Best Parks in Atlanta: Where to Relax, Play, and Explore Outdoors

Atlanta’s parks are a big part of what makes the city livable. Whether you’re a local looking for a new jogging route, a parent hunting for a great playground, or a visitor wanting skyline views and green space, Atlanta parks offer plenty of options across the city.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta’s major parks, neighborhood favorites, and how to make the most of them.

How Atlanta’s Park System Works

Atlanta’s parks are primarily managed by Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, with support from partners like the Atlanta BeltLine, local conservancies, and community groups.

You’ll find:

• Regional destination parks with big attractions and events
• Neighborhood parks with playgrounds, fields, and shade
• Linear parks and trails, especially along the BeltLine
• Nature preserves and forests that feel surprisingly wild

Most city parks are free to enter, though some attractions within them (like museums, amusement rides, or special events) may charge admission.

Quick Comparison of Atlanta’s Most Popular Parks

Piedmont Park: Atlanta’s Signature Green Space

Location: Near Midtown, primary access around 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s “Central Park”. It’s central, large, and surrounded by dense neighborhoods, making it a go-to for everyday exercise and major festivals.

What Piedmont Park Offers

• Miles of paved and unpaved trails for running, walking, and biking
• Large open meadows (The Meadow, Oak Hill) ideal for picnics and pickup sports
• Playgrounds including Mayor’s Grove Playground
• Two dog parks (separate areas for large and small dogs)
• Public pool (seasonal) and a splash area
• Sports facilities: tennis courts, softball fields, soccer fields
• Lake Clara Meer with scenic walking paths and city views

Piedmont Park often hosts large events and festivals, especially on weekends and during spring and fall. If you live nearby, walking or using MARTA (Arts Center or Midtown station plus a short walk) can be more convenient than driving.

Centennial Olympic Park: Downtown Icon

Location: Downtown, roughly bounded by Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW and Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is a compact, highly landscaped green space surrounded by downtown attractions.

Why People Visit Centennial Olympic Park

• Fountain of Rings, a popular splash fountain and photo spot
• Easy walking access to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and College Football Hall of Fame
• Lawns and seating areas for relaxing between downtown activities
• Seasonal events, concerts, and holiday displays

This park is great if you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown, or if you’re planning a “tourist day” with museums and attractions.

Grant Park: Historic Neighborhood Park + Zoo Atlanta

Location: Centered around 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest parks, shaded by mature trees and surrounded by Victorian homes. It’s quieter than parks like Piedmont and often favored by families and nearby residents.

Highlights of Grant Park

• Zoo Atlanta (separate admission) located inside the park
• Playgrounds and open lawns for casual play and picnics
• Walking paths under heavy shade, ideal for hot summer days
• Nearby Grant Park Farmers Market on certain days (seasonal, schedule can vary)

If you live in Southeast Atlanta or you’re visiting Zoo Atlanta, this park is an easy place to spend several relaxed hours.

Historic Fourth Ward Park: BeltLine-Friendly and Scenic

Location: Near 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, adjacent to the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine

Historic Fourth Ward Park sits just off the BeltLine and offers a mix of urban design, water features, and recreation.

What to Expect

• Lake and stormwater feature with walking paths and skyline views
• Large playground popular with families
• Green lawns where people sunbathe, relax, or throw a frisbee
• Easy access to Ponce City Market and the BeltLine Eastside Trail

This is a convenient stop if you’re walking or biking the BeltLine, or if you want a park that blends directly into restaurants, coffee shops, and retail.

Westside Park: Big Views and New Trails

Location: Major entrance around 1660 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Westside Park is one of Atlanta’s newer large parks, built around the city’s massive quarry-turned-reservoir. It offers a different feel than intown parks—more dramatic overlooks and newer infrastructure.

Reasons to Visit Westside Park

• Overlooks with views of the reservoir and sometimes the Atlanta skyline
• Paved and natural trails for walking, running, and cycling
• Modern playground and open spaces
• Generally less crowded than Piedmont, but gaining popularity

If you’re on the Westside or you like a park that feels newer and more expansive, this is a strong choice.

Chastain Park: Sports, Paths, and Concerts

Location: Around 140 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

Chastain Park is one of Atlanta’s largest parks by area, integrated into a residential part of Buckhead/North Atlanta.

What Chastain Park Includes

• Walking/jogging paths that loop around the park and golf course
• Chastain Park Golf Course (public)
• Tennis courts and ballfields
• Playgrounds and open green spaces
• The amphitheatre (concert venue, separate ticketed events)

Locals use Chastain heavily for daily exercise, dog walks, and kids’ activities.

Freedom Park: Long, Linear, and Great for Biking

Location: Stretches through neighborhoods like Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Candler Park; common access near 600 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Freedom Park is a linear park created along planned freeway routes that were never built. It links several neighborhoods and connects to the BeltLine.

Why Locals Like Freedom Park

• Long, continuous paved paths ideal for biking and jogging
• Connects to the BeltLine Eastside Trail and multiple intown neighborhoods
• Open fields with public art installations
• Good east-west alternative to busy streets for cyclists and runners

This is a strong choice if you want a longer, uninterrupted route without as many stoplights.

Atlanta Memorial Park: Golf, River, and Playgrounds

Location: Around 384 Woodward Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Located along Peachtree Creek near Buckhead, Atlanta Memorial Park combines recreation with a bit of riverfront feel.

Park Features

• Bitsy Grant Tennis Center nearby
• Bobby Jones Golf Course next to the park (public, separate operation)
• Playgrounds and walking paths under mature trees
• Access points to Peachtree Creek and nearby multi-use paths

This park is popular with nearby residents and those using the golf and tennis facilities.

Neighborhood Parks Worth Knowing

Beyond the big names, Atlanta has many smaller neighborhood parks that are convenient if you live or stay nearby.

Some frequently used examples:

• Candler Park (1500 McLendon Ave NE, 30307) – playgrounds, pool (seasonal), ballfields, lots of neighborhood activity
• Ormewood Forest / Glenwood Park area – pocket parks connected to trails and residential streets
• Lindsay Street Park (98 Lindsay St NW, 30314) – a smaller Westside park built as part of community revitalization
• Perkerson Park (770 Deckner Ave SW, 30310) – disc golf, fields, and space for larger gatherings in Southwest Atlanta

These parks are especially helpful if you want less crowded playgrounds, shorter walks, or just a quiet spot closer to home.

Parks and the Atlanta BeltLine

Many of Atlanta’s most popular parks connect to or sit near the Atlanta BeltLine, a growing network of multi-use trails built on old rail corridors.

How Parks and the BeltLine Work Together

• The Eastside Trail links Historic Fourth Ward Park, Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park (via nearby connectors), and multiple smaller greenspaces.
• The Westside Trail connects to smaller pocket parks and is gradually being extended toward Westside Park.
• Future segments are designed to link even more neighborhoods and parks into a loop.

If you’re visiting, renting a bike or scooter and using the BeltLine to hop between parks, food, and neighborhoods is a popular way to explore.

Planning a Park Day in Atlanta

A few practical tips can make your visit smoother, especially in warmer months.

Getting There and Parking

• Driving: Many parks have free or low-cost lots, but larger parks (like Piedmont) may rely heavily on paid decks and metered street parking.
• Transit: MARTA rail is especially useful for Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, and parks near downtown/Midtown.
• Walking/Biking: Inside the city core, connecting via the BeltLine and neighborhood sidewalks can be easier than driving and parking.

Weather and Comfort

Atlanta can be hot and humid, especially from late spring through early fall:

• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, even for short walks.
• Take advantage of parks with good shade (Grant Park, Candler Park, parts of Piedmont).
• Early mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable for running or strenuous activity.

Safety and Park Etiquette

• Follow posted park hours and rules; many city parks close at night.
• Keep dogs on leashes except in designated off-leash dog park areas.
• Be mindful of bikes and scooters on shared paths, especially along the BeltLine and in linear parks.
• Pack out trash or use provided receptacles—some parks have limited bins away from main entrances.

How to Find and Contact Atlanta Parks

For questions about park rentals, permits, sports leagues, or hours, residents typically start with:

Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone (City of Atlanta general information): (404) 330-6000

You can also check posted signs at park entrances for specific contact numbers, rules, and emergency instructions for that location.

Choosing the Right Atlanta Park for Your Plans

If you’re trying to decide where to go:

• For a classic Atlanta experience: start with Piedmont Park or Centennial Olympic Park.
• For families with kids: try Grant Park (Zoo Atlanta), Historic Fourth Ward Park, Candler Park, or Piedmont Park playgrounds.
• For running and biking: consider Freedom Park, the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or long loops at Chastain Park and Westside Park.
• For quiet, shaded walks: visit Grant Park, Atlanta Memorial Park, or smaller neighborhood parks near where you’re staying.

With a bit of planning, you can match the right Atlanta park to your day—whether you want skyline views, quiet nature, a big playground, or a long route for your next run.