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

Centennial Olympic Park—often called Atlanta Olympic Park—is one of downtown Atlanta’s most recognizable public spaces. Built as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, it’s now a year-round spot for festivals, concerts, daily relaxation, and city sightseeing.

If you live in Atlanta, work nearby, or are planning a visit, this guide walks through what the park is, where it is, what to do, when to go, and how to plan your visit.

Where Centennial Olympic Park Is and How to Get There

Address:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The park sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, surrounded by major attractions:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• SkyView Atlanta (the giant Ferris wheel)

Getting There by MARTA

Using MARTA is often the easiest way to reach Atlanta Olympic Park, especially during events.

• Rail stations nearby:
  • Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines): About a 5–10 minute walk.
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines): About a 10–12 minute walk through downtown.
• From either station, follow pedestrian signs toward Centennial Olympic Park or Georgia Aquarium/World of Coca-Cola.

Driving and Parking

Downtown can be busy and parking prices vary depending on events.

Common options include:

• Surface lots and decks along Marietta St NW, Luckie St NW, and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd
• Parking decks serving Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Georgia World Congress Center

Because prices and availability change with big games or conventions, many Atlanta residents check event calendars for the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium before deciding to drive.

Park Layout and Main Features

Centennial Olympic Park is designed as a large open green space with walkways, water features, public art, and gathering areas. It’s easy to explore on foot in 30–60 minutes, but you can also spend several hours if you’re visiting nearby attractions.

The Heart of the Park: Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is the park’s signature feature and a symbol of the 1996 Olympic Games.

• Interactive water fountain shaped like the Olympic Rings
• Kids (and some adults) often run through the jets on hot Atlanta days
• Features music and water shows at set times on many days
• Surrounded by seating areas and open plaza space

Visitors commonly plan breaks around the Fountain—grabbing a snack, letting children play, or taking photos with the skyline in the background.

Other Key Areas and Landmarks

• Great Lawn:
  A large grassy area used for relaxing, picnicking, and major events. On non-event days, locals often bring a blanket and enjoy the skyline views.

• Olympic Markers & Monuments:
  Around the park you’ll find:

  • Engraved bricks placed by donors during the Olympic era
  • Flag plaza and Olympic-related plaques
  • Sculptures and markers noting the 1996 Games and Atlanta’s role as host city

• Children’s Play Spaces & Open Areas:
  While the park doesn’t have an extensive playground like some neighborhood parks, the open lawns, walkways, and Fountain area are common spots for families.

• Public Art & Landscaping:
  Seasonal plantings, trees, and sculptures make it a popular backdrop for engagement photos, graduation pictures, and tourist snapshots.

Typical Hours, Access, and Park Rules

Centennial Olympic Park is generally open daily, but hours can change for maintenance, holidays, or special events.

• The park is usually open during daylight and early evening hours
• Some areas may close temporarily for private events or large festivals

Because schedules are subject to change, many Atlanta residents check current hours and any event notices before going, especially for early morning visits or late evenings.

General Park Guidelines

Common rules that visitors are expected to follow include:

• No glass containers in the park
• No unauthorized vending or commercial activity
• Pets on leash (and owners cleaning up after them)
• Restrictions on:
  • Smoking or vaping in certain areas
  • Alcohol consumption outside of permitted events
  • Use of drones without specific permission

There is often park security and visible presence from downtown Atlanta police, especially during major events or busy weekends.

What to Do at Atlanta Olympic Park

Quick Visit (30–60 Minutes)

If you’re downtown for a meeting, convention, or nearby attraction, a short stop at the park might include:

• Walking the main loop around the park
• Watching the Fountain of Rings show, if timing works
• Sitting on a bench or on the lawn to take in skyline views
• Snapping photos with the Atlanta skyline, CNN Center, or nearby attractions in the background

Half-Day Visit with Nearby Attractions

The park works well as a central “home base” if you’re exploring downtown. Common combinations include:

• Park + Georgia Aquarium
  Walk from the park’s north side directly toward the aquarium.

• Park + World of Coca-Cola
  Located just across the street from the park’s north side.

• Park + SkyView Atlanta
  The Ferris wheel is right along the park’s south edge and offers aerial views of the park and city.

• Park + College Football Hall of Fame
  A short walk along the southern edge of the park area.

Many visitors plan to:

1. Start with a morning walk around the park
2. Visit one or two attractions
3. Return to the park area to rest, snack, or let kids play

Events, Festivals, and Concerts

Centennial Olympic Park has traditionally hosted a wide range of public events, especially during warmer months, such as:

• Outdoor concerts and music festivals
• Cultural festivals and food events
• Holiday celebrations and seasonal activities

Event schedules vary from year to year. Local residents often:

• Keep an eye on downtown event calendars
• Watch for increased crowds, security, and limited access to parts of the park during big festivals

If you prefer a quiet visit, it can help to avoid major event days when lawns or pathways may be closed or restricted.

Family-Friendly Tips for Visiting with Kids

Families in Atlanta often use Centennial Olympic Park as a kid-friendly downtown stop between attractions.

Fountain of Rings Basics

• Kids should wear clothes that can get wet or bring a change of clothes
• Water play is generally most enjoyable during warmer months
• Parents often bring:
  • Towels
  • Water shoes or sandals
  • Light snacks and drinks

While the fountain is designed for public use, caregivers usually keep an eye on children due to slippery surfaces and the presence of crowds.

Restroom and Break Planning

Public restrooms may be available in or near the park, but during large events there can be:

• Lines or temporary closures
• A need to rely on restrooms at nearby attractions, hotels, or restaurants

Families often plan regular restroom breaks at places like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or nearby dining spots.

Safety, Comfort, and Seasonal Considerations

Staying Comfortable in Atlanta Weather

Atlanta’s weather can be hot and humid in summer and unpredictable in shoulder seasons.

Tips locals use:

• ☀️ Summer:

  • Come earlier in the morning or closer to evening
  • Use sunscreen, hats, and light clothing
  • Take advantage of shaded areas and indoor attractions mid-day

• 🍂 Fall & Spring:

  • Ideal for walking the park and enjoying events
  • Carry a light layer for cooler evenings

• ❄️ Winter:

  • The park is usually open, but fewer water-based activities
  • Check for seasonal décor or special holiday events, which can draw crowds

Basic Safety Awareness

The park sits in a busy urban environment, so visitors commonly:

• Stay aware of personal belongings, especially during crowded events
• Use well-lit paths in the early morning or evening hours
• Park in reputable lots or decks and follow posted signage

Downtown Atlanta has a regular police and security presence near major venues, and events often have event-specific security screening for certain areas.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Amenities

Centennial Olympic Park is surrounded by many places to eat and grab refreshments within walking distance.

Picnic vs. Nearby Restaurants

Common approaches:

• Bring a light picnic
  Many locals bring snacks or simple meals to enjoy on the lawn, checking ahead for any temporary restrictions during special events.

• Walk to nearby restaurants
  Within a few blocks you’ll find:

  • Casual eateries along Marietta St NW and around CNN Center
  • Fast-casual spots near Peachtree St and Luckie St
  • Sit-down restaurants in nearby hotels and mixed-use buildings

Some visitors also pick up food from food trucks or vendors that operate near the park during busy days or events, when available.

Combining the Park with Other Atlanta Plans

Centennial Olympic Park fits naturally into many Atlanta itineraries:

• Convention + Fresh Air Break:
  If you’re attending an event at the Georgia World Congress Center, the park offers an easy outdoor escape between sessions.

• Sports Game + Downtown Stroll:
  Before or after a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, many fans walk through or around the park.

• Tourist Day in Atlanta:
  A typical out-of-town visitor might:

  1. Start at Georgia Aquarium
  2. Walk through the park to the World of Coca-Cola
  3. Relax or play at the Fountain of Rings
  4. End the day with a ride on SkyView Atlanta

• Local Day Out:
  Atlanta residents often use the park as:

  • A meetup spot with friends before exploring more of downtown
  • A quick lunchtime walk if they work nearby
  • A central starting point to show out-of-town guests the core of Atlanta

Quick-Reference Overview of Atlanta Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park remains one of Atlanta’s most important public spaces—a place where the city’s Olympic legacy, downtown skyline, and everyday life come together. Whether you’re an Atlanta local looking for a quick outdoor break or a visitor planning a full day of sightseeing, understanding how the park is laid out, when to go, and what’s nearby helps you make the most of your time downtown.