When friends are coming to town and you're looking for an interesting outing, try one from the following list. Ten places in Atlanta to impress out-of-town guests:

• High Museum of Art. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the building is a showplace of modern architecture. The museum offers a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art and a succession of world-class temporary exhibits. The museum is closed for renovations, but it will reopen Aug. 30. Getting there isn't hard. The museum is at 1280 Peachtree St., a short walk from the Arts Center MARTA station. Information: 404-733-4444, www.high.org.

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. One of the best places in town to take a history buff. In a span of two blocks, visitors can see King's birthplace and childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he gave his first sermon, King's grave, a memorial and an emotionally moving civil rights museum. Early 20th century homes along Auburn Avenue have been restored. Address: 450 Auburn Avenue. Information: 404-331-3920, www.nps.gov/malu.

• Turner Field. Visit the home of America's team, the Atlanta Braves. Baseball season runs March through September. Stadium tours also are available for a behind-the-scenes look at the Braves clubhouse, dugout, broadcast booth, press box and luxury suites. The Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum & Hall of Fame features Braves memorabilia from 1871 to the present. The field is at 755 Hank Aaron Drive. Shuttle buses run from the Five Points MARTA station before games. Information: 404-522-7630, atlanta.braves.mlb.com.

• Fabulous Fox Theatre. A 1929 relic of the golden era of movie palaces. Moorish architectural flourishes and a false sky on the domed ceiling make this a magical place to see a musical, concert or classic film. The building was almost torn down in the 1970s but since has been recognized as one of the city's treasures. The Fabulous Fox is at 660 Peachtree St., a short walk from the North Avenue MARTA station. Information: 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org.

• Zoo Atlanta/Atlanta Cyclorama. Two popular attractions at one location in Grant Park near downtown Atlanta. The 1864 Civil War Battle of Atlanta is narrated in the world's largest painting and diorama in the round. Next door, visit the pandas and more than 1,000 other animals at the zoo. The features are at 800 Cherokee Ave. For Cyclorama, call 404-658-7625. For Zoo Atlanta, visit www.zooatlanta.org or call 404-624-5600.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden. With 15 acres of landscaped gardens and 15 acres of woodlands, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features a range of garden environments. The rose garden, with its numerous varieties, the serene Japanese Garden, and the playful children's garden are just a few. The gardens is at 1345 Piedmont Ave. Information: 404-876-5859, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

• Jimmy Carter Presidential Center. Visitors can see a replica of the Oval Office that is so accurate it has been used in films. There are dozens of exhibits packed with information about Carter's policies, his day-to-day life in the White House and complex issues such as the Iran hostage crisis, the SALT II arms control agreement and human rights. The facility is at 441 Freedom Parkway. Information: 404-331-3942, carterlibrary.galileo.peachnet.edu.

• The World of Coca-Cola. Everything you ever wanted to know about Coca-Cola. You'll sample Coke products from around the world and view exhibits, including a collection of nostalgic television commercials. Located at 55 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near the Five Points MARTA station. Information: 404-676-5151, www.woccatlanta.com.

• Piedmont Park. One of America's great city parks. With its large trees, stonework, central pond and Midtown skyscrapers as a backdrop, Piedmont Park is a mini-version of New York's Central Park. It's also the place to see Atlanta at play. On a sunny day, the park is bustling with in-line skaters, skateboarders, cyclists, dog walkers and couples out for a stroll. Park entrances are on Piedmont Avenue, 10th Street and Monroe Drive. Information: 404-875-7275, www.piedmontpark.org.

-- Milo Ippolito