Here are the best things you can do in Georgia for $15 or under
If you’re looking to explore all that Georgia has to offer without breaking the bank, we have good news. There is plenty to do across the state of Georgia on a budget, whether you’re interested in museums, nature, history or just plain fun. Below is a by-no-means-exhaustive list of some places in Atlanta, Cartersville, Macon and Savannah that cost $15 or less (and in some cases, are completely free).
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The cost to explore the presidential library and museum of the United States’ 39th president Jimmy Carter starts at $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and college students and is free for children. The museum features a life-size replica of the Oval Office and exhibitions of a multitude of documents, objects, photos, videos, gifts from world leaders and more, surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes against a backdrop of the Atlanta skyline.
Location: East Atlanta - 441 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE; Website: jimmycarterlibrary.gov; Contact: 404-865-7100
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birth Home
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One of the most revered civil rights icons in the world was born in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta and his childhood home (as well as its neighboring houses) have been preserved by the National Park Service. The cost to explore Martin Luther King, Jr.’s home is free, but it’s necessary to book a tour timeslot at the Visitor Center.
Location: East Atlanta - 501 Auburn Ave NE; Website: nps.gov/malu; Contact: 404-331-6922
The ROOF at Ponce City Market
Atop Ponce City Market (f.k.a. Atlanta’s former Sears building and City Hall East) sits a giant wonderland on the roof (appropriately called The ROOF). Tickets to The ROOF at Ponce City Market cost $15 for adults and $7 for children, which includes access to Skyline Park (which overlooks - you guessed it - the Atlanta skyline) and RFD Social, as well as the ability to walk into 9 Mile Station. Note that if you would like to play games and activities, it will cost a bit extra.
Location: East Atlanta - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE; Website: poncecityroof.com; Contact: 770-999-1530
Atlanta Monetary Museum
If you’re fascinated by the history of money, you’ll need to check out the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s free museum dedicated to all things money. From the days of bartering to current-day currency, this museum teaches visitors all about monetary policy, bank supervision and regulation, and payment systems services. You can even take a look at the bank’s automated vault (equipped with robots)! It’s a finance nerd’s dream come true.
Location: Midtown - 1000 Peachtree St NE; Website: atlantafed.org; Contact: 404-498-8500
Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center
This 501(c)3 nonprofit museum near Georgia Institute of Technology is a free art center dedicated to increasing accessibility to art in the metro Atlanta area. They have a tendency to shine a light on and spotlight artists who may not have exhibited their artwork broadly, and organize over 125 programs on contemporary art for children and adults alike.
Location: Downtown - 535 Means St NW; Website: atlantacontemporary.org; Contact: 404-688-1970
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Located on the campus of Emory University, the Michael C. Carlos Museum costs $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and children. That said, it’s free for Emory University students, faculty and staff, Emory Healthcare employees, college students, children under five, and museum members. Explore this Michael Graves-designed museum dedicated to culture from across the world, from Latin America to the Middle East.
Location: Northeast Atlanta - 571 South Kilgo Circle NE; Website: carlos.emory.edu; Contact: 404-727-4282
Starlight Drive-In Theatre
In today’s age of streaming endless movies on demand, it can be a breath of fresh air to take it old school and head to a drive-in theater. Luckily, Atlanta has one in the form of Starlight Drive-In Theatre on Moreland Avenue that costs $10 for adults and $1 (yes, just $1) for children. Catch the latest blockbuster films from the comfort of your car.
Location: Constitution Lakes - 2000 Moreland Ave SE; Website: starlightdrivein.com
Tubman Museum
It costs $10 for adults and $6 for children (free for members) to visit this Macon museum named after Harriet Tubman. The museum is dedicated to the education, exploration and enjoyment of African American history and culture. Check out their current exhibitions dedicated to Afrocentric culture.
Location: Macon - 310 Cherry St; Website: tubmanmuseum.com; Contact: 478-743-8544
Booth Western Art Museum
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It may be odd to find art dedicated to the American West in Georgia, but there is such a museum in Cartersville, Georgia. The Booth Museum is a 120,000-square-foot western art masterpiece that happens to also be a Smithsonian affiliate. General admission to the Booth Museum is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for students and free for children. There’s no better way to explain it than the way they do: “Explore the West Without Leaving the South!”
Location: Cartersville - 501 N Museum Drive; Website: boothmuseum.org; Contact: 770-387-1300
The Savannah Botanical Gardens
The Savannah Botanical Gardens is a beautiful green space located in the historic coastal city of Savannah, Georgia. The garden grounds, just minutes from the Savannah Historic District, are free for the whole family to explore and include a two-acre pond, nature trails, archaeological exhibits, beautiful floral and herb displays and a historic home (Reinhard House).
Location: Savannah - 1388 Eisenhower Drive; Website: savannahbotanical.org; Contact: 912-355-3883
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