With all due respect to the rest of America, Atlanta, Georgia is one of the best locations in all of the United States to vacation, no matter what time of the year it is. Looking for a great summer destination? There are plenty of places to swim in Atlanta. But even if it’s the middle of winter, there are still plenty of attractions that Atlanta has to offer. In this article, I will list the top five tourist attractions that Atlanta has to offer, with a detailed description of each of them. This is also a good time to mention that the best way to experience your Atlanta vacation is to book a vacation rental or sublet from MetroFlats.com. We have plenty of Atlanta vacation rentals listed on our site, and they are great alternatives to a hotel. But now, without further ado, here are some travel tips for Atlanta, Georgia!

1. Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the country, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see attraction if you are visiting Atlanta. Whether you are a fish fanatic or not, you will be amazed by the amount and variety of different aquatic life that this aquarium has (100,000 for those keeping count). Located north of Centennial Park, it is also in a prime location in the city. But make sure to head there as early as you can; the Georgia Aquarium is notorious for its long lines, and if you aren’t there early enough, you might find yourself in for a long wait. However, believe me when I say that it is definitely worth the wait just to see the sheer amount of fish this place has to offer.

2. Piedmont Park: When it comes to Atlanta parks, there are a couple to choose from: Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park. Although Centennial Park is certainly stunning to behold, I personally prefer Piedmont. Featuring a breathtaking view of the skyline, Piedmont Park is perfect for a family picnic, or just a chance to relax. It is also the home of a few famous Atlanta events, such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival, which will be returning again in March of 2011. And for you history buffs out there, Piedmont Park has many statues commemorating battles of the Civil War, and visitors can read various plaques describing those battles. If you are just looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, Piedmont Park is the perfect destination for you.

3. World of Coca-Cola: You might not know this, but Atlanta is actually the home of the first Coca-Cola factory in the country. As such, it is also the home of the World of Coca-Cola, a museum celebrating the soda company’s history. Like the Georgia Aquarium, this attraction is also located in Centennial Olympic Park. This is actually the newest incarnation of the World of Coca-Cola, and it opened in 2007, and it’s about twice the size of it’s predecessor. It includes more than 1,200 coke antiques, as well as many interactive exhibits. Other highlights include a 4-D theatre (which is exactly as awesome as it sounds), a replica bottling line, and a tasting lounge. If you’re not a fan of soda, this might not be the place for you, but it’s still worth checking out, in my opinion.

4. Turner Field: Built in 1996 to host the Olympics, this stadium was transformed into what is now known as Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves. I’ve been to a number of baseball stadiums in my time, but I have to say this is one of my favorites. Even if you visit Atlanta during the off-season, you can still visit the stadium and take a tour of the facilities, allowing you to visit the bullpen area, press box, and locker rooms. But if you are in the area during baseball season, I recommend taking in a game, even if you aren’t a Braves fan. The stadium includes many modern luxuries, including interactive baseball games, restaurants, and a museum celebrating the history of the team. If you plan to attend a game, the stadium opens three hours before game-time, providing you plenty of time to take in all that it has to offer.

5. Atlanta Botanical Gardens: Created in 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful sites in the whole city. It is located next to Piedmont Park, and it featured a wide arrange of different plant-life. While the whole exhibit is beautiful, I personally would spend as much time as you can in the 16,000 square foot Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, which contains plants from tropical rain forests and deserts. In addition, the rain forest section of the Conservatory features birds, turtles, and even poison dart frogs (don’t worry, they are in cages), which gives it spectacular atmosphere.

Now keep in mind, these are only tourist attractions. While these are great, the city of Atlanta has tons more to offer other than these. There are plenty of good restaurants, and the people are extremely friendly. There are also beautiful houses, and by using MetroFlats.com, you might be lucky enough to stay in one of these! So check out our listings of Atlanta vacation homes at MetroFlats.com: your hotel alternative!