Gather at Glover Park in Marietta: A Local’s Guide for Atlanta-Area Visitors

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and want a charming, walkable destination just outside the Perimeter, Glover Park in Marietta is one of the easiest and most rewarding day-trip spots. Centered on the historic Marietta Square, Glover Park serves as the city’s main gathering place and a hub for festivals, concerts, and everyday people-watching.

This guide walks you through what Glover Park is, how to get there from Atlanta, what to do once you arrive, and how to make the most of your visit.

What Is Glover Park?

Glover Park is the central park on Marietta Square in downtown Marietta, just northwest of Atlanta. It’s a small, tree-shaded park surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, museums, and historic buildings, and it functions as:

• A community gathering spot for locals
• A performance and event space
• A relaxing green space during shopping or sightseeing around the Square

You’ll find:

• A gazebo/bandstand often used for concerts and ceremonies
• Fountains, benches, and shaded lawns
• A small playground frequently used by families
• Monuments and markers highlighting Marietta and Cobb County history

If you’re staying in Atlanta and want a slower-paced, historic downtown feel without going far, Glover Park and Marietta Square offer exactly that.

Where Glover Park Is and How to Get There from Atlanta

Location:
Glover Park (Marietta Square)
Address: 50 N Park Square NE, Marietta, GA 30060

It sits in the heart of Downtown Marietta, about 20–25 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your starting point.

Driving from Atlanta

From most Atlanta neighborhoods, driving is the fastest and most flexible option:

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  • Take I-75 North toward Marietta/Chattanooga
  • Exit near North Marietta Parkway (GA-120 Loop)
  • Follow signs toward Marietta Square
• From Buckhead:
  • Take I-75 North via I-85 or surface streets, then follow the same route toward Marietta Square

📌 Parking tips near Glover Park:

• Multiple public parking decks and surface lots surround the Square
• Parking is usually paid or time-limited during the day; evenings and Sundays may be more flexible depending on current rules
• On popular event days, arrive early; parking fills quickly within a few blocks of the park

Check posted signs or pay stations once you park, as regulations can vary by block and lot.

Using Transit from Atlanta

Public transit options are more limited than in central Atlanta, but some visitors combine MARTA with CobbLinc:

• Take MARTA rail to an appropriate northside station (such as Arts Center or Midtown), then:
  • Connect with CobbLinc bus service toward Marietta Transfer Center, which is within walking distance of Marietta Square.
• From the transfer center, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk (depending on route) to Glover Park.

Because transit schedules change over time and may be reduced on evenings or weekends, it’s wise to check current bus routes and times before planning a trip entirely around transit.

What to Do at Glover Park (and Around Marietta Square)

Even though the park itself is small, it’s surrounded by things to do that easily fill a morning, afternoon, or evening.

Relax and People-Watch in the Park

Glover Park is ideal if you want to slow down:

• Grab a coffee, ice cream, or pastry from a nearby shop and sit on a bench
• Let kids enjoy the playground while adults relax in the shade
• Take a stroll around the park and along the Square to enjoy historic architecture

On a non-event day, the park feels calm and neighborly. On event days (festivals, concerts), it can be lively and crowded.

Enjoy Events, Concerts, and Festivals

Glover Park hosts a steady calendar of community events throughout the year. Depending on the season, Atlanta-area visitors might experience:

• Outdoor concerts or music series
• Holiday celebrations, tree lightings, and seasonal decor
• Art and food festivals that take over the Square
• Farmers markets typically set up around or near the park

Events usually involve street closures around the Square, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. If you prefer a quieter visit, check if a major event is scheduled on your day.

Dining and Shopping Around Glover Park

One of the biggest draws for Atlantans heading to Marietta Square is the concentration of independent restaurants and local shops just steps from Glover Park.

Restaurants and Cafés

Within a short walk of the park, you’ll find:

• Casual spots for sandwiches, pizza, tacos, and burgers
• Sit-down restaurants with Southern, contemporary American, or international menus
• Coffee shops and dessert spots that make it easy to grab something and walk back to the park

If you’re coming from in-town Atlanta, the vibe is generally more small-town and intimate than many intown restaurant districts, but still busy during peak times and weekends.

Local Shops and Boutiques

Around the Square you’ll also see:

• Gift shops and boutiques
• Antique and specialty stores
• Art galleries and specialty food stores

It’s very easy to build a “park + lunch + browsing” afternoon here, especially if you’re already familiar with intown Atlanta neighborhoods and want a different pace.

Nearby Attractions for Atlanta Visitors

Glover Park is often just one stop in a larger Marietta or Cobb County outing. If you’re coming from Atlanta, consider pairing your visit with:

Marietta Museums and Historic Sites

Near the Square and Glover Park, you’ll find several historic and cultural stops (within walking or a short drive) that help you understand the area around Atlanta:

• Local history museums that cover Marietta and Cobb County history
• Period homes and sites that reflect 19th- and early 20th-century life in the region

These nearby attractions provide context to how Marietta fits into the broader Atlanta metro story, from railroads and commerce to more recent suburban growth.

Other Cobb County and Northwest Atlanta Stops

If you’re spending the day on the northwest side of the metro area, you could combine Glover Park with:

• Kennesaw Mountain (for hiking and history)
• Major shopping and entertainment districts along I-75 and I-285
• Professional sports or concerts at nearby stadiums and arenas in the Cumberland area

Many Atlanta residents turn a simple visit to Glover Park into a half-day or full-day Northwest Atlanta itinerary, especially on weekends.

Best Times to Visit Glover Park from Atlanta

Timing your visit makes a big difference, especially if you’re driving from inside the Perimeter.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays (daytime):
  • Typically calmer; popular with local workers, families with young children, and retirees
  • Easier parking than during big weekend events
• Weekday evenings:
  • Restaurants and bars are more active
  • Some events, open mics, or concerts might be scheduled depending on season
• Weekends:
  • Livelier atmosphere with more visitors from all over metro Atlanta
  • Festivals and special events are more likely
  • Parking near the Square can be tighter—plan a small walk from your parking spot

Time of Day

• Morning: Best for a quieter experience, breakfast, coffee, and kids at the playground before crowds build.
• Afternoon: Good for shopping, lunch, and strolling, but can be hot in summer; shade in the park helps.
• Evening: Great for dinner and lingering in the park as lights come on around the Square; ideal if you want more of a “night out” energy without driving into central Atlanta nightlife.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Here’s a quick, skimmable reference if you’re planning your trip from Atlanta:

Quick Planning Pointers

• 🚗 Check traffic: I-75 northbound from Atlanta can back up, especially weekday late afternoons and game days.
• 🅿️ Have a parking backup: If your first choice deck is full, there are usually alternatives within a few blocks—just be prepared to walk a bit.
• 🧺 Consider a mini picnic: Grab takeout from a nearby spot and eat in the park if the weather is nice.
• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll likely walk the full Square, plus side streets and nearby blocks.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly: The playground, open lawns, and frequent family-oriented events make it popular with kids.

Why Glover Park Is Worth the Trip from Atlanta

If you’re used to Atlanta’s larger parks and busy intown neighborhoods, Glover Park in Marietta offers a different kind of experience: a compact, historic square with a strong community feel, plenty of local food and shops, and frequent events that turn the park into a lively gathering spot.

For Atlanta residents, it’s an easy way to feel like you’ve “left town” without driving far. For visitors staying in the city, it’s a straightforward half-day trip that adds a charming, small-city downtown to your Atlanta itinerary.