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

Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s signature attractions and a central gathering spot for locals, commuters, and visitors. Originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, it’s now a year-round public park surrounded by some of the city’s biggest things to do.

If you live in Atlanta, it’s a reliable place for a quick lunch break, a walk, or a show. If you’re visiting, it often becomes your home base for exploring downtown.

Where Centennial Olympic Park Is and What’s Around It

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

The park sits in the heart of downtown, bordered by major attractions, including:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame

If you’re planning an Atlanta itinerary, you can easily spend an entire day within a few blocks of the park.

Key Features and Things to Do Inside the Park

Centennial Olympic Park is more than just green space. It has several distinct areas and landmarks that most visitors want to see.

Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is the park’s most famous feature and a major photo spot.

• Designed with the Olympic rings symbol built into the fountain jets
• Regular synchronized water shows with music throughout the day
• Kids often run through the water during hot Atlanta afternoons

If you’re local, this is a classic warm-weather spot for kids. Visitors often plan to pass by at least once for pictures.

Walkways, Lawns, and Gardens

The park’s open lawns and paved walkways make it a natural place to:

• Have a picnic before or after a game or show
• Take a walking break between attractions
• Let kids move around after time in museums or aquariums

You’ll find scattered seating, shade trees, and areas that feel separate from the busier city streets, even though you’re right downtown.

Monuments and Olympic History

Centennial Olympic Park keeps a visible connection to Atlanta’s 1996 Olympic legacy:

• Sculptures and art pieces related to the Games
• Commemorative plaques and markers
• Views back toward the city skyline that highlight how downtown has grown since the Olympics

If you’re interested in local history, it’s worth slowing down and reading the markers rather than just cutting through.

Hours, Access, and General Use

Park hours can shift slightly over time, but daytime access is common, and the park is generally open most days of the year, except during some large events or private rentals.

Because this is a public space, you can typically:

• Walk in without a ticket
• Sit, relax, and take photos
• Use it as a meeting point before going to nearby attractions

For the most current hours, closures, or event dates, it’s best to check information from the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which oversees the park, before you go—especially if you’re planning a specific visit.

Events, Festivals, and Special Programming

Centennial Olympic Park is known for hosting a wide range of events, especially when the weather is mild.

Common happenings include:

• Concerts and live music on the park’s stages
• Food and cultural festivals that highlight different communities and interests
• Game-day fan events tied to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or nearby venues
• Seasonal activities, such as holiday celebrations or large public gatherings

If you live in Atlanta, keeping an eye on the park’s event calendar can help you decide:

• When to go for the activity (festivals, concerts)
• When to go for quiet time (non‑event weekdays and mornings)

On big event days, expect heavier crowds, noise, and security presence.

Getting to Centennial Olympic Park

By MARTA

For many Atlantans and visitors, MARTA is a practical way to reach the park and avoid downtown parking costs.

Nearby rail stations include:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – Short walk to the park’s western side and Georgia World Congress Center
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line) – Walk several blocks west through downtown to reach the park
• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station (Blue/Green Line) – Useful on event days near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you’re coming from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, taking MARTA’s Red or Gold Line downtown and walking is often simpler than renting a car just for the park.

By Car

Downtown Atlanta can be busy and congested, especially during:

• Evening events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Weekend festivals
• Major conferences at Georgia World Congress Center

Nearby paid parking options typically include:

• Surface lots and garages surrounding the park
• Garages associated with Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center, and nearby attractions

If you live close by, consider rideshare, MARTA, or biking to avoid circling for parking.

Quick-Reference Visitor Snapshot

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

Centennial Olympic Park functions like many urban public parks, so a few simple habits make visits smoother.

Safety Awareness

• Expect security presence and cameras, especially during events
• Keep personal items close and avoid leaving bags unattended
• At night or during major events, stay in well-lit, active areas and with groups when possible

Downtown is busy, with a mix of tourists, office workers, and residents, so basic city awareness goes a long way.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes – You’ll likely walk more than you expect between attractions
• Water – Summers in Atlanta are hot and humid
• Sunscreen and hat – Shade is available but not everywhere
• Towel or change of clothes for kids – If they plan to run through the Fountain of Rings

Some events may have bag checks or restrictions on coolers, glass containers, or large umbrellas, so check event-specific rules.

Visiting With Kids and Families

Centennial Olympic Park is a natural family hub in downtown Atlanta:

• The Fountain of Rings is a highlight for children, especially in warm months
• Open lawns give kids room to run or play between structured stops
• You’re only a short walk to major family attractions like Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola

Family-friendly planning tips:

• Aim for morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day in summer
• Keep a “home base” spot (like a bench or a tree) if kids are playing while adults take turns getting snacks from nearby vendors
• On major event days, build in extra time for restrooms, security lines, and crowds

How Locals Use the Park

If you live in Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park can fit into your routine in low-key ways:

• As a lunch break spot if you work downtown
• For short walks or jogs before or after work
• As a meeting point with friends before a game, show, or convention
• For casual photography, especially skyline and cityscape shots

Many Atlantans pass through the park without any planned activities, using it simply as a pleasant route through downtown instead of staying on busy streets.

Contact and Management

Centennial Olympic Park is overseen by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, a state entity that also manages nearby facilities.

For the most up-to-date details on:

• Park hours
• Large events and festivals
• Temporary closures or restricted areas
• Rental or event use of park spaces

You can contact or check information from:

Georgia World Congress Center Authority
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 223‑4000

Centennial Olympic Park is one of the few places in Atlanta where history, skyline views, family fun, and major attractions all meet in one walkable area. Whether you’re in town for a day or you’ve lived here for years, it’s worth knowing how to use the park as a starting point, a shortcut, or a destination in your Atlanta plans.