As the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for College Park, Hapeville, Union City, and now Fairburn - we are proud to do our part to attract visitors to our cities from across the country. It wasn't easy, but we've refined our list of Top 40 Reasons to Visit the ATL Airport District, so peruse our countdown and get ready to file away ideas for your next trip.
Connectivity
The ATL Airport District is synonymous with both convenience and accessibility, providing visitors with a seamless travel experience whether arriving by car or plane. As home to the world’s most traveled airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (1), the District welcomes visitors from around the globe every day. A free 2-minute ride on the ATL SkyTrain (2) brings travelers to Gateway Center Campus, home of the state-of-the-art Georgia International Convention Center (3) and fabulous Gateway Center Arena (4). From the airport or Downtown College Park, visitors can hop on MARTA (5), Atlanta’s combined bus and rail mass transit system, for a fast and affordable way to explore nearby Atlanta attractions. For those embarking on a road trip, our convenient location (6) near all of Atlanta's interstate highways: I-75/85, I-285, and I-20 makes getting here a breeze!
Outstanding Accommodations
With over 7,000 rooms available, the ATL Airport District offers a diverse range of lodging options to suit every traveler's preferences and needs. Did you know that visitors staying in the District save an average of 30% on hotels (7) compared to downtown Atlanta? For lodging options near the airport or Gateway Center Campus, choose from several familiar hoteliers such as Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway (8), AC Hotel Atlanta Airport Gateway (9), Hilton Atlanta Airport (10) and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport (11).
For a high-end experience, opt for the Kimpton Overland Hotel (12) and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails while watching planes take off and land at their Rooftop Lounge (13).
Sip and Savor
Your taste buds are in for a treat when you're in the District. Start the day with a caffeine fix and breakfast at JPresso (14), our favorite funky coffee shop in Hapeville. For lunch, enjoy authentic Thai flavors alfresco on Paper Plane's patio (15). A scrumptious dinner awaits you in Downtown Historic College Park where you can sample from the District's multitude of Black-owned restaurants, including Bole Ethiopian Restaurant (16), The Corner Grille (17), Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles (18), The Real Milk & Honey (19), Nouveau Bar & Grill (20), Pit Boss BBQ & Spirits (21) and Zubi's Taco Kitchen & Bar (22). Craving a nightcap? Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the craft brews at Chattabrewchee: The Hangar (23) or enjoy an impressive selection of beer, wine, and slushies at Beer Girl, Growlers & Bottleshop (24).
Captivating Art
The District is home to a thriving art scene for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Be sure to check out our Insta-worthy murals (25), such as "Living Walls" by Yoyo Ferro (pictured right), catch a moving performance at Academy Theatre (26), get inspired by local work at The Hapeville Maker Space Art Gallery (27), or create your own masterpiece at a printmaking workshop at Atlanta Printmakers Studio (28).
Get Outside
For those seeking an outdoor adventure, check out the Tom E. Morris Sports Complex & Skate Park (29) or take a scenic stroll along Phoenix Trail (30), a 2-mile rail trail in College Park. Prefer to tour on 2 wheels? Rent a bicycle from the Outback Bikes Hapeville Hub (31) and cruise around the unique neighborhoods in the District. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Historic College Park Golf Course (32), a beautiful 9-hole golf course built in 1929. If you're here in the warmer months (and let's be real, that's most of them here in Atlanta), cool off at the Hapeville Splash Pad (33).
History & Home Teams
At the Porsche Experience Center (34), automotive enthusiasts can learn about the history of Porsche cars, and thrill-seekers can satisfy their need for speed as they get behind the wheel on world-renowned race tracks in the Simulator Lab. Even better - make a reservation to get right in the driver's seat (or ride shotgun) and take a few high octane laps around the course yourself! Get an up-close look at historic aircrafts dating back to the 1920s at the Delta Flight Museum (35) and strap into the Boeing 737 flight simulator, the only one of its kind open to the public in the U.S. Step back in time and experience what life was like when America ran on rails rather than roads at the Hapeville Depot Museum (36). For a taste of culinary history, visitors can join the Chick-fil-A Backstage Tour (37) to learn about how the famous Chick-fil-A sandwich was invented in 1946. For sports fans, the Gateway Center Arena is home to three teams: the Atlanta WNBA team - Atlanta Dream, the College Park Skyhawks - the Atlanta Hawks G-League affiliate team, and LOVB Atlanta - the new women's League One Volleyball team (38)!
Self-Care
Those looking to add a healthy dose of wellness to their stay can visit Cycle Gang Fitness Studio (39) for a heart-pounding workout. Or you can take a yoga or barre class before indulging in an array of serene spa treatments at The Wellness Spot (40).
While we’ve narrowed this list down to just 40, there are so many more great opportunities awaiting you to dine, stay, and explore in the District. And there are an endless number of reasons to celebrate and support the travel industry. No matter which reason you choose, we'd love to know where you go! Upload your #ATLDistrict pics here
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