Downtown Atlanta Parks: Where to Find Green Space in the Heart of the City

Downtown Atlanta can feel like a maze of office towers, hotels, and busy streets—but there are several parks right in and around Downtown that offer space to walk, picnic, play, and relax.

This guide focuses on parks in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia, what each one is like, who they’re best for, and how to make the most of them whether you live here, work here, or are just visiting.

Key Downtown Atlanta Parks at a Glance

Note: Some green spaces like Freedom Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and Grant Park are just outside the traditional Downtown boundary but are easy to reach and often used by people who live or stay Downtown.

Woodruff Park: Downtown’s Classic Gathering Space

Location: Around 91 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
(roughly between Peachtree St, Auburn Ave NE, and Edgewood Ave SE)

Woodruff Park is one of the most central parks in Downtown Atlanta. It’s a common landmark for workers, Georgia State University students, and visitors staying in nearby hotels.

What Woodruff Park Is Like

Woodruff Park features:

• Tree-shaded lawns and walking paths
• A small fountain and plaza
• Chess tables
• Seating areas for lunch or reading
• A playground that families use, especially during the day
• Occasional events like yoga, markets, or small performances

The park is surrounded by Downtown streets, so it still feels urban, but it provides a real break from the sidewalks and traffic.

Who Woodruff Park Works Best For

• Office workers looking for a place to eat lunch outside
• Students (particularly from Georgia State) who want to study outdoors
• Visitors staying near Peachtree Center who want a short, safe walk to greenery
• Locals commuting through Downtown who want a quick reset between meetings or transit connections

Practical Tips for Woodruff Park

• Time of day: Midday and early afternoon are the most active times.
• Transit access: Walkable from MARTA Peachtree Center Station and Five Points Station.
• Food options: Surrounded by coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, and food courts a few blocks away.
• Events: Programming can include fitness classes, performances, and community activities; schedules are typically posted by the City of Atlanta or the park’s managing partners.

Centennial Olympic Park: Iconic Downtown Atlanta Green Space

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
(near the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and CNN Center)

Centennial Olympic Park is one of the largest and most recognizable parks in the Downtown area. It was built for the 1996 Olympic Games and remains a centerpiece of Atlanta’s tourism district.

What You’ll Find at Centennial Olympic Park

• Large open lawns with plenty of room for picnics, frisbee, or just lounging
• The Fountain of Rings, a choreographed fountain kids often splash in when operating
• Paved walking paths with skyline and stadium views
• Memorials and Olympic-themed features
• Benches and shaded seating areas

The park is surrounded by major attractions, so it can feel busy and energetic, especially on weekends and event days.

Best Uses for Centennial Olympic Park

• Families with kids who want a place to run around between Downtown attractions
• Visitors who want postcard-style photos with the city skyline
• Local workers and residents who enjoy big open green space for lunch or casual exercise
• Pre‑event meetups before games or concerts at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Practical Tips for Centennial Olympic Park

• Parking: Several paid decks and lots around the park; walking or taking MARTA can be easier on busy days.
• Transit: Short walk from MARTA’s CNN Center/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station and not far from Peachtree Center Station.
• Footwear: The area is mostly paved; comfortable shoes help if you plan to walk between multiple attractions.
• Schedule changes: Operating hours and fountain schedules can vary, especially during large events, so checking ahead can be helpful.

The Home Depot Backyard: Green Space by Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Location: 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313 (adjacent to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)

The Home Depot Backyard is a 13‑acre multi-use green space on the west side of Downtown, used heavily for tailgating during football season and events throughout the year.

What It’s Like

• Wide open artificial and natural turf areas ideal for casual sports and workouts
• Frequent fitness classes, wellness events, and community programs
• Clear views of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the Downtown skyline
• On big event days, it transforms into a tailgate and fan zone

While it sits technically just on the western edge of Downtown, it’s commonly treated as part of the broader Downtown experience.

Who Should Consider The Home Depot Backyard

• Locals who want a large, open space closer than a full suburban park
• Fitness groups and people who like outdoor classes or pick‑up games
• Atlanta United and Falcons fans looking for pre‑ or post‑game gathering space
• Visitors staying near the stadium who want an easy outdoor spot without leaving the area

Practical Tips for The Home Depot Backyard

• 🕒 Check for event days: Access can be limited or regulated on major game or concert days.
• 🚗 Parking: Often tied to stadium events; walking or rideshare can be easier for everyday use.
• 🌳 Use on non-event days: On quieter days, it’s good for jogging, stretching, or relaxed hangouts.

Hurt Park: Compact Green Space in the University Core

Location: Around Courtland St NE & Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
(adjacent to Georgia State University buildings)

Hurt Park is a smaller urban park a few blocks east of Woodruff Park, closely associated with Georgia State University’s campus.

What You’ll Find

• A central fountain
• Shaded lawn areas
• Benches and seating for quick breaks
• A strong student presence during the daytime

The park serves as a calmer spot between busy Downtown streets and campus buildings.

Best For

• Students heading between classes who want fresh air
• Nearby residents and office workers who prefer a quieter, less touristy park
• Daytime breaks rather than long stays

Tips for Visiting Hurt Park

• Time of day: Typically most active during school hours on weekdays.
• Walkability: Easy walk from Five Points Station and other Downtown MARTA stops, especially if you’re already near Georgia State.

Smaller Downtown Green Spaces and Pocket Parks

Downtown Atlanta is dense, but you’ll still find pocket parks, plazas, and small green strips that can be useful for short breaks, dog walks, or a quick sit-down.

Some commonly used types of spaces include:

• Linear parks and medians along streets like Spring St and Courtland St, with trees and benches.
• Plaza areas near major office towers and hotels that function like mini-parks.
• Dog relief areas around large residential buildings and some hotels that are friendly to pet owners.

These smaller spaces typically don’t have playgrounds or big lawns, but they’re useful if you:

• Live in a Downtown high-rise and want a quick outdoor moment
• Need a spot to make a call or read between appointments
• Are walking a dog and just need some greenery close by

If you’re looking for a full dog park, most residents head slightly outside the core Downtown area to neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, or Grant Park, which have more established off‑leash areas.

Just Beyond Downtown: Bigger Parks Still Easy to Reach

Many Atlantans who live or stay Downtown use nearby neighborhoods for larger or more specialized parks. These aren’t technically “Downtown” but are still practical options if you’re willing to walk, bike, or use MARTA or a short rideshare.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

• Area: Old Fourth Ward, east of Downtown
• Vibe: Lake, walking trails, amphitheater-style lawns, modern playground
• Best for: Families, joggers, people wanting a more scenic neighborhood park near the Eastside BeltLine.

Freedom Park

• Area: East of Downtown, stretching through the Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park area
• Vibe: Long, green corridors good for biking and running
• Best for:Cyclists and runners who want longer routes without heavy traffic.

Grant Park

• Area: South‑east of Downtown (home to Zoo Atlanta)
• Vibe: One of Atlanta’s oldest parks, with mature trees, trails, and large lawns
• Best for:Longer walks, family outings, and combined trips to Zoo Atlanta or the Grant Park neighborhood.

Each of these can be reached quickly by car or a combination of MARTA and walking, making them realistic weekend or evening options for Downtown residents.

How to Choose the Right Downtown Atlanta Park for Your Needs

Different Downtown parks shine in different situations. Here’s a quick guide:

For a Short Lunch Break Near the Office

• Woodruff Park
• Hurt Park (especially if you’re near Georgia State)

Both offer benches, some shade, and central locations close to offices, government buildings, and transit.

For Visiting with Kids

• Centennial Olympic Park is ideal if you’re also seeing Downtown attractions.
• Woodruff Park’s playground is a good option if you’re staying nearby or passing through.

Plan for:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen and hats in warm months
• A towel or change of clothes if kids might play near fountains (when active)

For Tailgating, Fitness, or Big Open Fields

• The Home Depot Backyard is best for sports events and outdoor workouts, especially near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
• Centennial Olympic Park lawns are good for casual frisbee, sunbathing, or stretching.

For a Quiet Spot to Read or Take a Call

• Hurt Park during daytime hours
• Smaller pocket parks and shaded plazas throughout the Downtown grid
• Edges of Woodruff Park away from the main pathways

Safety, Hours, and General Downtown Park Etiquette

Downtown Atlanta parks are regularly used by residents, workers, tourists, and students, and experiences can vary by time of day and event schedule. A few general considerations:

• 🕒 Go during active hours if you’re unfamiliar with the area—daytime and early evening typically feel more comfortable for most people.
• 👀 Stay aware of your surroundings, as you would in any major city center.
• 🧺 Follow posted rules about alcohol, smoking, pets, and event spaces.
• 🗑️ Use trash and recycling bins to help keep parks clean, especially in high‑traffic spaces like Centennial Olympic Park.
• 🐕 Leash laws apply in Downtown; off‑leash dog areas are mostly found in neighborhoods just beyond the core.

For questions about ordinances, hours, or permitting for events, Atlantans commonly contact:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation

• Main City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• General information is typically available through the City of Atlanta’s main information line or via the department’s public offices.

Getting to Downtown Atlanta Parks Without a Car

Downtown parks are comparatively walkable and transit-friendly by Atlanta standards. Common options include:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Peachtree Center Station – walkable to Woodruff Park and Centennial Olympic Park
  • Five Points Station – central hub, close to Woodruff Park, Hurt Park, and Georgia State
  • CNN Center/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station – closest to Centennial Olympic Park and The Home Depot Backyard

• Street-level walking: Most Downtown hotels and office buildings are within a 5–15 minute walk of at least one major park.

• Bikes and scooters: Downtown often has bike and scooter share options, though availability can shift. These are practical for quick trips from Downtown to nearby neighborhoods like the Old Fourth Ward or Midtown for additional park options.

Making the Most of Downtown Atlanta Parks

To get real value out of Downtown parks if you live, work, or stay in the area:

• 🌤 Build them into your routine – walk through Woodruff Park on your commute, or use Centennial Olympic Park for a mid‑day reset.
• 📅 Watch for posted events – free exercise classes, concerts, and community programs are common in the warmer months.
• 🚶‍♀️ Use parks as walking links – connect from MARTA to your destination via parks when possible to avoid the busiest intersections.
• 🧃 Plan around food – grab takeout from a nearby restaurant and eat in the park for an easy, low‑cost Downtown experience.

Downtown Atlanta may be known for its skyscrapers and stadiums, but it also offers enough green space to sit, breathe, and enjoy the city—you just need to know where to look.