4 Hours In Atlanta

Mainly steel and concrete, Georgia's capital doesn't look like much from the highway. But rewards await for those willing to probe a little deeper.

Touch stingrays, bonnethead sharks and anemones at the Georgia Aquarium, the world's biggest. Sleep with the fishes overnight ($100) or swim and dive with whale sharks ($195 and up; georgiaaquarium.org).

Drink Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique, Delaware Punch from Honduras and about 60 other beverages at the Taste It! lounge in the World of Coca-Cola headquarters (worldofcoca-cola.com).

Visit the CNN Center, where tours include a ride on the world's tallest free-standing escalator, as well as the opportunity to observe live broadcasts and play newscaster (cnn.com/studio tour).

Dine at the aptly named Bacchanalia for a decadent four-course prix fixe meal, where each course—from foie gras with Georgia strawberries and Marcona almonds to wood grilled local pork loin—is paired with its own glass of wine (starprovisions.com).

View the entire city through floor-to-ceiling windows at the rotating Sun Dial Restaurant, located on the 73rd floor of the Western Hemisphere's tallest hotel, the Westin Peachtree Plaza (sundial restaurant.com).