Atlanta: Black History & Civil Rights Tour with HBCUs & Film Sites

Summary

Historic Atlanta streets, civil rights echoes, soulful neighborhoods

You’ll trace Atlanta’s Black history with a local guide — from Sweet Auburn’s murals to HBCU campuses and iconic film sites. Expect laughter, real stories, soulful food stops (lunch optional), and moments that linger long after you leave MLK’s old neighborhood.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to walk where legends once stood? That’s what hit me as soon as we rolled through Sweet Auburn — the air felt heavy but alive, like stories were hanging in the humidity. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of pausing just long enough before sharing a fact that you’d lean in without realizing. I remember him pointing out Ebenezer Baptist Church and then just… letting us stand there for a second. The street was noisy but somehow quiet at the same time. You could almost hear Dr. King’s voice if you listened hard enough.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a civil rights tour, but here we were — Marcus cracking jokes about his grandma’s cooking when we passed Paschal’s (“Best fried chicken in Atlanta — don’t argue!”), or explaining how Tyler Perry Studios changed the whole neighborhood vibe. We stopped for photos outside the original Madea house (yes, really), and someone tried to reenact a movie scene but forgot their lines halfway through. The group was all ages, all backgrounds; nobody seemed out of place.

The drive through West End was full of color — murals everywhere, Victorian houses with porches that looked like they’d seen everything since Reconstruction. We cruised by Morehouse and Spelman (Marcus called them “the heartbeats of Black Atlanta”), and he pointed out film locations I never would’ve noticed on my own. At one point I caught the smell of barbecue drifting in from a side street and honestly almost bailed for lunch right then. We did stop later at a market where you could grab soul food or West African snacks if you wanted — I went for mac and cheese that tasted like somebody’s auntie made it.

By the time we reached Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home, it was late afternoon light — soft and gold over the brick buildings. There was this moment where everyone just stood quietly looking at The King Center; no one said anything for a while. It felt important not to rush it. Even now, I still think about that silence more than any speech or mural.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Atlanta's Black History sites

• Pass by Olympic Games attractions
• See Five Points District and Coca Cola birthplace
• Pass Atlanta City Hall and Georgia Depot
• Visit Olympic Stadium and Summerhill area
• Stop for photos at Tyler Perry Studios entrance
• Visit Original Madea House filming site
• Tour West End historic neighborhood
• Pass Atlanta's oldest bookstore and murals
• Pass Atlanta University Center HBCUs
• Pass Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes Benz Stadium
• Pass Castleberry art galleries and restaurants
• Pass Sweet Auburn historic district and civil rights sites
• Pass Civil Rights landmarks and residences
• Lunch at independent family-owned eateries
• Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Pass Old 4th Ward murals and bar district

Top questions

How long is the Atlanta Black History & Civil Rights tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel downtown.

Are lunch or food stops included?

The tour includes an optional lunch stop at independent/family-owned eateries offering soul food, BBQ, West African cuisine, and more.

Is transportation included during the tour?

Yes, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided throughout the tour.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit?

You’ll explore Summerhill, The West End, Downtown Atlanta, Old 4th Ward, and Sweet Auburn Avenue District.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs rain or shine; bring an umbrella or poncho for light rain.

Are there restroom facilities at the meeting point?

The hotel lobby has clean bathrooms available before departure.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel lobby (easy for MARTA riders or rideshare drop-offs), bottled water during your ride between stops, several chances to hop out for photos or exploring neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn and West End with your local guide leading stories along the way. Lunch isn’t included but there’s an optional stop with plenty of family-run food spots to try classic soul food or something new before heading back downtown together in comfort.