The Sundial in Atlanta: What to Know About the City’s Iconic Rotating Restaurant

If you’ve spent time in downtown Atlanta, you’ve probably heard people talk about “The Sun Dial” on top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza. For years, it was one of the city’s most recognizable dining and viewing spots, thanks to its height, rotating floor, and panoramic skyline views.

Today, anyone looking up “The Sundial Atlanta” usually wants to know:

• What is (or was) The Sun Dial?
• Is it still open the way it used to be?
• Can you still go up for the view?
• What’s the experience like now if you’re visiting downtown Atlanta?

This guide walks through what Atlantans and visitors should know, how it works today, and how to plan a visit.

What The Sun Dial in Atlanta Actually Is

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View is (or was) the signature attraction at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta:

• Located at 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• On the upper floors of the cylindrical glass hotel
• Long known for its 360-degree views of the Atlanta skyline
• Historically featured a slowly rotating floor so guests could see the city from every angle without leaving their seats

For decades, “The Sun Dial” has been part restaurant, part special-occasion destination, and part viewing deck rolled into one.

Is The Sun Dial Still Rotating?

This is one of the most common questions, especially for people who remember the classic experience or are planning a nostalgic visit.

In recent years:

• The rotating mechanism has not always been active, and at times the restaurant or observation functions have been limited or adjusted.
• Policies and operations at the top of the Westin have shifted over time, sometimes focusing more on dining and sometimes more on bar and viewing experiences.
• Guests often find that what’s available changes based on hotel management decisions, safety policies, and renovations.

Because of these changes, if your heart is set on the full “rotating restaurant” experience, it’s smart to:

• Call the Westin Peachtree Plaza front desk and ask what’s currently open at the top floors
  📞 Main hotel phone (commonly listed for the Westin Peachtree Plaza)
• Be specific that you’re asking about:
  • The Sun Dial restaurant
  • The bar/lounge
  • Observation or viewing access
  • Whether rotation is currently active

Operations can change over time, so a quick call the week of your visit will give you the most accurate picture.

Where The Sun Dial Fits into the Atlanta Experience

Even if you’re not sure about the rotating floor, The Sun Dial’s location still makes it a standout viewpoint in downtown Atlanta. From the top floors, you can typically see:

• Downtown landmarks like the CNN Center, State Farm Arena, and Centennial Olympic Park
• Midtown Atlanta, including Bank of America Plaza and the Midtown skyline
• On a clear day, views stretching toward Buckhead and even to the North Georgia hills

For locals, it’s often used as:

• A special-occasion spot (anniversaries, proposals, graduations)
• A way to show out-of-town guests what Atlanta looks like from above
• A nostalgic place for people who remember the Atlanta skyline from decades ago

For visitors, it can serve as:

• A quick orientation point to understand where downtown, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods sit relative to each other
• A memorable night out within walking distance of major hotels, MARTA stations, and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola

Getting to The Sun Dial at the Westin Peachtree Plaza

The Westin Peachtree Plaza is centrally located in downtown Atlanta, which makes it fairly easy to reach whether you live in the metro area or are staying nearby.

Address and Basic Directions

Westin Peachtree Plaza / The Sun Dial
210 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

You’ll enter through the main hotel lobby and then follow hotel signage or staff directions for the Sun Dial / top floors.

MARTA and Transit

If you’re relying on public transit:

• The hotel is within a short walk of Peachtree Center MARTA Station (Red/Gold lines).
• Once you exit the station toward Peachtree Street, you’ll walk a few blocks to reach the glass cylindrical tower.

This can be especially helpful if:

• You’re staying in Buckhead, Midtown, or near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• You want to avoid parking in downtown during busy events.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• The hotel typically offers valet parking, and there are several public parking garages and lots within a few blocks.
• Downtown Atlanta can be busy on game days (Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hawks at State Farm Arena, major conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center), so allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Always check posted rates and hours, as garage pricing and availability can change.

What to Expect from a Visit

The specifics of your experience depend on what’s currently operating at the top of the tower. In general, people go up for:

• Dining – when the restaurant is functioning
• Drinks and small plates – at the bar/lounge area
• Views and photos – whether or not they’re sitting for a full meal

Here’s a simple overview of what many visitors plan around:

Because Atlanta’s weather can be humid or hazy, choosing a clear afternoon or early evening often gives the best skyline visibility.

Tips for Locals vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

• Use it as a “show-off” spot: When friends or family visit, combine a stop at The Sun Dial with a walk through Centennial Olympic Park or a visit to the Georgia Aquarium.
• Check for special hours or events: Downtown restaurants and hotel venues sometimes adjust operations around major conventions, big games, and festivals.
• Plan for traffic: If you’re driving from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Gwinnett, consider weekday evening traffic and downtown events when picking a time.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• Stay flexible: If The Sun Dial experience has changed from what you expected, there are several other skyline-view options in the city (rooftop bars, ferris wheel, etc.), many still close to downtown.
• Coordinate with other attractions: The Westin’s location is near:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • SkyView Atlanta (the downtown ferris wheel)
• This makes it easy to plan a full downtown day, then finish with a skyline view at or near the Westin.

Practical Planning Checklist for The Sun Dial Atlanta

Before you go, it helps to run through a quick checklist:

• ✅ Call the Westin Peachtree Plaza to confirm current Sun Dial operations
  • Ask about: restaurant hours, bar availability, viewing access, and rotation status.
• ✅ Make a reservation if you plan to dine, especially for weekends or special occasions.
• ✅ Check your transportation plan
  • Driving? Identify a garage or confirm valet options.
  • Taking MARTA? Plan your route to Peachtree Center Station.
• ✅ Look at the weather forecast
  • Clear or partly clear days give better views of the skyline and surrounding areas.
• ✅ Bring a camera or charged phone
  • The skyline views, especially at dusk, are often a highlight for both locals and visitors.

Alternatives if The Sun Dial Isn’t Operating as Expected

Because operations can change, some people arrive in Atlanta and discover that The Sun Dial experience isn’t quite what they remember—maybe the rotation is off, access is limited, or hours are different.

If that happens, Atlanta still offers other options to enjoy elevated views of the city, such as:

• Rooftop spots in Midtown or Old Fourth Ward
• The SkyView Atlanta ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park
• Scenic viewpoints in nearby neighborhoods like Buckhead (high-rise hotels and offices with skyline views)

These alternatives can’t reproduce the exact Sun Dial experience, but they do give another angle on the city’s skyline and layout.

Bottom line for Atlantans and visitors:
“The Sundial Atlanta” refers to the famed top-of-the-tower venue at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta—long known for its rotating restaurant and sweeping views. Operations and the rotating feature have evolved over time, so the most reliable way to plan is to verify current offerings with the hotel, then build your downtown Atlanta plans around what’s available during your visit.