Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s signature public spaces—a mix of green lawns, Olympic history, family-friendly fountains, and walkable access to some of the city’s biggest attractions. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting for a day, this park often ends up at the center of your plans.

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 downtown Atlanta’s tourist core, surrounded by:

• Georgia World Congress Center (to the west)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (southwest)
• State Farm Arena (west/southwest)
• Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (north side)

Getting There by MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the park, especially on event days.

• Rail stations nearby:
  • Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – about a 5–10 minute walk
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line) – about a 10–15 minute walk

From either station, follow signs toward the Georgia World Congress Center or Centennial Olympic Park; sidewalks and wayfinding signs guide you most of the way.

Driving and Parking

Driving downtown is common, but traffic around game days, conventions, and major events can be heavy. Plan extra time if you’re coming in from I-75/85 or I-20.

You won’t find a large public parking deck directly under the park itself, but there are numerous paid parking decks and lots surrounding it, including near:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• CNN Center / State Farm Arena
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola

Many locals use parking garage apps or pay-on-site machines. Rates vary by event and time of day—on a quiet weekday it can be inexpensive; on a big game day, expect higher prices and limited spaces.

A Quick History: Why Centennial Olympic Park Matters

Centennial Olympic Park was built as the central gathering place for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Before the park, this part of downtown was mostly parking lots and underused space. The park became:

• A symbol of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta
• A catalyst for the development of the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and nearby hotels and attractions
• A daily-use public space for residents, workers, and visitors

The park is now part of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority campus and continues to host festivals, concerts, and community events throughout the year.

What You’ll Find Inside the Park

You can walk the park in 20–30 minutes, but there’s a lot packed into these blocks.

Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is the most famous feature of Centennial Olympic Park. It’s a large fountain designed in the shape of the Olympic rings where:

• Children (and adults) can splash and play in the synchronized water jets
• Water shows are set to music at scheduled times on many days
• It doubles as a major photo spot for tourists

Bring a change of clothes or a towel if kids plan to play in the water. During colder months or certain maintenance windows, the fountain may not be active, so it’s smart to check the schedule if it’s a key part of your visit.

Olympic Legacy Features

Around the park you’ll see reminders of Atlanta’s Olympic moment, including:

• Engraved bricks from donors who supported the park’s construction
• Sculptures and monuments dedicated to the Olympic Games
• Plaques and markers highlighting key moments and contributors

These are easy to explore on a self-guided walk and help visitors understand how this park fits into Atlanta’s modern history.

Lawns, Gardens, and Walking Paths

Beyond the fountain, the park offers:

• Open lawns suitable for picnics, casual sports, or simply relaxing
• Tree-lined walkways with benches
• Landscaped gardens that soften the urban feel

During workdays, you’ll see office workers eating lunch on the grass; on weekends, families, tourists, and event-goers spread out around the lawns.

Typical Hours, Rules, and What to Expect

Operational details can change, but there are some general patterns locals rely on.

Usual Park Hours

Centennial Olympic Park is generally open during daytime and early evening hours, with gates often closing at night. Strategies many Atlantans use:

• Plan standard visits between morning and dusk
• For large events, expect adjusted or restricted access
• Check the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s published information before very early or very late visits

Common Park Rules

Expect standard urban park rules, which often include:

• No unauthorized vending or commercial activity
• Restrictions on alcohol (usually only allowed at permitted events)
• Leashed pets only, with owners cleaning up after them
• No swimming pools—the Fountain of Rings is a splash feature, not a traditional public pool
• No smoking in many areas

Security and staff patrol the area regularly, especially during big events, to keep things orderly.

Events and Festivals at Centennial Olympic Park

The park functions as a major event venue in downtown Atlanta. Throughout the year, Atlantans are used to seeing:

• Music concerts and festivals on the main lawn
• Holiday celebrations such as winter light displays in some years
• Charity walks, fun runs, and community gatherings

These events can change how you use the park:

• Parts of the lawn or paths may be fenced off for ticketed events
• Noise levels and crowds can be significantly higher
• Parking and MARTA trains may be more crowded

If you prefer a calmer visit, locals often recommend checking an event calendar for the park or for nearby venues like the Georgia World Congress Center before you go.

Things to Do Around Centennial Olympic Park

One of the biggest advantages of Centennial Olympic Park is its location. From the park, you’re within a short walk of several of Atlanta’s top sights.

Major Attractions Within Walking Distance

From the edges of the park, you can reach:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, popular with families and school groups
• World of Coca-Cola – Museum and experience centered on the Coca-Cola brand and history
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum focused on the U.S. civil rights movement and global human rights
• CNN Center (public access areas subject to change)
• State Farm Arena – Home to the Atlanta Hawks and major concerts
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and large events

This makes the park a natural home base: many people picnic or relax there in between scheduled attractions.

Food and Drinks Nearby

Within a short walk from the park you’ll find:

• Fast-casual spots frequented by convention attendees
• Sit-down restaurants and sports bars near CNN Center and State Farm Arena
• Food trucks on certain busy days or during events in and around the park

Many locals bring picnic-style food and eat on the grass, especially during nice weather, keeping in mind any posted rules about glass containers and alcohol.

Family-Friendly Tips for Visiting

Centennial Olympic Park is a frequent stop for families with kids, both local and visiting.

Planning for Kids

• 👟 Footwear: Expect walking. Comfortable shoes are important, especially if you’re also visiting the aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.
• 💦 Water play: If you plan for kids to enjoy the Fountain of Rings, bring:
  • A change of clothes
  • Towels
  • Water shoes or sandals that can handle getting wet
• ☀️ Weather: Summers in Atlanta are hot and humid. Use shade, hats, and water breaks. Even in shoulder seasons, the sun can be strong on the open lawns.

Stroller and Accessibility Considerations

The park’s paths are generally stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with paved walkways and ramps. Nearby attractions are also designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Centennial Olympic Park is in a busy part of downtown Atlanta, with a regular mix of tourists, workers, and residents.

Common safety habits locals follow include:

• Staying aware of surroundings, especially at night or during major events
• Keeping personal items secure—using crossbody bags or backpacks and avoiding leaving items unattended on the lawn
• Traveling with others when leaving late-night events, often walking toward MARTA stations or well-lit garages with crowds

You will typically see security staff and law enforcement presence in and around the park, especially on high-traffic days.

Restrooms, Seating, and Amenities

Visitors usually find:

• Public restrooms available during standard open hours (often near main clusters of activity; closes when the park closes)
• Benches and seating along walkways and near the Fountain of Rings
• Trash and recycling bins throughout the park

If restrooms in the park are closed or crowded, many people use facilities in nearby attractions, but access may require a ticket or purchase depending on the location.

When Locals Like to Visit

People in Atlanta use Centennial Olympic Park in different ways depending on the time of week and year.

Common patterns:

• Weekday lunch hours: Downtown workers and students using it as a break spot
• Weekends: Families and visitors combined with event crowds
• Spring and fall: Popular times for festivals and outdoor gatherings due to milder weather
• Summer: High tourist activity; mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable than midday heat

If you want quiet time for photos or a peaceful walk, many locals prefer weekday mornings or non-event days.

Who Manages the Park and Where to Ask Questions

Centennial Olympic Park is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), which oversees the broader complex that includes the convention center and surrounding venues.

For official questions about:

• Park hours
• Event schedules and park closures
• Rules and permitted activities

you can contact or look up information from:

Georgia World Congress Center Authority
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone: (404) 223-4000

This is the primary public entity responsible for long-term operations, maintenance, and large-scale programming at Centennial Olympic Park.

Quick Reference: Centennial Olympic Park at a Glance

Centennial Olympic Park remains one of Atlanta’s most central public gathering spaces, tying together the city’s Olympic legacy, major attractions, and everyday urban life. Whether you’re planning a quick lunchtime stroll, a family day downtown, or a visit built around the Aquarium and nearby museums, the park is usually part of the experience.