Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour

Atlanta , United States

Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Track the fascinating life of Martin Luther King Jr. in a fast-paced, unforgettable 2.5 hours, that reveals how Atlanta and the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood changed the world. This must-experience tour by Unexpected Atlanta Tours includes inspiring visits to Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Center, and unexpected locations even locals don’t know. We will make the most of your visit to the King Historic District and make every minute you spend in this neighborhood count, and we make sure you know about all the important locations.

You will get a deep understanding of the people and places that inspired the Civil Rights Movement on this tour. As the only tour in the city authorized by the King Center, we'll give you the inside scoop into this incredible neighborhood.

[Note: This tour does NOT include going inside the King Birth Home or Old Ebenezer Baptist Church. Our walk is 1.7 miles with lots of standing; please contact us if you have any physical limitations.]

Available options

Spring afternoon

Afternoon Spring Tour

Winter Hours 12:00 PM

Guided Tour

Spring/Summer Hours 10:00 AM

Guided Tour

What's included

• Entertaining and immersive stories of Dr. King and the many Civil Rights leaders

• Understanding the Atlanta's impact of the Civil Rights Movement

• Taking in the phenomenal views at the Jackson Street Bridge

Exterior of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center

• Seeing Prince Hall Grand Lodge, a hidden treasure in the Civil Rights Movement

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Exterior only of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Stop 2

The tour meets and ends at the National Historic Site, and includes an overview of the site, as well as detailed walk through various areas on the site.

Due to potential staffing shortages, all National Park buildings are subject to closure at any time.

Exterior only of the historic Prince Hall Grand Lodge, location of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s and Congressman John Lewis's offices, as well as a historic Madam CJ Walker Beauty Salon

Take in the city's most famous views at the iconic Jackson Street Bridge.

The tour takes place entirely in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and includes numerous visits to points of interests

Hours of operation are 7 days a week from 10-5pm

Guests will make connections from prominent Civil Rights leaders that they learned about on the tour as they see their shoe prints along the Walk of Fame

What's not included

Birth Home Tour (currently closed until 2025 )

Inside of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary

We do not provide transportation to or from the tour

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

202 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

475 reviews

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470

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour operates rain or shine.

Not recommended for travelers with inability to walk and stand for long periods of time

Meeting point

We meet next to the Behold Monument, a statue of a man holding a baby to the sky, located across the street from Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church at the outdoor amphitheater.
Your guide will have an orange Unexpected Atlanta tote bag. DO NOT GET ON A BUS.

Important notes

• Meet at the Behold Statue (African man with baby) across from Ebenezer Baptist Church 15 minutes before your tour time.
• Gratuities graciously accepted if you have a great time.
• Free Parking can be located behind the King Center, located at 449 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312. If parking is unavailable, there are nearby paid parking lots across the street from Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. There is also free parking with the National Park located at 425 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue but construction has closed some of the access points.
• This is a 1.7 mile outdoor walk with lots of standing, so please contact us if you have any physical limitations or difficulty walking.
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• Operates rain or shine
• You do not need to bring a printed ticket.

About Atlanta

Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and significant role in the American Civil Rights Movement. It offers a mix of modern attractions, historic sites, and Southern charm, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a wide variety of marine life, including whale sharks and beluga whales.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate ($35-$45 for adults)

World of Coca-Cola

An interactive museum dedicated to the history and culture of Coca-Cola, featuring exhibits, tastings, and a bottling process demonstration.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate ($16-$20 for adults)

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

A collection of sites related to the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., including his childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (some sites require tickets)

Ponce City Market

A vibrant market and food hall housed in a historic building, featuring a variety of local vendors, restaurants, and shops.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, varies by vendor

Atlanta Botanical Garden

A beautiful 30-acre garden featuring a variety of plant collections, themed gardens, and seasonal displays.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($21.95 for adults)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden-fried chicken, often served with biscuits and gravy. A staple of Southern cuisine.

Main Course Contains gluten and typically fried in vegetable oil

Pimento Cheese

A spread made from cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, often served on crackers or as a sandwich filling.

Appetizer/Snack Contains dairy and may contain gluten

Peach Cobbler

A warm, sweet dessert made with peaches, sugar, and a buttery crust, often served with ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Grits

Creamy, savory cornmeal porridge, often served with cheese, butter, or shrimp.

Breakfast Can be made gluten-free and vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in Stone Mountain Park Zip-lining at Adventure Outdoors Kayaking on the Chattahoochee River Spa treatments at Chateau Elan Beach relaxation in Tybee Island Picnic in Piedmont Park Visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Exploring the High Museum of Art

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-28°C 60-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, French, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Atlanta is generally safe for tourists, with most visits being trouble-free. However, some areas can be sketchy, and petty crime can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Use reputable tour guides and taxi services

Getting there

By air

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport • 17 km (10.5 miles) from downtown

By train

Atlanta Union Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

MARTA is efficient and affordable, with four rail lines connecting major attractions, the airport, and suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Midtown Buckhead East Atlanta Decatur

Day trips

Stone Mountain Park

32 km (20 miles) from downtown Atlanta • Half day to full day

A massive granite dome featuring a laser show, hiking trails, and a historic carving of Confederate figures.

Chateau Elan Winery and Resort

97 km (60 miles) from downtown Atlanta • Full day

A luxurious winery and resort offering wine tastings, fine dining, and spa services in a picturesque setting.

Savannah

400 km (250 miles) from downtown Atlanta • Overnight

A charming coastal city known for its historic district, beautiful architecture, and nearby beaches.

Festivals

Atlanta Dogwood Festival • Early April Atlanta Jazz Festival • Late May Atlanta Pride • Early October

Pro tips

Use MARTA for easy and affordable transportation around the city and to the airport
Visit popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola in the morning to avoid crowds
Explore Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local Southern specialties like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and peach cobbler
Check for free and discounted attraction passes, such as the Atlanta CityPASS, to save money on popular attractions