Must-Visit Atlanta Locations Honoring Martin Luther King's Legacy

Atlanta, Georgia, is both the birthplace and final resting place of one of America's most influential historical figures – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This is where King's mission for equal rights was ignited. His formative years unfolded in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn district, the cultural heart of the African-American community throughout the 1900s.

Nestled among the towering skyscrapers of downtown, this area provides a compelling and sobering insight into some of America's most challenging struggles. Together with sites in nearby Alabama (Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma), Sweet Auburn stands as a preserved and poignant testament to our progress – reminding us that much work remains.

As we approach Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 15, 2024 (the third Monday of January), here are five Atlanta locations that honor King's legacy and his fight for Civil Rights.

1. Visitor Center of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park houses Atlanta's key King-related landmarks. Established as a National Historic Site in 1980, this 35-acre park is best started at the Visitor Center, where you can register for a tour of Dr. King's Birthplace and view the exhibit, “Courage To Lead,” which offers a compelling overview of the segregation, systemic oppression, and racial violence that shaped King’s mission.

If you have children with you, don’t miss the “Children of Courage” exhibit, highlighting the role of youth in the Civil Rights Movement. You'll also find ongoing videos, brochures, and all the information you need to enhance your visit to the National Historic Site, including the D.R.E.A.M. Gallery, featuring temporary exhibitions.

2. The Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.

Starting at the very beginning is essential, and this beautifully preserved two-story Queen Anne-style home at 501 Auburn Avenue is the perfect place. MLK was born here in 1929 and spent the first 12 years of his life in this house.

Constructed in 1895, MLK's grandparents bought the house in 1909 for an impressive $3,500. To truly appreciate the home, join a free 30-minute tour led by National Park Service rangers; otherwise, you’ll only be able to see its exterior.

Tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis, running every hour from 10 am to 4 pm. Each tour accommodates up to 15 participants and is not available on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day. This is the only site within the National Historical Park that requires a guide. Arriving early may help you avoid long waits, but be prepared for some delays. In addition to the home, the entire block of residences, along with Historic Fire Station No. 6 (established in 1894) and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, are preserved as part of the site.

3. Ebenezer Baptist Church

Following a multi-million dollar renovation that restored it to its 1960s grandeur, Ebenezer Baptist Church serves as the spiritual heart of Sweet Auburn. Established in 1886, the church continues to hold services today (both in person and online). It is the place where King’s father and grandfather served as pastors.

King was baptized here as a child and co-pastored alongside his father from 1960 until his death in 1968. The church also served as the site of his funeral. Tragically, in 1974, a disturbed gunman killed King’s mother, Alberta Williams King, who was the choir director, while she played the organ.

4. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

Established by Coretta Scott King in the year of her husband's assassination, this active resource center and community hub not only focuses on educational initiatives but also serves as a vibrant memorial to King's enduring legacy.

The King Center offers more in-depth information about King's life than the Visitor Center, featuring personal artifacts and memorabilia, including his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize among other exhibits. It is also the location of his final resting place.

King and his wife are interred in crypts crafted from Georgia marble, which appear to float in a long reflecting pool adjacent to an eternal flame. The center also showcases exhibits dedicated to fellow legendary nonviolent activists like Rosa Parks and Mahatma Gandhi.

5. The Martin Luther King Jr. 'I Have A Dream' World Peace Rose Garden

Nestled beside the Peace Plaza in front of the Visitor Center, this beautifully groomed garden stands out as one of just five World Peace Rose Gardens worldwide. With a stunning starburst layout featuring 185 roses, it serves as a serene artistic tribute to King’s legacy and values.

Beyond the primary attractions of the National Historic Site, a distinct preserved zone stretches westward along Auburn Avenue for several blocks, starting from the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, an excellent nearby food market, all the way to the Auburn Avenue Research Library.

You can stroll along the charmingly landscaped 1.5-mile Freedom Park Trail that leads from the National Historical Park to Freedom Park and continues on to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.