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See the best of Atlanta -- its outdoor recreation, arts, science museums and live entertainment -- without spending a dime. Now that's a cheap family vacation.

Atlanta, Georgia earns its celebrated reputation as the capital of the south. Award-winning museums, parks, arts, great food and historical neighborhoods round out the offerings for Atlanta family vacations local and visitors who play within its sprawling boundaries. Despite its top notch amenities and rank as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country, there is still plenty to do for free. Start with a walk through Atlanta's rich history.

A (Free) Walk through History

The Martin Luther King Center (404/526-8900; 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312) was founded by Coretta Scott King in 1968 to preserve her husband’s legacy. Exhibits are dedicated to showcasing King’s teachings and nonviolent movement for peace, justice and equality. The grounds are also the final resting place of the Kings. Over at his birth home on 450 Auburn Avenue, visitors can peruse family artifacts, dishes, and period furniture. The King Center is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm with extended summer hours until 6pm.

The historic African-American area along Auburn Avenue is referred to as the ‘Sweet Auburn District’. Because of Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation, the African American community set up businesses, congregations, and community centers in Sweet Auburn. The area, once home to prominent, rich African-Americans, includes landmarks such as the Rucker Building, Atlanta’s first African-American owned building. Today, the Sweet Auburn district is a National Historic Landmark.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Georgia’s government at work with a free tour of the Georgia State Capitol (404/656-2844; 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334), open Monday through Friday. Visitors can opt to linger in the heart of Georgia’s government with a free self-guided tour of the State Capitol Museum. The museum preserves Georgia's history with exhibits, artifacts, historic flags, and artwork. Hours for tours vary by season and contnigent on political activities at the capitol. Check the website for current times.

To see where Governor and First Lady Perdue hang out off hours, head to the Governors Mansion (404/261-1776; 391 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305-1099) for a free tour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 11:30am.  Docents in each room educate visitors on self-guided tours about the collection and history of the Mansion. The 18-acre estate was completed in 1968 and houses antiques from the Federalist Period.

Foodies should ask about Holly Chute, the mansion’s current Executive Chef. Over the years, Chute has cooked for Governor George Busbee, Governor Joe Frank Harris, Governor Zell Miller, Governor Roy Barnes, and Governor Sonny Perdue. The Mansion also boasts a vegetable garden brimming with tomatoes, snap beans, okra , zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and winter cabbage. The Executive Chef gathers the organic veggies for family meals and political parties.