Atlanta: City Highlights Driving Tour & MLK Stop

Summary

Atlanta’s history, neighborhoods & iconic sights in one drive

You’ll see Atlanta’s best-known sights and neighborhoods from a comfy electric car or minibus with your local guide narrating along the way. Pause at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park for photos and reflection—then wind through Midtown, Downtown, Inman Park, and beyond. Expect stories, laughs, and glimpses of daily life that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I knew Atlanta — at least the version you get from movies or airport layovers. But sitting in that quiet little electric car, windows up against the sticky heat, it felt like seeing someone you’ve known forever suddenly tell you a secret. Our guide (James? Or maybe Jamie? I’m bad with names) was full of these tiny stories — like how Inman Park used to be all grand houses before it got “cool” again. He pointed out the Fox Theatre, just as the neon flickered on even though it was barely noon. That detail stuck for some reason.

We rolled past places I’d only ever heard about: Georgia Tech’s campus (students everywhere, even on a Saturday), Mercedes-Benz Stadium looking kind of futuristic and out of place, then the World of Coca-Cola — which honestly made me crave a soda more than I’d like to admit. The city felt alive but not rushed from inside that car. At one point, someone asked if we could stop for coffee and James just laughed and said, “ninety minutes goes quick here.” He wasn’t wrong.

The real pause was at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Ten minutes is short — you can’t take it all in — but standing outside Ebenezer Baptist Church, hearing church bells echo off red brick, I felt this weird mix of hope and heaviness. There were kids playing tag near the memorial fountain and an older couple holding hands by the mural. It smelled faintly of cut grass and something sweet from a food cart nearby (peach ice cream maybe?). I still think about that moment sometimes.

After that we looped through Old Fourth Ward and back toward downtown — past murals I wanted to photograph but couldn’t quite catch through the window glare. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Peachtree” with a Southern drawl; James nearly snorted laughing. So yeah, if you want a day trip around Atlanta from a local’s perspective (with plenty of photo ops), this sightseeing tour hits more corners than you’d expect in just an hour and a half.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided driving tour of Atlanta

• Pass by 13th Arrondissement
• Pass by Margaret Mitchell House
• Stop for photos at Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Pass by 13th Arrondissement again
• 15 minute stop at MLK National Park
• Pass by Fox Theatre
• Pass by Inman Park
• Pass by Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Pass by State Farm Arena
• Pass by College Football Hall of Fame
• Pass by Georgia Aquarium
• Pass by National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Pass by Georgia State Capitol
• Pass by Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
• Pass by Atlanta Beltline

Top questions

How long is the Atlanta sightseeing tour?

The guided driving tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Does the tour include entry into attractions?

No, this tour does not go inside any attractions; it offers photo stops and views from the vehicle.

Is there a stop at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park?

Yes, there is a 10-15 minute stop at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park for photos.

What kind of vehicle is used for the tour?

The tour uses an eco-friendly electric car for small groups or a climate-controlled minibus for larger groups.

Are hotel pickups included?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests meet at the designated departure point.

Is this Atlanta city tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 8 years old; infants or toddlers are not permitted.

Are bathroom breaks available during the tour?

No bathroom stops are scheduled during this 90-minute driving tour.

Is this sightseeing tour accessible for people with limited mobility?

The vehicles are enclosed and suitable for most fitness levels; service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes narrated driving through Atlanta’s Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park and more in an enclosed electric car or minibus—plus plenty of picture opportunities along famous sights like Georgia Tech and Centennial Olympic Park—with a ten-minute stop at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park led by your local guide before returning to your starting point.