The Sundial in Atlanta: Rotating Restaurant, City Views, and What to Know Before You Go

If you hear people in Atlanta talking about “Sundial Atlanta,” they’re almost always referring to The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza downtown. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable skyline experiences and a common pick for visitors, date nights, and special occasions.

Below is a clear, practical guide to how the Sundial works today, what to expect, and how to plan a visit if you live in Atlanta or are just in town for a few days.

What Is the Sundial in Atlanta?

The Sun Dial is a rotating restaurant and bar located near the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel in downtown Atlanta.

• Location:
  The Westin Peachtree Plaza
  210 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  (Downtown / Peachtree Center area)

• What it’s known for:

  • Panoramic views of downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and (on clear days) as far as Stone Mountain and the North Georgia foothills
  • A slowly rotating dining level that gives you a 360° view without leaving your seat
  • Being one of Atlanta’s most iconic special-occasion spots

Over the years, the setup has changed between a restaurant, bar, and observation-only areas, so it’s always wise to check current operations, menus, and hours with the Westin before you go.

How the Rotating Restaurant Works

The Sundial sits on the higher floors of the Westin’s tower. Historically, guests experienced three main components:

1. Dining Level (Rotating)

   • Slowly completes a full rotation, usually around once every hour or so
   • Tables near windows offer constantly changing views of the city
   • Often used for dinners, anniversaries, and celebrations

2. Bar / Lounge Area

   • More casual than the main dining area
   • Often a go-to for drinks with a view instead of a full meal
   • Can be a good alternative if dining reservations are full

3. Observation Area / “View” Component

   • Some configurations included a separate observation space
   • At times, there has been a fee or a minimum purchase to access the view

Because the restaurant’s format and access rules have adjusted a few times, Atlantans commonly call or check online the same week they plan to visit.

Reservations, Dress Code, and Pricing Expectations

If you’re planning a special night at the Sundial, a little prep avoids surprises.

Reservations

• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially:

  • Fridays and Saturdays
  • Holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve)
  • During major events (Dragon Con, SEC Championship, concerts at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

• You can typically:

  • Reserve through major reservation platforms
  • Or call the Westin Peachtree Plaza front desk and ask to be connected to the Sun Dial restaurant

Dress Code

The exact dress code can shift, but guests generally find that:

• Smart casual is the norm:
  • Nice jeans or slacks
  • Casual dresses or skirts
  • Collared shirts or blouses
• Athletic wear, beachwear, and extremely casual outfits may feel out of place, and the restaurant may enforce more formal guidelines on busy nights.

When in doubt, Atlantans often dress as if they’re going to a nice birthday dinner or upscale date night.

Pricing Expectations

The Sundial is usually considered a premium, special-occasion experience rather than an everyday dinner spot.

Typical expectations (subject to change):

• Entrées: Often priced higher than standard casual restaurants downtown
• Drinks and cocktails: Priced in line with many hotel bars and rooftop lounges in the city
• Parking:
  • Valet or hotel garage parking can add to the total cost
  • Some guests choose nearby public garages or MARTA to manage costs

Because menus and pricing can change, locals often check a current menu online before committing to a big group reservation.

When to Go: Best Times for the View

Timing has a big impact on the experience.

Popular Time Slots

• Sunset:

  • One of the most requested seating times
  • You can watch the city transition from daylight to night lights as the restaurant rotates
  • Often books out first for weekends

• After Dark:

  • Great for seeing downtown and Midtown lit up
  • Popular for drinks or dessert if you’ve already had dinner somewhere else

• Clear Days:

  • Offer the longest visibility—you can often see beyond the Perimeter and out toward the mountains
  • Afternoon or early evening on a clear day makes the most of the 360° views

If you live in Atlanta, planning midweek or earlier in the evening can mean easier reservations, calmer crowds, and sometimes quicker service.

Getting There: Transportation & Parking Tips

The Westin Peachtree Plaza is right in the heart of downtown, so you have several options.

By Car

• Hotel address: 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Parking options:
  • Hotel valet at the Westin entrance (usually the most convenient, often the most expensive)
  • Nearby parking garages along Peachtree Street and around Peachtree Center
• During large events (Falcons games, concerts, conventions), traffic and parking prices can increase. Local residents often arrive early and walk a few blocks.

By MARTA

If you prefer not to deal with downtown parking:

• Take MARTA Rail to Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line)
• Follow signs to the Peachtree Street exit
• The Westin Peachtree Plaza is a short walk from the station

Using MARTA can be especially helpful on game days, big convention weekends, and rainy evenings when traffic is heavier.

What Locals Use the Sundial For

People in Atlanta tend to view the Sundial as a “destination” spot rather than a random night out.

Common occasions:

• Anniversaries and proposal dinners
• Birthdays and graduation celebrations
• Out-of-town guests who want a “wow” view of the city
• Pre- or post-event drinks when attending something downtown

It’s less common for locals to use it as their regular weekly dinner spot. Instead, they often mix in:

• A visit to the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel
• A stroll around Centennial Olympic Park
• A stop at a nearby downtown attraction like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola, then cap the night with Sundial views

Quick Comparison: Sundial vs. Other Atlanta Viewpoints

This simple table helps you understand where the Sundial fits among Atlanta’s main “see-the-city” options:

If your main priority is a drawn-out, seated view with a meal, the Sundial is usually the most straightforward choice. If you just want a quick city snapshot, SkyView or a rooftop bar might fit better.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few simple steps can make your Sundial visit smoother:

• Call or check online the same week to confirm:

  • Current hours for the restaurant and bar
  • Whether the rotating level is operating
  • Any special event closures (private parties, holidays)

• Ask about minimums or fees:

  • In some setups, there may be minimum spends or cover charges tied to the view
  • Clarify whether there’s a separate viewing area or if the view is available to all diners

• Request a window table when booking:

  • There’s no guarantee, but it’s common for guests to note “window seating if available” on their reservation
  • Even interior seats still rotate, but window seats tend to be the most requested

• Plan for downtown timing:

  • Build in extra time for traffic and parking if you’re coming from the suburbs
  • Consider MARTA if your reservation is near a large event

• Check weather if you care about long-distance views:

  • Clear, low-haze days give you the best chance to see beyond the immediate skyline
  • Cloudy or rainy evenings still offer a dramatic city-lights feel, just with a shorter horizon

If You’re Staying at the Westin Peachtree Plaza

For hotel guests, visiting the Sundial is even easier:

• You can often book Sundial reservations through the hotel concierge or front desk
• Some travelers plan:
  • An afternoon exploring downtown (Aquarium, Civil and Human Rights Museum, College Football Hall of Fame)
  • Then return to the hotel, freshen up, and go straight up to the Sundial for dinner or drinks

This makes it a convenient “stay and play” setup without needing to re-park your car or re-navigate traffic.

Is the Sundial Worth It for Atlantans?

For residents, the main calculation is usually:

• “Is it worth the premium price for the view and experience?”

Many locals treat the Sundial as:

• Something to do at least once, especially if you’ve never seen Atlanta from above
• A go-to choice when relatives or friends visit and want a memorable, skyline-focused evening
• A special-occasion backup plan when rooftop bars feel too casual and you want something more polished and seated

If you want a truly Atlanta-specific, skyline-forward night out—especially for a celebration—The Sun Dial remains one of the clearest, centrally located options in the city.