The Sun Dial in Atlanta: What to Know About the City’s Famous Rotating Restaurant

If you search for “Sun Dial Atlanta”, you’re almost always looking for the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in downtown Atlanta. For years, it’s been one of the city’s most recognizable dining and viewing spots, thanks to its panoramic skyline views and rotating floor.

Below is a clear guide to what the Sun Dial is, where it is, what to expect, and how it fits into the Atlanta experience.

What Is the Sun Dial in Atlanta?

The Sun Dial is a three-level space at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza:

• A restaurant with floor‑to‑ceiling windows
• A bar/lounge area
• An observation-style view of downtown and beyond

Historically, one of its main draws has been the slowly rotating floor, giving you a 360‑degree view of the city while you dine or sip a drink. Policies and operations can change over time, so it’s always wise to verify current details directly with the hotel or restaurant before you go.

Location, Address, and Basic Details

Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View
Inside the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel
Address: 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Area: Downtown Atlanta

You’ll find the Westin’s tall cylindrical tower easily in the downtown skyline. The Sun Dial occupies the top levels of that tower.

Getting there from common Atlanta spots:

• From Midtown (Arts Center/Midtown MARTA stations):
  A short MARTA ride south to Peachtree Center Station, then a brief walk.
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  Take MARTA’s Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station; the hotel is connected to the Peachtree Center complex via street-level routes and nearby walkways.
• From popular downtown destinations:
  It’s within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Georgia World Congress Center, depending on your comfort level with city walking.

What You Can Expect at the Sun Dial

1. The Views

The biggest draw of the Sun Dial Atlanta is the view:

• Downtown skyline right beneath you
• Midtown towers, including the Bank of America Plaza in the distance
• On clearer days, you can see toward Buckhead and even the North Georgia hills on the horizon

This makes it a popular spot for:

• Special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries)
• Visitors who want a “wow” moment over the city
• Locals hosting out‑of‑town guests

2. Dining and Drinks

The restaurant and bar typically offer:

• Upscale American and Southern-influenced dishes
• A selection of cocktails, wine, and beer
• A more formal dining area plus a more relaxed bar/lounge space

Dress codes can vary by time of day and restaurant policy, but diners often opt for smart casual attire, especially in the evening (think nicer jeans or slacks, dresses, or polished casual outfits rather than gym clothes).

3. Rotating Floor and “View” Experience

The Sun Dial is known for its slowly rotating floor, which historically allowed you to see the full 360‑degree panorama without leaving your seat.

Because building operations and safety policies can change, it’s a good idea to:

• Confirm whether the rotating function is active
• Ask about current access to the view level, including any fees or reservations required

You can usually get this information directly from the Westin Peachtree Plaza front desk or the restaurant staff.

When to Visit: Timing, Reservations, and Crowds

Best Times for the View

For Atlanta residents and visitors, timing can significantly change the experience:

• Late afternoon / early evening:
  Great if you want to see the city in daylight, then watch it shift to sunset and night lights.
• After dark:
  Downtown’s lights, especially on game nights or weekends, can be impressive from above.
• Weekends vs. weekdays:
  Weekends, holidays, and big event nights (Falcons, Hawks, concerts, conventions) can be much busier.

Reservations and Wait Times

For the restaurant portion:

• Reservations are often recommended, especially:
  • On weekends
  • Around holidays
  • During major events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or nearby convention spaces

For the bar or view only, walk‑ins may be allowed when space permits, but availability can vary. Many Atlanta locals call ahead to ask:

• Whether walk‑in access is open that day
• If there are minimum spends, cover charges, or time limits

Costs and Budget Considerations

The Sun Dial is typically considered a higher‑end downtown experience. You’re paying partly for the view and setting, not just the food and drinks.

What can affect your total cost:

• Whether you’re having a full dinner or just drinks/dessert
• Cocktail and wine selections
• Special occasion items (if available)

To keep costs manageable, some locals:

• Visit for drinks and appetizers instead of a full multi‑course meal
• Time their visit between lunch and dinner rushes, when menus may vary
• Ask in advance about parking validation or hotel guest discounts if staying onsite

Parking and Transportation Tips

Parking Near the Sun Dial

The Sun Dial shares parking options with the Westin Peachtree Plaza and nearby downtown garages:

• Hotel/attached parking garages:
  Often the most convenient but can be more expensive, especially during events.
• Nearby public garages and lots:
  Around Peachtree Center and adjacent streets, sometimes cheaper but may involve a short walk.

Always check:

• Current parking rates
• Whether the restaurant or hotel offers validation or special rates for diners

Using MARTA and Rideshare

Because downtown parking can be costly and traffic heavy, many Atlanta residents and visitors use:

• MARTA Rail:
  Get off at Peachtree Center Station and walk to the Westin Peachtree Plaza.
• Rideshare or taxis:
  Common choice for evening visits, especially if you plan to have drinks.

This can save both time and parking fees, particularly on busy event nights.

Is the Sun Dial Right for You?

People in Atlanta typically consider the Sun Dial for:

• Special occasion dinners: anniversaries, proposals, birthdays
• Hosting out-of-town guests: to showcase the city from above
• A one‑time “bucket list” Atlanta experience: especially for those who live in the metro area

You might love the Sun Dial if you:

• Enjoy skyline views and city lights
• Prefer a more elevated, sit‑down experience rather than a casual bar or rooftop
• Want something that feels characteristic of “Atlanta proper” rather than the suburbs

You might look elsewhere if you:

• Are seeking budget‑friendly casual dining
• Prefer outdoor rooftop patios and more laid‑back bar atmospheres (these are more common in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and other intown neighborhoods)

Practical Checklist Before You Go

Here’s a quick summary table to help you plan your Sun Dial visit:

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, the Sun Dial is less about grabbing a quick bite and more about pairing a meal or drink with a sweeping view of the city. With a little planning around reservations, timing, and transportation, it can be one of the most memorable high‑rise experiences in downtown Atlanta.