Southlake Mall in the Atlanta Area: What to Know Before You Go

If you live in metro Atlanta—especially on the south side—or you are visiting and looking for an indoor shopping center near the airport, Southlake Mall in Morrow, Georgia is one of the main traditional malls serving the area.

Located about 15–20 minutes south of Downtown Atlanta (depending on traffic), Southlake Mall offers department stores, national chains, local shops, and casual dining in a fully enclosed space. It’s a practical option for everyday shopping, quick errands, or killing time before or after a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson.

Where Southlake Mall Is and How It Fits into Atlanta Shopping

Address:

• Southlake Mall
  1000 Southlake Circle
  Morrow, GA 30260

Southlake Mall sits just off I-75 in Clayton County, making it easy to reach from:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: Take I-75 South, typically 15–25 minutes outside peak rush hour.
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Usually around 15 minutes south by car.
• Southside suburbs: Convenient for residents of Morrow, Jonesboro, Forest Park, Riverdale, and Stockbridge.

Compared with high-end destinations like Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square in Buckhead, Southlake Mall is more of a practical, mid-range shopping center than a luxury retail hub. It’s attractive if you:

• Live on the south side and don’t want to drive to Buckhead or Perimeter
• Prefer indoor, climate-controlled shopping
• Need a place where you can find clothing, shoes, accessories, and a food court in one stop

What You’ll Find Inside Southlake Mall

Types of Stores and Services

While the exact store mix can change, Southlake Mall typically includes:

• Department and anchor stores (often including large-format retailers)
• Apparel and footwear: men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing; athletic shoes; casual footwear
• Jewelry and accessories: watch and jewelry shops, fashion accessories
• Beauty and personal care: cosmetics, hair, and skincare retailers
• Electronics and mobile: phone carriers, accessories, and repair kiosks
• Home goods and gifts: smaller home décor or gift shops
• Specialty kiosks: phone cases, jewelry, snacks, and seasonal items

If you’re coming from Atlanta for something specific—like back-to-school shopping, casual fashion, or an everyday wardrobe refresh—you’ll generally be able to compare several options in one visit.

Dining and Food Options

Southlake Mall includes a food court and scattered eateries, which can be useful if you’re:

• Doing a longer shopping trip
• Meeting friends or family from the south side
• Looking for a quick sit-down spot near I-75

Typical options often include:

• Fast food and fast-casual chains (burgers, chicken, sandwiches)
• Asian, Mexican, or Mediterranean counters depending on tenants at the time
• Snack and dessert spots: pretzels, cookies, ice cream, or smoothie stands

For more variety, you’ll also find additional restaurants and chain eateries in the surrounding Southlake retail area just outside the mall.

Getting to Southlake Mall from Atlanta

By Car

Driving is the most common way to reach Southlake Mall.

From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:

1. Take I-75 South.
2. Exit at the Morrow/Southlake area (look for Southlake Parkway and related exits).
3. Follow signs to Southlake Mall / Southlake Circle.

There is surface parking and often multiple entry points around the ring road.

Parking tips:

• Arrive earlier on weekends or during holiday seasons for better spots.
• If you have mobility concerns, look for clearly marked accessible parking near main entrances.

By MARTA or Transit

Reaching Southlake Mall directly by MARTA alone is not as straightforward as malls closer to Atlanta’s core. Most riders use a combination of MARTA rail + bus or rideshare:

• Take MARTA rail to the Airport Station or another southbound stop.
• From there, options may include regional bus services or rideshare for the final leg down I-75 to Morrow.

Because transit routes can change, it’s smart to:

• Check MARTA and any Clayton County / regional bus schedules on their official sites before you go.
• Budget extra time if you’re using transit instead of driving.

When to Visit: Hours, Crowds, and Timing

Southlake Mall generally keeps standard mall hours, such as:

• Late morning to evening on weekdays and Saturdays
• Reduced hours on Sundays

These can vary:

• Around major holidays
• For specific stores that open earlier or close later
• Due to local events, weather, or mall policy changes

To avoid surprises, especially if you’re driving in from another part of Atlanta, it’s wise to confirm current hours via:

• The mall’s main phone line (typically listed on their directory)
• Storefront signage if you’re already in the area

Best times to visit if you want fewer crowds:

• Weekday mornings and early afternoons
• Non-holiday Tuesday–Thursday are often quieter than weekends

What Atlanta Shoppers Typically Use Southlake Mall For

Many Atlanta-area residents and visitors use Southlake Mall for:

Everyday and Seasonal Shopping

• Back-to-school shopping for kids and teens
• Workwear basics and business-casual outfits
• Special occasion outfits (dinners, small events, informal gatherings)
• Shoes and accessories you may want to try on in person

If you live in or near Clayton County, Southlake Mall can be a convenient first stop before driving farther north.

Quick Errands on the South Side

If you’re already on I-75 or heading to/from the airport, Southlake Mall is a handy place to:

• Pick up a last-minute outfit or travel essentials
• Grab a meal in a climate-controlled indoor space
• Let kids walk around and stretch between long car or plane trips

Meeting Spot for Southside Friends and Family

For people who live spread out between Atlanta, Henry County, and Clayton County, Southlake Mall can serve as a central, easy-to-find meeting point with:

• Clear signage from the interstate
• Multiple entrances and recognizable landmarks (such as anchor stores and food court)

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

Like any busy shopping area in a major metro region, it helps to stay aware and prepared.

Personal Safety and Belongings

• Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
  Use trunks or keep items with you rather than leaving bags in visible spots.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when entering or exiting the mall at night.
• If something feels off, remember you can:
  • Walk near security or more populated areas
  • Look for visible mall security staff or office postings inside the mall

If you need non-emergency help related to the area around the mall, you can contact:

• City of Morrow Police Department (non-emergency)
  1500 Morrow Road, Morrow, GA 30260
  Main non-emergency line is typically available via the city’s official directory.

For emergencies, always dial 911.

Comfort and Accessibility

Southlake Mall is an indoor, climate-controlled center, which is key in Atlanta’s:

• Hot, humid summers
• Rainy days when outdoor shopping centers can be less comfortable

You can usually expect:

• Seating areas in common spaces
• Restrooms at designated points around the mall
• Accessible entrances and parking for those with mobility needs

Comparing Southlake Mall to Other Atlanta Shopping Areas

Here’s a simple overview to help you decide if Southlake Mall is the right fit compared with other well-known Atlanta malls:

If you’re already on the south side or want to avoid Atlanta’s northern traffic corridors, Southlake Mall is often the most convenient enclosed mall option.

Nearby Services and Errands Around Southlake Mall

The area around Southlake Mall has grown into a wider retail corridor, which can be useful if you’re trying to handle multiple errands in one trip. In the immediate surroundings, you’ll generally find:

• Big-box and discount retailers
• Grocery or specialty food stores
• Banks and basic services
• Auto-related services and gas stations just off I-75

This setup makes it easy to:

• Do a weekly shopping run
• Combine a mall visit with grocery pickup or other chores
• Stop for fuel or snacks before a longer drive out of Atlanta

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Southlake Mall from anywhere in Atlanta:

• Check store and mall hours before you leave, especially on Sundays and holidays.
• Plan around traffic:
  • Avoid peak southbound traffic times on weekday late afternoons if you can.
  • On Fridays and holiday weekends, build in extra time on I-75.
• Have a simple game plan:
  • List the stores you want to hit so you can park near the closest entrance.
  • Decide if you’re eating there or nearby to avoid backtracking.
• If you don’t visit the south side often, combine your mall trip with:
  • A stop at nearby big-box or specialty stores
  • Other errands in Clayton County to make the drive more worthwhile

For Atlanta residents, Southlake Mall is less about luxury and more about convenience and coverage—a one-stop, indoor option that serves the south metro and travelers moving along I-75.