Exploring Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park: What to Know Before You Go

Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s signature public spaces—a large, walkable park surrounded by major attractions, offices, and hotels. Whether you live in the city, commute in for work, or are visiting for the first time, this park is often the natural starting point for exploring downtown.

Where Centennial Olympic Park Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, in the Luckie-Marietta district.

General location:

  • Near the intersection of Andrew Young International Blvd NW and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
  • Across from or within a short walk of major attractions like:
    • Georgia Aquarium
    • World of Coca-Cola
    • College Football Hall of Fame
    • CNN Center / State Farm Arena area

The park was built as a central gathering space for the 1996 Summer Olympics and later redeveloped into a year-round public park. For many locals, it serves as:

  • A lunch-break spot for nearby office workers
  • A family-friendly green space in the middle of the city
  • A gateway to Atlanta’s tourist core

Key Features of Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is not just open lawn; it’s laid out with distinct areas and landmarks that most visitors end up exploring.

Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is the park’s most recognizable feature and one of downtown Atlanta’s most photographed spots.

  • Shaped like the Olympic rings
  • Timed water shows coordinated with music at scheduled times during the day
  • Popular with families and kids, especially in warm weather

⚠️ Tip: Bring a change of clothes or a towel if you have children—they often end up soaked.

Open Lawns and Walking Paths

The park offers:

  • Wide lawns suitable for picnics, casual sports, or resting
  • Paved paths that make it easy to stroll or push a stroller
  • Benches and shaded areas to get out of the sun

It’s common to see:

  • Downtown workers walking laps on breaks
  • Runners using the park as part of a larger downtown route
  • Tour groups moving between nearby attractions

Monuments and Olympic History

The park highlights Atlanta’s Olympic legacy with:

  • Commemorative plaques and monuments honoring athletes and sponsors
  • Artistic features and sculptures connected to the 1996 Games

If you’re interested in Atlanta history, it’s worth planning extra time to walk around and read the engraved markers scattered throughout the park.

Play and Relaxation Spaces

While Centennial Olympic Park is more of an urban plaza and event space than a traditional playground park, it still offers:

  • Plenty of open space for kids to run around
  • Areas where people often:
    • Toss a frisbee
    • Sit and read
    • Take photos with the skyline in the background

For more traditional play structures, families often combine a visit here with nearby Woodruff Park or one of the neighborhood parks just outside downtown.

When to Visit: Hours, Seasons, and Crowd Patterns

Typical Hours and Accessibility

Centennial Olympic Park generally operates as a daytime public park, with open access to lawns, paths, and most features.

Common patterns:

  • Morning: Quieter, good for walks and photos
  • Midday: Busiest on weekdays with office workers and tourists
  • Evening: Activity around nearby venues (State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium), events, and downtown nightlife

For the most current hours and any temporary closures (for maintenance or private events), it’s wise to check the park’s official information or signage onsite.

Best Times for Locals

If you live or work in Atlanta:

  • Weekday mornings are usually the calmest for exercise or quiet time
  • Lunch hours are lively but can be crowded around seating areas
  • Weekend afternoons often bring the heaviest tourist traffic

If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for:

  • Non-event days (when there are no major concerts, conventions, or games nearby)
  • Early hours on weekends

Parking, MARTA, and Getting Around the Area

Downtown Atlanta can be busy, so planning your route to Centennial Olympic Park helps avoid frustration.

Getting There by MARTA

Centennial Olympic Park is well served by MARTA rail and bus.

Closest MARTA rail stations:

  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines) – good for walking to the western and southern edges of the park
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines) – about a 10-minute walk through downtown streets

From either station, follow pedestrian signs or look for wayfinding pointing toward the park, aquarium, or World of Coca-Cola.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving, expect paid parking in downtown lots and decks.

Common options near the park include:

  • Parking decks around State Farm Arena / CNN Center
  • Parking near Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
  • Private surface lots along Marietta St NW and Baker St NW

Tips:

  • 🅿️ Check posted rates before you park; prices vary by event and time of day.
  • Allow extra time on game days or during conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center.
  • Be mindful of one-way streets and turning restrictions in the downtown grid.

Walking and Accessibility

Centennial Olympic Park is designed to be pedestrian-friendly:

  • Paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers
  • Curb cuts at crosswalks and ramp access points
  • Crosswalks connecting to major attractions around the perimeter

If accessibility is important, consider entering from streets with signalized crosswalks and clear curb ramps, such as around Andrew Young International Blvd or Marietta St.

Events, Festivals, and How the Park Is Used

Centennial Olympic Park regularly hosts public and ticketed events, which can significantly change how the space feels on a given day.

Types of Events You Might See

Throughout the year, the park may be used for:

  • Concerts and music festivals
  • Cultural festivals and city celebrations
  • Charity runs, walks, and community gatherings
  • Seasonal activities, such as holiday events

On event days:

  • Portions of the park may be fenced or restricted
  • Security checkpoints or bag checks may be in place
  • Noise levels and crowd sizes can be much higher

If you’re looking for a quiet visit, it helps to:

  • Check downtown or park-specific event calendars in advance
  • Walk around the outer perimeter first; sometimes only a portion of the park is reserved

Safety, Rules, and What to Expect Day-to-Day

Like any large urban park in a busy city center, situational awareness is important.

General Safety Considerations

Common sense practices include:

  • Staying in well-lit, active areas, especially after dark
  • Keeping personal belongings close and secured
  • Being aware of traffic when crossing busy streets around the park

Security presence can vary, and you may see:

  • Private security on or near event areas
  • Patrolling law enforcement around nearby attractions and venues

If you need assistance in an emergency, you can contact:

  • Atlanta Police Department – Emergency: 911
  • Atlanta Police Department – Non-emergency: 404-658-6666

Park Rules and Etiquette

Specific rules are posted on signs in and around the park, but common expectations include:

  • No unauthorized vending or commercial activity
  • Restrictions on alcohol outside permitted events
  • Guidelines regarding skateboards, scooters, and bicycles in certain areas
  • Cleanup requirements after pets (where allowed)

If you’re planning any organized activity—like a large meetup, performance, or private event setup—contact the managing authority listed on park signage for up-to-date permitting requirements.

Things to Do Around Centennial Olympic Park

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Centennial Olympic Park is how close it is to other downtown attractions.

Major Attractions Within Walking Distance

From the edges of the park, you can walk to:

  • Georgia Aquarium – family-focused marine attraction
  • World of Coca-Cola – museum and brand experience
  • College Football Hall of Fame – interactive sports museum
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights – museum exploring civil rights history
  • State Farm Arena – home of the Atlanta Hawks and major concerts
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium – professional football, soccer, and large events (a bit farther but still walkable for many)

Locals often use the park as a meeting point before:

  • Games at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Visits to the aquarium or museums with out-of-town guests

Dining and Break Spots

Around the park, you’ll find:

  • Fast-casual dining and coffee shops oriented toward office workers and tourists
  • Sit-down restaurants in nearby hotels and mixed-use buildings
  • Food vendors in or near the park during events or peak times

If you’re planning a full day:

  • Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the lawn
  • Use nearby spots as a backup if the park is too crowded or the weather turns

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents

If you live in or near Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park can be more than just a tourist stop.

Using the Park for Daily Life

Residents often:

  • Walk or jog through the park during commutes or lunch breaks
  • Bring visitors here as a first stop to give an overview of downtown
  • Use the park as a central meetup place before events and nights out

You can make the most of it by:

  • Combining a visit with errands or meetings downtown
  • Using MARTA to avoid congestion and parking challenges
  • Checking event schedules ahead of time to decide whether you want the energy of a crowd or a quieter park experience

Weather Awareness

Atlanta’s weather can shift quickly:

  • Summers are hot and humid—shade and hydration matter
  • Sudden rain showers are common; parts of the park are fully exposed
  • Winter and shoulder seasons can be pleasant for walking, with fewer crowds

Carrying sunscreen, water, and a small umbrella is often practical if you’re spending several hours downtown.

Who Manages the Park and Where to Get Official Info

Centennial Olympic Park is a public-oriented park closely tied to Atlanta’s convention and tourism core. For the most accurate, current details—such as:

  • Park hours
  • Event schedules
  • Permitting information
  • Temporary closures or security restrictions

look for:

  • Information boards and kiosks around the park
  • Official phone numbers or contact details listed on onsite signage
  • Visitor information desks at nearby major attractions, hotels, or the Georgia World Congress Center area

These local sources tend to be up-to-date and tailored to what’s happening that week in downtown Atlanta.

By understanding how Centennial Olympic Park functions within Atlanta—its location, layout, nearby attractions, transport options, and typical patterns of use—you can plan a visit that fits your needs, whether that’s a quiet morning walk, a family splash at the Fountain of Rings, or a full day exploring downtown’s biggest destinations.