Start the day with a visit to one of the most important landmarks in the nation: the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King — a civil rights leader and Dr. King's wife — The King Center (within the park) is the official, living memorial dedicated to legendary civil rights leader and Atlanta native Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King led the nonviolent civil rights movement for justice, equality, and peace.
Nearby, the King Library and Archives are home to the largest repository of speeches, teaching, audio, film and other materials from the American civil rights movement. It is perhaps the most important piece of history in the city and attracts over 650,000 visitors from around the world.
You can also stroll around the visitor's center, Dr. King’s first home, the World Peace Rose Garden, and the statue known as the Behold Monument.

If you are a fan of aviation history, you will enjoy seeing the Atlanta-based airline Delta's collections of planes and exhibitions at the two aircraft hangars. At the museum, visit interactive exhibits and rare artifacts, tour the 1st Boeing 747-400 produced and walk on the wing, and fly the only Boeing 737 flight simulator open to the public in the U.S.
Advanced ticket purchase is recommended, but not required. Check the website for special hours, as the museum frequently hosts private events.

Located near the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., Ebenezer Baptist Church is an important part of the King family legacy as his grandfather and father, Martin Luther King Sr., both served as pastors before he took over in 1960. The church is located in the historic area now designated as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Stop for lunch at Sweet Auburn, also known as The Municipal Market, home to local eateries that you won't find anywhere else in the city. The market, which originally opened in 1924 and has gone through many renovations, is now home to a variety of independently owned eateries and retail shops, serving up dishes in a food court-like setting. You can find a variety of cuisines from pizza and poke bowls, to soul food and pralines. One of the longest standing shops is Afrodish, an African-Caribbean–themed restaurant.
Make sure to spend a few minutes walking around the Sweet Auburn Historic District. Here, you will find several historic churches, businesses and the latest addition, John Lewis' mural. Lewis was a politician and civil rights leader who served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th Congressional district.

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is a powerful emotional experience that showcases historic moments from the American civil rights and global human rights movements.
Depending on your interest, you can spend 1-2 hours observing the immersive exhibits, or attending dynamic events and conversations. Be sure to download their “Across Generations” intergenerational conversation starter for you to use on your visit.

The historic background and downtown vibes make Oakland Cemetery a popular place to take photographs and watch the sunset. Notable African-Americans figures buried at Oakland Cemetery include Carrie Steele Logan, founder of Atlanta’s first orphanage for African-American children; William Finch, one of Atlanta’s first African-American city councilmen; Bishop John W. Gaines and Julia A. Gaines, pastor and First Lady of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church; and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African-American mayor. You can walk through the cemetery on your own or take a guided tour through the Historic Oakland Foundation.

End your day with a live show at True Colors Theatre Company. Launched by cofounders Jane Bishop and Tony award-winning Broadway director Kenny Leon, this nonprofit theater company is dedicated to showcasing African-American classics and premieres by diverse playwrights. The shows and community discussions focus on issues related to diversity and understanding.
Make sure to check out the box-office schedule and book your tickets in advance. The theater is only open when there's a show or an event.

End your day at a historic dance club and live music hall. The Royal Peacock was the preeminent black club in the city during the 1950s and '60s.
Opened in 1938 by Carrie B. Cunningham, a former circus performer turned entrepreneur, the Royal Peacock (formerly known as The Top Hat) was one of the few establishments in Atlanta that offered live music and dance. It is here that music legends B.B. King, the Four Tops, The Tams, and Gladys Knight first performed. It also hosted several famous performers such as Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, and Dizzy Gillespie.