Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour

Embark on a fast-paced, unforgettable 2.5-hour tour of Atlanta’s influential locations tied to Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Authorized by the King Center, this tour offers a deep understanding of the people and places that changed the world.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church - Exterior only of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - 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.

  • Prince Hall Grand Lodge - 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
  • Jackson Street Bridge - Take in the city’s most famous views at the iconic Jackson Street Bridge.
  • Sweet Auburn - The tour takes place entirely in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and includes numerous visits to points of interests
  • The King Center - Hours of operation are 7 days a week from 10-5pm
  • International Civil Rights Walk of Fame - 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 Included
  • Entertaining and immersive stories of Dr. King and Civil Rights leaders
  • Insights into Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement
  • Phenomenal views from the Jackson Street Bridge
  • Exterior of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center
  • Exploring the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, a hidden gem of Civil Rights history
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
Additional Information

Experience the engaging story of Martin Luther King Jr. in a captivating and unforgettable 2.5 hour journey that showcases how Atlanta and the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood ignited global change. This essential tour, operated by Unexpected Atlanta Tours, takes you to inspiring locations such as the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center, including hidden spots not known to even the locals. We ensure your visit to the King Historic District is maximized, and you are aware of all the key sites.

Gain an in-depth appreciation of the individuals and areas that ignited the Civil Rights Movement on this tour. We, being the only tour in the city officially endorsed by the King Center, offer you privileged insights into this remarkable neighborhood.

[Please Note: This tour does not feature indoor visits to King Birth Home or Old Ebenezer Baptist Church. The tour involves a 1.7-mile walk and considerable standing, please let us know if you have any physical restrictions.]

  • Not recommended for travelers with inability to walk and stand for long periods of time
Location
450a Auburn Ave NE
Auburn Avenue Northeast
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(536 Ratings)
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531kierstenh
Aug 1, 2024
Fun, engaging & informative! - Such an interesting & engaging experience! Kristen was a wonderful hostess sharing knowledge of Sweet Auburn & personal experiences that reflected her love of Atlanta. Stickers at each stop were a great touch & make fun souvenirs. Even though it was hot & humid we took breaks and stayed in the shade as much as possible. Take water & stay hydrated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jackie_m
Jul 29, 2024
The tour was great start... - The tour was great start to finish. Paris was our guide and not only was she an amazing storyteller, she was amazing at creating a very welcoming environment for every guest.
Review provided by Viator
Raeseon
Jul 28, 2024
MLK tour review. - It was really informative... Jay is really knowledgeable and passionate about the history of MLK. He made it 10x better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shavonne_g
Jul 26, 2024
Nice trip - Christine was awesome & I would recommend this tour to others. It was very informative. I want to come back once the house is back open. Also want to schedule a tour inside of the church. Overall it was a great experience for me and my children
Review provided by Viator
James
Jul 20, 2024
Atlanta historical tour - Zoe did a fantastic job- very friendly and a wealth of knowledge. Had a great walking tour with a fantastic combination of remote and recent history
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Monicab656
Jul 16, 2024
Full of heart - This tour is wonderful. Our tour guide Jen H. is a treasure. She makes everyone in the group feel comfortable and connects with them. She shares information and stories with grace and heart. We learned so many new things about ML on the tour. The tour was so heartfelt, we got emotional at the end. The tour compelled us to stay hours longer exploring Ebenezer Baptist Church, the visitor center and the memorial. Very well done.
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Grandtour286402
Jul 14, 2024
You'll learn something new! - Even if you think you know all there is to know about MLK,I assure you, you'll learn something new! Our guide, Jen, was wonderful. She gave us tidbits info that I never knew. We came back the next day, just to see it again!
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Camoura_b
Jul 14, 2024
Awesome walking tour - From start to finish, this walking tour was great! I learned things that I hadn't known and was not taught in school. Wear comfy shoes/ clothes!
Review provided by Viator
Joe_r
Jun 30, 2024
Paris and The Civil Rights movement - The experience was better than expected. This thought-provoking, history-laden tour of the sights and stories of how "Atlanta helped shape the world" was every bit what we were after and proved to be worth every minute and dollar. Add in an exceptional story teller, tour guide that is Paris and this is a can't miss.
Review provided by Viator
Handmemypassport
Jun 29, 2024
Must experience when visiting Atlanta! - Very informative and comfortably paced walking tour. We learned a lot about MLK’s early years and the area in which he grew up. Paris was a fantastic guide, friendly, knowledgeable, and a great storyteller! Definitely recommend.
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up to 14 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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