Parking for Zoo Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Lots, Tips, and Shortcuts

Planning a visit to Zoo Atlanta and want to avoid parking stress? Whether you’re an Atlanta local heading in for a quick morning at the zoo or bringing out-of-town guests for a full day, understanding how parking for Zoo Atlanta works will save you time, money, and hassle.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to where to park, what it costs, and how to make your arrival as smooth as possible.

Where Zoo Atlanta Is and Why Parking Can Be Tricky

Zoo Atlanta is located in Grant Park at:

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

The zoo sits inside one of the city’s oldest residential neighborhoods. That means:

• Streets are narrow and residential
• Some areas have permit-only or time-limited parking
• Traffic can back up on weekends, holidays, and school break days

Most visitors use the designated zoo lots and nearby Grant Park parking areas rather than trying to street-park deeper into the neighborhood.

Main Parking Options for Zoo Atlanta

Zoo-related parking generally falls into three categories:

1. Official Zoo Atlanta lots
2. Grant Park shared/public parking
3. Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood (limited and restricted in places)

Here’s a simple overview:

Parking rules and fees can change, so it’s always smart to double‑check current details with Zoo Atlanta or posted signs when you arrive.

Official Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park Parking Lots

1. Primary Zoo & Grant Park Parking Areas

Most visitors use the lots adjacent to Zoo Atlanta within Grant Park. These are designed for zoo guests and park users, and generally offer:

• Paid parking (rates may be hourly or daily max)
• Surface lot spaces (no large garage right at the entrance)
• A short walk to zoo entry gates and Grant Park paths

Common patterns visitors notice:

• Morning arrivals (especially before 10:00 a.m.) usually find spots more easily.
• Weekends and school holidays can fill the main lots quickly.
• On special event days in Grant Park, spaces may be tighter than usual.

If you’re visiting during peak seasons (spring break, summer weekends, nice-weather Saturdays), build in extra time for parking.

2. Shared Lots with Grant Park

Some lots around the zoo are shared with other Grant Park amenities, including:

• Playground areas
• Sports fields
• Walking trails

These lots are still very walkable to Zoo Atlanta but may be labeled more broadly as “Grant Park Parking” rather than specifically “Zoo Atlanta Parking.”

Look out for:

• Pay stations or pay-by-app signs
• Time limits
• Posted park hours

Parking Costs: What to Expect

Zoo Atlanta and Grant Park parking is typically paid, especially in the most convenient areas. While exact fees can change, you’ll commonly encounter:

• Hourly rates with a daily maximum
• Payment options such as:
  • Credit/debit card machines
  • Mobile pay apps (instructions posted on signage)
• Possible event pricing on busy days when Grant Park hosts larger gatherings

💡 Tip: Have a card and your phone ready. Some pay stations and apps require entering your license plate number, so it helps to snap a photo of your tag before leaving the car.

Street Parking Near Zoo Atlanta

Can You Park on Neighborhood Streets?

Some visitors try street parking along residential streets in the Grant Park area. This can work, but it’s not guaranteed and can be risky if you don’t read signs carefully.

What to watch for:

• Permit-only zones
• Time-limited parking (e.g., 2-hour parking)
• No-parking times for street cleaning or school zones
• Resident-only parking near homes

Parking enforcement in intown neighborhoods is active. To avoid tickets or towing:

• Read every sign on the block.
• Don’t assume it’s okay if someone else is parked there.
• Make sure you’re not blocking driveways, alleys, or hydrants.

For most people—especially visitors unfamiliar with Atlanta—using the official zoo and Grant Park lots is simpler and safer than experimenting with residential street parking.

Accessible Parking and Drop-Off Options

Zoo Atlanta and Grant Park lots typically offer accessible parking spaces close to paths leading toward the zoo entrance.

Key points:

• Accessible spaces are marked and require a valid disability placard or plate.
• If a member of your group has limited mobility, you can often:
  • Drop them near the entrance (where safe and allowed)
  • Then park in a standard space
• Walkways from lots into the zoo area are generally paved, but there may be some inclines within the park.

If you have specific accessibility questions, you can contact Zoo Atlanta’s main office for updated guidance:

Zoo Atlanta Main Phone:
404‑624‑5600 (main line; menus may direct you to guest services)

Oversized Vehicles, Rideshare, and Buses

Oversized Vehicles & RVs

Parking for oversized vehicles (large vans, RVs, or vehicles with trailers) can be more limited, especially in surface lots designed for standard cars and SUVs.

Common considerations:

• Some lots may not allow large RVs or trailers.
• Maneuvering a larger vehicle through tight neighborhood streets can be challenging.
• You may need to arrive earlier to find a space that works.

Checking with Zoo Atlanta in advance is recommended if you’re driving something larger than a typical passenger vehicle.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and Taxis

Many locals and visitors skip parking altogether by using rideshare to reach Zoo Atlanta. Typical patterns:

• Drivers usually drop off along Cherokee Ave SE or other designated spots near the zoo entrance.
• Pickups at closing time can be busy, so allow extra time for your ride to arrive.

This can be a good option if:

• You’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or East Atlanta and prefer not to drive.
• You’re visiting on a peak day when parking is likely to be crowded.

School Buses and Group Visits

For school groups and tours, buses often have designated loading and unloading areas.

Group organizers typically coordinate with Zoo Atlanta staff in advance for:

• Bus parking locations
• Drop-off and pick-up instructions
• Timing around field trips and group programs

If you’re organizing a group, use Zoo Atlanta’s main number (404‑624‑5600) and follow prompts or request group visit information.

Best Times of Day and Week to Park at Zoo Atlanta

Atlanta traffic and parking patterns are fairly predictable around the zoo:

Easier parking:

• Weekdays, especially mid-morning or early afternoon
• Cooler or rainy days, when crowds are lighter
• Non-holiday school days, when most field trips arrive and leave in controlled windows

More crowded parking:

• Saturdays and Sundays, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Spring break, summer weekends, and nice-weather holidays
• Days with events in Grant Park (such as festivals, runs, and neighborhood gatherings)

If you want a smoother parking experience:

• Aim to arrive right at or shortly after opening, or
• Plan a late-afternoon visit, when some early visitors are already leaving

Using MARTA and Reducing Parking Stress

If you’d rather skip parking altogether, you can use MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to get reasonably close and then rideshare or walk a bit farther.

While there’s no MARTA rail station directly at Zoo Atlanta, common approaches include:

• Rail to Garnett, Five Points, or King Memorial Stations, then:
  • Take a short rideshare trip to the zoo, or
  • Use bus routes that run toward Grant Park (check current MARTA bus maps and schedules)

MARTA information can be obtained from:

MARTA Customer Information Center
Phone: 404‑848‑5000

This option works well if:

• You’re staying near a MARTA station
• You want to avoid I‑20 and downtown/connector traffic
• You’re comfortable mixing rail, bus, and short rideshare trips

Safety and Parking Etiquette Near Zoo Atlanta

Grant Park is a popular, well-loved neighborhood, but it’s still part of a major city. Basic parking safety steps apply:

• Remove valuables or place them out of sight before you park.
• Lock your doors and double-check windows.
• Park in well-lit areas if you’ll leave after dusk.
• Follow posted speed limits and be alert for pedestrians and children near the park and zoo entrance.

Out of respect for residents:

• Don’t block driveways, mailboxes, or alleys.
• Avoid parking too close to corners and stop signs.
• Keep noise down when returning to your car, especially in early mornings or evenings.

Practical Parking Tips for a Smooth Zoo Atlanta Visit

To keep your day running smoothly:

• ✅ Arrive early on weekends and holidays
• ✅ Use official zoo and Grant Park lots when possible
• ✅ Have a payment method ready (card/phone) for parking machines or apps
• ✅ Take a photo of your parking spot or note a landmark so you can find your vehicle later
• ✅ Check all signs if you choose neighborhood street parking
• ✅ Consider rideshare or MARTA + rideshare if you’re coming from central Atlanta and want to avoid driving

With a little planning, parking for Zoo Atlanta can be straightforward, letting you focus on the exhibits, animals, and time with your group instead of circling the block looking for a spot.