Category Archives: Tourist Attraction

MARTA to the Trolley Barn

Designed in 1880, the Trolley Barn is just that — a historic building at 963 Edgewood Avenue NE that once housed Atlanta’s streetcars.  Today it is used as a special event space and in addition to the main hall, there is a serving kitchen, an 800 square-foot mezzanine overlooking the hall, a 2,400 square-foot general purpose room underneath the main hall and a large outdoor brick patio.  It is also home to the yearly Butterfly Ball that takes place during the Inman Park Festival.

The closest MARTA station is Inman Park on the blue/green rail line, which is literally just down the street.  If coming from Five Points (and the red/gold line), board an Eastbound train marked Indian Creek or Candler Park at Five Points.  Once at the Inman Park station, follow the signs pointing to Inman Park after exiting the fare gate and at street level, keep walking straight ahead from the stairway/escalators along the bus bay to enter Edgewood Avenue.  The Trolley Barn is about a block down on the left.

For more information, see:
Navigating the Inman Park Station
Inman Park MARTA Station Nightlife
Inman Park MARTA Station Restaurants
Tips for Taking MARTA to the Inman Park Festival
5 Things to See and Do at the Inman Park Station
5 Family-friend Activities Near the Inman Park Station

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MARTA to Rhodes Hall

Built in 1904, Rhodes Hall at 1516 Peachtree St NW is a historic mansion that contains a museum and special event space, with tours available on Tuesdays and Saturdays (group tours available on other days by appointment).  The closest MARTA station is the Arts Center station on the red/gold rail line, just over a 10 minute walk, or bus 110 that departs from the Arts Center (along with the Lenox and Buckhead stations) and has a stop out front.

If walking, take the West Peachtree Street exit out of the Arts Center station and turn right on West Peachtree Street.  Rhodes Hall is just over two blocks up on the left.


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For more information, see:
Arts Center Station Overview
Navigating the Arts Center Station
10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA

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MARTA to Downtown Decatur

Downtown Decatur is full of shops, restaurants and special events throughout the year.  The Decatur MARTA station is right below the downtown area, making it a very easy commute via the train.   Only the the “Indian Creek” train travels to Decatur however, so if you are coming from Five Points or any station west of Decatur, be sure to follow the signs to the Eastbound train platform and wait for an “Indian Creek” train.

For those traveling from the airport, Midtown, Buckhead or further north of the city, take any southbound train to the Five Points station and then connect with the eastbound Indian Creek train there.

Several bus routes also travel to the area, providing an alternative option, and in some cases, the bus route may be easier to get to than the rail stations.  See below for the list of routes and where you can connect with them.

  • Bus 2 — Departs from the North Avenue station and goes to Decatur via Ponce de Leon Avenue on alternating trips.  Great option if you live near Virginia Highland
  • Bus 15 —  Travels to downtown Decatur from South Dekalb Mall via S. Candler Road.
  • Bus 19 — Travels to downtown Decatur from the Chamblee Station via Clairmont Road
  • Bus 123 — Travels to downtown Decatur from North Dekalb Mall via Lawrenceville Highway, N. Decatur Road and Church Street

For more information, see:
Decatur Station Overview
Decatur MARTA Station Restaurants
Top 5 Most Walkable MARTA Stations
5 Atlanta Holiday Activities Near MARTA

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MARTA to the College Football Hall of Fame

Due to open in the fall of 2014, the new College Football Hall of Fame is a short walk from the Dome MARTA Station on the blue/green rail line.  If coming from the airport or from downtown, midtown, Buckhead or further north, take the first available train to the Five Points station, exit the train and follow the signs to the Westbound train platform.  From there, board the first Westbound train (labeled H.E. Holmes or Bankhead) and ride one stop to the Dome station.

Take the Philips Arena exit out of the station and go up the tall escalators.  At street level, turn left and walk around Philips Arena, turning right at the first street.  Follow the road around to Marietta Street and turn left.  The Hall of Fame is on the left, less than a block away.  Total walking time is about 10 minutes.

For more information, see:
Best of MARTA: Dome Station
Navigating the Dome Station
Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Restaurants

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MARTA to the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District

The Fairlie Poplar Historic District in downtown Atlanta was built in the late 1800s as “Atlanta’s new modern fireproof business district”.  There are several historic buildings and a variety of architecture where you’ll find numerous places to get a quick bite to eat, office buildings, part of the Georgia State University campus, Healey Building Condominiums, Theatrical Outfit and the Rialto Center for Performing Arts.  Several television shows and movies have been filmed here as well.

The district sits in between the Five Points and Peachtree Center Stations.

From Five Points, the most direct route is to take the Broad Street Plaza exit out of the station near the MARTA RideStore/Peachtree Street exit.  Walk straight through the plaza to enter Broad Street, which is part of the district.  Walk several blocks north or to the west (toward Centennial Olympic Park) to view the entire area.

From Peachtree Center, take the Ellis Street exit off the train platform and follow the signs to Peachtree Street West/Public Library after walking through the fare gate.  At street level walk straight ahead toward the library to enter Forsyth Street.  Fairlie Popular stretches a couple blocks in any direction.

For more information, see:
Atlanta Tourist Attractions
Five Points Station Restaurants
Navigating the Five Points Station
Navigating the Peachtree Center Station
Best of the Peachtree Center Station

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MARTA to the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot

The Georgia Railroad Freight Depot is located at 65 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, next to Underground Atlanta.  Built in 1869 not long after the Civil War, it was the tallest building in Georgia at the time, and after a fire in 1935 several floors were removed.  Today it is used as an event facility.

The building is in between the Five Points and Georgia State stations.    From Five Points, follow the signs pointing Braves Shuttle/To Street.  Take the Peachtree Street exit out of the station and either walk out the station straight ahead at the light to Upper Alabama Street, or before exiting the station, turn right through the doors marked Underground Atlanta and walk through the corridor on Lower Alabama Street.  Both streets end at the freight depot, about a block down.  Using Underground Atlanta is a better option after dark and in bad weather.

From the Georgia State station, take the Piedmont Avenue exit out of the station and turn left on Piedmont.  Walk one block to Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and turn right.  The depot is about a half block down on the right in the rear of the Steve Polk Plaza.

For more information, see:
Navigating the Five Points Station
Five Points Station Restaurants
Five Points Station Destinations
Navigating the Georgia State Station
5 Things to See and Do at the Five Points Station

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MARTA to the BeltLine Tour

You can get a free driving tour of the BeltLine at the Inman Park Station on Friday and Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and see some of the 22-mile railroad corridor that is under redevelopment for trails and transit. Take a blue or green line train to the Inman Park Station and after going through the fare gate, veer right to follow the signs pointing to Inman Park.  The shuttle picks up near the station exit.  Registration is advance is typically required.

For more information, see:
Atlanta BeltLine
MARTA to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
Navigating the Inman Park Station
Inman Park MARTA Station Restaurants

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MARTA to the BeltLine Eastside Trail

The BeltLine is Atlanta’s hopeful light-rail project that operate in a loop around intown Atlanta neighborhoods using existing rail beds.  It will also include trails, the first of which will be the Eastside Trail, scheduled to open in 2012 and run from near the King Memorial MARTA Station to Piedmont Park.

MARTA currently crosses this trail in several places.  Choose from:

  • King Memorial Station – at street level turn right and walk about two blocks along Dekalb Avenue for the south end of the trail.
  • Five Points and Candler Park Stations – board bus 3 on weekdays to reach the Eastside Trail in the Inman Park neighborhood.  If getting on the bus at Five Points, make sure the destination of the bus is to the Candler Park Station.  Exit the bus around Krog Street and Serpas.  The bus will literally go over the trail.
  • North Avenue, Candler Park and Decatur Stations – board bus 2 to connect with the Eastside Trail at Ponce de Leon Avenue and Ponce City Market.  The bus travels underneath the rail bed and a new pedestrian ramp will be created there. Exit by the huge brick building at the stoplight (across the street is Whole Foods/Home Depot).
  • Midtown Station – Bus 36 and 99 have stops next to the Eastside Trail, which runs along Park Tavern and Piedmont Park.  Exit around 10th Street and Monroe Drive by the Grady High School stadium.
  • Inman Park Station – A long walk or a pleasant bike ride, exit on the Inman Park side of the station and walk past the bus bay at street level and keep walking straight ahead on Edgewood Avenue.  Turn right on Krog Street, which is about six blocks down.  From Krog, walk another two blocks.

 

For more information, see:
How to Ride MARTA Buses
Best of MARTA: Fun/Recreation
10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA

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MARTA to the Krog Tunnel

The Krog Tunnel is one of Atlanta’s more off-the-beaten-track attractions.  It is known for its graffiti that is equally artwork and advertisement space for local area events.  The tunnel is located where Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park and Cabbagetown meet.  There is no bus route that travels into the tunnel (not enough height), but you can get within a two block walk.

Take bus 3 from either the Five Points or Candler Park Station and exit at Krog Street and Irwin Street.  Look for the lofty brick buildings and railroad tracks.  Walk south on Krog Street toward Stove Works and the tunnel will soon be visible (see area map).  Nearby destinations include the BeltLine, Studioplex, Serpas tapas, Kevin Rathbun’s Krog Bar and 97 Estoria pub. **Note, bus 3 only travels to the area on weekdays only.  Another option is bus 21, but that does require a much longer walk. Exit at Pearl Street and Memorial Drive.

For more information, see:
MARTA Maps
How to Ride MARTA Buses
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA

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MARTA to Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market (formerly City Hall East) is an upcoming redevelopment project that will contain office space, lofts, retail and dining.  Set to open in 2014, the historic building started as a Sears Roebuck and Co. factory and will be added to the National Register of Historic Places once renovations are complete.

A kick-off construction party (Party on Ponce) will take place on Oct. 1, 2011, and feature Shawn Mullins, Indigo Girls and Francine Reed.  Tickets sales support the Beltline and Georgia Organics and the party will also include food from top restaurants around the city and a guided tour.

On MARTA, take bus 2 from the North Avenue Station on the red/gold rail line or from the Candler Park or Decatur Station on the blue line and exit at Ponce de Leon Avenue and Glen Iris (see map).  Nearby destinations include Gekko Sushi, 4th and Swift, Whole Foods, Home Depot, CVS, Kroger, Cactus Car Wash and the Masquerade.

For more information, see:
How to Use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
How to Ride MARTA Buses
10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA

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MARTA to the Wren’s Nest

Jun 15

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The Wren’s Nest is the preserved home of Joel Chandler Harris, who wrote the Brer Rabbit and Uncle Remis stories. Daily tours are offered along with storytelling on Saturdays.

The closest MARTA station is West End on the red/gold south rail line.  The house is about a 10 minute walk away, but you can also get on bus 71 at the station, which is a little safer and better for children.

If you plan to walk, exit the station on Lee Street and turn right.  At the first stoplight, turn left on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. and walk about two blocks (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

Posted in Art, Music and Culture, Bus 71, S2 West End, Tourist Attraction

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MARTA to the Michael C. Carlos Museum

The Michael C. Carlos Museum is located on the Emory University campus and is full of artifacts from the ancient world.

There are two buses that travel near the museum, bus 6 and bus 36.  Bus 6 departs from the Inman Park and Lindbergh stations, while bus 36 from Midtown and Avondale.  Regardless of which bus you ride,  plan to exit the bus at N. Decatur Road and Dowman Drive/Oxford Road, which is one of the main entrances to the campus (see area map).

Keep left after entering the campus and turn right at the second street to reach the museum.

For more information,  see how to use Google Maps for MARTA directions and 10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA.

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MARTA to the Hard Rock Cafe

Atlanta’s Hard Rock Cafe is located downtown at 215 Peachtree Street NE, near the Peachtree Center MARTA station (see area map).

To get there on MARTA, take a gold or red line train to the Peachtree Center station and look for the “To Harris Street” exit off the train platform. After going through the fare gate, follow the signs pointing to Peachtree Street East.  Once you get to street level, turn left and walk to the first intersection.  Hard Rock is on the corner.

Bus 110 also runs up and down Peachtree Street from Five Points to the Lenox station.  Exit at the intersection of Peachtree and Andrew Young International Blvd.

For more information, see:
Best of the Peachtree Center Station
Peachtree Center Station Restaurants
Peachtree Center Station Nightlife
5 Things to See and Do at the Peachtree Center Station
Top 5 Most Walkable MARTA Stations
10 Popular Atlanta Tourist Attractions (with MARTA directions)

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MARTA to the Federal Reserve Museum

The Federal Reserve Monetary Museum is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm for groups smaller than 10 people.  Otherwise groups must schedule a tour.  Conveniently, the Federal Reserve is right next to the Midtown station, and even has its own station exit.

Take any red or gold line train to the Midtown station and take the tunnel exit at the far north end of the station.  Once you get to street level you’ll be right next to the Federal Reserve.  Walk east on 10th Street toward the white marble building and turn left on Peachtree Street for the main entrance.

For more information, see 10 popular Atlanta tourist attractions and how to get there on MARTA and Midtown MARTA station restaurants for enjoying a meal in the area before or after you see the museum.

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MARTA to Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain is a popular tourist attraction with a literal stone mountain that can be climbed, rock carvings, lake, hiking trails and more.  Special events are also held here throughout the year.

It is not near a MARTA train station, but you can get there via bus 121 at the Kensington Station on the blue line.  However, it isn’t a very direct route and is a long commute. If you are coming from the airport, downtown, midtown or otherwise in the north, you’ll have to transfer at the Five Points station to the Eastbound train platform and get on a train marked “Indian Creek”.

The bus ride is about 35 minutes and then the walk from the bus stop to the trail that goes up the mountain is another 30 minutes.  Exit the bus where Main Street intersects with James B. Rivers Memorial Drive — look for the Village Corner — and walk east on James B. Rivers Memorial Drive to reach the park entrance (see walking map below).

Helpful Tips

  • For an easier commute, take your bike with you on MARTA and bike from the bus stop into the park.
  • You can also arrange for a taxi to meet you at the Kensington Station. It is about a 6.5 mile car ride to the park from there.

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For more information, see:
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
How to Use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
How to Ride MARTA Buses

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MARTA to the Carter Center

The Carter Center is just outside downtown in a residential area and features a permanent Jimmy Carter exhibit as well as rotating exhibits.  There is a bus stop right next to the Carter Center, making it fairly easy to get to.  It is also about a 20-25 minute walk from the Inman Park Station on the blue/green rail line.

Via Bus
Bus 16 is the route that goes to the Carter Center, which you can board at the Five Points station on Alabama Street as well as any stop on Peachtree Street from the Five Points station north to Auburn Avenue along Woodruff Park.  You can also catch the bus about  a block away from the Peachtree Center Station (see area map).

The recommended route would be to take  a north/south line train to the Peachtree Center station and follow the signs to the Harris Street exit.  After exiting the fare gate, tap your Breeze Card and follow the signs to Peachtree Street east.  At street level, turn right to walk along Peachtree Street then make the first right onto Harris Street and walk one block to Peachtree Center Avenue.  Look for any bus stop sign on Peachtree Center Avenue and wait there for the bus.  It is best to check schedules ahead of time as routes can be upwards of 20-30 minutes apart.

Once on the bus, you can let your driver know your destination.  You will know you are getting close to the Carter Center when it looks like the bus is getting on an interstate ramp.  Once the bus goes around a large curve and enters the residential area, the stop for the Carter Center is next.  To return, you’ll have to wait for bus 16 on the opposite side of the Carter Center (see bus stop map).

Walking
The walk to the Carter Center from the Inman Park Station is very pleasant, with the option to view historic Victorian homes and parks, though the route is hilly.  Take a blue or green line train to the Inman Park Station and keep right after exiting the fare gate, following the signs to Inman Park.  At street level, turn right and walk along the parking lot to reach a sidewalk marked “The PATH”.   Turn left on the PATH and follow it all the way to the Carter Center.  The sidewalk winds through rolling hills, and you will go past a playground then cross over Euclid Avenue, Lake Avenue and N. Highland Avenue.  Keep right as the path splits beyond N. Highland.  The top of the hill in the trees is the Carter Center (see walking map).

For more information, see:
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
How to use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
Inman Park Station Restaurants
5 MARTA Buses That Go Places

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MARTA to the Margaret Mitchell House

Margaret Mitchell HouseFamous home to the author of Gone With the Wind, the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum is conveniently located almost directly next to the  Midtown station.  Take a red or yellow line train to the Midtown station (all trains from airport and downtown will stop at Midtown) and take the main exit to street level (avoid the Federal Reserve stairwell exit).  Exit the station onto 10th Street and turn right.  The house is on the next corner.

For more information see:
10 Popular Atlanta Tourist Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA Top 5 Most Walkable MARTA Stations
Best of MARTA: Midtown MARTA Station

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MARTA to the Georgia World Congress Center

The Georgia World Congress Center is one of the easiest destinations to get to on MARTA.  It essentially has its own train station, the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena Station, which is one stop west of Five Points (see area map).

If you are coming from the north or south lines,  such as from the airport, you will have to transfer at Five Points.   Make sure you follow signs to the WESTBOUND platform.  It is usually better to exit to the outside (not center) platform.  When in doubt, just follow the signs as there are plenty that can direct you to the westbound train.

Once you get to the station, take the Philips Arena exit out of the station.  After exiting the fare gate and going up the escalators, veer to the left to enter the courtyard that is in front of the Georgia Dome and the Georgia World Congress Center.

  • Across the street from the Georgia World Congress center are several restaurants (Dantanna’s, Taco Mac) and entrance into the CNN Center food court (see all nearby restaurants).
  • It’s not a far walk from the GWCC to the World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium — just walk straight through Centennial Olympic Park.
  • After 7 p.m. there are less trains running on the east-west rail line, which means potentially a longer wait to get to this station/area.  Check station schedules online to avoid any long waits should you go out into the city for sightseeing or meals later in the evening.

For more information,  see:
Top 5 Hotels Closest to MARTA
Georgia Dome/Philips Arena Station Restaurants
How to use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
Top 10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA
Navigating the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena Station

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MARTA to the Georgia Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol building is only one block away from the Georgia State MARTA Station on the blue/green rail line.  The building  is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on weekends and holidays.  Visit website for tour information.

If you are coming from the red or gold rail line, exit at the Five Points Station and follow the signs to the Eastbound platform.  Get on the first eastbound train and ride one stop to the Georgia State Station.  Take the Piedmont Avenue exit out of the station and turn left on Piedmont Avenue.  Walking time is less than 10 minutes.  Nearby destinations include Underground Atlanta and Georgia State University.

For more information, see:
Navigating the Georgia State Station
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA

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MARTA to the Dogwood Festival

blooming dogwoodThe Dogwood Festival takes place in Piedmont Park each April and features a large artist market, live music, disc dog competition and children’s area.  The two closest MARTA stations to the festival are the Midtown and Arts Center stations on the red/gold rail lines  (see area map).

  • If you exit at the Arts Center station, follow the signs to the West Peachtree Street exit and turn left to walk along West Peachtree.   At 14th Street turn left and walk about three blocks to reach the park. The 14th Street entrance will get you closer to the sports fields and the lake, where most of the artist market and the Kids Village sets up. Plan for about a 15 minute walk.  The festival also operates a free shuttle from this station to the park.
  • Or, you can exit at the Midtown station and walk east on 10th Street (toward Peachtree Street).  This is a more direct route.  After getting off the train, go up the central escalators/stairs to street level and take the 10th Street exit out of the station and turn right.  This route is better for getting to the meadow off of 10th Street, which usually hosts the Disk Dog Exhibition and movies in prior years.  It is also a slightly shorter walk at about 10 minutes.

Three buses will also put you next to the park if you don’t want to walk, all depart from the Midtown station.  If you tap your breeze ticket when you exit the train station, you get a free bus transfer.

  • Bus 36 goes down 10th Street and to the Highlands and Emory
  • Bus 99 also goes down 10th Street and then south on Monroe Drive
  • Bus 27 has a stop just outside the 14th Street park entrance and then travels on to the Botanical Garden.  See bus 27 festival schedule for specific departure times and parking options.

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MARTA to the Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is located at 1404 Spring Street NE, near the Arts Center Station.  To get there on MARTA, take a red or gold line train to the Arts Center Station and follow the signs to “West Peachtree Street” after walking through the fare gates.

Turn right onto West Peachtree Street and at the first stop light, turn left on 17th Street,  walk one block, then turn right onto Spring Street.  The center is about one block down on the left (see walking map).  Be advised that there is no entrance facing the street.  You must walk behind the building through the parking lot to reach the main entrance.

For more information, see:
Navigating the Arts Center Station
Top 5 Most Walkable MARTA Stations
Using Google Maps for MARTA Directions
5 Family-friendly Activities near the Arts Center Station
10 Popular Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA

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MARTA to Oakland Cemetery

Apr 6

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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

Posted in Art, Music and Culture, E2 King Memorial, Tourist Attraction

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MARTA to the Varsity

My first meal in Atlanta, at The Varisty near ...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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 Atlanta Tourists Attractions and How to Get There on MARTA
North Avenue Station Destinations
Navigating the North Avenue Station
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 30 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

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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
5 Family-friendly Activities Near the Peachtree Center Station
10 Popular Atlanta Tourist Attractions With MARTA Directions

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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
Restaurants Near the Five Points Station
How to Use Google Maps for MARTA Directions
Top 10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA
5 Things to See and Do at the Five Points Station

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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

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MARTA to the World of Coca-Cola

Français : Façade et entrée du "World of ...

The World of Coca-Cola is one of more popular Atlanta tourist attractions you can get to on MARTA. There are several options to get there:

  1. 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) and about 12 minutes of total walking time.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Helpful Tips

  • Walking time from either station is just under 15 minutes, so if you have small children with you, consider having strollers or wagons.
  • The walk back to the Peachtree Center Station is uphill, but going to the Dome Station is fairly flat.  You could see the attractions around World of Coke (Georgia Aquarium, Imagine It! Children’s Museum) and walk through Centennial Olympic Park to the CNN building/tour/food court then board the train at the Dome/CNN Station.
  • Nearby restaurants, just beyond the Georgia Aquarium, include Legal Sea Foods, Johnny Rockets and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill.  There is also a Hard Rock Cafe near the Peachtree Center Station you can eat at before or after your visit.

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

 

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MARTA to CNN

The CNN Center sits very close to the 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 red or gold lines (north/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

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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.

Helpful Tips

  • If the shuttle isn’t at the station when you arrive, hop on the bus if it is there.  The bus is free if you are transferring from the train.
  • L.A. Fitness and Regal Cinemas are located in the main Atlantic Station shopping district.
  • Ikea is a few stops down from the main district. If making big purchases at Ikea, they can arrange for delivery.

For more information, see:
Best of MARTA: Retail
Navigating the Arts Center Station
Using Google Maps for MARTA Directions
5 Family-friendly Activities near the Arts Center Station

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MARTA to the Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is an historic landmark in Atlanta, built in the late 1920s as a Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque.  It hosts musicals, shows, concerts and the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival.

The closest MARTA station is the North Avenue Station on the red/gold rail line, and with the theatre located next to the station,  it is one of the easiest destinations to get to on MARTA.  After exiting the train, go to the north end of the platform, following the signs  “To Fox Theatre”.  You’ll briefly walk through the AT & T building where are there are a few shops in an indoor mall.  Keep moving straight ahead and there will be  a street exit onto 3rd Street.  Turn right on 3rd, then turn right on Peachtree Street, the next intersection.

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.  Baraonda is on the way to the Fox, and is a nice Italian bar and restaurant.
  • Bus 110 stops in front of the Fox Theatre if you are staying at a hotel on Peachtree Street or coming from Peachtree Street in another part of the city.
  • The Georgian Terrace Hotel and Hotel Indigo are across the street from the Fox if you want to do an evening and show in the city then stay overnight.

For more information, see:
Using Google Maps for MARTA Directions
10 Easiest Destinations to get to on MARTA
North Avenue Station Restaurants
Navigating the North Avenue Station

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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

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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

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MARTA to the Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Georgia Aquarium is one of most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta at 225 Baker St NW, and there are several options for getting there on MARTA:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
5 Things to See and Do at the Peachtree Center Station
Navigating the Peachtree Center Station
Peachtree Center Station Restaurants
Navigating the Dome Station

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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

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MARTA to Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s largest and nicest public parks and regularly hosts the Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Piedmont Park Arts Festival, Pride Festival, and Green Concert in addition to Unplugged in the Park (live music at the Park Tavern).   The park also features playgrounds, dog park, a public swimming pool, athletic fields, running track and tennis courts (see area map).

If you are gearing up to take the train, the closest MARTA station to Piedmont Park is the Midtown Station, closely followed by the Arts Center Station.

The Arts Center Station gets you closer to the sports fields, running track, pavilions and slightly closer to the lake, pool and Saturday morning Green Market.  Walking time is about 15 minutes from this station. Take the West Peachtree Street exit out of the station and turn left onto West Peachtree Street.  Walk one block and turn left onto 14th Street and take that all the way to the park, about three blocks.

Or, you can exit at the Midtown Station and take 10th Street down to the park.  This route will put you closer to meadow and  Park Tavern.   It is approximately a 10 minute walk to the edge of the park. Exit the Midtown station onto 10th Street and turn right (if you come up from the Federal Reserve station exit, turn left).

Three buses will also put you next to the park if you don’t want to walk the 10-15 minute distance from or to the train. All buses depart from the Midtown station:

  • Bus 36 goes down 10th Street and onto the Highlands and Emory
  • Bus 99 also goes down 10th Street and then south on Monroe Drive
  • Bus 27 has a stop just outside the 14th Street park entrance and then travels on to the Botanical Garden

Helpful Tips

  • It is nearly a 15 minute walk from either station to the edge of the park, so be prepared to walk and have strollers for kids.
  • An ATM and a small market is on 10th Street near the park if you need cash or water/provisions for the park.
  • If you exit at the Midtown station, peer into the bus bay to see if any of the buses are there.  If so, hop on the bus unless you want the walking exercise.  It is free to transfer to the bus from the train, just tap your Breeze card when exiting the station and again on the bus.

For more information, see:
Navigating the Arts Center Station
Navigating the Midtown Station
Midtown Station Restaurants
5 MARTA Tips for Music Midtown
Tips for Taking MARTA to the Dogwood Festival
5 Family-friendly Activities near the Arts Center Station

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MARTA to Little 5 Points

Little 5 Points is a funky commercial district east of downtown Atlanta that has numerous restaurants, bars, boutique shops and nightlife venues.  The closest MARTA station is Inman Park on the blue/green rail line, which is about a 10-15 minute walk away.

If you plan to walk,  the fastest route is to follow the signs pointing to Inman Park after exiting the station’s fare gates, keeping to the right.  At street level, turn right along the bus bay and look for the PATH sidewalk just beyond a fence.  The PATH goes through a park to Euclid Avenue, which is the first street intersection.  Turn right on Euclid and walk about two blocks to reach Little 5 Points.  If walking after dark, turn left at street level, turn right on Hurt Street then right onto Euclid.

If you are going to the Wrecking Bar, Tijuana Garage, Front Page News or  Camelis Pizza, instead of taking the PATH, continue walking straight down Dekalb Avenue (the street the runs under the station) and then turn left on the ramp down to Moreland Avenue.

Bus 6 departs from Inman Park and Lindbergh and will also get you there if you don’t want to walk.  Additionally, the new bus 2 route also travels to Little 5 from the North Avenue Station (on alternating trips) or Candler Park Station, and on weekdays bus 3 from Five Points and Candler Park.

For more information, see:
Top 5 Most Walkable MARTA Stations
Best of the Inman Park Station
Navigating the Inman Park Station
Inman Park MARTA Station Nightlife
Inman Park MARTA Station Restaurants
5 Things to See and Do at the Inman Park Station
5 Family-friend Activities Near the Inman Park Station

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MARTA to Virginia Highland

Virginia Highland is one of the most hopping neighborhoods in Atlanta, full of walkable restaurants, bars and nightlife/music venues.  The closest rail station to Virgina Highland is the Midtown Station, though it is nearly a two-mile walk (roughly 35 minutes) to the heart of the neighborhood.  If you don’t want to walk, the better option is to take a bus.  There are three options:

  • Bus 16 departs from the Five Points Station.  This is a great route that leaves from downtown and commutes up North Highland all the way to Loehmann’s Plaza at N. Druid Hills.  It includes stops in Poncey Highlands as well as restaurants north of Virginia Avenue and into Morningside.
  • Bus 36 is a more common choice, and this route departs from Midtown and Avondale stations and travels to Piedmont Park as well as the center of the Virginia Highland neighborhood with stops near Murphy’s, Noche, La Tavola, Yeah Burger, Highland Tap, George’s and more.
  • Bus 2 departs from North Avenue Station and travels down Ponce de Leon Avenue.  Exit at Ponce and North Highland.  This route is frequent, but puts riders much further away from Virginia Avenue.   It does provide access to many of the bars such as Neighbor’s, Hand and Hand and Atkins Park.

If you plan to walk, turn right on 10th Street from the main Midtown Station exit and walk until the road dead ends at Monroe Drive.  Turn right on Monroe then a quick left on Virginia Avenue, which goes up a steep hill.  Walk another 15-20 minutes to reach the commercial district.

  • Bus 36 does not run very late in the evening.
  • Keep in mind that you can always take one bus there and a different bus back, especially if you don’t want to wait for a specific route.  You can look up bus schedules ahead of time online or on your smartphone.  Printed copies of schedules are located at the Five Points Station.
  • For sightseeing, consider taking bus 36 and then walk south on N. Highland Avenue to look at shops and have a bite to eat.  Walk to Ponce de Leon Avenue and explore Poncey Highlands and take bus 2 or bus 16 back to a rail station.

For more information, see:
How to Ride MARTA Buses
Using Google Maps for MARTA directions
Midtown Station Weekend Train Schedule
5 Most Walkable MARTA Stations

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MARTA to Centennial Olympic Park

Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park features water fountains, greenspace and regular events throughout the year including ice skating, free Wednesday WindDown concerts, Fourth of July fireworks and more.

There are two MARTA stations that are close to the park: Peachtree Center on the red/gold line and the Georgia Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena Station on the blue/green rail line.

Peachtree Center Directions
From the Peachtree Center Station, take the Harris Street exit off the train platform, then follow the signs to Peachtree Street West.  At street level, turn right and at the first intersection turn right again (west) to walk down Andrew Young International Blvd.  to reach the center of the park (see map).    Or if you are trying to get to the ice skating rink, Children’s Museum, World of Coca-Cola or the Georgia Aquarium, follow the above directions but turn left at street level, then left again on Harris Street/John Portman Boulevard for a slightly shorter walk.

Dome Station Directions
From the Dome Station, follow the signs pointing to Philips Arena to exit the station.  Go up the tall escalators and keep to the right to reach Centennial Olympic Park Drive.  Turn left on the street to reach the park (about a block away).  Philips Arena will be on your left.

Helpful Tips

  • Use Peachtree Center if you are coming from the north or south of the city and the Dome station if you are traveling east-west on the blue or green line to avoid transferring trains.
  • Both stations have access to a variety of restaurants — see Peachtree Center restaurants and Dome restaurants if you plan to eat near the park.  Googie Burger is actually in the park itself as a quick option.
  • Walking to/from the Dome station is less hilly.

For more information, see:
Navigating the Peachtree Center Station
Peachtree Center Station Restaurants
5 Things to See and Do at the Peachtree Center Station
Navigating the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena Station
Georgia Dome/Philips Arena Station Restaurants
5 Things to See and Do at the Dome Station
Top 5 MARTA Stations to Park and Ride

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MARTA to the Woodruff Arts Center

The Woodruff Arts Center is one of the easiest destinations to get to on MARTA, located at 1280 Peachtree Street NE.  The center includes the High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre and Symphony Hall.

With parking expensive in the area, it is often easier to take any red or gold line train to the Arts Center Station.  The station is right next to the Arts Center, and it is less than a 2 minute walk from the station entrance to the High museum.   After exiting the train, follow the signs pointing to Arts Center Way exit (not to West Peachtree Street).  After going up the two sets of escalators, cross the street, walk up the stairs or use the elevator between the large white buildings and you’ll be in the main courtyard near the admissions area.  To the left is the High Museum and to the right, near Table 1280, is the entrance to Alliance Theatre and Symphony Hall.

Admission to the High Museum is free to Fulton County residents on the first Saturday of each month.  Other museum events include Nights on the Piazza concert series in June and Friday Jazz the third Friday of each month from 5-10pm.  The cost is regular museum admission, plus you also can purchase drinks, food and enjoy live jazz in addition to viewing the exhibits.  Symphony Hall and Alliance Theatre also host concerts, speakers and films.

For more information, see:
Arts Center Station Overview
Navigating the Arts Center Station
Arts Center Station Restaurants
Train Schedules and Frequency
10 Easiest Destinations to Get to on MARTA
5 Family-friendly Activities near the Arts Center Station

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