Atlanta

Peachy City of Historic Importance

Home to the world’s busiest airport and a vibrant arts scene, Atlanta has an important role in US history. The gateway to the American South, it's home to barbecue and hundreds of peach trees that make it a surprisingly green city.

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the main arrival point, and Booking.com has an excellent range of Atlanta hotels near the airport. However, the main sights are clustered around Downtown. Near the gold-domed Georgia State Capitol is Underground Atlanta, a shopping center at the former downtown street level.

Just north are a few hotels near Georgia Dome, a huge sports venue, and to its northeast is Centennial Olympic Park, commemorating the 1996 Olympic Games. On one edge of this park are the CNN headquarters with behind-the-scenes tours. Across the street is the New World of Coca-Cola where you can sample all their worldwide products. Next door is the massive Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest indoor aquarium.

In the Auburn district is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s former home and church, and a museum dedicated to him and the Civil Rights movement. A few blocks south in Grant Park is the city zoo, and the Atlanta Cyclorama and museum, detailing the city’s Civil War battles.

More national history is in the Carter Center, and the former home of Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone with the Wind.