Visiting Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia: What to Know Before You Go

Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks and a central gathering spot for locals and visitors. Built as the centerpiece of the 1996 Olympic Games, the park is now a year-round destination for relaxing, walking, playing in the fountains, and accessing many of Atlanta’s biggest attractions.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are here for a weekend, or are planning a family trip, this guide walks through what Centennial Olympic Park is, where it is, what to do there, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Centennial Olympic Park Is in Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s tourism and entertainment district.

• Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta
• Nearby major streets: Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW

The park is surrounded by several of Atlanta’s most visited spots:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center (former studios area, still a recognizable landmark)

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, Centennial Olympic Park is usually within a short walk.

Getting to Centennial Olympic Park

By MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the park, especially during events or busy weekends.

Closest MARTA rail stations:

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • Walk east along Andrew Young International Blvd NW or through the Georgia World Congress Center complex.
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line)
  • Walk west along John Portman Blvd NW or Harris St toward Centennial Olympic Park.

From either station, expect about a 5–10 minute walk depending on your pace and the route you choose.

By Car

If you’re driving:

• Use a navigation app and enter “Centennial Olympic Park” or the street address.
• Parking is not inside the park, but there are many paid parking decks and lots around:
  • Georgia World Congress Center parking decks
  • Lots near State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Garages along Marietta St NW and Baker St NW

During big events (games, concerts, conventions), parking prices and availability can change quickly, so it’s often easier to:

• Arrive early
• Consider MARTA for major event days
• Be prepared to walk a few blocks from your parking spot

By Bike or Scooter

Downtown Atlanta often has shared e-scooters and bikes available. You can usually ride to the streets surrounding the park and then walk inside, since riding may be restricted in certain areas of the park itself. Always check posted signs for rules.

Park Hours, Access, and General Info

Centennial Olympic Park is designed to be a public, urban green space, but some features may have specific hours.

While exact operating hours can change, visitors typically find:

• General park grounds: Open during daytime and early evening hours
• Fountain of Rings shows: Scheduled at set times during the day
• Special events: May include extended or restricted access to parts of the park

Because schedules and policies can shift over time or around large events, it’s wise to:

• Check current hours before you go, especially if you’re planning around the Fountain of Rings or a specific event.
• Be aware that sections of the park may be fenced off for festivals, races, or private events.

What to See and Do at Centennial Olympic Park

1. Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is arguably the most iconic feature of Centennial Olympic Park.

• Located near the center of the park
• Designed in the shape of the Olympic rings
• Functions as an interactive, splash-friendly fountain
• Timed water-and-music shows run several times a day (schedule can vary)

Locals often bring kids in swim gear or change of clothes so they can run through the sprays in hot weather. Visitors taking photos typically gather on the edges of the plaza to capture the skyline and fountain together.

Tip:
🩳 If you’re bringing children, pack a towel and an extra set of clothes—Atlanta summers get hot, and the Fountain of Rings is a popular way to cool off.

2. The Great Lawn and Green Spaces

Centennial Olympic Park includes several open grassy sections where you can:

• Sit and relax with a skyline view
• Enjoy a picnic
• Let kids play or run around
• Take photos with the Atlanta buildings in the background

Atlanta residents often use the park for lunchtime breaks, quick walks between meetings, or as a meeting point before heading to nearby attractions.

3. Monuments, Sculptures, and Olympic History

The park was built as part of Atlanta’s role as host of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. You’ll find a number of monuments and commemorative installations that reflect that history.

Common features people look for include:

• Olympic-related monuments and plaques
• Sculptures that reference the games and Atlanta’s role as host city
• Landscaping elements and design details that incorporate Olympic themes

Taking a slow walk around the paths is a good way to spot these details and get a feel for how the park connects to both Atlanta’s history and the Olympics.

4. Events, Festivals, and Concerts

Centennial Olympic Park is often used as a venue for public events, such as:

• Music festivals
• Community celebrations
• Holiday-themed activities
• Charity races and walks

Atlanta locals sometimes build these events into their seasonal traditions, especially around major holidays. During performances or large gatherings:

• Some lawn or plaza areas may be closed off or ticketed
• You might find temporary stages, vendor tents, and food options
• Crowd levels can be significantly higher than on a typical weekday

If you prefer a quieter visit, plan for weekday mornings or non-event days. If you enjoy crowds and live entertainment, keep an eye out for event dates and plan to arrive early.

5. Playground and Family-Friendly Features

Families living in or visiting Atlanta often use the park as a kid-friendly stop, especially when paired with the nearby aquarium or museums.

Common family activities:

• Playing in or around the Fountain of Rings
• Enjoying the open lawns
• Using walkways for strollers and scooters
• Taking photos with murals, sculptures, and skyline backdrops

While Centennial Olympic Park is not a large, equipment-heavy playground like some neighborhood parks, it’s still a useful central spot to let kids move around between more structured attractions.

Attractions Near Centennial Olympic Park

One of the park’s biggest advantages is its location in the middle of downtown’s visitor core. Many people use the park as a hub and then walk to nearby places.

Here’s a simple overview of major attractions around the park:

If you’re planning a full day in downtown Atlanta, a common approach is:

1. Morning at Georgia Aquarium
2. Midday lunch near Centennial Olympic Park
3. Afternoon stroll through the park and possibly World of Coca-Cola
4. Evening event at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium (if there’s a game or concert)

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

General Safety

Centennial Olympic Park is in a busy, highly visible area of downtown Atlanta. As with most urban parks:

• Stay aware of your belongings, especially during crowded events
• Keep valuables secured and out of sight when possible
• If visiting at dusk or after dark, stick to well-lit, populated areas

During major events, you’ll typically see an increased presence of security and event staff in and around the park.

Weather and Seasons in Atlanta

Atlanta weather has a direct impact on how enjoyable your time in the park will be.

• Summer: Hot and humid; outdoor fountains are especially popular.
• Spring and Fall: Often the most comfortable months for walking and picnicking.
• Winter: Generally mild, but can be chilly; events and holiday-themed activities may still draw visitors.

Helpful items to bring:

• ☀️ Sunscreen and a hat (especially in summer)
• A water bottle to stay hydrated
• A light jacket in cooler months
• Umbrella or poncho if afternoon storms are in the forecast

Food, Restrooms, and Nearby Amenities

Food Options

Centennial Olympic Park itself has limited permanent food options, but you’re surrounded by downtown restaurants and quick-service spots.

Common choices include:

• Fast-casual restaurants along Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and around the Aquarium/World of Coca-Cola
• Food vendors or trucks during special events or festivals
• Hotel restaurants if you’re staying nearby

Many locals also pack picnic-style meals and eat on the lawn, especially on nice-weather weekends.

Restrooms

Public restrooms may be available within or near the park, but access can depend on:

• Time of day
• Events taking place
• Maintenance schedules

If you’re exploring nearby attractions (Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, museums), it’s often easiest to use restrooms inside those facilities before or after your time in the park.

Accessibility Considerations

Centennial Olympic Park is generally designed with wide, paved walkways and open spaces, making it accessible for:

• Wheelchairs
• Strollers
• Mobility aids

Curb ramps and paved paths connect the park to surrounding streets and nearby attractions. If accessibility is a key concern for your visit:

• Plan walking routes that follow the primary paved paths rather than steep or uneven edges.
• Allow extra time to navigate around crowds or events when the park is busy.

Nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola also maintain their own accessibility services, which can make planning a full day in the area more straightforward for visitors with mobility needs.

Who Centennial Olympic Park Is Best For

Centennial Olympic Park can be appealing for many types of visitors and locals:

• Atlanta residents looking for:

  • A quick lunch spot outdoors
  • A place to walk on a break or between meetings downtown
  • A central meetup point before a game or concert

• Families with children who want:

  • A break between attractions
  • Space for kids to move and play
  • The fun of the Fountain of Rings

• Tourists who are:

  • Exploring downtown Atlanta on foot
  • Visiting nearby museums and stadiums
  • Interested in the legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games

If you’re trying to get a feel for Atlanta as a city, spending some time in Centennial Olympic Park—even just an hour or two—offers a good sense of downtown’s energy, major landmarks, and walkable attractions.

Quick Planning Checklist for Centennial Olympic Park

Use this short list to plan your visit:

• 📍 Know your route:
  • Driving and parking near 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Or using MARTA (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center or Peachtree Center stations)
• 🕒 Check:
  • General park hours
  • Any events or festivals that might affect access
  • If you want to see them, the Fountain of Rings show times
• 🎒 Pack:
  • Water, sunscreen, hat, and maybe a picnic-style snack or lunch
  • For kids: towel and extra clothes if they’ll play in the fountain
• 🚶 Plan what’s nearby:
  • Decide whether to combine your visit with Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame, or an event at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is a central, easy-to-reach green space that ties together many of the city’s biggest attractions while offering room to relax, walk, and enjoy the downtown skyline.