Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Overview

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a collection of several significant sites related to the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia. It includes his birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the historic fire station where he played as a child.

This park preserves and presents important sites related to the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement.

Historical Site Cultural Site Educational Site

Location

Address

450 Auburn Ave. NE, Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, Georgia

Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward

Coordinates

33.755700, -84.373600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$0 (free entry, but donations welcome)

Children

$0 (free for all ages)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Cherry blossoms
• Easter services at Ebenezer Baptist Church

summer

Hot and humid

• Extended evening hours
• Outdoor film screenings

autumn

Cool and pleasant

• Fall foliage
• Harvest Festival

winter

Cold to mild

• Holiday lights
• Christmas at Ebenezer

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Arrive early
Check for special events

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle Printed tickets ID

seasonal

Umbrella (spring/fall) Sunglasses (summer) Warm layers (winter)

not allowed

Large bags Drones (without permission) Professional cameras (without permit)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (walking, standing)

• Stay hydrated in summer
• Wear sunscreen
• Watch for uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit/debit cards, Cash (limited)

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0 (free)

guided tour $10-$20 per person

parking $5-$10

food $10-$20

souvenirs $5-$30

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing, Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Sturdy walking shoes, Inappropriate or offensive clothing, Beachwear

Booking Tips

• At least 1-2 weeks in advance for guided tours
• Official National Park Service website or authorized vendors
• Varies by ticket type, generally 48 hours in advance
• Available for timed entry tickets

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

Bike rack

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

MLK Jr. NHP Official App

Size: 60 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio tours, Event calendar, Ticket booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor Center, Cafe, Outdoor areas (limited)

Charging Stations: Visitor Center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Distance: 15 miles

Travel Time: 25-35 minutes

taxi

$40-$50 25-30 min

public_transport

$3-$5 50-60 min

From City Center

Distance: 2-3 miles

metro

$2.50 15-20 min

bus

$2.50 20-25 min

taxi

$10-$15 10-15 min

rideshare

$8-$12 10-15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Deep historical significance, peaceful and reflective atmosphere

Historical Significance: Preserves the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds
Check for special events and performances
Explore nearby Sweet Auburn market for local crafts and food

Local Recommendations

• Try a meal at a nearby soul food restaurant
• Visit the nearby Ponce City Market
• Ask rangers for insider tips

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, ASL (American Sign Language)

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the front porch and historical details

Result: Iconic historical photo

#MLKHistory #AtlantaTrails #CivilRights

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Best Time: Sunday morning (with permission)

Tips: Focus on the church's Gothic Revival architecture

Result: Stunning architectural shot

#ArchitectureLovers #HistoricChurch #AtlantaLandmarks

Behold Monument

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide shot to capture the full monument and surrounding area

Result: Breathtaking view

#MonumentView #SunsetViews #AtlantaSkyline

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, public spaces

prohibited areas Inside the Birth Home (no photography), During private services or events

flash photography Not allowed inside buildings

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permit

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas with permit

selfie sticks Allowed in outdoor areas

Nearby Attractions

Ponce City Market

Distance: 1.5 miles

Walking: 30 min

Type: Market and Food Hall

Atlanta History Center

Distance: 3 miles

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Museum

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site

Distance: Adjacent

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historic Site

Reviews

4.8

Based on 12,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early to avoid crowds"
"Take the guided tour for deeper insights"
"Visit the nearby Ponce City Market for food"
"Check out the audio tour in the app"

Contact Information

+1 404-373-8888

info@nps.gov (general inquiries)

www.nps.gov/mlking

Social Media

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