Guide to the Best Shopping Malls in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta offers a wide range of shopping malls, from luxury destinations to family-friendly centers with dining and entertainment. Whether you live in the metro area or are visiting for a weekend, knowing where to go can save you time and help you plan a full day out.

Below is an organized guide to major shopping malls in Atlanta, Georgia, what each is known for, and how to pick the right one for your needs.

Major Shopping Malls in and Around Atlanta

Lenox Square (Buckhead)

Lenox Square is one of Atlanta’s best-known upscale malls, located in the Buckhead district.

What it’s known for:

• Large selection of luxury and designer brands
• Mix of high-end retailers, national chains, and specialty shops
• Busy, energetic atmosphere, especially on weekends and holidays

Why locals and visitors go:

• Fashion-focused shopping
• Window-shopping and people-watching
• Dining at sit-down restaurants and quick-service spots

General area info:

• Located in Buckhead, a major commercial and hotel district
• Accessible from Peachtree Road NE and near MARTA’s Buckhead station

Phipps Plaza (Buckhead)

Across the street (and usually mentioned in the same breath as Lenox), Phipps Plaza is another Buckhead staple, often considered more quiet and premium.

What it’s known for:

• Concentration of luxury retailers
• Refined, less crowded feel compared with some other malls
• High-end dining and entertainment options

Good for:

• Higher-budget shopping trips
• A calmer experience than many large regional malls
• Pairing with Lenox Square for a full Buckhead shopping day

Perimeter Mall (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs Area)

Perimeter Mall serves the northern suburbs while still being a common choice for in-town residents.

What it’s known for:

• Strong lineup of mid-range to slightly upscale stores
• A large number of chain restaurants and nearby office towers
• Convenient access from Georgia 400 and I-285

Why it’s popular:

• Balanced mix of fashion, tech, and home retailers
• Busy at lunch and after work due to surrounding offices
• Often easier parking than the major Buckhead malls

Transit note:
MARTA’s Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Medical Center stations are nearby, with shuttles and walkable paths depending on your route.

Cumberland Mall (Cobb County, near The Battery/Truist Park)

Cumberland Mall sits near the intersection of I-285 and I-75, convenient for those in northwest Atlanta and Cobb County.

What it’s known for:

• Broad mix of popular national retailers
• Indoor mall connected to a busy restaurant and office area
• Close to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves)

Good for:

• Combining shopping with a game or a visit to The Battery
• Everyday shopping without driving into central Atlanta
• A mix of affordable and mid-range stores

Atlantic Station (Midtown/Westside)

Atlantic Station functions like a hybrid of an outdoor mall and a mixed-use neighborhood.

What it’s known for:

• Open-air shopping streets rather than a traditional enclosed mall
• Mainstream clothing stores, home goods, and specialty shops
• Frequent events in the central lawn area (seasonal markets, movie nights, etc.)

Why people like it:

• Easy to combine shopping with a meal, movie, or casual hangout
• Walkable design with structured parking
• Close to Midtown and the West Midtown arts and dining scene

The Mall West End (West End)

The Mall West End is a community-oriented shopping center closer to downtown, serving Southwest Atlanta.

What it’s known for:

• Primarily value-focused and neighborhood-oriented stores
• Smaller scale than Buckhead or Perimeter malls
• Close to the West End MARTA station

Good for:

• Quick, practical errands for nearby residents
• Lower-key shopping environment compared with larger regional malls

Greenbriar Mall (Southwest Atlanta)

Greenbriar Mall is one of Atlanta’s older regional shopping centers, located in Southwest Atlanta.

What it’s known for:

• A mix of clothing, footwear, accessories, and local businesses
• Community-focused atmosphere
• Primarily enclosed, traditional mall layout

Good for:

• Everyday shopping for nearby neighborhoods
• Lower prices and local shops rather than luxury brands

Southlake Mall (Morrow / South of Atlanta)

Southlake Mall serves the southern metro area, especially Clayton County and travelers along I-75.

What it’s known for:

• Traditional enclosed mall layout
• Wide range of affordable and mid-range chain stores
• Close to many big-box stores and restaurants in the surrounding area

Good for:

• Those living south of downtown who don’t want to drive to Buckhead or Perimeter
• Combining several errands in one shopping corridor

Quick Comparison of Atlanta-Area Shopping Malls

Use this table to quickly compare some of the most visited malls in and around Atlanta:

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Mall for Your Needs

For Luxury and Designer Shopping

If your priority is high-end fashion and designer labels, focus on:

• Lenox Square
• Phipps Plaza

These Buckhead malls are close enough to visit in one trip. Many shoppers browse both in the same day, using the surrounding Buckhead restaurants and hotels as a base.

For Everyday Shopping and Errands

For practical, day-to-day shopping, including clothing, shoes, and general merchandise, popular choices include:

• Perimeter Mall
• Cumberland Mall
• Southlake Mall
• Greenbriar Mall
• The Mall West End

These generally feature more mid-range and budget-friendly stores, with plenty of parking and quick-service dining.

For a “Day Out” Experience

If you want more than just shopping—perhaps a movie, dinner, and a stroll—consider:

• Atlantic Station (open-air, events, lawn area)
• Lenox Square + Phipps Plaza combo (shop, dine, and explore Buckhead)
• Cumberland Mall + The Battery Atlanta (shopping plus entertainment near the ballpark)

These areas often feel more like entertainment districts than just shopping centers.

If You Don’t Have a Car

Atlanta is car-oriented, but some malls are more transit-friendly:

• Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza
  • Near Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations (Gold/Red lines).
• Perimeter Mall
  • Near Dunwoody and Sandy Springs MARTA stations (Red line).
• The Mall West End
  • Close to the West End MARTA station (Red/Gold line).
• Atlantic Station
  • Served by a shuttle that connects to the Arts Center MARTA station, plus local bus routes.

Using MARTA can help avoid Buckhead and Midtown traffic, especially during rush hours or major events.

Tips for Visiting Atlanta Shopping Malls

1. Timing Your Trip

• Weekday afternoons are usually less crowded than evenings and weekends.
• Holiday seasons and major sports events can heavily impact traffic and parking, especially around Buckhead, Perimeter, and Cumberland.

2. Parking and Safety

• Most large Atlanta malls offer free parking in lots or decks, but some urban or mixed-use areas may have time limits or validation systems.
• It’s common practice to avoid leaving valuables in view in your car.
• Malls typically have on-site security and lost-and-found desks; these are usually located near the main entrances or customer service areas.

3. Family-Friendly Features

If you’re visiting with children, look for malls that typically offer:

• Play areas or family lounges
• Food courts with kid-friendly options
• Movie theaters (commonly at Atlantic Station and some larger regional malls)

Checking for stroller accessibility and family restrooms before you arrive can make a big difference, especially at peak times.

4. Accessibility Considerations

Most major Atlanta malls are designed with:

• Elevators and ramps between levels
• Designated accessible parking spaces near entrances
• Wheelchair access throughout common areas

If accessibility is a priority, calling the mall’s main information line in advance can help you confirm details about entrances, elevator locations, and any assistance services they may offer.

When Outlet Malls Might Be a Better Fit

While not within the city proper, many Atlanta residents and visitors also plan outlet trips for specific shopping goals, such as:

• Designer or brand-name items at reduced prices
• Seasonal or back-to-school shopping

Common outlet destinations used by Atlantans include:

• North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) – generally reached via GA‑400 north.
• Tanger Outlets Locust Grove – along I‑75 south.

These are typically day trips by car, not transit-friendly options, but they’re worth considering if your main goal is discount outlet shopping rather than a standard mall.

Practical Next Steps for Shoppers in Atlanta

To make the most of shopping malls in Atlanta, Georgia, consider:

• Clarify your goal:
  • Luxury fashion? → Buckhead (Lenox, Phipps)
  • Everyday errands? → Perimeter, Cumberland, Greenbriar, Southlake, West End
  • Full day out? → Atlantic Station, Buckhead pairings, or Cumberland + The Battery
• Plan your route:
  • Check your preferred route via major highways like I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, or GA‑400.
  • If using MARTA, note your nearest station and whether you’ll need a bus or shuttle.
• Check hours and events:
  • Hours can vary by mall and by day of the week, with extended hours during holidays.
  • Some locations host special events, markets, or performances that can add to your visit—or make parking more competitive.

With a bit of planning, Atlanta’s mix of luxury centers, neighborhood malls, and open-air districts makes it straightforward to find a destination that matches your budget, schedule, and style.