Exploring Marietta Square: A Walkable Historic Hub Just Northwest of Atlanta

Marietta Square is one of metro Atlanta’s most charming historic districts—a walkable downtown centered around Glover Park, lined with small businesses, restaurants, museums, and community gathering spots. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting from in town or out of state, or are comparing neighborhoods, Marietta Square offers a distinctly different pace from the city while still feeling closely connected.

This guide walks through what Marietta Square is, where it is in relation to Atlanta, what you can do there, and practical tips for planning a visit or considering it as part of your daily life.

Where Marietta Square Fits into Metro Atlanta

Location and access

Marietta Square is the historic downtown of Marietta, Georgia, in Cobb County, about 20–25 minutes northwest of Midtown Atlanta in light traffic.

• Approximate driving times from Atlanta (without heavy traffic):
  • Downtown Atlanta ➜ Marietta Square: ~20–30 minutes via I‑75 North
  • Midtown Atlanta ➜ Marietta Square: ~25–35 minutes via I‑75 North
  • Buckhead ➜ Marietta Square: ~25–35 minutes via I‑75 North or Cobb Parkway

MARTA heavy rail does not go directly to Marietta, but you can reach the area using a combination of MARTA and CobbLinc bus routes, or by rideshare, car, or bike from nearby trails.

Core area

When locals say “Marietta Square,” they usually mean:

• The central park: Glover Park
• The blocks of restaurants, shops, and offices surrounding the park
• Nearby side streets with historic homes, churches, and civic buildings

The heart of the Square is around:

• Glover Park (Marietta Square’s central park)
  50 N Park Square NE
  Marietta, GA 30060

What Marietta Square Is Known For

Historic charm with an active community feel

Marietta Square is known for:

• Brick-lined streets and historic buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries
• Locally owned businesses and restaurants rather than big-box chains
• Frequent events: farmers markets, art walks, concerts, and festivals
• Easy walkability around a central green space

If you’re used to Atlanta’s dense intown neighborhoods like Inman Park or Midtown, Marietta Square feels like a traditional small-town downtown that has grown into a lively suburb-city center.

Glover Park: The center of everything

The Square’s park—Glover Park—anchors almost every experience here:

• Shaded lawns and walking paths
• A playground used heavily by local families
• A central gazebo/bandstand often used for concerts and ceremonies
• Benches and open seating that make it a natural spot to rest between errands or meals

Many of the Square’s biggest community events take place in and around this park.

Things to Do in Marietta Square

1. Eat and drink around the Square

Food is one of the main reasons Atlanta residents make the drive to Marietta Square. Within a few walkable blocks, you’ll find:

• Southern and comfort food spots
• Bakeries and coffee shops perfect for remote work or weekend mornings
• International restaurants (Mexican, Italian, Asian options and more)
• Casual pubs and wine bars for evenings out

Patios are common, and many restaurants have views of the park or are only a short walk away, making it easy to turn a quick meal into a half-day stroll.

Tip: On weekend evenings and during special events, restaurants can get busy; many locals advise arriving a bit early (around 5–6 p.m.) to avoid longer waits.

2. Shop local and browse boutiques

The streets around Marietta Square are filled with:

• Boutique clothing stores
• Home decor and antique shops
• Specialty gift and book shops
• Local art galleries and studios

If you’re looking for unique gifts, home accents, or local artwork rather than big-brand shopping, the Square offers a different experience than large Atlanta malls and shopping centers.

3. Visit museums and cultural sites

Marietta Square has several museums and historic sites within easy walking distance, making it a practical option for a half-day educational trip.

Some of the best-known institutions in and near the Square include:

• Marietta History Center
  1 Depot St NE, Marietta, GA 30060
  Housed in the historic Kennesaw House, this museum focuses on local history, including Marietta’s role in regional development and railroads.

• Marietta Fire Museum
  112 Haynes St, Marietta, GA 30060
  Located near the Square, it features historic fire engines and equipment and is often a hit with kids and families.

• Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum (also known as the Scarlett on the Square Museum; check for the most current location or status, as exhibits and venues can change over time)
  Focuses on memorabilia and the cultural history around the novel and film.

• The Strand Theatre (Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre)
  117 N Park Square NE, Marietta, GA 30060
  A restored historic theater that hosts films, live performances, concerts, and community events.

If you’re coming from Atlanta, these sites offer a closer-to-home option than a full museum day in downtown, while still providing substantial local history and culture.

4. Enjoy regular events and seasonal festivals

Marietta Square is known for a steady rotation of events that draw visitors from across metro Atlanta.

Common event types include:

• Farmers markets with local produce, baked goods, and crafts
• Art walks where galleries and studios open late and feature local artists
• Outdoor concerts in Glover Park during warmer months
• Holiday celebrations such as Fourth of July festivities, Christmas tree lightings, and Halloween events

Because event calendars change year to year, it’s best to check the City of Marietta or Marietta Visitors Bureau event listings when planning a specific visit.

5. Take a walking tour

If you’re interested in history, architecture, or ghost stories, the Square is a popular starting point for:

• History tours highlighting Civil War, railroad, and local development stories
• Ghost tours held in the evenings, especially around fall
• Self-guided walks using posted plaques and markers around the Square

These tours are useful if you’re trying to learn how Marietta fits into the broader story of metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

Living Near Marietta Square: What Locals Consider

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about moving closer to Marietta Square, you might be weighing it against intown neighborhoods. While housing details and prices change frequently, there are some general patterns people often consider:

• Walkability:
  Living within a few blocks of the Square offers strong walkability to parks, restaurants, and small businesses, which can be appealing if you’re used to city living in Atlanta.

• Commute trade-off:
  Many residents commute from Marietta to job centers in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Cumberland. Rush-hour traffic on I‑75 and the Northwest Corridor can be heavy, so some people aim for flexible work hours or hybrid schedules.

• Quieter nights compared to central Atlanta:
  While the Square can be busy on weekends and event nights, many nearby residential streets are calmer than dense intown neighborhoods near major venues or nightlife hubs.

• Public services:
  As part of Cobb County, Marietta has its own city services and school systems, and it is outside City of Atlanta limits. This can affect property taxes, school zoning, and eligibility for certain city-specific programs.

Getting to Marietta Square from Atlanta

By car

Most Atlanta residents and visitors reach Marietta Square by car.

Common driving route from central Atlanta:

1. Take I‑75 North toward Marietta/Chattanooga.
2. Exit near North Marietta Parkway (GA‑120 Loop) or South Marietta Parkway depending on navigation guidance.
3. Follow signs toward Marietta and Marietta Square; you’ll see wayfinding signs directing you to the historic district.

Parking options

Around the Square, you’ll generally find:

• Street parking (metered in many areas, with time limits)
• Public parking decks and lots within a short walk of Glover Park
• Shared lots that serve nearby offices and shops

During major events and peak weekend times, it can take longer to find a spot; some visitors park a few blocks away and walk in.

By transit (MARTA + CobbLinc)

While there is no direct MARTA rail connection, you can combine transit options:

1. Take MARTA rail from your Atlanta starting point to a major station (for example, Arts Center Station or Midtown Station).
2. Connect to CobbLinc buses that serve Marietta and the Cobb County area. Several routes terminate near the Marietta Transfer Center, which is a walk or short ride from the Square.
3. From the CobbLinc stop, walk or use rideshare to reach Glover Park and the surrounding streets.

Service routes and frequencies change over time, so it’s useful to check current MARTA and CobbLinc schedules before relying on this option for evening or weekend trips.

Marietta Square at a Glance

Below is a simple overview of what to expect if you’re planning a visit from Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Visiting Marietta Square

• Check event calendars before you go.
  Festivals and markets can make the area especially lively; some visitors seek these out, while others prefer quieter days.

• Plan for traffic.
  On weekdays, late afternoon and early evening northbound traffic from Atlanta to Marietta (and southbound returning) can be slow along I‑75 and the Northwest Corridor.

• Bring walking shoes.
  Most of what you’ll want to see is within several blocks, and strolling is the best way to explore the alleys, murals, and side streets.

• Be prepared for changing weather.
  North metro Atlanta weather can shift quickly. For outdoor events at Glover Park, a light jacket or umbrella can be helpful, especially in spring and summer.

• Families with children:
  The playground in Glover Park and the Fire Museum are popular with kids, making the Square a practical choice for family-friendly outings without going deep into the city center.

Key Local Contacts and Landmarks

If you’re looking for official information about Marietta Square events, services, or general visitor questions, these local institutions are commonly used starting points:

• City of Marietta – City Hall
  205 Lawrence St NE
  Marietta, GA 30060

• Marietta Visitors Bureau / Welcome Center
  Typically located near the Square (often in or close to the historic depot area); this is a helpful stop for brochures, maps, and current event details.

• Cobb County Government (for broader county services)
  100 Cherokee St NE
  Marietta, GA 30090

These offices and resource centers can provide the most up-to-date details on parking rules, special events, and any changes affecting access to the Square area.

For Atlanta residents and visitors, Marietta Square offers a close-by mix of history, dining, shopping, and community events that feels distinct from the city’s core neighborhoods. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch trip, a weekend festival outing, or exploring possible places to live, the Square is one of the most walkable and character-filled destinations just outside Atlanta.