Category Archives: Tourist Attraction
MARTA to Oakland Cemetery
The historic Oakland Cemetery is right next to the King Memorial Station (see map). It is very easy to get to on MARTA. If you are coming from the north or south, exit at the Five Points station and follow the signs to the Eastbound platform. You can take any eastbound train to King Memorial and upon exiting the station, turn left to walk along Hillard/Grant Street and the entrance to the cemetery will be a couple blocks away.
The cemetery has regular events, including Halloween tours and Sunday in the Park, along with a new event this year called the Tunes from the Tomb, a two-day music festival that supports the cemetery.
For more information, see:
King Memorial Station Restaurants
Exploring the King Memorial Station Area
10 popular Atlanta tourist attractions and how to get there on MARTA
MARTA to the Varsity
The Varsity is the only Atlanta tourist attraction where wearing a paper hat is considered normal. One of the oldest drive-in burger joints, the Varsity is located near Georgia Tech, a short walk from the North Avenue Station on the red/gold rail line (see area map).
Take the North Avenue/West Peachtree Street exit out of the station and cross over West Peachtree Street to turn right walk straight ahead on North Avenue. The Varsity is about one block down, near I-75/I-85.
For more information, see:
10 popular Atlanta tourists attractions and how to get there on MARTA
North Avenue Attractions
North Avenue Station Restaurants
Best of MARTA: Food/Drink
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MARTA to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located in Druid Hills, a historic planned community of neighborhoods and parks near Emory University. Bus 2 travels to the museum from the North Avenue and Decatur Station. If coming from North Avenue, be advised that only every other bus travels to the museum. Look for a bus labeled “Decatur Station” or ask your driver.
Once on the bus, exit at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Clifton Road or alert your bus driver of your destination if you aren’t sure where to signal a stop. Walk north on Clifton Road towards the golf course to reach the driveway to the museum.
Other options for getting to Fernbank include:
- Take a blue or green line train to the Candler Park Station. Exit on to Dekalb Avenue and walk east, away from downtown. Turn left on Glendale, right on McClendon then left on Clifton Road (see walking map). Walking time is about 28 minutes. This route is also good for biking, if you want to take your bike on MARTA.
- Take bus 6 from the Lindbergh or Inman Park Station and exit at the intersection of Briarcliff/Moreland Ave. and Ponce de Leon Ave. From there, walk east (away from the city) to Clifton Road and turn left. Walking time is about 25 minutes (see walking map).
For more information, see:
MARTA Maps
How to Ride MARTA Buses
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
MARTA to Imagine It Children’s Museum
The Imagine It! Children’s Museum is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. near the Peachtree Center Station on the red and gold rail line.
To get there on MARTA, take a red or gold line train to Peachtree Center and take the Harris Street exit off the train platform. Follow the signs to Peachtree Street West and turn left at street level. Walk one block north to Baker Street, turn left (west) on Baker and walk about three blocks (see walking map).
Those who are sight-seeing might also want to consider exiting at the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena Station on the blue/green rail line and take the Philips Arena exit out of the station. From there, walk straight ahead on Centennial Olympic Park Drive that runs along the side of the station. On the way to the museum you can also visit CNN and Centennial Olympic Park.
For more information, see:
Navigating the Peachtree Center Station
Peachtree Center Station Restaurants
Dome/Philips Arena Station Restaurants
10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA
10 Popular Atlanta Tourist Attractions With MARTA Directions
MARTA to Underground Atlanta
Underground Atlanta is located at 50 Lower Alabama Street and contains underground store fronts where you can buy touristy gifts, clothing and other retail goods. There is also access to the Braves Shuttle and Kenny’s Alley, a restaurant/bar and nightlife area.
To get there on MARTA, take any train to the Five Points Station and follow the signs to street level and look for the Peachtree Street exit. After walking through the fare gate, immediately turn right and you will see a doorway marked “Underground Atlanta”. Go through the doorway and down the stairs to reach the official underground area. For events on top of Underground, keep walking straight ahead once you’ve exited the Peachtree Street fare gates. There is a plaza with fountains and an ice cream shop and the New Years Eve Peach Drop takes place there every year.
For more information, see:
Navigating the Five Points Station
New Year’s Weekend MARTA Schedules
How to Use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
Top 10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA
MARTA to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Historic Site is near downtown Atlanta and offers many free programs and tours along with nearby Ebenezer Baptist Church and the home where King was born. The nearest MARTA station to the King Center is the King Memorial Station on the blue/green rail line. You can walk 15-20 minutes to reach the site, though it is still somewhat in a transitional area and best walked during the day time and in a group. From the station, cross over Decatur Street and walk straight ahead on Hillard Street to Auburn Avenue and turn right (see the walking map).
It is better to take a bus to the historic site. There are two routes you can choose from:
- Bus 3 travels to the area on weekdays, departing from Five Points and the Candler Park Station.
- Bus 99 departs from the Georgia State Station and King Memorial Station weekdays on alternating trips (weekends just Georgia State) and also at North Avenue weekdays non-peak and all other times at Midtown Station. The King Memorial is located closest to the Georgia State and King Memorial stations.
For more information, see:
10 Atlanta Tourist Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
Exploring the King Memorial Station Area
King Memorial Station Restaurants
How to use Google Maps for MARTA directions
How to Ride MARTA Buses
MARTA to the World of Coke
The World of Coke is one of more popular Atlanta tourist attractions you can get to on MARTA. There are several options to get there:
- Take any red or gold line train to the Peachtree Center Station and follow the signs to the Harris Street exit then to Peachtree Street West. At street level, turn left along Peachtree Street and walk to Baker Street and turn left (west) on Baker. The World of Coke is about 4 blocks down (see walking map).
- Take the train to Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena stop on the blue and green rail line. Take the Philips Arena exit out of the station and more or less walk straight ahead on Centennial Park Drive and through the park to reach the museum.
- Ride bus 32 from the Civic Center Station. This a great route because it will also take you to the Atlanta zoo, so you can hit both attractions on the same bus line.
For more information, see:
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
Navigating the Peachtree Center Station
Peachtree Center Station Restaurants
Navigating the Dome/Philip’s Arena Station
Using Google Maps for MARTA Directions
MARTA to CNN
The CNN Center sits very close to the W1 GWCC/Dome/Philips Arena Station on the blue/green rail line. The Inside CNN Studio Tour is a popular destination for tourists and you can also get a bite to eat in the building’s food court. There are also several other nearby restaurants that you can eat at before or after your visit.
If you are coming from the north or south, be sure to exit at the Five Points station and follow the signs to the Westbound platform. Exit at the first westbound stop and follow the signs pointing toward Philips Arena.
Keep walking straight past Philips Arena once you exit the fare gate and go up the escalator and steps. The CNN Center will be about a block ahead at the corner of Marietta Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive (see map).
For more information, see:
10 Popular Atlanta attractions and how to get there on MARTA
How to use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
Georgia Dome/Philips Arena Station Restaurants
Navigating the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena Station
Walking to the Atlanta Zoo
Zoo Atlanta is no short stroll from the closet MARTA station, but if you are up for urban exploring or exercise, it is about a 30 minute walk, which you can also break up with brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks.
The closest MARTA station to the zoo is King Memorial. The station sits at the corner of Decatur Street and Grant Street. Make a left on Grant Street (Hillard Avenue is the name of the street going the opposite direction) heading southbound. Memorial Avenue is the first stoplight. Cross over the street then left onto Memorial. Here you will find several restaurants, including a good brunch spot – Ria’s Bluebird, a gastro pub – Young Augustine’s, and a couple other restaurants with rooftop views, including The Republic, Tin Lizzy’s and Six Feet Under.
Turn right at Ria’s Bluebird onto Cherokee Avenue. This street will take you over I-20 and runs alongside Grant Park. On the way you’ll go by Grant Central Pizza & Pasta and Dakota Blue, other eateries.
The zoo entrance is toward the southern end of the park. For other options, see the bus route to/from the Atlanta zoo.
For more information, see:
Top 5 Most Walkable MARTA Stations
How to Use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
MARTA to Atlantic Station
To get to Atlantic Station on MARTA, take a red or gold line train to the Arts Center Station . Follow the signs pointing to the buses/15th Street exit. After going up one level you’ll reach the bus bay where you can get on the free Atlantic Station shuttle. Shuttles run every 5-10 minutes and stop at the main commercial district, Ikea and residences. Call 404-541-0808 if you have questions or concerns about the shuttle.
You can also take bus 37 from the Arts Center or walk. It is roughly a 15 minute walk over the 17th Street bridge, much shorter distance than most people expect. If you plan to walk, take the West Peachtree Street exit out of the station and turn right onto West Peachtree. Walk up to 17th Street and turn left.
Atlantic Station regular hosts outdoor movies, music, festivals such as the Bar BBQ Festival, Sugar Coma Festival and other events in addition to the regularly offered retail shopping and movie theater.
For more information, see other Atlanta attractions and how to get there on MARTA as well as how to use Google Maps for MARTA directions.
MARTA to the Fox Theatre
It is a very short walk to the Fox Theatre from the N3 North Avenue station, making it is one of the easiest destinations to get to on MARTA. After exiting the train, go to the north end of the platform — there should be signs with arrows that say “To Fox Theatre”. You’ll briefly walk through the AT & T building where are there are a few shops. Keep moving straight ahead and there will be a street exit onto 3rd Street. Turn right on 3rd, then at Peachtree turn right.
If you accidentally stumble out of the station onto North Avenue, turn left on North Avenue, then left onto Peachtree Street to get to the Fox. The timing isn’t that much different, but you will stay underground longer by going via the AT & T building, which is nice if it is raining, cold or late at night when spending less time on the street is a better option.
If you want to combine dining out with your trip, there are several casual and fine dining restaurants near the North Avenue station. Click the link to view the list.
For more information, see Using Google Maps for MARTA directions and the 10 easiest destinations to get to on MARTA.
MARTA to Turner Field
Most people going to a Braves Game take the Braves Shuttle. However, you can walk or take other buses. The closest MARTA station to Turner Field is actually the Georgia State station on the blue/green rail line. Walking time is about 25 minutes. From the station, turn left on Piedmont Avenue and walk south toward the Capitol.
Bus 55 and bus 32 depart from the Five Points Station and also go to Turner Field. Plan ahead and look at the bus schedules online to know departure times, or use Google Maps on your smartphone for trip information and next arriving bus when going to or leaving the game.
For more information, see:
How to Ride the Braves Shuttle
Navigating the Five Points Station
MARTA Train Schedules and Frequency
Using Google Maps for MARTA Directions
5 Common Mistakes Made By Braves Game MARTA Riders
MARTA to the Atlanta Zoo
Zoo Atlanta is located in Grant Park, southeast of downtown Atlanta. The zoo is known for having pandas, and it also features a children’s area and regular events such as Brew at the Zoo and Jazzoo.
The closest MARTA station is the King Memorial Station, but unless you want to walk 30 minutes, it is best to take a bus (see walking directions from the King Memorial Station if you would like to walk and combine travel with eating at an area restaurant).
Bus 32 goes to the zoo from the Civic Center and Five Points Stations. Tell the driver your destination for an easy commute. The bus runs every 30 minutes on the weekend and every 20 minutes weekdays, plus additional bus service during rush hour. Riders can print schedules online or pick up a printed copy of the bus schedule at the Five Points Station. If you plan to connect to the bus at Five Points, the bus picks up at the intersection of Alabama and Forsyth Streets. Take the Forsyth Street exit out of the station and turn left. Once on the bus, the ride from Five Points to the zoo is about 10 minutes (see area and bus stop map).
The zoo is not very visible from the street, but sits in the southern end of the park. Next to the zoo you will also find the Cyclorama and Civil War Museum, which has the world’s largest painting (of the Battle of Atlanta).
For more information, see:
How to ride MARTA buses
How to Use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
MARTA to the Georgia Aquarium
Image via Wikipedia
The Georgia Aquarium is one of most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta, and there are several options for getting there on MARTA:
- Take a red or gold line train to the Peachtree Center Station and take the Harris Street exit off the train platform then follow the signs to Peachtree Street West. At street level turn left on Peachtree Street then left again on Baker Street. The aquarium is about four blocks down (see walking map). The area is generally safe with mostly office buildings.
- Take a blue or green line train to Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena Station. Take the Philip’s Arena exit out of the station after going up the tall escalators, keep right and walk straight ahead on Centennial Park Drive and through the park to reach the aquarium.
- Take bus 32 from the Civic Center Station on the red/gold rail line. This a great route because it will also take you to the Zoo Atlanta, so you can hit both attractions on the same bus line.
For more information, see 10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA and how to use Google Maps for MARTA directions to get specific bus times and route information.
MARTA to the Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located near the Woodruff Arts Center and Piedmont Park, closest to the Arts Center Station on the red/gold rail line. In addition to the gardens themselves, there are regular events, including Cocktails in the Garden, art installations and Sun Trust Concerts in the Botanical Gardens.
If you exit at the Arts Center Station, the only option is to walk 20 minutes to the gardens through Ansley Park. Follow the signs to the 15th Street exit (which is up one level) and turn left on 15th Street after walking through the bus bay. Walk up the hill, cross over Peachtree Street and keep walking through the neighborhood until Piedmont Avenue. Turn left onto Piedmont and walk up to the next stoplight, which will be the entrance to the garden (see map). It is about a 20 minute walk.
If you rather not walk, take a red or gold line train to the Midtown Station and get on bus 27. Tell the driver your destination, or exit at Piedmont Avenue and The Prado (first stoplight after the bus turns on Piedmont Avenue). You can also board the bus at Lindbergh Center, but the bus ride will be longer.
For more information, see:
Using Google Maps for MARTA Directions
How to Ride MARTA Buses
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
