Centennial Olympic Park—often called Atlanta Olympic Park—is one of downtown Atlanta’s most recognizable public spaces. Built as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, it’s now a year-round spot for festivals, concerts, daily relaxation, and city sightseeing.
If you live in Atlanta, work nearby, or are planning a visit, this guide walks through what the park is, where it is, what to do, when to go, and how to plan your visit.
Address:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
The park sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, surrounded by major attractions:
Using MARTA is often the easiest way to reach Atlanta Olympic Park, especially during events.
Downtown can be busy and parking prices vary depending on events.
Common options include:
Because prices and availability change with big games or conventions, many Atlanta residents check event calendars for the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium before deciding to drive.
Centennial Olympic Park is designed as a large open green space with walkways, water features, public art, and gathering areas. It’s easy to explore on foot in 30–60 minutes, but you can also spend several hours if you’re visiting nearby attractions.
The Fountain of Rings is the park’s signature feature and a symbol of the 1996 Olympic Games.
Visitors commonly plan breaks around the Fountain—grabbing a snack, letting children play, or taking photos with the skyline in the background.
Great Lawn:
A large grassy area used for relaxing, picnicking, and major events. On non-event days, locals often bring a blanket and enjoy the skyline views.
Olympic Markers & Monuments:
Around the park you’ll find:
Children’s Play Spaces & Open Areas:
While the park doesn’t have an extensive playground like some neighborhood parks, the open lawns, walkways, and Fountain area are common spots for families.
Public Art & Landscaping:
Seasonal plantings, trees, and sculptures make it a popular backdrop for engagement photos, graduation pictures, and tourist snapshots.
Centennial Olympic Park is generally open daily, but hours can change for maintenance, holidays, or special events.
Because schedules are subject to change, many Atlanta residents check current hours and any event notices before going, especially for early morning visits or late evenings.
Common rules that visitors are expected to follow include:
There is often park security and visible presence from downtown Atlanta police, especially during major events or busy weekends.
If you’re downtown for a meeting, convention, or nearby attraction, a short stop at the park might include:
The park works well as a central “home base” if you’re exploring downtown. Common combinations include:
Park + Georgia Aquarium
Walk from the park’s north side directly toward the aquarium.
Park + World of Coca-Cola
Located just across the street from the park’s north side.
Park + SkyView Atlanta
The Ferris wheel is right along the park’s south edge and offers aerial views of the park and city.
Park + College Football Hall of Fame
A short walk along the southern edge of the park area.
Many visitors plan to:
Centennial Olympic Park has traditionally hosted a wide range of public events, especially during warmer months, such as:
Event schedules vary from year to year. Local residents often:
If you prefer a quiet visit, it can help to avoid major event days when lawns or pathways may be closed or restricted.
Families in Atlanta often use Centennial Olympic Park as a kid-friendly downtown stop between attractions.
While the fountain is designed for public use, caregivers usually keep an eye on children due to slippery surfaces and the presence of crowds.
Public restrooms may be available in or near the park, but during large events there can be:
Families often plan regular restroom breaks at places like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or nearby dining spots.
Atlanta’s weather can be hot and humid in summer and unpredictable in shoulder seasons.
Tips locals use:
☀️ Summer:
🍂 Fall & Spring:
❄️ Winter:
The park sits in a busy urban environment, so visitors commonly:
Downtown Atlanta has a regular police and security presence near major venues, and events often have event-specific security screening for certain areas.
Centennial Olympic Park is surrounded by many places to eat and grab refreshments within walking distance.
Common approaches:
Bring a light picnic
Many locals bring snacks or simple meals to enjoy on the lawn, checking ahead for any temporary restrictions during special events.
Walk to nearby restaurants
Within a few blocks you’ll find:
Some visitors also pick up food from food trucks or vendors that operate near the park during busy days or events, when available.
Centennial Olympic Park fits naturally into many Atlanta itineraries:
Convention + Fresh Air Break:
If you’re attending an event at the Georgia World Congress Center, the park offers an easy outdoor escape between sessions.
Sports Game + Downtown Stroll:
Before or after a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, many fans walk through or around the park.
Tourist Day in Atlanta:
A typical out-of-town visitor might:
Local Day Out:
Atlanta residents often use the park as:
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Centennial Olympic Park |
| Common Search Term | Atlanta Olympic Park |
| Address | 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |
| Area | Large downtown public park with lawns, plazas, and fountains |
| Signature Feature | Fountain of Rings (interactive water fountain, Olympic-ring design) |
| Nearby MARTA Stations | Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center; Peachtree Center |
| Nearby Attractions | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, SkyView Atlanta, College Football Hall of Fame |
| Typical Uses | Sightseeing, relaxing, festivals, concerts, family outings |
| Best for | Visitors wanting an urban park experience tied to Atlanta’s Olympic history |
Centennial Olympic Park remains one of Atlanta’s most important public spaces—a place where the city’s Olympic legacy, downtown skyline, and everyday life come together. Whether you’re an Atlanta local looking for a quick outdoor break or a visitor planning a full day of sightseeing, understanding how the park is laid out, when to go, and what’s nearby helps you make the most of your time downtown.
