Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta: The Classic Skyline View You Don’t Want to Miss

If you’ve ever seen a photo of the Atlanta skyline at sunset, there’s a good chance it was taken from the Jackson Street Bridge. For locals, it’s a go-to spot to show off the city. For visitors, it’s one of the easiest “wow” moments you can have with almost no planning.

This guide walks you through exactly how to visit the Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta, what to expect, the best times to go, safety and parking tips, and how to make the most of your trip.

What Is the Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta?

The Jackson Street Bridge is a small bridge on Jackson Street NE that crosses over Interstate 75/85 (the Downtown Connector) just east of Downtown Atlanta.

It’s not famous for its structure or size, but for its unobstructed, elevated view of the Atlanta skyline, especially looking west toward Downtown and Midtown.

You’ll often see:

• Photographers with tripods
• Couples taking engagement or wedding photos
• Visitors recreating scenes from “The Walking Dead”, which helped make the spot even more recognizable
• Locals bringing out-of-town guests for that “this is my city” moment

Where Is the Jackson Street Bridge? (Exact Location & Nearby Landmarks)

General area: Old Fourth Ward / Sweet Auburn, just east of Downtown Atlanta

Street: Jackson Street NE
Crossing: Over I-75/85 (Downtown Connector)
Closest major cross streets:

• North of Auburn Ave NE
• South of Highland Ave NE / Freedom Parkway NE

You’ll be standing on the west side of the bridge, facing toward Downtown, to get the classic skyline shot.

Landmarks Nearby

The bridge is within walking or short driving distance of:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312)
• Sweet Auburn neighborhood
• Freedom Parkway trails and park spaces
• Edgewood Avenue nightlife and dining

This makes it easy to combine a visit to the bridge with a day or evening exploring these Atlanta neighborhoods.

How To Get to the Jackson Street Bridge

Driving Directions (Local Overview)

From Downtown Atlanta:

• Head east toward Auburn Ave NE or Edgewood Ave SE
• Turn onto Jackson Street NE and continue north across the interstate
• The bridge itself is just a short distance after you cross Auburn Ave

From Midtown Atlanta:

• Take major streets east (like Ponce de Leon Ave NE) toward the Old Fourth Ward area
• Turn right onto Boulevard NE or Freedom Parkway NE, then work your way to Jackson Street NE heading south toward the bridge

From I-75/85 (Downtown Connector):

• Exit toward Freedom Parkway, Auburn Ave, or Edgewood Ave
• Navigate toward Jackson Street NE using a GPS app for turn-by-turn accuracy

Because streets and lanes can change with construction, it’s smart to use real-time navigation for the final few blocks.

Is There Parking at Jackson Street Bridge?

There is no dedicated parking lot on the bridge itself. Parking is street-based and can be limited.

Common options:

• Street parking on Jackson Street NE:

  • Usually south of the bridge closer to Auburn Ave NE
  • Watch for signs, time limits, and any residential restrictions

• Nearby side streets:

  • Auburn Ave NE
  • Highland Ave NE
  • Neighboring residential streets (where legal)

• Public or private lots/garages near:

  • Old Fourth Ward / Edgewood / Sweet Auburn
  • Some churches, event spaces, or businesses may have lots, but these are often private, reserved, or towed-enforced

⚠️ Parking tips:

• Always read signs carefully for towing zones, permit-only sections, or paid parking.
• Avoid blocking driveways or parking too close to intersections.
• If you’re unsure, consider paying for a nearby public parking lot and walking a bit.

Getting There by MARTA or Rideshare

MARTA:
There’s no station directly at the bridge, but you can get reasonably close.

• King Memorial Station (Blue/Green Line):
  • Roughly a 15–20 minute walk, depending on route
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line):
  • Connect via streetcar, bus, or walk east (longer walk)

From the station, use a mapping app to walk via Auburn Ave NE or surrounding streets to Jackson Street NE.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):

• This is one of the easiest ways to get there, especially for visitors.
• Set your drop-off near Jackson St NE & Highland Ave NE or Jackson St NE & Auburn Ave NE.
• Ask to be let out on a side street so you’re not blocking traffic on the narrow bridge.

Best Time to Visit the Jackson Street Bridge

You can visit the Jackson Street Bridge 24/7, but certain times are much better for views and photos.

Time of Day

• Sunset / “Golden Hour” (roughly 1 hour before sunset)

  • Warm light on the buildings
  • Sky often has color and cloud detail
  • Car headlights and taillights start to pop

• Blue Hour / Early Night

  • Just after sunset when the sky turns deep blue
  • City lights are on but you still have some ambient light
  • Great for long-exposure shots of traffic trails

• Early Morning

  • Less crowded
  • Softer light if you’re facing the opposite direction or want a calmer vibe
  • Good option if you don’t like crowds

Midday is usually harsh light and not as flattering for photos, but it’s still a nice view if you’re nearby.

Day of Week & Crowds

• Weekdays early evening: Moderate crowds, usually manageable.
• Weekends around sunset: Can get busy, especially on nice-weather days and during tourist season.
• Very late at night: Quieter, but consider safety and lighting if you’re not in a group.

If you want space for a tripod or a series of shots, try to arrive a bit before sunset to claim a good spot.

Safety, Traffic, and Standing on the Bridge

The Jackson Street Bridge is an active city street, not a pedestrian-only overlook. You’ll be sharing space with:

• Moving vehicles
• Occasional bikes or scooters
• Other pedestrians and photographers

Safety Tips

• Stay on the sidewalk, not in the road.
• Keep tripods and camera bags away from the curb so others can pass.
• Be aware of cars turning or passing when crossing the street.
• If you’re visiting after dark, consider going with a friend and keeping valuables discreet.

Atlanta Police Department precincts and patrols cover this area as part of normal city operations, but it’s still smart to use everyday city awareness: stay alert, avoid leaving items unattended, and trust your instincts about when to leave.

Photography Tips for the Jackson Street Bridge

Whether you’re shooting on a phone or a full camera setup, this is one of the most straightforward skyline shots in Atlanta.

Where to Stand

• Most people stand on the west side of the bridge, mid-span, facing west toward Downtown.
• If you want more highway or more sky, adjust slightly north or south along the sidewalk.
• Look for gaps in the fencing or rail where your camera can see the skyline clearly.

Basic Photo Tips (Even for Phone Cameras)

• 📱 Use HDR or “Night” mode if your phone has it—helpful at dusk or night.
• 📸 Steady your hands on the railing or use a small tripod for sharper shots.
• ⚙️ If your camera allows:
  • Slightly lower ISO to reduce grain in night shots.
  • Use a longer exposure (with tripod) to capture light trails from highway traffic.
• Frame the shot to include:
  • The Downtown towers
  • The stretch of I-75/85 curving into the city
  • Some sky for context and color

Respect Other Visitors

• Don’t block the whole sidewalk with gear.
• Take turns at the best spots, especially during busy sunset periods.
• If people are clearly taking portraits, avoid walking directly into their frame when possible.

Popular Uses: Photos, Films, and Special Moments

The Jackson Street Bridge has become a cultural landmark in Atlanta.

Common uses include:

• Engagement and wedding photos
• Graduation or senior portraits
• Music videos and short films
• Tourist “we were here” skyline shots
• Fans revisiting the spot made famous by “The Walking Dead” promotional visuals

If you’re doing a professional or commercial shoot, be aware that:

• The bridge is a public street, and traffic and safety rules still apply.
• Certain types of productions in Atlanta may require permits from the city or film office if equipment or crew will impact public right-of-way or traffic.

For organized productions, you can contact the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment at:

• Office address:
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 1750, Atlanta, GA 30303
• General phone (City Hall): 404-330-6000
  (Ask to be directed to the film and entertainment office for permitting questions.)

Accessibility Considerations

The Jackson Street Bridge itself is a typical city bridge with sidewalks on both sides.

Accessibility notes:

• Sidewalks: There are sidewalks on the bridge, but approach routes from nearby streets may include uneven surfaces or older curb ramps.
• No dedicated parking: Accessible parking will depend on nearby street parking or public lots. Check for marked accessible spaces in surrounding areas.
• Traffic noise: The interstate below is busy, so expect steady noise—helpful to know for anyone sensitive to sound.

If accessibility is a priority, it may be helpful to:

• Have a driver drop you off closer to the bridge.
• Use a mapping app’s satellite or street view beforehand to preview the terrain and curb cuts.

Simple Visit-Planning Snapshot

Other Skyline Spots To Pair With Jackson Street Bridge

If you’re planning a full “Atlanta skyline day”, you can combine the Jackson Street Bridge with:

• Public spaces around Centennial Olympic Park (Downtown)
• Views from the Westside BeltLine and nearby rooftops (where open to the public)
• Scenic overlooks along the Freedom Parkway area

Each gives a slightly different angle on the Downtown and Midtown skyline, while the Jackson Street Bridge remains the most classic “postcard” look.

If you live in Atlanta, the Jackson Street Bridge is an easy, low-effort spot to appreciate your city. If you’re visiting, it’s one of the fastest ways to get that iconic Atlanta photo and a feel for the neighborhoods just east of Downtown.