 Atlanta At a Glance
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Atlanta. The weather is mild in the spring
and the blossoming flowers are beautiful this time of year. Fall is bustling, as many of
the area colleges are welcoming their students after a long break.
Average Weather
Atlanta's weather is mild for much of the year, though July and August tend to be rather
hot and humid. Occasionally, Atlanta sees some snow during December and January, but never
enough to warrant chains on the tires.
Transportation
Atlanta's rail system, MARTA, is the best way to get around town. It's inexpensive and
reliable and is well connected with the bus system, which serves parts of town the rail
doesn't. It's not the easiest system to learn, especially if you're going to make frequent
transfers from train to bus. Just ask for directions. If you're trying to hail a taxi on
the street, you might find yourself standing for a while. It's best to order the cab by
phone. And, driving in Atlanta can be a nightmare. The traffic is horrendous and the
streets can be confusing to unfamiliar tourists.
In-Season Costs
No one season is more expensive than another in Atlanta. For the most part, prices remain
steady. It's not a bank-busting town, but it does have big-city characteristics, which
usually come with a hefty price tag. For instance, downtown hotels may be pricier than
those on the outskirts and in Midtown. Restaurants that are downtown may be trendier and
more affluent. It all depends on where you stay and what you do while you're visiting.
Take in a baseball game. You can get good tickets at fairly decent prices.
Day Trips
Atlanta is a city surrounded by neighborhoods. Just a few short minutes away, you'll find
several communities, including Stone Mountain to the east, Marietta to the northwest and
Norcross, also to the east. Stone Mountain is home to Georgia's Stone Mountain Park,
infamous for its 90-foot likenesses of the Confederacy leaders carved out of the side of
the mountain. There are numerous lakes around the park, in addition to a skylift that
extends to the top of the peak.
- Savannah is about two hours outside of Atlanta. This charming city is historic in
nature, with more than 1,000 restored Federal and Regency buildings downtown alone.
Travelers often stay in bed and breakfasts when visiting this city, famous for its
tree-lined streets and quiet, Southern ambiance.
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