Reduce stress and enjoy your vacation more when enjoying a car-free escape. Atlanta is an ideal city to explore on foot and by public transit. Read on for tips to taking a car-free getaway in Atlanta.
A car-free break. It’s one of the most eco-friendly things you can do when heading anywhere. The benefits of just one day without cars on the streets have tremendous advantages to humans and wildlife—cleaner air and quieter streets are two that most folks notice immediately.
For travelers, reduced stress and a closer look at the destination when walking, cycling, or using public transit are tremendous benefits. Car-free days also mean savings on fuel and parking. (If you get there and realize you really can’t live without your car, these local car shipping companies can help you out.) Here is how you can plan your car-free getaway in Atlanta.
Atlanta is an Ideal City for a Car-Free Getaway
One of America’s largest and most progressive cities, Atlanta is overflowing with attractions and things to do. But it also has a reputation for heavy traffic. After a recent trip to Atlanta, I learned it’s a walkable city with bike lanes, pedestrian-only zones, and superior public transit. It’s the ideal location for a car-free getaway.
How to Have a Car-Free Getaway in Atlanta
Arrive at your lodging, park your car, and forget it. Public transportation, feet, and cycles are your transit until you depart for home.
20-story Sky View Ferris Wheel in downtown Atlanta. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Well-Located Accommodation
A successful car-free break depends on where you stay. The best place is in the center of things you decide to explore. Get busy with a map, locate places you want to go, then look for hotels, vacation rentals, B&Bs, RV parks, or campgrounds near your destinations. Most map programs will show hotel locations using a bed icon, or you can search in booking programs using an activity location.
Stay in the City Center
In Atlanta, I stayed at Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection. It is the perfect location and a hotel I fell in love with the moment I walked inside. The Glenn is surrounded by some of Atlanta’s most popular places: Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta BeltLine, Zoo Atlanta, Historic Oakland Cemetery, State Farm Arena, CNN Center, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and many others are less than a 15-minute walk from the Glenn.
Glenn Hotel has much more than the location going for it. The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Called the ‘pride of Atlanta’ because of the 39 lions surrounding the hotel’s cornice, pride in its location, staff, and amenities are evident in everything the Glenn offers.
The hotel includes standard sleeping rooms, suites, and even a penthouse suite with a kitchen. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lounge and bar offer a wide selection of spirits, wine, and beer. Valet parking is available. You might also consider leaving your car in one of the many nearby public parking garages.
Glenn Hotel mascot’s portrait pops up where you least expect it. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Walkable/Bikeable Attractions for Your Car-Free Getaway in Atlanta
Atlanta is filled with many walkable and bikeable attractions. Here are a few of our suggestions.
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre green space that honors Atlanta’s 1996 Summer Olympic Games. One of the favorite spots in the park is the Fountain of Rings, the world’s largest interactive fountain. Children and adults can cool down in the fountain’s water jets, gently erupting from the ground. In addition, there are acres of grass and shade for picnics, play, relaxing, and people-watching.
Entrance to Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is a scientific institution that entertains and educates the public with experiences promoting aquatic biodiversity. It is huge! Some tanks are several stories high. There are many experiences, including tanks for simple observation, feeding times, and immersive shark and ray interaction. The aquarium is fully accessible to all feet and wheels.
See and learn about Whale Sharks, Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, African Penguins, Manta Rays, Corals, Beluga Whales, Sea Lions, Sharks & Rays, Manatees, and many more aquatic species.
One of the giant tanks at Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta. Photo by Mary Charlebois
World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola is an immersion of everything Coke. Whether you are a fan or not, visiting is an eye-opening experience. Wander through the exhibits and learn about Coke’s history and influence worldwide. You can also sample beverages from around the globe and try making your own unique blend. In addition, the gift shop is a treasure trove of Coke-branded collectibles, clothing, and art.
Vintage Coke-Cola delivery truck from Europe. Photo by Mary Charlebois
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
“The National Center for Civil and Human Rights believes in justice and dignity for all—and the power of people to make this real.”
A visit here is unforgettable, uplifting, and humbling. Walk through history-making events that have changed human rights worldwide. Listen to speeches, view photos, or participate in a simulated lunch counter sit-in that is heart-wrenching and infuriating. Caution—this incredible place may bring you to tears.
Mural at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Atlanta BeltLine
Whether on foot or cycling, the Atlanta BeltLine is a terrific way to spend a car-free day. The largest urban redevelopment project in the US, the 22-mile BeltLine connects a network of public parks, trails, public transit, and affordable housing. Neighborhoods, eateries, shopping centers, and fabulous art are along the way. View this interactive map for locations of entry points and activities.
Art along Atlanta’s BeltLine Photo by Mary Charlebois
Zoo Atlanta
Plan a full day at Zoo Atlanta. The 40-acre park is 2.4 miles from the Glenn Hotel and downtown Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta is one of America’s oldest zoological parks. With over 1,000 animals, the zoo is a center for research and conservation. Animal habitats are designed to replicate the animals’ natural homes. A walk through the park will allow you to learn about pandas, elephants, lions, monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and many other species.
Giant Panda Cub at Zoo Atlanta. Photo Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta’s experiences include educational programs for all ages, giraffe feedings, talks, wild encounters, wildlife presentations, miniature train rides, a playground, food, and shopping.
A Banded Iguana at Zoo Atlanta. Photo by Mary Charlebois
College Football Hall of Fame
College football fans will be in Nirvana at the College Football Hall of Fame. “The hall measures 94,256 square feet, including 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 45-yard indoor football field.”
It is spectacular and lots of fun, even for the non-sports fan. The memorabilia illustrate historical moments and record-setting achievements from over 1,000 players and 200 coaches. The interactive multimedia displays are state-of-the-art. The theater features ultra-high-definition films. There are children and adult activities, including the chance to kick a 20-yard field goal.
Steve Penley Mural at College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta. Photo by Mary Charlebois
PRO TIP: Get a CityPASS for Your Car-Free Getaway in Atlanta
Have you ever used a CityPASS? The pay-one-price discounted bundle of tickets is an excellent way to stretch your travel budget and plan your car-free break in Atlanta.
With a CityPASS, you pay one price for some of the city’s most celebrated destinations. Then, you show your CityPASS at the ticket booth and begin your next adventure. You can use a Smartphone or paper ticket as your pass. The only thing hard about buying or using a CityPASS is deciding which attractions you want to experience.
Save up to 50% on combined prices for admission to must-see attractions! Shop Now at CityPASS.com! Cost (at this writing): Adults $89; children $69. Purchase mobile tickets online for prepaid admission to:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Zoo Atlanta
Plus, your choice of any two of the following:
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Photo Courtesy of CityPASS
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World Car-Free Day
World Car-Free Day is celebrated on September 22 in cities around the globe. Since 1994, large and small communities have joined the movement to reduce carbon footprints. Taking cars off the road, even one day, can make a difference. But, of course, you don’t have to wait for September 22, so why not make your next travel adventure car-free starting with Atlanta?
Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when planning your next car-free escape. Explore more things to do in Georgia or more of our favorite destinations.
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