Centennial Olympic Park

The Basics

As one of Atlanta’s most popular open spaces and a hub for downtown attractions, Centennial Olympic Park features in most city sightseeing tours, including bus tours, scavenger hunts, after dark excursions, and Segway tours of Midtown. If you have a special interest in sports, opt for a themed tour, with visits to multiple stadiums and the park. Or use it as a jumping off point to visit nearby Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, and the World of Coca-Cola.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Pick up more information from the official visitor center on the south end of the park; free Wi-Fi is available.

• Leashed dogs are welcome in the park, and waste bag stations can be found throughout.

• There are plenty of nearby restaurants, but consider bringing a picnic lunch to eat on the lawn.

• Download an audio walking tour for a self-guided tour of the park.

How to Get There

Centennial Olympic Park is located in downtown Atlanta near a variety of attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, and World of Coca-Cola. To get there by train, take the red/gold lines to Peachtree Center station or the blue/green lines to GWCC/CNN station, both about a half-mile from the park (.8 kilometers) for a 10-minute walk. The Atlanta Streetcar also stops at the park.

When to Get There

The park is open daily throughout the year, and the best time to visit is during one of the four daily Fountain of Rings shows that take place throughout the afternoon and evening. Come in summer when kids (and adults) can play in the fountains.

Festivals in the Park

Centennial Olympic Park is a hub of activity in Atlanta throughout the year. The green space plays host to a weekly music series, as well as a range of popular festivals, including the Sweetwater420 Festival and Shaky Knees Music Festival. Holiday visitors can skate at the park’s seasonal ice rink.

Ways to explore

As one of Atlanta’s most popular open spaces and a hub for downtown attractions, Centennial Olympic Park features in most city sightseeing tours, including bus and trolley tours, guided walks, scavenger hunts, after-dark excursions, and Segway tours of Midtown. If you have a special interest in sports, opt for a themed tour that pairs visits to the city’s stadiums with a stroll through the park. Or use this green space as a jumping-off point to visit the nearby Georgia Aquarium, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the World of Coca-Cola.

Accessibility

The park is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

None; this family-friendly park features a water feature to play in and plenty of open space for kids.

What to pack

Hat, camera, picnic supplies, towel (to dry off from the fountain)

What to wear

Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a change of clothes (if playing in the fountain)

Not allowed

Barbecuing, glass bottles, alcohol, skateboards, electric bicycles, off-leash pets

Amenities

Visitor Center, Wi-Fi, restrooms, restaurant, playgrounds

Address 

Centennial Olympic Park is located in downtown Atlanta, within walking distance of a variety of attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. You can also reach the park by public transportation or by car.

Driving

The park is bordered by Centennial Olympic Park Drive to the east, Marietta Street and Park Avenue West to the west, and Baker Street to the North. There is ample paid parking nearby at the Georgia World Congress Center and College Football Hall of Fame.

Public transportation

To get there by MARTA train, take the red/gold lines to Peachtree Center station or the blue/green lines to GWCC/CNN station, both about a half-mile (.8 kilometers) from the park for a 10-minute walk. The Atlanta Streetcar also stops at the park.

Best times to visit

Centennial Olympic Park is open daily from 7am to 11 pm; the visitor center is open from 9am to 4 pm. The Fountain of Rings show times are at 12pm, 2:30pm, 6:30pm, and 9:00pm.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays are the liveliest at the park, when locals gather here to picnic, relax, and cool off in the Fountain of Rings. For a quieter visit, stop by on a weekday morning.

Best months to visit

Atlanta has mild weather all year-round, so the park is a pleasure to visit in all four seasons. The Fountain of Rings is especially refreshing from May through September, when temperatures soar.

Special events

Open-air concerts and performances are regularly held in the park’s Southern Company Amphitheater. The nearby State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are among the city’s premier event venues.