Yes—Atlanta Has a Ferris Wheel: Your Guide to SkyView Atlanta 🎡
If you’ve ever looked up in downtown Atlanta and noticed a giant wheel near Centennial Olympic Park, you’ve already seen the city’s Ferris wheel. Yes, Atlanta does have a Ferris wheel, and it’s called SkyView Atlanta.
This article walks you through what it is, where it is, what to expect, and how it fits into a visit or daily life in Atlanta.
What Is Atlanta’s Ferris Wheel?
Atlanta’s Ferris wheel is SkyView Atlanta, a large, modern observation wheel located in the heart of downtown.
Instead of open-air fairground seats, SkyView features enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. It’s designed more like an urban observation wheel than a carnival ride, giving you panoramic views of:
- Downtown Atlanta’s skyline
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Portions of Midtown on a clear day
For residents, it’s a popular spot to show visiting friends and family the city from above. For visitors, it’s an easy landmark activity to pair with nearby attractions.
Where Is the Ferris Wheel in Atlanta?
SkyView Atlanta is located at:
It sits directly across from Centennial Olympic Park and is within walking distance of:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- CNN Center
- State Farm Arena
If you’re navigating by MARTA, you can usually get close by exiting at Peachtree Center Station or GWCC/CNN Center Station and walking a few blocks.
What Is the Ride Experience Like?
What you’ll see
From the top of the wheel, you can typically see:
- The downtown skyline, including many of Atlanta’s most recognizable towers
- Overlooks of Centennial Olympic Park and nearby streets
- On clearer days, views stretching toward Midtown and beyond
The gondolas move slowly, making it more of a scenic observation experience than a thrill ride.
How long is the ride?
Ride duration can vary slightly, but people commonly experience:
- Multiple rotations around the wheel
- Enough time for photos, videos, and simply taking in the view
Because the gondolas are climate-controlled, it’s usually comfortable in both hot summers and cooler months, which is especially helpful in Atlanta’s humidity.
When Is the Best Time to Ride?
Many locals and visitors like to plan their ride around time of day and weather:
- Daytime rides: Clearer, crisper views of buildings, parks, and street activity
- Sunset rides: Often considered the most scenic, with changing light and sky colors
- Night rides: City lights, illuminated buildings, and a different atmosphere
If you live in Atlanta, you might enjoy going at different times of year—holiday lights in winter, lush green parks in late spring, or game nights when crowds gather downtown.
How Much Does It Cost?
SkyView Atlanta typically operates with per-person ticket pricing, with common categories such as:
- Adults
- Children
- Possibly VIP or upgraded gondolas
Because exact prices can change, Atlantans and visitors usually:
- Check current prices on SkyView’s official resources
- Look for any posted discounts or group options
- Confirm whether children under a certain age receive reduced rates or ride free
If you’re planning a family outing or bringing a group, it can be helpful to verify current pricing before you head downtown.
Is the Ferris Wheel Kid-Friendly?
Yes, SkyView Atlanta is generally considered family-friendly.
Key points families in Atlanta usually care about:
- Enclosed gondolas: Helpful for kids who might be nervous about heights
- Slow movement: Less intense than a theme park ride
- View-focused: Great for pointing out landmarks to kids and giving them a bird’s-eye look at their city
Parents often find it useful to:
- Prepare younger children with simple explanations about what to expect
- Decide ahead of time whether anyone in the family with a strong fear of heights wants to skip the ride
Safety, Accessibility, and Comfort
General safety
SkyView operates as a permanent, regulated attraction, not a temporary fair ride. The wheel is designed to:
- Load and unload passengers in a controlled manner
- Keep gondolas enclosed and secure
- Operate within defined safety and weather guidelines
Operations may be adjusted during severe weather, such as lightning or very strong winds, which is common policy for large observation wheels.
Accessibility
While you’ll want to confirm current access policies, many visitors find that:
- The boarding area is on the ground level
- Staff can often assist with loading for those who need help
- Enclosed cabins can be more comfortable for a wide range of guests
If you or someone in your group has mobility needs or uses a wheelchair, it’s wise to contact SkyView directly in advance to ask about:
- Boarding procedures
- Wait times
- Any specific accommodations
Getting to the Ferris Wheel: Transportation Tips
Because SkyView Atlanta is downtown, you have several options.
By MARTA
Many Atlanta-area residents and visitors use MARTA rail to avoid downtown parking:
- Take the Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station, then walk west toward Centennial Olympic Park.
- Or, use the Blue or Green line and exit at GWCC/CNN Center Station, then walk through or around the park.
This can be convenient before or after visits to other nearby attractions.
By car
If you’re driving:
- Look for public parking decks and lots near Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, or State Farm Arena.
- Watch for event-day pricing during major games, concerts, or conventions.
Always check posted signage for time limits and rates, especially on busy weekends.
Pairing the Ferris Wheel with Other Atlanta Activities
Since SkyView sits in the middle of the downtown attractions district, many people combine it with:
- A visit to Georgia Aquarium
- Time at World of Coca-Cola
- A walk or picnic in Centennial Olympic Park
- A Hawks, Dream, or concert outing at State Farm Arena
- A game or event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
If you’re local, it can make for an easy:
- Date night add-on
- Post-dinner activity if you’re eating downtown
- Quick skyline experience for guests staying near Peachtree Street
Practical Tips Before You Go
Here’s a quick-reference guide for planning a ride on Atlanta’s Ferris wheel:
| Topic | What Atlantans Commonly Do |
|---|---|
| Check hours | Confirm current operating hours before heading downtown |
| Weather awareness | Look at the forecast for storms or heavy rain, especially in summer |
| Crowds | Expect more visitors on weekends, holidays, and around major events |
| Time of day | Choose between daytime clarity, sunset scenery, or nighttime city lights |
| Parking or transit | Decide in advance between MARTA and paid parking options |
| Group outings | Plan ahead for families, school groups, or out-of-town guests |
Contact and Location Details
For the most accurate, up-to-date information on hours, pricing, and policies, you can contact or visit:
You can also look for posted information on-site once you arrive, including ticketing details and any temporary operating changes.
In summary, Atlanta absolutely does have a Ferris wheel, and it’s a centrally located, year-round attraction that gives you a unique view of the city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re here for a short visit, SkyView Atlanta is a straightforward way to see downtown from above and connect the skyline to the streets you walk every day.