Biggest Mall in Atlanta, GA: Your Guide to Lenox Square and Atlanta’s Largest Shopping Destinations
When people ask about the biggest mall in Atlanta, GA, they are almost always talking about Lenox Square in Buckhead. It’s one of the largest and most well-known malls in the Southeast and a major shopping landmark for Atlanta residents and visitors.
At the same time, Atlanta’s shopping scene is spread across several large malls and mixed-use centers, each with its own feel, store mix, and price point. If you’re trying to decide where to shop, eat, or just walk around indoors in Atlanta, it helps to understand how these big malls compare.
The Biggest Mall in Atlanta: Lenox Square
Lenox Square is widely recognized as the largest and most iconic mall in Atlanta in terms of traditional enclosed retail space, number of stores, and regional draw.
Location:
3393 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326 (Buckhead)
What Makes Lenox Square “the Biggest”?
Lenox is often considered the biggest mall in Atlanta because it offers:
- Hundreds of stores covering everything from luxury fashion to everyday basics
- Multiple anchor department stores
- A large food court plus sit-down restaurants
- High foot traffic from locals, tourists, and business travelers
While exact square footage can change slightly over time with renovations and tenant changes, Lenox routinely ranks among the largest malls in Georgia and is usually the top answer when locals think of “the biggest mall in Atlanta.”
What You’ll Find at Lenox Square
Lenox is especially known for:
- Luxury and designer brands
- National clothing retailers for men, women, and children
- Jewelry and watch stores
- Beauty, cosmetics, and skincare shops
- Tech and electronics retailers
- A large food court with quick-service options
- Full-service restaurants around the perimeter and nearby in Buckhead
This mix makes Lenox a solid choice if you:
- Want to do serious fashion shopping in one place
- Need options across a wide range of budgets and styles
- Are visiting Atlanta and want a “one-stop” mall that feels like a regional destination
Other Major Atlanta Malls You Should Know
Even if Lenox Square is considered the biggest, it’s not the only large mall that Atlantans rely on. Several other shopping centers compete closely in size, store count, or overall experience.
Phipps Plaza (Across from Lenox)
Location:
3500 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326 (Buckhead)
Phipps Plaza sits just across Peachtree Road from Lenox Square and is another major player in Atlanta’s high-end retail scene.
- Known for a more upscale, boutique feel
- Strong focus on luxury and designer brands
- High-end restaurants and an elevated atmosphere
- Smaller store count than Lenox, but more exclusively curated
If Lenox is the big, busy, all-purpose mall, Phipps is its sleeker, more luxurious neighbor. Many shoppers visit both in one trip since you can walk or take a short drive between them.
Perimeter Mall (North Atlanta / Dunwoody)
Location:
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Perimeter Mall is just outside the Atlanta city limits but is a major shopping destination for people who live or work in north Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and the Perimeter business area.
Key points:
- Large two-level enclosed mall with a wide variety of national retailers
- Strong department store presence and popular clothing chains
- Surrounded by office towers, hotels, and restaurants
- Accessible via MARTA’s Dunwoody Station (Red Line), which is a big plus if you don’t want to drive
While many consider Lenox the biggest mall in Atlanta proper, Perimeter Mall is comparable in feel and regional draw, especially for people north of I-285.
Cumberland Mall (Cobb County / Near Truist Park)
Location:
2860 Cumberland Mall SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
Cumberland Mall sits in the Cobb County area, not far from Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta.
It offers:
- A traditional enclosed mall layout
- A mix of affordable national retailers
- Several sit-down restaurants on the outside
- Convenient access from I-285 and I-75, making it popular for suburban shoppers and people heading to or from Braves games
It doesn’t quite match Lenox in size or luxury, but it is still one of the larger, busier malls in the Atlanta metro.
Mall of Georgia (Major Regional Mall Northeast of Atlanta)
Location:
3333 Buford Dr
Buford, GA 30519
Although the Mall of Georgia is not inside the city of Atlanta, many people searching for the “biggest mall in Atlanta” actually mean the largest mall in the greater Atlanta metro area.
Mall of Georgia is:
- One of the largest malls in the entire state of Georgia
- A major regional mall serving Gwinnett County and the northeast suburbs
- A combination of enclosed mall and open-air lifestyle sections, plus a cinema and many dining options
If your priority is sheer size and variety and you’re willing to drive out from central Atlanta, Mall of Georgia is often considered the true “biggest” in the region.
Quick Comparison: Atlanta’s Biggest Malls at a Glance
Below is a simplified overview to help you decide which major mall fits your needs. (Descriptions are general and may evolve as centers expand or renovate.)
| Mall / Center | Inside Atlanta City Limits? | Overall Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenox Square | Yes (Buckhead) | Large, busy, upscale mix | Biggest mall in Atlanta proper; wide variety; locals + tourists |
| Phipps Plaza | Yes (Buckhead) | Luxury, polished, quiet | Designer brands, upscale experience, “special occasion” shopping |
| Perimeter Mall | No (Dunwoody) | Large, mainstream, convenient | Northside shoppers, MARTA access, office workers and business travelers |
| Cumberland Mall | Partly Atlanta mailing area | Mid-range, practical | Everyday shopping, dining near Truist Park, Cobb residents |
| Mall of Georgia | No (Buford) | Very large regional mall | Biggest in the broader metro; full-day shopping trips |
How to Choose the Right “Biggest” Mall for Your Visit
Someone in Atlanta might say “biggest mall” but actually be thinking about different things: number of stores, luxury options, convenience, or total square footage. Here’s how to match the mall to your priorities.
If You Want the Classic “Atlanta Mall Experience”
Go to Lenox Square.
- Feels like the center of Buckhead retail
- Easy to combine with nearby Phipps Plaza, Buckhead hotels, and restaurants
- Good for tourists, business travelers, and locals meeting friends
If You Want Luxury and a Quieter Atmosphere
Choose Phipps Plaza.
- More relaxed than Lenox, with a high-end focus
- Ideal for designer shopping, nicer meals, and a more polished environment
- Often favored for special purchases and upscale browsing
If You Live or Work on the Northside
Head to Perimeter Mall.
- Convenient for Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and north I-285
- Connected to MARTA, which is rare for large malls in the region
- Big enough that you can find most national retailers you’d expect
If You Want Practical Shopping Near Cobb / Braves Country
Visit Cumberland Mall.
- Good mix of affordable stores and restaurants
- Close to Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta for combined outings
- Easier parking and often less intense crowds than Buckhead
If You Want the Absolute Largest in the Metro
Plan a day at Mall of Georgia.
- Especially appealing if you’re in Gwinnett County or northeast suburbs
- Works well as an all-day trip with family or groups
- Large selection of stores, eateries, and entertainment options
Getting to the Biggest Malls in and Around Atlanta
Transportation and parking are important if you’re planning a serious shopping day.
By Car
- Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza: Located off Peachtree Rd NE in Buckhead, near GA-400 and Lenox Rd. Expect busy traffic during rush hour, weekends, and holidays.
- Perimeter Mall: Just off I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody Rd, convenient from GA-400 and I-285 interchange.
- Cumberland Mall: Close to the I-285 / I-75 interchange; heavily traveled area but with multiple access points.
- Mall of Georgia: Off I-85 and GA-20 in Buford; more of a drive from downtown Atlanta but straightforward highway access.
Most large malls in the Atlanta area offer free parking, though premium or valet options may be paid.
By MARTA (Public Transit)
Public transit access is best for:
- Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza:
- Lenox Station (Gold Line) – a short walk to Lenox Square
- Buckhead Station (Red Line) – walkable to Phipps Plaza and nearby Buckhead retail with some additional distance
- Perimeter Mall:
- Dunwoody Station (Red Line) – directly adjacent to the mall area
For routes, schedules, and current service, check MARTA’s official communication channels or visit a MARTA station in Atlanta (such as Five Points, Peachtree Center, or North Avenue) for printed information.
Tips for Making the Most of a Big-Mall Trip in Atlanta
A huge mall can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. A few practical Atlanta-focused tips:
Time your visit:
- Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually less crowded.
- Weekends, evenings, and holidays—especially around Lenox—can be very busy, both in the mall and parking decks.
Plan your route:
- Check mall directories before you go, especially for Lenox, Perimeter, and Mall of Georgia, to map out must-visit stores.
- Group your stops by location (upper level vs. lower level) to reduce backtracking.
Security and awareness:
- Major Atlanta malls employ security staff and often have visible patrols.
- As in any large city, keep personal items secure, lock your car, and stay aware of your surroundings in parking lots and decks.
Dining strategy:
- Food courts at Lenox, Perimeter, Cumberland, and Mall of Georgia offer quick, casual options.
- Nearby sit-down restaurants can be a better fit during peak food court rushes or if you want a quieter break.
Weather considerations:
- During hot Atlanta summers, enclosed malls offer air-conditioned space to walk and shop.
- On rainy days, enclosed centers like Lenox, Phipps, Perimeter, and Cumberland are especially useful, while partially open centers may require more walking outdoors.
The Bottom Line: What Is the Biggest Mall in Atlanta, GA?
If you are asking specifically about Atlanta city and want the biggest, most prominent mall, the practical answer is:
- Lenox Square in Buckhead is widely viewed as the biggest mall in Atlanta, GA, thanks to its size, store count, and status as a regional shopping hub.
If you broaden your search to the entire Atlanta metro area, then:
- Mall of Georgia in Buford is often recognized as the largest mall in the region overall, and a top choice if you’re focused strictly on size and variety.
For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, starting with Lenox Square, and possibly pairing it with Phipps Plaza, gives you the clearest taste of the city’s largest and most influential malls.