Atlanta History Center Tours

Atlanta History Center featuring heritage architecture
Atlanta History Center featuring a garden
Atlanta History Center featuring land animals and farmland
Atlanta History Center featuring heritage elements and interior views
Atlanta History Center featuring forests and a bridge


Travel back to Atlanta’s days as a farming town, spend hours pouring over Civil War relics and stroll through six different gardens at this diverse museum complex.

The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead, north of downtown, encompasses an interesting museum, two historic houses and six gardens. While the exhibitions explore everything from Southern folk culture to Atlanta’s growth into a cosmopolitan city, the museum is best known for its huge collection of Civil War relics.

History buffs will want to spend an entire day exploring the permanent exhibits and several temporary displays. Start at the Shaping Traditions exhibit, which traces folk culture from antiquity to today through pottery, quilting, woodwork and weaving. The Turning Point exhibit has 1,500 artifacts from both sides of the Civil War. Finish at the Metropolitan Frontiers exhibit, which details Atlanta’s rise to a commercial capital.

Spend an hour or so touring the two historic homes on the 33-acre (13-hectare) campus. The history center also has a midtown campus, where the Margaret Mitchell House is located.

The Swan House is a classical-style mansion restored to its original condition. Wander through this luxurious home to experience upper-class life in the 1920s and ’30s. The living quarters, butler’s pantry, library, kitchen and surrounding gardens are all open to the public.

The Tullie Smith house, built in the 1840s, was one of few houses in Atlanta to survive the Civil War. It was moved to the Buckhead campus in the 1970s. Explore the detached kitchen, a nearby blacksmith’s shop and slave’s cabin to see what life was like in pre-Civil War America.

Spend some time taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens that surround the museum’s buildings. There are native plants, vegetable patches, exotic flowers and lavish colonial-style gardens to admire.

The Atlanta History Center, including tours of the three historic homes, is open every day except most national holidays and Christmas Eve. A general admission pass includes access to everything at the center, as well as the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum.

There’s free parking on the grounds, but this can fill up quickly on weekends. Consider catching a train or bus from downtown.

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Best Lodging Options Near Atlanta History Center

Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Place

Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Place

3 out of 5
3312 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Place
Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead

3.5 out of 5
3285 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead
The St. Regis Atlanta

The St. Regis Atlanta

5 out of 5
Eighty-Eight West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA
The St. Regis Atlanta
The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

4 out of 5
3391 Peachtree Rd Ne, Atlanta, GA
The Westin Buckhead Atlanta
Kimpton Sylvan Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Sylvan Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
374 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA
Kimpton Sylvan Hotel by IHG
Global Luxury Suites Buckhead Atlanta

Global Luxury Suites Buckhead Atlanta

4 out of 5
3005 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
Global Luxury Suites Buckhead Atlanta
Hyatt Place Atlanta/Buckhead

Hyatt Place Atlanta/Buckhead

3 out of 5
3242 Peachtree Rd Ne, Atlanta, GA
Hyatt Place Atlanta/Buckhead
Wyndham Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center

Wyndham Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center

4 out of 5
3405 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
Wyndham Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center
Element Atlanta Buckhead

Element Atlanta Buckhead

3 out of 5
3491 PIEDMONT ROAD, Atlanta, GA
Element Atlanta Buckhead
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center offers a rich experience with guided tours of its expansive campus, showcasing the city's vibrant history. Visitors can also enjoy nearby live music, lively festivals, and engaging theater performances, making it a perfect destination for culture enthusiasts. With its blend of historical significance and contemporary entertainment, the Atlanta History Center is a must-visit for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Atlanta's unique heritage and lively atmosphere.

Shopping

For shopping near the Atlanta History Center, Lenox Square is just 1 mile away, offering a variety of stores and entertainment. The Battery Atlanta and Perimeter Mall are both 6 miles away, featuring family-friendly vibes and diverse shopping options. If you're up for a drive, explore more malls in the area.

Recreation

Explore Truist Park for an energetic atmosphere filled with sports excitement. Enjoy live performances and great music at Coca-Cola Roxy Theater, where entertainment thrives. For a peaceful retreat, stroll along the Atlanta Beltline Start, a perfect spot for wellness and relaxation amidst nature.

Adventure

Atlanta Rocks. Indoor Climbing Gym offers an exhilarating climbing experience, located 3 miles from the Atlanta History Center. For tennis enthusiasts, both Bitsy Grant Tennis Center and Chastain Park Tennis Center provide adventurous vibes, each situated 2 miles away, perfect for some competitive fun and outdoor activity.

Nightlife

Experience the magic of nightlife at the Fox Theatre, only 5 miles away, where culture and romance meet spectacular performances. For more intimate vibes, visit the Buckhead Theatre, just 0.4 miles away, or enjoy live shows at Center Stage Theater, located 3 miles from the center.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Atlanta History Center

At the Atlanta History Center, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture through its urban parks, engaging museums, and vibrant entertainment facilities. This popular tourist attraction offers a rich blend of historical experiences, making it perfect for families and those seeking a city adventure. Explore the history museums and surrounding historical attractions to truly appreciate the legacy of Atlanta while enjoying a variety of activities catered to every interest.

  • Emory University: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, just 5 miles from the Atlanta History Center. Take a stroll through its beautiful campus, featuring stunning architecture and lush green spaces, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
  • Georgia Institute of Technology: Experience the rich history and culture at this iconic institution, located 5 miles away. The campus is a blend of tradition and innovation, with impressive structures and an engaging environment that inspires creativity and learning.
  • Georgia World Congress Center: Enjoy family-friendly entertainment at this premier venue, situated 6 miles from the History Center. With a variety of events and exhibitions, it offers something for everyone, making it a lively spot for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Atlanta History Center

The best time to visit Atlanta History Center is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August79.0°F (26.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Atlanta History Center

To save money on your visit to the Atlanta History Center, consider traveling in March or November to December for lower hotel rates, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the highest prices. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and explore package deals that combine hotels with flights and activities. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. For free activities, explore the surrounding areas and take advantage of public transport to keep your travel costs low.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Atlanta History Center are March and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Atlanta History Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Atlanta History Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Atlanta History Center with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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