Shopping Buckhead: Your Guide to Buckhead’s Malls and Luxury Retail in Atlanta

When people say “Buckhead Mall Atlanta”, they’re usually talking about Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza—the two major malls that anchor Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Together, they form one of the biggest luxury shopping districts in the Southeast, surrounded by high-end boutiques, restaurants, hotels, and offices.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting from out of town, or are just trying to understand how Buckhead shopping works, this guide walks you through what’s here, how to get around, where to park, and how to make the most of a day in Buckhead.

The Two Main “Buckhead Malls” in Atlanta

Lenox Square

Lenox Square is the better-known Buckhead mall and one of Atlanta’s busiest shopping destinations.

• Location: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Type: Large enclosed mall with a mix of luxury and mainstream stores
• Vibe: Busy, energetic, very “Atlanta,” popular with locals and visitors

What Lenox Square is known for:

• Anchor stores: Often includes major department stores and national brands
• Luxury wing: High-end fashion and accessories, plus designer boutiques
• Everyday shopping: Clothing, shoes, electronics, beauty, home goods
• Food options: Food court, fast-casual spots, and sit-down restaurants

Lenox Square is usually the first stop if you want both luxury and more accessible brands in one place. It stays busy on weekends, during holidays, and anytime there’s a major event in town.

Phipps Plaza

Across the street from Lenox is Phipps Plaza, Buckhead’s more upscale, polished, and quieter mall.

• Location: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Type: Luxury mall and mixed-use complex
• Vibe: Refined, calmer than Lenox, with a strong luxury and lifestyle focus

What Phipps Plaza is known for:

• Luxury boutiques: Designer fashion, jewelry, and accessories
• Upscale dining: Higher-end restaurants, hotel dining, and lounges
• Entertainment: Movie theater and other premium experiences
• Office & hotel: Part of a larger mixed-use complex with offices and a hotel

If you’re looking for quiet, high-end shopping, a nice dinner, or a hotel-based stay where you can walk to luxury stores, Phipps is often the better fit.

Quick Comparison: Lenox vs. Phipps

Many Atlantans visit both in the same trip since they’re just across Peachtree from each other.

Getting to Buckhead’s Malls

By MARTA

For many people, MARTA is the easiest way to reach Buckhead malls, especially on weekends or during events.

• Lenox Station (Gold Line):
  • Short walk to Lenox Square
  • Follow signs to Peachtree Rd NE; the mall is visible from the station
• Buckhead Station (Red Line):
  • Walkable or a short rideshare to Phipps Plaza and nearby shopping centers
• Train lines connect from Downtown, Midtown, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, so visitors can get to Buckhead without renting a car.

Tip: 🚇 If you’re staying near Downtown or Midtown and plan to shop heavily, consider MARTA for the way in and a rideshare on the way back if your bags are heavy.

By Car

Buckhead sits along Peachtree Road between I‑85 and GA‑400.

Common driving routes:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  • Take I‑85 N or GA‑400 N, then follow signs toward Buckhead/Lenox
  • Or drive up Peachtree St/Peachtree Rd straight into Buckhead
• From North Fulton suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs):
  • Use GA‑400 S, exit near Lenox/Buckhead
• From East/West Atlanta:
  • Use connectors to I‑85 or surface streets such as Cheshire Bridge Rd or Piedmont Rd and then cut over to Peachtree

Traffic along Peachtree Rd NE can be heavy, especially:

• Weekday rush hours
• Saturdays and holiday seasons
• When major events or conventions are in town

If you want to avoid the worst congestion, aim for weekday late mornings or early afternoons.

Parking at Buckhead Malls

Both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza offer garage and surface parking with clearly marked entrances off Peachtree and surrounding streets.

Common features:

• Garage parking: Multi-level decks connected directly to the mall
• Accessible parking: Near mall entrances and elevators
• Valet: Typically available at designated entrances, especially near fine dining or hotel areas
• Event/holiday adjustments: Traffic control and parking guidance during peak seasons

🅿️ Practical tips:

• Take a quick photo of your parking level and section.
• Note the nearest store or restaurant entrance for your return.
• During very busy times, it can be easier to park at Phipps and walk or rideshare between malls.

Safety and Security Considerations

Buckhead is a major commercial district, and both malls typically maintain visible security and surveillance. Even with that, it helps to use the same common-sense precautions you’d use in any large urban shopping area:

• Avoid leaving bags, electronics, or valuables visible inside cars.
• Park in well-lit, busier portions of garages whenever possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when returning to your car after dark.
• If you ever feel uncomfortable walking to your car, ask mall security or guest services for assistance.

For non-emergency public safety concerns in the City of Atlanta, many residents keep these numbers handy:

• Atlanta Police Department – Zone 2 (Buckhead)
  3120 Maple Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Non-emergency line (through city dispatch): 404‑658‑6666

For emergencies, call 911.

Nearby Buckhead Shopping Beyond the Malls

The Buckhead “mall” experience doesn’t stop at Lenox and Phipps. The neighborhood includes several nearby retail clusters:

Buckhead Village District

A short drive or rideshare from Lenox/Phipps, Buckhead Village District is an outdoor shopping and dining area.

• Luxury and contemporary fashion brands
• Outdoor plazas and patios
• Upscale and casual restaurants
• Walkable streets, especially popular in the evenings and on weekends

This area is good if you prefer outdoor, walkable shopping with a mix of fashion and dining.

Surrounding Strip Centers and Boutiques

Within a short radius of the malls, you’ll find:

• Specialty boutiques along Peachtree Rd and adjacent streets
• Home décor and furniture stores
• Fitness studios and spas
• Everyday needs like pharmacies, groceries, and banks

If you live in Atlanta, Buckhead can easily serve as a one-stop errand and shopping area, not just a special-occasion mall trip.

When to Visit Buckhead Malls

Timing can make a big difference in your experience.

Generally less busy:

• Weekdays before 3 p.m.
• Sunday mornings and early afternoons (except peak holiday season)

Generally more crowded:

• Friday evenings and all day Saturday
• Holiday shopping season (especially late November through December)
• Long weekends and major local event days (concerts, sports, conventions)

If you’re bringing kids, strollers, or older family members and want to avoid crowds, aim for late morning on a weekday. For people-watching and a high-energy atmosphere, Saturday afternoon is often the busiest.

Dining and Entertainment at Buckhead Malls

Both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza offer more than just shopping.

At Lenox Square

You’ll typically find:

• A food court with quick, casual options
• Sit-down restaurants for lunch or dinner breaks
• Coffee and dessert spots for mid-shopping refuels

It’s easy to make a complete half-day visit here: shop, grab lunch, and then continue browsing.

At Phipps Plaza

Phipps leans more toward upscale experiences:

• Higher-end restaurants suitable for business dinners or date nights
• A movie theater (often with reserved seating and enhanced amenities)
• Lounge-style spots attached to hotels or stand-alone restaurants

Many Atlantans pair a shopping trip at Phipps with dinner and a movie or a special event meal.

Visiting Buckhead Malls as a Tourist

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying Downtown or near the airport, Buckhead is a straightforward day trip.

Sample half-day plan:

1. Take MARTA from the airport or Downtown to Lenox Station.
2. Shop and eat at Lenox Square.
3. Walk or take a short rideshare across to Phipps Plaza for luxury browsing or a movie.
4. Head back by MARTA to your hotel.

If you’re staying in Buckhead, many hotels along Peachtree and adjacent streets offer:

• Shuttles to Lenox/Phipps (check with the hotel desk)
• Easy access to rideshare pickup zones
• Walkable paths, especially if you’re directly on Peachtree Rd

Living in Atlanta and Using Buckhead Malls

For Atlanta residents, Buckhead malls can serve different roles:

• Everyday shopping: Clothing, gifts, errand runs, quick lunches
• Special events: Outfits for weddings, graduations, job interviews
• Seasonal needs: Holiday gifts, back-to-school shopping
• Meet-up spot: Central location to meet friends from different parts of the metro

Locals often combine a mall trip with other Buckhead errands, such as:

• Doctor or dentist appointments in nearby office towers
• Banking or legal appointments
• Gym or studio visits, especially in mixed-use developments

If you drive in frequently, it helps to learn:

• Which parking garages are closest to your most-used stores
• How to exit directly onto your preferred route home (Peachtree, GA‑400, or I‑85)

Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features

Both Buckhead malls aim to accommodate a wide range of visitors.

Common features include:

• Elevators and escalators to all shopping levels
• Family restrooms or changing areas
• Stroller-friendly paths through the mall
• Wide corridors that can handle crowds and mobility devices

If you have specific accessibility needs, you can usually find information at mall guest services desks or by calling ahead using the published mall phone numbers.

🧠 Tip: If someone in your group has mobility challenges, consider dropping them off at main entrances before parking, especially during peak times.

Buckhead Malls Within the Bigger Atlanta Shopping Picture

Within metro Atlanta, Buckhead is considered:

• A luxury hub, with brands and experiences you may not find in smaller malls
• A central meeting point, accessible by MARTA and major highways
• A tourist draw, often mentioned alongside attractions like Midtown’s arts district or Downtown sports venues

If you’re comparing where to shop in Atlanta:

• Buckhead (Lenox/Phipps/Buckhead Village) – best for luxury, flagship brands, and variety
• Perimeter (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs) – strong suburban mall alternative
• Cumberland/Vinings, Atlantic Station, and others – additional large centers, but Buckhead remains the signature high-end district

For most visitors and many locals, “Buckhead Mall” basically means Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, plus the surrounding streets that make this one of Atlanta’s main retail destinations.

If your plan is to shop, eat, or simply see one of Atlanta’s most famous neighborhoods, starting with Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza in Buckhead will give you a clear sense of what “Buckhead Mall Atlanta” really means—and how this area fits into everyday life and travel in the city.