Walking Tours

Atlanta's an unusual place for out-of-towners. Unlike other big cities, Atlanta doesn't offer many "can't miss" attractions. Sure, the World of Coca-Cola is worth seeing, but it's hardly a national treasure. So, then, what to do for the visitor who has hit all the big attractions? The neighborhoods. The Atlanta Preservation Center offers a series of guided walking tours that let you in on the city's best-kept secrets.

Margaret Mitchell’s Ansley Park
Only offered as a twilight tour, March through November – please see website for dates/times www.PreserveAtlanta.com or call 404.688.3353.
One of Atlanta's most sought-after addresses, Ansley Park offers visitors an up-close look at upscale, intown living. The historic neighborhood is conveniently situated in between Midtown and Virginia-Highland. Meets at the First Church of Christ Scientist, 1235 Peachtree Street.

Frederick Law Olmsted’s Druid Hills
Sat at 10am, March through November.  Also offered as a Twilight tour. Please see website for dates/times www.PreserveAtlanta.com or call 404.688.3353. 
Amble through the dense foliage and historic architecture of the neighborhood designed by the “Father of Landscape Architecture” in America, Frederick Law Olmsted and also the setting for the Academy Award winning movie, Driving Miss Daisy. Meets at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Fabulous Fox Theatre
Mon, Wed and Thu at 10am, Sat at 10am and 11am.  This tour is frequently cancelled so please call 404.688.3353 for up-to-date information.
The Fabulous Fox offers a rare opportunity to stroll through an opulent and exotic 1920s movie palace restored to its original grandeur. Built as a home for the Shriners, the building is much, much more than just the auditorium.  Meets in the Fox Theatre arcade, 660 Peachtree Street.

Grant Park
Sun., 10am, March through November
Walk through Atlanta's history from the antebellum Grant Mansion and Confederate fortifications to the Victorian era and present day in Grant Park. The park, the centerpiece of this revitalized neighborhood, was given to the city in 1883 by entrepreneur Lemuel P. Grant and quickly became a favorite spot because of its beautiful lake, numerous springs and amusement area. It is now home to the Atlanta Cyclorama and Zoo Atlanta.

Historic Downtown
Fri at Noon and Sat at 11am, March through November
The Atlanta skyline showcases a panoply of architectural styles: Victorian, Art Deco and, unfortunately, the experimentation of the 1970s. Sample the earlier, more timeless creations built by Atlanta's first visionaries and the stories (pun intended) behind them. Meets in the Candler Building lobby, 127 Peachtree Street.

Inman Park
Sun at 2pm, March through November
Many of the city's historic dignitaries built their homes in this area, Atlanta's first garden suburb. Today, Inman Park offers a quaint collection of Victorian bungalows on narrow streets, a stone's throw--but a world away--from the always colorful Little Five Points. Meets at King-Keith House, 889 Edgewood Avenue.

Historic Midtown
Only offered as a twilight tour, March through November. Please see website for dates/times www.PreserveAtlanta.com or call 404.688.3353. 
Starting at the Peters House, built by Edward C. Peters in 1883, the tour passes by other residences belonging to famous Atlantans such as Pulitzer Prize winner Ralph McGill, editor of The Atlanta Constitution, and well-known city historians, Wilbur Kurtz and Franklin Garrett. Meet in front of the Peters House on Piedmont Ave.

Sweet Auburn/MLK District
Years before Harlem had its Renaissance, Atlanta's Sweet Auburn flourished as a center of African-American business and culture. Although some of the radiance has faded, the history hasn't. Anyone with an interest in the black experience in America should take this tour. Meets at the APEX Museum, 135 Auburn Avenue.

The above information has been provided by the Atlanta Preservation Center