Zoo Parking in Atlanta: How to Park Smart at Zoo Atlanta

Finding zoo parking in Atlanta is usually straightforward, but a little planning goes a long way—especially on weekends, holidays, and school break weeks. This guide focuses on Zoo Atlanta in historic Grant Park and walks you through where to park, what it costs, and how to avoid common headaches.

Where to Park for Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is in Grant Park at:

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Most visitors will use one of three main options:

1. Cherokee Avenue lot (primary zoo parking)
2. Grant Park Gateway parking deck (Confederate Ave / United Ave entrance)
3. Street parking around Grant Park

1. Cherokee Avenue Parking Lot (Closest Walk)

This is the most straightforward option for many visitors.

• Location: Along Cherokee Ave SE, directly in front of Zoo Atlanta’s main entrance.
• Type: Surface lot, uncovered.
• Distance to entrance: Short walk; this is usually the closest parking to ticketing and zoo gates.
• Ideal for: Families with strollers, visitors with mobility concerns (not using the ADA-designated deck), and anyone wanting the simplest path in and out.

Pros:

• Easy to find using GPS (“Zoo Atlanta main entrance” or 800 Cherokee Ave SE).
• No need to cross major streets.
• Great for quick visits or when you have a lot to carry.

Watch out for:

• This lot can fill up early on weekends and school holidays.
• Turnover can be slow during busy hours, so you may need to circle or consider the deck.

2. Grant Park Gateway Parking Deck (Larger, Covered Parking)

This is a larger, modern parking deck that serves both Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta.

• Location: Near the intersection of United Ave SE and Home Ave SE, on the south/east side of Grant Park. Some maps still reference it near Confederate Ave SE.
• Type: Multi-level covered deck.
• Distance to entrance: A bit more walking than Cherokee Avenue, through the park or along sidewalks, depending on your route.

Pros:

• More total spaces than the surface lot.
• Covered parking helps with shade and rain.
• Often easier to find a spot when the Cherokee lot is packed.
• Clear pay stations and marked pedestrian paths.

Watch out for:

• The walk can feel longer with small children or heavy coolers.
• First-time visitors may spend an extra minute figuring out the best walking path to the zoo entrance—allow a little buffer time.

3. Street Parking Around Grant Park

You’ll find limited street parking on nearby residential streets.

Common streets where people look for parking include:

• Cherokee Ave SE
• Park Ave SE
• Atlanta Ave SE
• Sydney St SE and nearby side streets

Important reminders:

• Check all posted signs for time limits, permit-only zones, and street-cleaning rules.
• Avoid blocking driveways, crosswalks, fire hydrants, or corners—residential enforcement around Grant Park can be active.
• Expect a longer walk compared to the official lots, especially if you arrive later in the day.

Street parking can work well if you’re planning to:

• Spend time in Grant Park before/after the zoo.
• Visit nearby spots in the neighborhood and don’t mind walking.

How Much Does Parking Cost at Zoo Atlanta?

Parking rates around Zoo Atlanta can change over time, but visitors can typically expect:

• Paid parking in both the Cherokee lot and Grant Park Gateway deck.
• Rates that usually reflect hourly pricing with a daily maximum, similar to other popular Atlanta attractions.

Because specific dollar amounts can change with policy updates or events, it’s smart to:

• Check the latest rates posted on entrance signs when you arrive.
• Bring a card or digital pay option, since pay stations are often cashless.

Street parking:

• Many residential streets near Grant Park are not metered, but restrictions vary by block.
• Some areas may have time limits or permit requirements, especially closer to the park borders.

If you’re planning a full-day visit, it’s usually more predictable to use one of the official lots or the deck rather than counting on free street parking.

Payment Methods and How Parking Works

Most visitors encounter automated pay stations or license plate–based systems in and around Grant Park facilities.

Common features include:

• Self-service kiosks: Enter your license plate, select duration, pay by card.
• Mobile payment apps: Some areas may allow payment or extension by app—look for app names and zone numbers on signs.
• Deck systems: Take a ticket at entry or scan your plate, then pay at a station before exiting.

To keep things simple:

• 📸 Take a photo of your license plate and parking spot number (if any) before walking away from your car.
• Keep your parking ticket or phone confirmation handy in case there’s a question when exiting.

ADA, Accessible Parking, and Drop-Off Options

For visitors needing accessible parking or a shorter walk:

• Both the Cherokee Ave lot and the Grant Park Gateway deck typically include designated ADA parking spaces closer to exits, ramps, or walkways.
• Zoo Atlanta’s main entrance is on relatively flat ground, and sidewalks from the lots are usually accessible.

If you are dropping off a guest:

• You can often pull up along Cherokee Ave near the main entrance for a quick drop-off before going to park.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended in active loading or “No Parking” zones.

For the most current accessibility details, you can contact Zoo Atlanta directly:

Zoo Atlanta General Information
Phone: (404) 624-9453

Best Times to Arrive for Easier Parking

Parking stress is strongly tied to arrival time and season.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays (non-holiday):
  • Mornings are usually the easiest.
  • Midday can get busier with school groups, especially spring and fall.
• Weekends and holidays:
  • Lots can start filling late morning.
  • Arriving right at opening time gives you the best chance at a convenient spot.

Seasonal Patterns

• Spring (March–May) and fall (Sept–Nov):
  • Very popular months—pleasant weather, school trips, and family outings.
• Summer (June–August):
  • Busy, especially on weekends and holiday periods, but mid-afternoon thunderstorms sometimes thin crowds.
• Winter:
  • Typically lighter parking demand, except around school breaks and special zoo events.

A simple rule of thumb:

Parking for Zoo Members and Special Events

Zoo Atlanta offers memberships, and many locals wonder if parking is included or discounted. Benefits can change, but:

• Memberships may or may not include parking perks, depending on current programs.
• On special event days (night events, seasonal festivals), parking arrangements can be different from standard zoo hours.

To avoid surprises:

• Check event-specific information before you go.
• Consider carpooling with friends or family when attending major events to reduce parking cost and congestion.

Using Rideshare, Bike, or Transit Instead of Parking

If you’d rather avoid parking altogether, a few alternatives work well in Atlanta.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Taxis)

• Set your drop-off location near Zoo Atlanta’s main entrance on Cherokee Ave SE.
• This is often the least stressful option on busy weekends or for evening events.
• No need to deal with pay stations or walking from distant street parking.

Biking to Zoo Atlanta

Grant Park and the surrounding neighborhoods are relatively bike-friendly compared with many parts of the city.

• You can bike in via Cherokee Ave SE or Park Ave SE.
• Look for bike racks near the zoo entrance or within Grant Park.
• Always bring a lock and follow local cycling rules.

MARTA + Short Ride

Zoo Atlanta is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but you can combine rail + bus or rideshare:

• Take MARTA to a nearby station (for many visitors, Five Points, King Memorial, or Garnett can be starting points).
• From the station, connect via:
  • MARTA bus to the Grant Park area, where routes are available depending on schedule, or
  • Short rideshare trip (often 5–15 minutes) straight to the zoo.

Check the MARTA On the Go tools or posted schedules for current route numbers and times.

Safety and Parking Etiquette Around the Zoo

Like any busy urban area, it pays to be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of the neighborhood.

Basic safety tips:

• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
• Lock your car and double-check windows.
• Park in well-lit areas if you’ll be out after dark.

Neighborhood etiquette:

• Do not block residential driveways or narrow streets.
• Obey “No Parking” and “Permit Parking Only” signs, even if you see others ignoring them.
• Keep noise down when returning to your car in the evening, especially on residential side streets.

Following these basics helps keep relations positive between zoo visitors and Grant Park residents.

Quick Reference: Main Zoo Parking Options in Atlanta

Tips to Make Zoo Parking in Atlanta Easier

To keep your visit smooth from start to finish:

• 🎟️ Buy tickets in advance so you can go straight to the entrance instead of lining up twice.
• 🕗 Arrive early on weekends, school holidays, and nice-weather days.
• 📍 Decide on your parking plan beforehand: Cherokee lot for convenience, Gateway deck for capacity, or rideshare if you dislike parking.
• 💵 Bring a backup payment method for parking in case your first option has issues.
• 📱 Save Zoo Atlanta’s phone number in your phone for quick access to current info: (404) 624-9453.

With a clear idea of how zoo parking works in Atlanta, you can focus less on meters and lots and more on enjoying Zoo Atlanta and the surrounding Grant Park neighborhood.