Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s signature public spaces—a mix of green lawns, Olympic history, family-friendly fountains, and walkable access to some of the city’s biggest attractions. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting for a day, this park often ends up at the center of your plans.
Address:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
The park sits in downtown Atlanta’s tourist core, surrounded by:
For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the park, especially on event days.
From either station, follow signs toward the Georgia World Congress Center or Centennial Olympic Park; sidewalks and wayfinding signs guide you most of the way.
Driving downtown is common, but traffic around game days, conventions, and major events can be heavy. Plan extra time if you’re coming in from I-75/85 or I-20.
You won’t find a large public parking deck directly under the park itself, but there are numerous paid parking decks and lots surrounding it, including near:
Many locals use parking garage apps or pay-on-site machines. Rates vary by event and time of day—on a quiet weekday it can be inexpensive; on a big game day, expect higher prices and limited spaces.
Centennial Olympic Park was built as the central gathering place for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Before the park, this part of downtown was mostly parking lots and underused space. The park became:
The park is now part of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority campus and continues to host festivals, concerts, and community events throughout the year.
You can walk the park in 20–30 minutes, but there’s a lot packed into these blocks.
The Fountain of Rings is the most famous feature of Centennial Olympic Park. It’s a large fountain designed in the shape of the Olympic rings where:
Bring a change of clothes or a towel if kids plan to play in the water. During colder months or certain maintenance windows, the fountain may not be active, so it’s smart to check the schedule if it’s a key part of your visit.
Around the park you’ll see reminders of Atlanta’s Olympic moment, including:
These are easy to explore on a self-guided walk and help visitors understand how this park fits into Atlanta’s modern history.
Beyond the fountain, the park offers:
During workdays, you’ll see office workers eating lunch on the grass; on weekends, families, tourists, and event-goers spread out around the lawns.
Operational details can change, but there are some general patterns locals rely on.
Centennial Olympic Park is generally open during daytime and early evening hours, with gates often closing at night. Strategies many Atlantans use:
Expect standard urban park rules, which often include:
Security and staff patrol the area regularly, especially during big events, to keep things orderly.
The park functions as a major event venue in downtown Atlanta. Throughout the year, Atlantans are used to seeing:
These events can change how you use the park:
If you prefer a calmer visit, locals often recommend checking an event calendar for the park or for nearby venues like the Georgia World Congress Center before you go.
One of the biggest advantages of Centennial Olympic Park is its location. From the park, you’re within a short walk of several of Atlanta’s top sights.
From the edges of the park, you can reach:
This makes the park a natural home base: many people picnic or relax there in between scheduled attractions.
Within a short walk from the park you’ll find:
Many locals bring picnic-style food and eat on the grass, especially during nice weather, keeping in mind any posted rules about glass containers and alcohol.
Centennial Olympic Park is a frequent stop for families with kids, both local and visiting.
The park’s paths are generally stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with paved walkways and ramps. Nearby attractions are also designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.
Centennial Olympic Park is in a busy part of downtown Atlanta, with a regular mix of tourists, workers, and residents.
Common safety habits locals follow include:
You will typically see security staff and law enforcement presence in and around the park, especially on high-traffic days.
Visitors usually find:
If restrooms in the park are closed or crowded, many people use facilities in nearby attractions, but access may require a ticket or purchase depending on the location.
People in Atlanta use Centennial Olympic Park in different ways depending on the time of week and year.
Common patterns:
If you want quiet time for photos or a peaceful walk, many locals prefer weekday mornings or non-event days.
Centennial Olympic Park is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), which oversees the broader complex that includes the convention center and surrounding venues.
For official questions about:
you can contact or look up information from:
Georgia World Congress Center Authority
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone: (404) 223-4000
This is the primary public entity responsible for long-term operations, maintenance, and large-scale programming at Centennial Olympic Park.
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Atlanta, 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |
| Main Features | Fountain of Rings, open lawns, Olympic monuments, walking paths |
| Nearby Transit | MARTA Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center; Peachtree Center stations |
| Nearby Attractions | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Civil & Human Rights Center, arenas |
| Typical Use | Picnics, walking, splash play, festivals, concerts, community events |
| Good For | Families, tourists, downtown workers, event-goers |
| Management | Georgia World Congress Center Authority |
Centennial Olympic Park remains one of Atlanta’s most central public gathering spaces, tying together the city’s Olympic legacy, major attractions, and everyday urban life. Whether you’re planning a quick lunchtime stroll, a family day downtown, or a visit built around the Aquarium and nearby museums, the park is usually part of the experience.
