Things To Do On Your Days Off: Atlanta

You’ve landed a contract anatomic or clinical pathology position in the Atlanta area, but now what? What will you do with your time off? Use this guide to help you explore the area, with a bonus link to help you eat like a local.

Things To Do On Your Day Off: Atlanta

Karen DiDonato ⋅ August 12, 2021

You’ve signed the contracts, completed your pre-employment paperwork, and have your travel plans in hand. You’re off on an adventure as a laboratory contractor, but how will you turn your several-month-long assignment into an unforgettable experience? Check out these local places and start collecting memories!

Black and white skyline drawing of Atlanta

Located in downtown Atlanta, this aquarium is housed in a 600,000 square foot facility that will soon grow more than 45,000 square feet with a new entrance and animal gallery. Enjoy animals from around the globe living in more than 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water.
Cost: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/tickets/
Address: 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
Phone: (404) 581-4000

A whale shark swims in blue water toward camera

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-see 30-acre urban oasis located in the heart of Midtown. Walk through renowned plant collections, beautiful displays and every-changing exhibitions. If you are lucky enough to visit Atlanta during the holiday season–even in the midst of the pandemic–you must visit the Garden’s spectacular exhibition, “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights”.
Cost: https://atlantabg.org/tickets/
Address: 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859

Purple Bearded Iris with orange flowers in background

Located within Atlanta is the historically African-American area of Sweet Auburn. This area is closely associated with the civil rights movement and, of course, the nation’s most prominent leader in the 20th century, Martin Luther King, Jr. Visit this area to take a journey through the civil rights struggles as well as the life and legacy of Dr. King. Several blocks are dedicated to him including his birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a pastor, and his gravesite.
Cost: Free
Address: 450 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 331-5190 x5046

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr tombstone in afternoon light

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and cultural institution that connects the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to today’s global human rights movements. This museum, housed in a LEED Gold certified building, has three three main exhibits: civil rights, human rights, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, as well as temporary exhibits. Plan on spending a few hours reading and pursuing to fully experience the museum.
Cost: https://bit.ly/3lYhPB7
Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (678) 999-8990

Black and white women hold each others hands above their heads

Piedmont Park is the urban oasis of Atlanta with postcard views of the Atlanta skyline. The picturesque urban park features walking/jogging paths, picnic facilities, playgrounds, tennis courts, public swimming pool, two ponds and dog park. Piedmont Park hosts many festivals such as Atlanta Jazz Festival in May; Piedmont Park Arts Festival in August; Music Midtown in September; Atlanta Pride Festival in October; as well as many others that also include road races. Click here to check out Piedmont Park’s festival options.
Cost: Free to enter the park; festival prices vary
Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Autumn at Piedmont Park with skyline in background

And for all things food-related, check out this site to eat like an Atlantan: https://www.atlantaeats.com.

Regardless of where you go, be sure to check out their COVID guidelines and restrictions. Rules and guidelines are ever-changing; always know before you go.

Once you’ve completed your Atlanta-area contract, check our website for more open travel jobs and begin your adventure anew!

Food trucks with lots of diners
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Author: Karen DiDonatoKaren, our content marketing strategist, has worked with HCI since 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in communications. In her free time she enjoys baking, gardening, running, and all things Peloton-related.