Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia: Your Complete Local Guide

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s backyard—and for good reason. Located in the heart of Midtown, this historic green space blends skyline views, open fields, trails, playgrounds, and major festivals into one of the city’s most-loved destinations.

Whether you live nearby, are visiting Atlanta, or are just planning a day out, this guide walks you through what to do, where things are, how to get there, and what to know before you go.

Where Piedmont Park Is and How to Get There

Address:
Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

The park stretches between Midtown and Virginia-Highland, with multiple entrances.

Main entrances

• 12th Street Gate – Popular Midtown entrance, close to MARTA Midtown Station.
• Charles Allen Drive Gate – Ends at 10th St NE, often used by BeltLine and festival visitors.
• Park Drive Bridge / Park Drive Entrance – Near the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Center.
• Monroe Drive Entrance – Near playing fields and active-use areas.

Getting there by MARTA

Piedmont Park is reachable on foot from two stations:

• Midtown Station (Red/Gold Line)
  • Walk east on 10th Street NE about 10–15 minutes to the 10th & Charles Allen entrance.
• Arts Center Station (Red/Gold Line)
  • Walk or transfer to local buses or scooters east toward Piedmont Ave NE and 14th St NE.

Driving and parking

Driving is common, but parking can be tight during events and weekends.

Parking options include:

• SAGE Parking Facility
  • Located by the Atlanta Botanical Garden entrance.
  • Covered deck, paid parking.
• Limited street parking around 10th St, Monroe Dr, and Piedmont Ave (watch posted signs and time limits).
• Private paid lots in Midtown (rates and availability vary).

🚗 Tip: During big events like Music Midtown or large festivals, expect road closures and limited parking. MARTA, rideshare, or walking from nearby neighborhoods is often easier.

What Piedmont Park Is Known For

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s signature urban park, known for:

• Skyline views from the Meadow and Lake Clara Meer.
• Major festivals and events throughout the year.
• Sports fields, tennis courts, and running trails.
• Dog parks, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
• Direct connection to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

It’s a place where you’ll see runners at sunrise, families in the playgrounds, weekend soccer games, and large music or arts festivals sharing the same space.

Top Things to Do in Piedmont Park

1. Walk, run, or bike the trails

The park has paved and gravel paths that are ideal for walking, jogging, or casual biking. Common loops include:

• Lake Clara Meer Loop – Scenic, relatively flat, and popular with walkers.
• Meadow and Active Oval Loops – Great for runners and people-watching.

Many residents use Piedmont Park as part of their daily workout routine, often connecting from the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

2. Enjoy Lake Clara Meer

Lake Clara Meer is one of Piedmont Park’s most recognizable features:

• Home to ducks and geese.
• Surrounded by benches and open lawn.
• Popular spot for photos, casual strolls, and picnics.

You’ll often see people set up on blankets around the lake, reading, relaxing, or gathering with friends.

3. Relax in the Meadow

The Meadow is the large open lawn with a direct view of the Midtown skyline.

Common uses:

• Picnics and birthday gatherings.
• Frisbee, casual games, or yoga.
• Sunset skyline watching.

🧺 Picnic tip: Bring a blanket and shade gear in warmer months—there are trees around the edges, but the central lawn can get plenty of sun.

4. Hit the Active Oval for sports

The Active Oval is a structured sports area that includes:

• Soccer and multi-use fields.
• Softball/baseball fields.
• Sand volleyball courts.
• A running track-style loop around the perimeter.

Local leagues and pickup games often use this space, especially evenings and weekends.

5. Visit the playgrounds

Piedmont Park has multiple play areas for children, including:

• Mayor’s Grove Playground – Near the 12th Street entrance, shaded and accessible.
• Other smaller play areas near fields and community gathering spots.

Parents in Midtown and Virginia-Highland often bring kids here for a quick park outing or weekend playdate.

6. Take your dog to the off-leash dog park

The Piedmont Park Dog Parks are among the most popular in the city, with separate areas for:

• Large dogs.
• Small dogs.

Features often include:

• Fenced areas for safe off-leash play.
• Seating for owners.
• Water sources (check seasonally).

🐕 Dog owner tip: Outside the designated dog park, dogs must remain on leash in all other areas of Piedmont Park.

Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Activities

Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s primary event hubs. Throughout the year, it hosts:

• Art festivals and cultural events.
• Music festivals.
• Charity walks and runs.
• Food and drink events.

Event calendars are usually available from the Piedmont Park Conservancy or City of Atlanta event listings.

What to expect during big events

When major festivals are happening:

• Large crowds throughout and around the park.
• Road closures on streets like 10th St NE, Charles Allen Dr, and portions of Monroe Dr.
• Limited parking and higher demand on MARTA and rideshare.

If you live or work nearby:

• Plan for traffic and noise during festival days.
• Many residents choose to walk or bike into the park instead of driving.

Piedmont Park Amenities at a Glance

Below is a simple overview of key amenities many Atlanta residents and visitors ask about:

Connecting Piedmont Park to the Atlanta BeltLine

One of the biggest advantages of Piedmont Park is its connection to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, a popular multi-use path running through several intown neighborhoods.

From the BeltLine, you can walk or bike directly into the park via entrances near:

• Monroe Drive & 10th Street.
• Park Drive / access points near the Active Oval.

Residents commonly:

• Jog from Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Virginia-Highland, then loop through Piedmont Park.
• Use scooters or bikes along the BeltLine and end their trip in the park for a picnic or walk.

Facilities, Restrooms, and Accessibility

Restrooms

Public restrooms are located at several points within the park. Their hours can vary by season and event schedule, but you’ll generally find facilities near:

• Popular entrances (such as 12th Street and Charles Allen).
• Major activity areas like the Active Oval and playgrounds.

Accessibility

Piedmont Park includes:

• Paved, relatively level paths in many high-traffic areas, such as around Lake Clara Meer and the main entrances.
• Accessible playground features at locations like Mayor’s Grove.

Parts of the park are on slight hills, so if mobility is a concern, it can help to:

• Use entrances with gentler grades, such as 12th Street or main Midtown gates.
• Stick to wider, paved paths instead of smaller side trails.

Safety, Rules, and Local Etiquette

General safety tips

• The park is heavily used during daytime and early evening, especially when the weather is pleasant.
• After dark, lighting varies by area; many locals prefer to stay in well-lit, busier sections or leave before it’s fully dark.
• As in most urban parks, it’s wise to:
  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Lock your car and avoid leaving items on seats.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less crowded sections.

For emergencies in the park, you can contact 911. For non-emergencies within the City of Atlanta, many residents also keep the Atlanta Police Department non-emergency number handy: (404) 658-6666.

Park rules to know

While signs in the park provide details, common rules include:

• Park hours – Typically 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (subject to city policy or special events).
• No glass containers – To reduce hazards on lawns and paths.
• Leash laws – Dogs must remain on a leash except inside the designated dog park.
• Respect closures – After rain or maintenance, some fields or sections may be temporarily closed to protect the turf.

Following posted signs and staff directions helps keep the park safe and clean for everyone.

Families, Groups, and Gatherings

Piedmont Park is a popular choice for:

• Birthday parties and small gatherings.
• Family photos and engagement shoots.
• Outdoor workouts and fitness classes.

If you’re planning a larger event, such as:

• A company outing.
• A big family reunion.
• A wedding or large celebration.

You may need to work with:

• The Piedmont Park Conservancy and/or
• The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation

for permits, venue reservations, and guidelines.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

One reason Piedmont Park is such a favorite is how easily it ties into other Midtown Atlanta attractions.

Right next to or very close to the park, you’ll find:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Located in the park’s northern corner, accessible from the SAGE Parking Facility area.
• Midtown dining and coffee shops
  • Along 10th St, Piedmont Ave, Monroe Dr, and throughout the Midtown corridor.
• Virginia-Highland neighborhood
  • East of the park, known for restaurants, bars, and local shops.
• Midtown arts and culture
  • A short distance away: Woodruff Arts Center area, museums, and theaters.

Many visitors pair a morning walk in Piedmont Park with brunch in Midtown or Virginia-Highland, or an afternoon in the park with an evening show nearby.

Practical Tips for Visiting Piedmont Park

• Best times to go:

  • Early morning for quieter paths and cooler temperatures.
  • Late afternoon and evenings for people-watching and skyline views.

• What to bring:

  • Water, especially in Atlanta’s warmer months.
  • Sunscreen and a hat—open lawns can be very sunny.
  • A blanket if you plan to lounge in the Meadow or near Lake Clara Meer.

• With kids:

  • Plan to spend time at Mayor’s Grove Playground or another play area.
  • Bring snacks and water; while nearby areas have plenty of food, you might not want to leave the park once kids settle in.

• With dogs:

  • Use the off-leash dog park for play.
  • Keep your dog leashed elsewhere and bring waste bags to help keep the park clean.

• During events:

  • Check event schedules in advance if you prefer either busy festival energy or a quieter park day.
  • Consider public transit during larger events to avoid parking issues.

Piedmont Park is a core part of daily life and weekend plans for many people in Atlanta. Whether you’re running laps at sunrise, walking your dog after work, meeting friends for a picnic, or exploring Midtown as a visitor, this park offers one of the city’s best combinations of nature, activity, and skyline views—right in the middle of Atlanta, Georgia.