Guide to Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta, GA

If you’re searching for “Centennial Park North Atlanta GA”, you’re almost certainly looking for Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia—the landmark green space just north of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena.

This guide walks you through what the park is, where it is, what’s around its north side, and how Atlanta residents and visitors can make the most of a visit.

What Is Centennial Olympic Park?

Centennial Olympic Park is a 21-acre public park built for the 1996 Olympic Games. Today, it’s one of downtown Atlanta’s main gathering spots, known for:

• The Fountain of Rings, a choreographed water fountain in the shape of the Olympic rings
• Open lawns and walking paths
• City skyline views and photo spots
• Easy access to many of Atlanta’s top attractions

The park is located at:

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

This is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, close to major hotels, MARTA stations, and interstates.

Understanding the “North” Side of Centennial Olympic Park

When people say “Centennial Park North Atlanta GA,” they often mean:

1. The northern edge of Centennial Olympic Park
2. The area just north of the park, including nearby attractions, hotels, and streets

Streets and Landmarks on the North Side

The north side of Centennial Olympic Park is roughly bordered by:

• Baker Street NW (runs east–west along the north edge of the park)
• Luckie Street NW (just north and northwest of the park)
• Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW (a bit further north, a key corridor in downtown)

Notable places around the north and northeast sides of the park include:

• World of Coca‑Cola – Just north of the park, across Baker Street
• Georgia Aquarium – North of the park, a short walk from the Fountain of Rings
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Northeast of the park
• Several downtown hotels, offices, and restaurants along Baker St and Luckie St

If you’re looking for a hotel or meeting place “near Centennial Park North,” this cluster around Baker Street NW and Luckie Street NW is probably what you want.

Key Features Inside Centennial Olympic Park

Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is the park’s most recognizable feature. It’s a:

• Splash fountain with jets timed to music
• Fun spot for kids in warm weather
• Popular photo backdrop with downtown buildings in the background

Check posted schedules on-site for regular fountain shows, especially in busier seasons.

Lawns, Paths, and Green Space

Centennial Olympic Park offers:

• Open lawns for picnics, relaxing, or informal games
• Paved walkways that are generally stroller- and wheelchair-friendly
• Shaded seating areas near trees and along the edges of the park

This makes it a convenient place to take a break if you’re visiting nearby attractions.

Memorials and Olympic-Themed Features

Around the park you’ll find:

• Olympic-inspired sculptures and markers
• Historical plaques related to the 1996 Olympic Games
• Areas that host public events, festivals, and seasonal activities

These features add context to Atlanta’s role as an Olympic host city.

What’s Around Centennial Olympic Park (Especially to the North)

Being in the center of downtown, Centennial Olympic Park is surrounded by major attractions, especially just to the north and east.

Major Attractions Within Walking Distance

From the north side of the park, you can easily walk to:

• World of Coca‑Cola
  • North of the park, near Baker St NW
• Georgia Aquarium
  • One of the largest aquariums in the world, just northwest of the park
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Northeast of the park, near Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd

From the south and west sides, you’re close to:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (west/southwest)
• State Farm Arena (south)
• CNN Center area (south of the park)

Hotels and Dining Near the North Side

The “north Centennial Park” area includes several large hotels, office towers, and restaurants, especially along:

• Baker Street NW
• Luckie Street NW
• Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW

Visitors often pick hotels here specifically for walkability to the park and attractions.

Getting to Centennial Olympic Park from Across Atlanta

By MARTA

Centennial Olympic Park is reachable by MARTA trains and buses. Common options:

• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines)
  • Walk several blocks west to reach the park
• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines)
  • Walk northeast to reach the southwest corner of the park

If you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, the Airport, or North Atlanta suburbs along the MARTA line, you can:

1. Ride to one of these downtown stations
2. Walk 5–15 minutes to the park

By Car

If you’re driving in from around metro Atlanta:

• Use major interstates I‑75/85 or I‑20 to reach downtown
• Follow signs toward downtown attractions or Georgia Aquarium/World of Coca‑Cola
• Public parking is typically in garages and paid lots around the park, especially near:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena

Parking rules and rates vary; posted signs will have current information.

Basic Visitor Info at a Glance

Tips for Atlanta Residents Using the Park

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

Everyday Uses

Locals often use the park to:

• Take walks on lunch breaks or between downtown appointments
• Meet friends or coworkers in a public, central spot
• Enjoy a quick outdoor break if they work or study nearby

If you commute on MARTA and work downtown, it’s an easy detour for fresh air.

Meeting Spot for Events and Games

Because it sits between major venues and attractions, the park is a convenient meet-up point before:

• Atlanta United or Falcons games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Hawks games or concerts at State Farm Arena
• Visits to the Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or civil rights museum

Many Atlanta residents use the Fountain of Rings or nearby lawns as a simple “meet here” landmark.

Seasonal Activities and Events

Centennial Olympic Park often hosts or sits next to seasonal downtown happenings, such as:

• Festivals and outdoor events on select weekends
• Holiday‑season activities in the wider downtown area
• Occasional concerts or gatherings on the park’s lawns

Schedules can change from year to year, so it’s useful to check current downtown Atlanta event listings or official park information when planning a visit.

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

For both locals and visitors, a few practical points help your visit go smoothly:

• Daytime visits are most common, especially for families and tourists
• Stay aware of belongings, as you would in any busy downtown area
• Check weather—Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer, so hats, sunscreen, and water are helpful
• If you’re planning to get wet at the Fountain of Rings, bring:
  • A towel
  • Change of clothes or water-friendly shoes for kids

Public restrooms and amenities may have specific hours; signage on-site will give current details.

How Centennial Olympic Park Fits into Exploring Atlanta

For people trying to understand how this area fits into Atlanta as a whole:

• The park is essentially the tourist and visitor hub of downtown
• The north side of the park connects directly to:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• The south and west sides tie into Atlanta’s big sports and entertainment venues

If you’re planning a day in the city, a common Atlanta itinerary is:

1. Park or arrive by MARTA near Centennial Olympic Park
2. Spend time in one or more nearby attractions
3. Use the park as your midday rest stop or picnic spot
4. Walk to an evening game, concert, or dinner downtown or in nearby neighborhoods

In short, when you see “Centennial Park North Atlanta GA,” think of Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta and the busy, walkable district just north of it—one of the most central places to start exploring the city.