Atlanta is a city of many distinctions: it's the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has one of the world's busiest airports, was host to the 1996 Olympic Games, will be the site of the 2019 Super Bowl, has a hip music and entertainment scene, and of course, has that incredible Southern charm. The capital of the Peach State is also where you'll find some of the world's best attractions and landmarks -- many of which are participants in the Atlanta CityPASS program. For $76.75 for adults, the pass bundles admission for nine consecutive days to five of the city's most popular attractions in one convenient booklet. Best of all, you can save nearly 45 percent when you compare buying the tickets separately. We recently had the chance to use the Atlanta CityPASS; here's why it's worth every penny.
1. The pass has something for all types of interests.
For any successful trip, it's important that everyone in the group gets to do something that's interesting to them. With the Atlanta CityPASS, it's easy. The booklet includes admission to the Georgia Aquarium; the World of Coca-Cola; CNN Studio Tour; Zoo Atlanta or the Center for Civil and Human Rights; and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the College Football Hall of Fame.
For animal lovers, the Georgia Aquarium -- one of the world's largest facilities -- has staples like beluga whales, penguins, whale sharks, otters, dolphins, and thousands of colorful fish. Don't forget to catch a showing of Under the Boardwalk, a live training session with rescued California sea lions. Zoo Atlanta is where you can spot 200-plus species of animals, including pandas and the largest collection of western lowland gorillas and zoological orangutans in the country.
History buffs won't want to skip the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Featuring interactive exhibits, the center presents visitors with deep and eye-opening stories of the 1950s and 1960s American Civil Rights Movement through powerful visuals and sounds. A rotating exhibit displays a number of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal papers and items. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the place to go if you're a dinosaur fan. Our favorite space here is WildWoods, a 10-acre forest with trails, boardwalks, tree pods, and spectacular views that any nature lover can appreciate.
Any sports fanatics in the house? The College Football Hall of Fame is dedicated to all the great players of the sport. The tech-savvy will love it here as well with the RFID-embedded tags that allow for a totally customizable experience; pick your favorite team and walk up to the various kiosks to see content tailored just for you; and spend some time in the skill zone where you can practice kicking. For pop-culture junkies, the CNN Studio Tour pulls back the curtain on one of media's heavy hitters, while the World of Coca-Cola takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey through the making and history of the iconic beverage.
2. The savings are significant.
One of the biggest benefits of the Atlanta CityPASS is the money you'll save in comparison to purchasing each ticket individually. Here's the breakdown for adult admission by scenario, since you have a choice for two of the attractions you can visit:
Georgia Aquarium - $45.95
World of Coca-Cola - $17
CNN Studio Tour - $16
Zoo Atlanta - $25.99
Fernbank Museum of Natural History - $26
Total: $130.94
Georgia Aquarium - $45.95
World of Coca-Cola - $17
CNN Studio Tour - $16
Zoo Atlanta - $25.99
College Football Hall of Fame - $21.99
Total: $126.93
Georgia Aquarium - $45.95
World of Coca-Cola - $17
CNN Studio Tour - $16
Center for Civil and Human Rights - $18.25
Fernbank Museum of Natural History - $26
Total: $123.20
Georgia Aquarium - $45.95
World of Coca-Cola - $17
CNN Studio Tour - $16
Center for Civil and Human Rights - $18.25
College Football Hall of Fame - $21.99
Total: $119.19
By purchasing the CityPASS for $76.75 instead of each ticket separately, you can save as much as $54.19 -- nearly 45 percent off -- depending on the attractions you visit.
3. There are separate CityPASS lines for admission.
With sights so popular, it's no surprise that there would be long lines at the entrance. When you're a CityPASS holder, you can skip the lines at the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola by jumping on the CityPASS-dedicated queues.
4. Many attractions are in close proximity to each other.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot are in luck: many of the CityPASS attractions are within walking distance from one another so you can easily get from place to place. The Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola are all located at Pemberton Place, so consider visiting two or even all three of these places in one day. (Tip: A stroll through Centennial Olympic Park, located across the street, shouldn't be missed.) The CNN Studio Tours and College Football Hall of Fame are each less than a 10-minute walk from Pemberton Place. Getting to Zoo Atlanta and the Fernbank Museum, however, will require a vehicle.
5. Use your CityPASS for special offers at the attractions and beyond.
Shopping for souvenirs? When spending at least $50 for merchandise at the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the CNN Store, you'll receive a mug. At the World of Coca-Cola, save 10 percent on purchases of at least $50. Plus, head to the city's Macy's Lenox Square store and present the booklet's coupon to get 15 percent off purchases.