Exploring Atlanta’s Centennial Park District: Your In-Town Guide to Parks, Attractions, and Events

The Centennial Park District in downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most walkable, visitor-friendly areas, centered around Centennial Olympic Park and surrounded by major attractions, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, this area is one of the easiest places to spend a full day (or weekend) without ever needing to move your car.

Where Is the Centennial Park District in Atlanta?

The Centennial Park District is located in downtown Atlanta, roughly bordered by:

• North: Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard
• South: Marietta Street NW
• East: Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW / Peachtree Street area
• West: Around Northside Drive and the Georgia World Congress Center campus

At the center of the district is Centennial Olympic Park:

• Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

From here, most major attractions are a short walk away.

Centennial Olympic Park: The Heart of the District

Although the broader area is called the Centennial Park District, the park itself is a public green space that anchors the neighborhood.

What to Expect in Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park was originally built as the gathering area for the 1996 Olympic Games and later redesigned as a public park. Today, it offers:

• Open lawns and shaded areas for picnics and relaxing
• Paved walking paths with views of the Atlanta skyline
• Fountain of Rings, one of the most recognizable features
• Monuments, plazas, and Olympic-themed artwork

It’s a popular spot for:

• Downtown workers on lunch breaks
• Families visiting the nearby attractions
• Locals attending festivals, concerts, and seasonal events

Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is the park’s signature feature.

• It’s a splash-friendly fountain (popular with kids in warmer weather).
• Shows with synchronized water and music typically run several times a day.
• It doubles as a casual play area and a photo spot with the city skyline in the background.

If you’re visiting Atlanta with children, plan time here—especially on hot days.

Top Attractions Around Centennial Park District

One reason the area is so popular is the number of major attractions packed into a few walkable blocks. Here are some of the key ones most people combine into a single visit or weekend.

Georgia Aquarium

• Location: Just north of Centennial Olympic Park
• Known for large aquatic exhibits, interactive experiences, and family-friendly shows.
• Commonly paired with a visit to the World of Coca-Cola and the park itself.

World of Coca-Cola

• Location: On the northwest side of the park
• Focused on the history and branding of Coca‑Cola, which is headquartered in Atlanta.
• Includes exhibits, memorabilia, and tasting experiences.

College Football Hall of Fame

• Location: South side of the park, along Marietta Street
• Interactive museum that appeals to both college football fans and casual visitors.
• Feature exhibits, memorabilia, and themed experiences.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Location: Near the northwest corner of the district
• Museum and cultural center focused on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights.
• Often visited together with the park and nearby attractions.

State Farm Arena & Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

While not “inside” the park itself, these major venues are within walking distance of the district:

• State Farm Arena: Home to the Atlanta Hawks and concerts/events.
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: Home to the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and major sports and entertainment events.

Many people use Centennial Olympic Park as a meeting spot or pre-event hangout before walking to games or concerts.

Quick Snapshot: Centennial Park District at a Glance

Getting to the Centennial Park District

By MARTA

Using MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach the district, especially if you want to avoid downtown parking. Depending on what you plan to do, a few stations can work:

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines)
  • Short walk to the park and CNN Center side of the district.
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines)
  • Walk west along Andrew Young International Blvd or through downtown streets to the park.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green lines)
  • Good for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium; a bit farther from the park itself.

From any of these, signs and pedestrian routes generally make it straightforward to walk into the Centennial Park District.

By Car

If you’re driving:

• Multiple paid parking decks and lots are spread around the district, including near the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and State Farm Arena.
• Event days (sports, concerts, conventions) can make parking more expensive and harder to find.

Tips:

• ❗ Check event calendars for State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Georgia World Congress Center before planning your visit—traffic and parking conditions can change significantly.
• If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, walking or rideshare is often easier than re-parking throughout the day.

Walking and Getting Around Within the District

The Centennial Park District is very walkable compared to many other parts of Atlanta:

• Sidewalks are wide and generally well-maintained.
• Crosswalks are frequent, though you’ll still want to be mindful of downtown traffic.
• Attractions are clustered close together, often just a few minutes apart on foot.

If you’re visiting with young kids or older adults, you can realistically:

• Visit the park,
• Add one major attraction (like the aquarium or World of Coca-Cola),
• Stop for lunch in the area,
  all without needing to move your car during the day.

Events and Festivals in Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park often hosts public events, which can range from small community gatherings to large music festivals and seasonal celebrations.

Common types of events include:

• Outdoor concerts and performances
• Holiday-season activities
• Cultural, food, or arts festivals
• Race start/finish lines and community fitness events

If you live in Atlanta, it’s worth periodically checking current event schedules. On busy event days, the feel of the district can shift from relaxed to very lively, with more crowds and amplified noise.

Food, Drinks, and Places to Take a Break

While the district is centered on the park and attractions, there are numerous restaurants, food courts, and casual spots nearby:

• Around Marietta Street NW and Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW:
  • Sit-down restaurants, bars, and quick-service options.
• Inside or near major attractions:
  • Cafés and snack areas in places like Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
• Hotel restaurants and lobbies:
  • Common meet-up points for visitors and convention attendees.

If you’re planning a long day in the area, look for:

• Breakfast or coffee near Peachtree Center or along Marietta Street
• Lunch near the park or inside one of the major attractions
• Dinner and drinks in the same corridor or closer to the stadium/arena if you’re attending an event

Staying Near Centennial Park District

For visitors, the Centennial Park District and surrounding downtown area include a range of hotels and lodging options, from business-focused hotels to properties that cater to families and event-goers.

Benefits of staying in or near the district:

• You can walk to most major attractions.
• Easy access to MARTA for airport and city travel.
• Short walk or rideshare to State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Georgia World Congress Center for events and conventions.

Locals sometimes choose to stay in this area for special weekends (such as major events or staycations) to avoid driving and parking.

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

The Centennial Park District is one of downtown Atlanta’s more active, highly trafficked areas, especially during the day and during major events. As in any urban center, it helps to stay aware and plan ahead.

Key practical tips:

• Day vs. night:
  • Daytime is typically busy with families, tourists, and workers.
  • At night, crowds concentrate more around events, restaurants, and bars—stick to well‑lit, active streets.
• Weather:
  • Atlanta summers can be hot and humid; the park has some shade, but bring water and sun protection.
  • Sudden afternoon showers are common; having a light rain jacket or umbrella can help.
• Footwear:
  • Expect to walk more than you might think; comfortable shoes make a big difference.
• Kids:
  • The Fountain of Rings can get crowded. Many parents bring a change of clothes or a small towel for kids who play in the water.

Who the Centennial Park District Is Best For

The Centennial Park District is especially useful if you:

• Live in Atlanta and want a simple, all-in-one day out without driving all over town
• Have out-of-town visitors and want to show them multiple major attractions in one area
• Are visiting Atlanta and want a walkable base with restaurants, parks, and museums nearby
• Are attending a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center or an event at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and want nearby things to do

If your main question is “What is the Centennial Park District in Atlanta, and what can I actually do there?”—it’s essentially:

• A downtown entertainment and attractions district
• Built around Centennial Olympic Park,
• With some of Atlanta’s most visited sights, plus dining, hotels, and event venues, all within a short walk.