The third Monday in January has, since 1986, been set aside to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an activist and leader who was instrumental in creating reform in both his community and in the nation.
Atlanta is especially significant in the remembrance of this day, since it was the birthplace and home of Dr. King and his family. Here, you can visit his childhood house, his church, his school and other major locations in Dr. King’s life and time.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take some time to explore some of these locations and learn a little more about the man that has shaped so much of American life today.
A Martin Luther King Jr. legacy tour in Atlanta
Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours (walking/driving combo)
Ideal Start Time: Morning
Stop 1: The King Birth Home
Location: 501 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta
Where better to start a tour than right at the beginning?
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in this modest two-story Queen Anne-style home on January 15, 1929 — nearly a whole century ago!
The carefully preserved house reflects the middle-class life of the King family in the 1930s and 1940s. The house is a museum in and of itself, but it also introduces us to the members of King’s life: his father, Reverend Martin Luther King Sr., who was a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his mother, Alberta Williams King, who was a teacher and organist.
Growing up here, Dr. King was influenced by strong family values, education and faith, all of which shaped his future leadership and impact.
What to do here:
- The house is currently closed to visitors so that some much-needed restoration can be done — after all, it was built in 1895!
- When the house opens back up (around November 2025), take a guided tour of the home (tours are free but require advance reservation through the National Park Service).
- Even though you can’t go inside, a visit to the house is well worth the trip.
Stop 2: Ebenezer Baptist Church
Location: 101 Jackson St. NE, Atlanta
Ebenezer Baptist Church was the spiritual foundation of Dr. King’s life and work. He was baptized here as a child and later served as co-pastor alongside his father from 1960 until his assassination in 1968.
Many pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement were connected to Ebenezer, including strategy meetings and sermons that inspired a generation.
The church was also the site of Dr. King’s funeral in 1968, drawing thousands of mourners.
What to do here:
- Visit the Heritage Sanctuary, preserved as it was during Dr. King’s time, and listen to recordings of his sermons in the very room in which they were made!
- Tour the Horizon Sanctuary, where the congregation continues to worship today.
Stop 3: The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change
Location: 449 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta
Founded by Coretta Scott King in 1968, the King Center preserves Dr. King’s legacy of change and promotes his philosophy of nonviolence, as well as exhibits on his life and the broader Civil Rights Movement.
Be sure to stop by the Reflecting Pool and eternal flame, both of which symbolize the enduring impact of Dr. King’s dream of a better future.
What to do here:
- Pay your respects at the tomb of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, located in the middle of the Reflecting Pool.
- Explore the Freedom Hall exhibits, which feature photographs, personal items and Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize.
Stop 4: Fire Station No. 6
Location: 39 Boulevard NE, Atlanta
Built in 1894, this Historic Old Fourth Ward fire station served Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood and became part of the Civil Rights story.
During segregation, Atlanta’s African American firefighters served in separate stations, and Fire Station No. 6 played a role in documenting this history.
What to do here:
- Learn about the desegregation of Atlanta’s fire department through interactive exhibits and oral histories.
- See historic fire fighting equipment and hear stories of the challenges faced by African American firefighters during Dr. King’s lifetime.
Stop 5: Sweet Auburn District
Location: Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
The Sweet Auburn Historic District was a vibrant hub of African American business, culture and activism during Dr. King’s childhood. The district showcases the economic and social achievements of Atlanta’s African American community during Dr. King’s time, despite the challenges of segregation.
What to do here:
- Walk along Auburn Avenue and visit landmarks like the Apex Museum, which focuses on African American history.
- Stop by the Royal Peacock Club, a legendary venue where famous musicians like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin performed.
- Visit the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, the Southeast’s first library to have special collections on African American culture!
Stop 6: Martin Luther King Jr. Statue at the Georgia State Capitol
Location: 206 Washington St. SW, Atlanta
This 8-foot-tall statue of Dr. King, unveiled in 2017, honors his legacy as a son of Georgia who transformed the nation. He is depicted in a posture of thoughtfulness, holding a book to symbolize his role as a scholar and leader.
Located at the Georgia Capitol, it is a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done in achieving justice and equality. It’s a great place to end a tour and reflect on the immense impact Dr. King has had on our lives today.
What to do here:
- Explore the Capitol grounds, which feature other monuments to Georgia’s history and leaders.
Optional Stops:
Morehouse College
Location: 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta
Dr. King attended Morehouse College at age 15 and graduated in 1948 with a degree in sociology. The college shaped Dr. King’s intellectual and ethical development, fostering his commitment to leadership and social justice.
International Civil Rights Walk of Fame
Location: Adjacent to the King Center
This walkway features the footprints of Civil Rights leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Rosa Parks and Dr. Maya Angelou.
Oakland Cemetery
Location: 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta
Visit the Civil Rights section to honor other figures who contributed to Atlanta’s rich history of activism and progress.
Tips for your tour:
- Parking: There is free parking available at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
- Accessibility: All sites are wheelchair accessible.
- Time Management: Plan at least 30-45 minutes for each stop — take your time!
Whether you’re familiar with these locations or are visiting them for the first time, this tour offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and will connect you to the places and stories that shaped his journey and the Civil Rights Movement. Take your time while visiting these special locations, and think about how different Atlanta (and the nation) would be today if not for the life and works of Dr. King and his family. If you live in our luxury Atlanta apartments, then this is a must-do tour any time of the year, too!
Pin it!
Image by Patrick Gregerson from Pixabay
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
View All Posts by Colleen Ford