Auburn GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Auburn, Georgia.
1. James Shackelford Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY PARK
James Shackelford Park is one of Auburn's premier outdoor recreation areas offering residents and visitors a place to enjoy nature and leisure activities. The park features open green spaces, playground equipment, and walking paths for exercise enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas that make it an ideal spot for family gatherings and community events.
2. R. H. Burel Park
SCENIC NEIGHBORHOOD GREEN SPACE
R. H. Burel Park serves as a cherished recreational area in the Auburn community with amenities for residents of all ages. The park provides open spaces for casual sports and family activities throughout the year. Its convenient location makes it a popular gathering spot for local events and everyday outdoor enjoyment.
3. Roy E. Parks Children's Playground
KID-FRIENDLY PLAY AREA
Roy E. Parks Children's Playground offers a dedicated space for Auburn's youngest residents to play and socialize. The playground features modern equipment designed for safe and engaging play experiences. Families appreciate the thoughtfully designed space that encourages physical activity and imagination in children.
4. The Auburn Ballpark
COMMUNITY SPORTS VENUE
The Auburn Ballpark serves as a central gathering place for sports enthusiasts and community events in the city. The facility hosts baseball games, softball tournaments, and other sporting events throughout the year. Local residents enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to support youth and adult sports programs.
5. Perry-Rainey Institute
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
The Perry-Rainey Institute stands as one of Auburn's most significant historical buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's educational past. This landmark represents Auburn's commitment to education in its early years as a community. History enthusiasts appreciate the architectural details and the role this institution played in shaping the local area.
6. Historic Auburn Train Depot
RAILWAY HERITAGE SITE
The Historic Auburn Train Depot showcases the importance of railway transportation in the development of this Georgia community. Visitors can explore the preserved structure that once served as a vital connection point for commerce and travel in the region. The site provides educational opportunities about Auburn's industrial and transportation history.
7. Little Mulberry Park
EXPANSIVE NATURAL PRESERVE
Little Mulberry Park provides over 890 acres of natural beauty adjacent to Auburn, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with fishing opportunities at the scenic lake. Visitors can enjoy diverse ecosystems, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
8. Fort Yargo State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Fort Yargo State Park, located near Auburn, offers 1,816 acres of natural beauty and recreational activities for visitors of all interests. The park features a 260-acre lake for swimming, fishing, and boating, along with more than 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. History buffs can explore the 1792 log fort built by settlers as protection from Creek and Cherokee Indians.
9. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
CIVIL RIGHTS LEGACY
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park preserves the legacy of one of America's most influential civil rights leaders on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta. Visitors can explore multiple sites including Dr. King's birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the Visitor Center with exhibits on his life and work. The park serves as an important educational resource about the American Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolent social change.
10. The King Center
PEACE AND JUSTICE MEMORIAL
The King Center stands as a living memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of equality, justice, and peace for all people. Located on Auburn Avenue, the center houses exhibits on Dr. King as well as the tombs of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Visitors can also explore the King Library and Archives, which contains the largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. King and the civil rights movement.
11. APEX Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
The APEX Museum on Auburn Avenue presents history from an African American perspective through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. The museum's name stands for African American Panoramic Experience, reflecting its mission to spread knowledge about the global experiences of people of African descent. Visitors gain insight into the contributions and challenges of African Americans throughout history, with a special focus on Atlanta's Sweet Auburn district.
12. Auburn Avenue Research Library
CULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER
The Auburn Avenue Research Library serves as a premier research facility dedicated to African American culture and history. The library houses extensive collections of books, photographs, manuscripts, and multimedia resources available to scholars and the general public. Its location on historic Auburn Avenue makes it an important cultural landmark in Atlanta's preservation of African American heritage.
13. John Wesley Dobbs Monument
SWEET AUBURN HISTORICAL MARKER
The John Wesley Dobbs Monument honors the man known as the unofficial 'mayor' of Auburn Avenue who coined the term 'Sweet Auburn.' The striking seven-foot-tall sculpture at the intersection of Auburn Avenue and Fort Street was created by artist Ralph Helmick based on the 12th-century Nigerian life-sculpture tradition. The monument serves as a reminder of Dobbs's civic engagement and presence on Auburn Avenue during and after the 1906 race riot.
14. Georgia Aquarium
WORLD-CLASS MARINE EXPERIENCE
The Georgia Aquarium stands as one of Georgia's most iconic attractions and one of the largest aquariums in the world. Visitors can explore diverse marine habitats featuring thousands of species, including whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays in massive tank exhibits. The aquarium offers interactive experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational programs about marine conservation and aquatic ecosystems.
15. World of Coca-Cola
ICONIC BEVERAGE MUSEUM
The World of Coca-Cola museum celebrates the history and global impact of the world-famous beverage that originated in Georgia. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits detailing the drink's creation, marketing evolution, and cultural significance throughout its history. The highlight for many guests is the tasting room, where they can sample over 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.