rooms and suites, ideal for families.
Affordable Options (within 30-minute drive): If you want to stay outside of the downtown area for a more affordable rate, here are some options:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Galleria: Located in the Cumberland area, it's a good budget option with easy access to highways and shopping.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta NW - Galleria Area: Another affordable option with convenient access to both downtown and Stone Mountain.

Overall, staying in Midtown will give you the most convenience for the activities you’ve planned, but if you’re looking to save a little, the hotels outside of downtown are still very accessible and might offer better value. Enjoy your trip to Atlanta! It’s a fantastic city with lots to offer for both kids and adults.

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