Chastain Memorial Park in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Northside Oasis

Chastain Memorial Park is one of Atlanta’s largest and most beloved parks, tucked into the Buckhead/North Buckhead area on the city’s north side. If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want a mix of green space, trails, playgrounds, sports, and live music, Chastain is a park you’ll probably visit more than once.

This guide walks through what to do, where things are, and how Chastain Park fits into everyday Atlanta life.

Where Chastain Memorial Park Is and What to Expect

Chastain Memorial Park (often just called Chastain Park) is located in north Atlanta, roughly bounded by:

• Powers Ferry Road NW
• West Wieuca Road NW
• Roswell Road NE
• Lake Forrest Drive NW

It’s a neighborhood park with big-city amenities. Instead of one central lawn, Chastain is spread out around:

• A golf course
• A network of paths
• Ballfields and tennis courts
• Amphitheater and arts center
• Playgrounds and a swimming pool

Parking and access points are scattered around, so it helps to know which part of the park you’re heading to.

Main Areas and Amenities at Chastain Park

1. Pathways and Walking Loops

Chastain is popular with walkers, runners, and stroller-pushers from all over Atlanta.

What you’ll find:

• Multi-use path / walking loop around much of the park, often used for:
  • Jogging and distance runs
  • Dog walking (leash required)
  • Family walks and stroller walks
• Sidewalks and neighborhood streets that connect into the loop for longer routes

Many Atlantans treat Chastain as their “outdoor gym,” especially during cooler mornings and evenings.

Tips:

• 🚶 Peak times are early mornings and after work on weekdays.
• Bring water—shade is mixed, and summers in Atlanta are hot and humid.
• Watch for vehicles at road crossings; the park is built around neighborhood streets.

2. Chastain Park Playground & Family-Friendly Areas

If you’re looking for a spot to let kids burn off energy, Chastain has playgrounds and open fields that draw families from across north Atlanta.

Common features include:

• Modern playground equipment
• Open lawn areas for free play, picnics, and pick-up games
• Benches and shade trees in some sections

Nearby neighborhoods like North Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs often use Chastain as their primary “big park” for weekend family trips.

Family tips:

• 🧺 Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen, especially in summer.
• Check ahead for any event days when parking might be tight, especially near the amphitheater.

3. Chastain Memorial Park Amphitheater (Cadence Bank Amphitheatre)

One of the biggest draws to Chastain is its historic outdoor concert venue, commonly known as the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park.

What to know:

• Hosts outdoor concerts and performances, especially spring through fall.
• Offers both reserved seating and table/picnic-style sections, depending on the event.
• Has its own parking areas and traffic patterns on show nights.

If you live nearby, it’s worth being aware of concert schedules for traffic and noise. If you’re visiting, this is a classic Atlanta experience: live music under the trees in one of the city’s nicest neighborhoods.

4. Chastain Park Golf Course

Chastain is also home to a public golf course that many Atlantans use as their regular in-town round.

Chastain Park Golf Course offers:

• An 18-hole course in a wooded, hilly setting
• Practice areas and a clubhouse
• Paid tee times that can usually be booked in advance

Locals from Buckhead, Midtown, and Sandy Springs often choose this course for its intown convenience and park-side setting.

If you plan to play:

• Check current tee time policies and rates.
• Build in extra travel time on busy weekends or event nights.

5. Tennis Courts, Ballfields, and Sports Facilities

Chastain Memorial Park supports a wide range of sports and activities, not just golf.

Common facilities include:

• Tennis courts used by local residents and league players
• Baseball/softball fields for youth leagues and casual play
• Open fields that may be used for soccer, frisbee, and group workouts

Many Atlanta youth teams and adult rec groups use Chastain as a practice and game site due to its central northside location and parking options.

Sports use tips:

• Fields and courts may require reservations or be assigned to leagues.
• Early mornings and weekdays may offer the best chance for informal, open play.

6. Chastain Arts Center and Other Community Spaces

Chastain isn’t just about sports and concerts. It also has cultural and community-focused facilities.

The Chastain Arts Center area typically offers:

• Art classes and programs for adults and children
• Gallery space and community arts events
• A quieter section of the park compared with the concert and sports zones

For north Atlanta residents looking for ongoing classes or creative activities, this is a convenient option without having to drive downtown.

7. Swimming Pool and Summer Activities

The Chastain Park pool area (often seasonal) serves as a summer gathering spot for local families.

What to expect:

• A community pool environment
• Designated open swim times and possibly swim team/lesson use
• Rules and hours that can vary by season

If you’re an Atlanta resident looking for neighborhood-style swimming rather than a massive water park, the Chastain pool can be an appealing choice, especially if you live nearby.

Parking, Access, and Getting Around Chastain Park

Because Chastain surrounds a neighborhood and golf course instead of being one single rectangle, parking is spread out.

Common Access Considerations

• Multiple parking lots: near the amphitheater, golf course, ballfields, and playgrounds.
• Street parking: available in some nearby areas, but watch signs and respect neighborhood restrictions.
• Event nights: parking fills quickly near the amphitheater and traffic may be rerouted.

Getting There from Different Parts of Atlanta

• From Buckhead / Lenox:
  Typically via Roswell Road NE heading north, or Peachtree Road connecting to Roswell or West Wieuca.

• From Midtown / Downtown:
  Common routes use I-75 or GA-400 to a northbound exit, then surface streets like West Paces Ferry, Roswell Road, or Powers Ferry Road.

• From Sandy Springs / North Fulton:
  Often via Roswell Road heading south or using local cut-through streets, depending on the part of Sandy Springs.

Because this is Atlanta, rush-hour traffic can heavily affect travel time. Many locals plan park visits during off-peak hours, especially if they’re not coming from the immediate neighborhood.

Safety, Rules, and Park Etiquette

Chastain Park is widely used by families, runners, and dog owners, so following common-sense rules helps everyone.

General Safety

• Use well-lit areas if visiting early or late.
• Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle.
• Stay aware at road crossings—paths intersect with active streets.

Dogs and Pets

• Leashes are typically required in public areas.
• Bring bags and clean up after your pet.
• Be mindful of kids’ play areas and busy paths.

Events and Noise

• Concerts and organized events can increase noise and traffic, especially in the evening.
• If you live nearby, know the general concert season for planning.

Who Chastain Memorial Park Is Best For

Chastain Park serves several types of Atlanta residents and visitors:

• Families wanting playgrounds, open fields, and summer pool access
• Runners and walkers looking for a regular loop in north Atlanta
• Golfers and tennis players seeking public facilities inside the city
• Music lovers interested in outdoor concerts at the amphitheater
• Neighbors in Buckhead/North Atlanta who treat Chastain as their “backyard park”

If you’re deciding between parks in Atlanta, think of Chastain as:

• Less tourist-heavy than Centennial Olympic Park
• More neighborhood-oriented than Piedmont Park, but still large and feature-rich
• Especially convenient if you’re already on the north side of the city

Practical Tips for Visiting Chastain Park

Here’s a quick reference to help plan your visit:

Quick tips before you go:

• ☀️ Summer: Bring water, sunscreen, and light clothing.
• 🍂 Fall: Popular season—parking can be more crowded on nice weekends.
• 🐕 With dogs: Keep them leashed and expect lots of other walkers.
• 🚗 Driving: Add extra time on concert nights or weekends.

Chastain Memorial Park offers an all-around Atlanta park experience—from shaded paths and sports to arts and live music—especially convenient for anyone living in or visiting the northside and Buckhead area. Whether you’re planning a casual walk, a family day out, or a concert night, it’s one of the city’s most versatile outdoor spaces.