Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks and a central gathering spot for locals and visitors. Built as the centerpiece of the 1996 Olympic Games, the park is now a year-round destination for relaxing, walking, playing in the fountains, and accessing many of Atlanta’s biggest attractions.
Whether you live in Atlanta, are here for a weekend, or are planning a family trip, this guide walks through what Centennial Olympic Park is, where it is, what to do there, and how to make the most of your visit.
Centennial Olympic Park sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s tourism and entertainment district.
The park is surrounded by several of Atlanta’s most visited spots:
If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, Centennial Olympic Park is usually within a short walk.
For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the park, especially during events or busy weekends.
Closest MARTA rail stations:
From either station, expect about a 5–10 minute walk depending on your pace and the route you choose.
If you’re driving:
During big events (games, concerts, conventions), parking prices and availability can change quickly, so it’s often easier to:
Downtown Atlanta often has shared e-scooters and bikes available. You can usually ride to the streets surrounding the park and then walk inside, since riding may be restricted in certain areas of the park itself. Always check posted signs for rules.
Centennial Olympic Park is designed to be a public, urban green space, but some features may have specific hours.
While exact operating hours can change, visitors typically find:
Because schedules and policies can shift over time or around large events, it’s wise to:
The Fountain of Rings is arguably the most iconic feature of Centennial Olympic Park.
Locals often bring kids in swim gear or change of clothes so they can run through the sprays in hot weather. Visitors taking photos typically gather on the edges of the plaza to capture the skyline and fountain together.
Tip:
🩳 If you’re bringing children, pack a towel and an extra set of clothes—Atlanta summers get hot, and the Fountain of Rings is a popular way to cool off.
Centennial Olympic Park includes several open grassy sections where you can:
Atlanta residents often use the park for lunchtime breaks, quick walks between meetings, or as a meeting point before heading to nearby attractions.
The park was built as part of Atlanta’s role as host of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. You’ll find a number of monuments and commemorative installations that reflect that history.
Common features people look for include:
Taking a slow walk around the paths is a good way to spot these details and get a feel for how the park connects to both Atlanta’s history and the Olympics.
Centennial Olympic Park is often used as a venue for public events, such as:
Atlanta locals sometimes build these events into their seasonal traditions, especially around major holidays. During performances or large gatherings:
If you prefer a quieter visit, plan for weekday mornings or non-event days. If you enjoy crowds and live entertainment, keep an eye out for event dates and plan to arrive early.
Families living in or visiting Atlanta often use the park as a kid-friendly stop, especially when paired with the nearby aquarium or museums.
Common family activities:
While Centennial Olympic Park is not a large, equipment-heavy playground like some neighborhood parks, it’s still a useful central spot to let kids move around between more structured attractions.
One of the park’s biggest advantages is its location in the middle of downtown’s visitor core. Many people use the park as a hub and then walk to nearby places.
Here’s a simple overview of major attractions around the park:
| Nearby Attraction | Type | Approx. Walking Time from Park |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Aquarium | Aquarium | 3–5 minutes |
| World of Coca-Cola | Museum/Brand Experience | 3–5 minutes |
| College Football Hall of Fame | Sports Museum | 5–7 minutes |
| State Farm Arena | Sports/Concert Venue | 8–10 minutes |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Sports/Concert Venue | 10–15 minutes |
| National Center for Civil and Human Rights | Museum | 5–7 minutes |
If you’re planning a full day in downtown Atlanta, a common approach is:
Centennial Olympic Park is in a busy, highly visible area of downtown Atlanta. As with most urban parks:
During major events, you’ll typically see an increased presence of security and event staff in and around the park.
Atlanta weather has a direct impact on how enjoyable your time in the park will be.
Helpful items to bring:
Centennial Olympic Park itself has limited permanent food options, but you’re surrounded by downtown restaurants and quick-service spots.
Common choices include:
Many locals also pack picnic-style meals and eat on the lawn, especially on nice-weather weekends.
Public restrooms may be available within or near the park, but access can depend on:
If you’re exploring nearby attractions (Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, museums), it’s often easiest to use restrooms inside those facilities before or after your time in the park.
Centennial Olympic Park is generally designed with wide, paved walkways and open spaces, making it accessible for:
Curb ramps and paved paths connect the park to surrounding streets and nearby attractions. If accessibility is a key concern for your visit:
Nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola also maintain their own accessibility services, which can make planning a full day in the area more straightforward for visitors with mobility needs.
Centennial Olympic Park can be appealing for many types of visitors and locals:
Atlanta residents looking for:
Families with children who want:
Tourists who are:
If you’re trying to get a feel for Atlanta as a city, spending some time in Centennial Olympic Park—even just an hour or two—offers a good sense of downtown’s energy, major landmarks, and walkable attractions.
Use this short list to plan your visit:
For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is a central, easy-to-reach green space that ties together many of the city’s biggest attractions while offering room to relax, walk, and enjoy the downtown skyline.
