A guide to Atlanta’s parks and green spaces
Atlanta is known for its vibrant culture and bustling skyline, but it’s also home to many beautiful parks and green spaces. Whether you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, play sports with friends, or take your dog for a walk, you will find the perfect park in Atlanta.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s most popular parks, and for good reason. This 185-acre park is located in the heart of the city and offers something for everyone. Plenty of open spaces exist for picnics and sunbathing, walking and biking trails, sports fields, and a playground. Throughout the year, Piedmont Park is also the site of many different events, such as concerts, festivals, and movie screenings.
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and remains one of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks. The World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights are just a few places to visit in the park. It’s also a popular spot for people-watching and enjoying the city skyline.
Grant Park
Grant Park is another one of Atlanta’s historic parks. It’s home to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. Grant Park is also a great place to enjoy a picnic or walk.
Chastain Park
Chastain Park is a 268-acre park located in the Buckhead neighborhood. You can find a golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a horse park, among other things in the park. Chastain Park is also famous for walking, running, and biking.
The Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a former railroad corridor turned into a trail that can be used for many things. The trail is 33 miles long and still under construction, but it’s already a popular spot for walking, running, biking, and skating. The Atlanta BeltLine is also home to various parks, green spaces, restaurants, shops, and other businesses.
Other Atlanta parks and green spaces
In addition to the parks listed above, there are many other great parks and green spaces to explore in Atlanta. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Lullwater Preserve is a 135-acre nature preserve located on the Emory University campus. The preserve is home to various plants, wildlife, walking trails, and a lake.
- Oakland Cemetery is a historic cemetery that is also a great place to enjoy a walk or picnic. The cemetery is home to the graves of many notable Atlantans, including Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, and Maynard Jackson.
- Piedmont Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works to preserve and improve Piedmont Park. The conservancy hosts several programs and events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and educational workshops.
- Friends of the BeltLine is another non-profit organization working to complete the Atlanta BeltLine. There are many ways to get involved with the organization, such as volunteering, giving money, and attending events.
You will find it in Atlanta no matter what you’re looking for in a park. The city has many parks and green spaces, so you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax, play, or explore.
Here are some additional tips for planning your visit to Atlanta’s parks and green spaces:
- Many of Atlanta’s parks are open from dawn to dusk, but check the specific park’s website or hours of operation before you go.
- Some parks have admission fees, while others are free to enter. Be sure to check the specific park’s website for admission information.
- Many of Atlanta’s parks offer a variety of amenities, such as restrooms, playgrounds, and walking trails. Be sure to check the specific park’s website for amenities.
- If you plan on visiting a park during the summer months, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
- If you bring your dog to the park, keep them on a leash and clean up afterward.
Atlanta’s parks and green spaces are a great way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and get some fresh air. With so many different parks, you will indeed find the perfect spot to relax, play, or explore.