Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour

Highlights

Guided tour of Dr. King's neighborhood
Sticker brochure and souvenir postcard
Audio of Dr. King's powerful speeches
Instagrammable views of downtown Atlanta at the Jackson Street Bridge

Summary

Discover untold stories of Dr. King's legacy while walking the streets where he grew up and then later made his family's home. You'll understand Atlant's impact on the Civil Rights Movement and be inspired by the stories of the neighborhood.

Tour info

Duration

2 hours 30 minutes

Pricing (From)

Adult: (11-99 years)

$40.00

Commentary

English

Meeting Point

450a Auburn Ave NE, Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30312, United States

Why take this tour?

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.]

What’s included?

Exterior of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center
• Seeing Prince Hall Grand Lodge, a hidden treasure in the Civil Rights Movement
• Entertaining and immersive stories of Dr. King and the many Civil Rights leaders
• Taking in the phenomenal views at the Jackson Street Bridge
• Understanding the Atlanta's impact of the Civil Rights Movement
Birth Home Tour (For more information visit: https://thekingcenter.org/visit/ )
Inside of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary
We do not provide transportation to or from the tour
Gratuities

Frequently asked questions

Why should I take a walking tour?

A walking tour is an amazing, memorable, and fun way to explore your own city, or a new city! During an Unexpected Atlanta tour, you'll be led by expert local guides to some of Atlanta's best hidden gems and popular historic spots. For instance, the MLK Jr. National Historic site is a massive site filled with history about Dr. King's life. Additionally, there is the King Center, which is a separate area. Beyond that, the entire Sweet Auburn neighborhood is full of historic sites. Our guides will help you make the most of your time. You will see more and learn more with our tours, created by historians. Additionally, we promise you'll experience much more on a walking tour than sitting on a bus or driving through the city!

Does the tour inclue Dr. King's memorial and the reflecting pool?

Yes, the Martin Luther King Jr. Walking Tour ends at the reflecting pool and the memorial where Dr. and Mrs. King are entombed.

Are there breaks during the tour?

The tour is conducted at a leisurely pace. We stop for one break in the middle of the tour for water and restrooms when the facility is open.

What is "Sweet Auburn"?

Sweet Auburn is MLK's neighborhood. He was born on Auburn Avenue. But, there is much more to the story of the Sweet Auburn area! It was also home to early leaders who created the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, it was always one of the wealthiest early Black neighborhoods. This neighborhood has a rich history and culture. For tourists and locals alike, it's worth exploring!

Does the tour visit the home where Martin Luther King Jr was born?

Your guide will take you to the exterior of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth home during this tour. However, we do not visit the interior due to time constraints. But, if you want to see the interior, you can request free tickets at the Visitor Center.

Things to know

Before you book

This is a mostly outdoor walking tour.
Tours are held rain or shine.
Free parking is available.

Before you go

This is NOT a bus tour. Do not get on a bus!
Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather
Parking is free and is a 5 minute walk to the meeting point.

Covid Policy

Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides

Unexpected Atlanta Tours are all outdoor-experiences with social distancing between groups, with all-digital brochures, and a limited group size. Per current CDC guidelines masks are no longer required, but recommended. All guides are fully vaccinated.

Cancellation Policy

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Redemption information

• Meet at the Behold Statue (African man with baby) across from Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church 15 minutes before your tour time.
• Gratuities graciously accepted if you have a great time.
• Park for free at the National Park Service parking lot located at 425 John Wesley Dobbs Ave, or behind the King Center.
• 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. If you are on our list, you're on the tour!

Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

Operator Website