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

Centennial Olympic Park—often called Olympic Park Atlanta—is one of downtown Atlanta’s signature public spaces. Built as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, it’s now a major gathering spot for concerts, festivals, family outings, and quick breaks between visits to nearby attractions.

If you live in Atlanta, work downtown, or are visiting the city, this guide breaks down how the park works today—what to see, how to get there, when to go, and how to make the most of your time there.

Where Centennial Olympic Park Is and What It Includes

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

The park sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, surrounded by major attractions:

• Georgia Aquarium (to the north)
• World of Coca‑Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center

For many people, the park works as a central hub—you walk through it or relax there between other downtown stops.

Main Features and Attractions Inside the Park

Even if you’re just passing through, there are a few standout spots you’ll probably want to see.

Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is the visual icon of the park and one of downtown Atlanta’s most photographed spots.

• Designed in the shape of the Olympic Rings
• Features choreographed water shows with music at set times during most days
• Popular with kids in warm weather (plan for them to get fully soaked)
• Good viewing areas around the edges if you prefer to stay dry

If you’re visiting in summer, it’s smart to bring:

• A small towel or change of clothes for kids
• Sandals or water shoes for running through the jets

Olympic Monuments and Memorials

Throughout the park, you’ll find plaques, monuments, and sculptures that reference the 1996 Olympic Games and Atlanta’s role as host city. These can be worth a slow walk-through if you’re interested in sports history or Atlanta’s modern development.

Look for:

• Markers listing participating countries
• Sculptures and art connected to the Olympic legacy
• Historical information on Atlanta’s transformation during the Olympics

Green Spaces and Walking Paths

Centennial Olympic Park is also a straightforward green space in an otherwise busy downtown:

• Open lawns for sitting, picnicking, or playing casual games
• Tree‑lined walking paths and benches
• Views of the downtown skyline and nearby attractions

For locals working or living downtown, it often functions as:

• A lunch break spot
• A walking route between MARTA stations and venues
• A meet‑up point before events at State Farm Arena or the Georgia World Congress Center

Hours, Access, and General Use

Centennial Olympic Park is generally open during daytime and early evening hours, but access can change due to:

• Special events
• Construction or maintenance
• Security needs connected to large gatherings nearby

Because details can shift, it’s wise to:

• Check the most current hours before planning an early morning or late evening visit
• Be aware that some areas may be fenced or gated during events

Who Manages the Park?

Centennial Olympic Park is managed as part of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) campus.

Typical visitor needs they may address:

• Information about events held in the park
• Questions about closures, permitted activities, or large group use
• Lost‑and‑found connected to major events

Getting to Olympic Park Atlanta

One advantage of Centennial Olympic Park is that it’s highly accessible by multiple transportation options, especially if you’re already in the city.

By MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to reach the park, especially during big events.

Nearby stations:

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  – Walk east toward the park via Andrew Young International Blvd or through the GWCC/State Farm Arena area.

• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line)
  – Walk west along Andrew Young International Blvd or Baker Street toward the park.

From either station, the walk to the park is roughly 5–10 minutes, depending on pace and specific route.

By Car

If you’re driving:

• Expect downtown traffic, especially on weekdays and during events.
• There is no large, dedicated free parking lot for the park itself.
• You’ll generally use nearby paid parking decks and lots, often shared with nearby attractions and arenas.

Common parking options in the surrounding area include garages and lots near:

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

💡 Tip: For big events (sports, concerts, conventions), parking fills quickly and rates often rise. Arriving early or using MARTA can be easier and less stressful.

Walking and Rideshare

If you are staying at a downtown hotel, Centennial Olympic Park is usually reachable on foot:

• Many hotels in the convention and stadium district are within a 5–15 minute walk.
• Sidewalks are generally wide and heavily used near the park.

Rideshare drop‑off/pick‑up:

• Most drivers will use streets around the perimeter such as Baker St NW, Marietta St NW, or Andrew Young International Blvd.
• During special events, some streets may be temporarily closed or redirected, so rideshare apps may adjust pick‑up points.

Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Activities

Centennial Olympic Park often hosts or neighbors a variety of events. From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, it’s useful to know that activity levels at the park can vary a lot.

Common types of events:

• Music concerts and festivals
• Cultural festivals and food events
• Sports‑related celebrations tied to local pro teams or major games
• Holiday‑season activities in the broader downtown/GWCCA area

Event effects you might notice:

• More crowds and lines for nearby attractions
• Temporary fencing, security checkpoints, or bag checks
• Amplified music and vendor tents on the lawns
• Adjusted park hours or limited access to specific sections

If you’re specifically looking for a quiet, relaxing visit, you may want to:

• Avoid major event days and big concert weekends downtown
• Aim for weekday mornings or non‑event afternoons

Family‑Friendly Use: Kids, Strollers, and Group Visits

Centennial Olympic Park is often part of a family day downtown—especially when combined with the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola.

Visiting with Kids

Popular with families for:

• Splashing in the Fountain of Rings
• Running around the open grassy areas
• Picnicking between attraction visits

Practical tips:

• Bring sunscreen and hats—shade can be limited in some open lawn areas.
• Expect excited children around the fountain area; it can get slippery, so supervise younger kids closely.
• Public restrooms may be available but can vary by event and maintenance schedules, so some families plan restroom breaks at nearby attractions.

Strollers and Accessibility

Sidewalks and paths in and around the park are generally paved and stroller‑friendly.

For visitors needing accessible routes:

• Surrounding streets and sidewalks include curb ramps.
• Nearby attractions and the Georgia World Congress Center campus are designed with accessibility in mind, though exact routes can vary depending on construction or event setup.
• If accessibility is a central concern, it may help to enter the park from flatter approaches, such as from the Aquarium/World of Coca‑Cola side, rather than from steep or heavily sloped blocks.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Like any busy urban park, Centennial Olympic Park has a mix of visitors—tourists, locals, office workers, and event crowds. People commonly treat it as generally safe, but they do apply normal big‑city awareness.

Practical safety habits:

• Keep valuables secure and avoid leaving bags unattended.
• Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly at night or during very crowded events.
• Follow any posted rules about prohibited items, especially if an event is being set up or in progress.
• Listen to park staff, security, or law enforcement if they issue directions related to closures or emergencies.

If you are traveling with children or a group:

• Pick a specific meeting spot in or near the park in case someone gets separated (for example, a recognizable statue, a corner of the fountain plaza, or a nearby landmark like the Aquarium entrance).
• Take a quick photo of younger children that day so you have an up‑to‑date image if needed.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Amenities

Centennial Olympic Park itself does not typically function as a large food‑vendor hub outside of events, but you are surrounded by downtown dining options.

Near the park you’ll find:

• Fast‑casual and sit‑down restaurants along Marietta St NW and surrounding blocks
• Food options inside Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and CNN Center/State Farm Arena (depending on time and event schedules)
• Occasional food vendors or trucks during special events and festivals on or near the park grounds

If you’re planning a longer stay in the park:

• Many people bring snacks, light picnics, or drinks.
• Check any current park rules on glass containers, alcohol, or grilling—these rules can be strict, especially during events.
• Trash and recycling bins are typically placed around high‑traffic spots; using them helps keep the park pleasant for everyone.

Quick Reference: Centennial Olympic Park at a Glance

How Olympic Park Fits Into an Atlanta Visit or Daily Routine

For Atlanta residents, Centennial Olympic Park is often:

• A convenient green space for downtown workers
• A go‑to meetup point for friends headed to a game, concert, or convention
• A yearly stop during large outdoor festivals and events

For visitors, the park usually becomes:

• A natural starting or ending point for a day exploring downtown attractions
• A photo backdrop that feels uniquely “Atlanta”
• A way to experience the city’s Olympic legacy without a lengthy museum visit

Whether you’re planning a quick walk‑through or a full afternoon of relaxing on the lawn and watching the Fountain of Rings, understanding how the park is laid out, how to get there, and what to expect on busy days can make your time at Olympic Park Atlanta smoother and more enjoyable.