Exploring Grant Park in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Historic Green Heart

Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest and most beloved neighborhoods and home to the city’s namesake Grant Park, a large historic green space just southeast of downtown. If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta—whether you live here or are visiting—Grant Park offers a mix of history, nature, family attractions, and neighborhood charm all in one walkable area.

Where Grant Park Is and How to Get There

Grant Park (the park)

• Address: 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Area: Southeast Atlanta, just east of downtown
• Nearby neighborhoods: Cabbagetown, Ormewood Park, Summerhill, Glenwood Park

Getting There

• By car:

  • From downtown, it’s typically a 5–10 minute drive via I-20 or Memorial Drive.
  • Street parking is available around the park and neighborhood, with several parking lots near Zoo Atlanta and the recreation facilities. Pay attention to permit-only and time-restricted signs on residential streets.

• By MARTA:

  • The closest rail stations are King Memorial and Georgia State (both on the Blue/Green Line). From there, you can use a short rideshare or bus ride to reach the park.
  • Several MARTA bus routes serve the area around Memorial Drive and Boulevard SE; routes can change, so it’s wise to check current schedules before heading out.

• On foot or bike:

  • If you’re staying in-town (Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, etc.), Grant Park is reachable by bike or scooter, with bike lanes and neighborhood streets connecting into the park.

What Grant Park Is Known For

Grant Park is best known in Atlanta for:

• Zoo Atlanta, one of the city’s major family attractions
• Shady walking paths and large open lawns perfect for picnics
• Historic Victorian and Craftsman homes surrounding the park
• The Grant Park Farmers Market (typically Sunday mornings in season)
• Long-running community festivals and neighborhood events

The park blends classic Atlanta history with a laid-back, neighborhood feel. You can easily fill a half-day or full day here by combining a zoo visit, a picnic, and a stroll through the surrounding streets.

Top Things to Do in Grant Park

1. Visit Zoo Atlanta

Location inside the park: Primarily off Cherokee Ave SE and Boulevard SE.

Zoo Atlanta is the biggest single attraction in Grant Park and a go-to for families, school trips, and animal lovers. You’ll find:

• Large habitats featuring animals from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond
• Kid-focused areas with interactive elements and play zones
• Regular keeper talks and educational programs
• Seasonal and special events throughout the year

🎟 Tip: Ticket options and hours can vary by season and day. Many Atlanta residents plan weekday or shoulder-season visits to avoid peak crowds, especially during school holidays and weekends.

2. Walk, Jog, or Bike the Park’s Paths

Grant Park is crisscrossed with paved and unpaved paths that wind under mature trees, around open fields, and past historic features. Local residents often use the park for:

• Morning and evening runs
• Dog walking (leashed; be sure to follow posted rules)
• Casual bike rides and stroller walks
• Outdoor workouts or group fitness meetups

You’ll find gentle hills rather than steep climbs, making it comfortable for most fitness levels.

3. Picnic and Relax on the Lawns

Several large lawns and shaded spots make Grant Park ideal for:

• Picnics and blankets under the trees
• Casual pick-up games (frisbee, soccer, catch)
• Reading, studying, or working outdoors

There are also picnic tables and pavilions scattered throughout the park. Some pavilions may be reservable for events through the City of Atlanta’s parks system.

4. Explore the Historic Neighborhood Streets

Just beyond the park’s edges, the Grant Park neighborhood features:

• Restored Victorian homes
• Craftsman bungalows
• Brick sidewalks and tree-lined streets

Walking or driving the surrounding streets (Cherokee Ave, Park Ave, Orleans St, and side streets) gives a sense of old Atlanta architecture and how the city’s first suburbs developed around major parks.

5. Check Out the Grant Park Farmers Market

The Grant Park Farmers Market is a big draw for residents and visitors during the warmer months. It’s typically held on Sunday mornings in or near the park. You can expect:

• Fresh produce and herbs from regional farms
• Prepared foods, baked goods, and coffee
• Local artisans and craft vendors
• A friendly neighborhood feel, with families, dogs, and strollers everywhere

🕒 Note: Market hours and exact locations can shift by year or season, so check current details if you’re planning a visit.

6. Playgrounds and Kid-Friendly Spaces

Grant Park includes playgrounds and kid-friendly green spaces that make it easy to spend the day with children, even if you don’t visit the zoo. You’ll find:

• Age-appropriate play structures
• Nearby benches and shaded areas for caregivers
• Open space for running, rolling, and playing games

Local families often pair a playground visit with a picnic lunch or a short walk around the park.

7. Sports, Recreation, and Open Fields

The park includes fields and recreation areas commonly used for:

• Casual soccer or football
• Throwing a frisbee or flying a kite
• Bootcamps and outdoor classes run by local trainers

Field use may be shared with organized leagues or permits, especially on weekends and evenings, so be flexible with space.

Seasonal Events and Festivals in Grant Park

Grant Park hosts recurring events that are part of the Atlanta cultural calendar. While specific dates and details change, the area is commonly known for:

• Art and music festivals that draw vendors and live performances
• Community fundraisers and fun runs
• Holiday-themed or seasonal celebrations
• Zoo events that may extend into the broader park

If you live in Atlanta, it’s useful to keep an eye on local event calendars and neighborhood association announcements for up-to-date listings.

Facilities, Amenities, and Practical Details

Here’s a quick overview of what you can generally expect in and around the park:

Safety and Etiquette in Grant Park

As with most in-town parks in a major city, Grant Park is generally well-used and community-oriented, but it’s wise to follow basic urban park safety habits:

• Visit with a friend or group, especially after dark.
• Be mindful of personal belongings, especially during busy events.
• Stick to well-traveled paths and lit areas when possible.
• Respect park rules posted by the City of Atlanta (hours, noise, alcohol, pets).

Residents often describe Grant Park as a neighborhood gathering space, and following simple etiquette—cleaning up after yourself and your pets, keeping noise reasonable, and yielding paths—helps maintain that atmosphere.

Nearby Spots Worth Combining With Your Visit

Because Grant Park is so close to other in-town neighborhoods, it’s easy to turn a park visit into a longer Atlanta outing. Some nearby areas often paired with a Grant Park stop include:

• Cabbagetown & Oakland Cemetery:
  • Just north of the park, offering historic cemetery walks and unique local eateries.
• Summerhill:
  • A growing district to the west with restaurants, coffee shops, and bars along Georgia Avenue.
• Memorial Drive corridor:
  • East-west route featuring mixed-use developments, local shops, and dining options.

This makes Grant Park a convenient home base for exploring Southeast Atlanta in a single afternoon or weekend.

Who Grant Park Is Best For

Grant Park works well for:

• Families looking for a full day anchored around Zoo Atlanta
• Local residents wanting a regular spot to walk, jog, or picnic
• Visitors who want to see a historic Atlanta neighborhood, not just downtown attractions
• Architecture fans interested in older homes and tree-lined streets
• Event-goers who enjoy outdoor markets and community festivals

If you’re planning things to do in Atlanta and want a blend of green space, activities, and neighborhood character, Grant Park is one of the city’s most reliable choices.

Key Takeaways for Visiting Grant Park in Atlanta

• Location: Just southeast of downtown at 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
• Highlights:Zoo Atlanta, historic parkland, playgrounds, Farmers Market, and nearby neighborhood charm.
• Best uses: Picnics, walks, runs, family outings, relaxed weekend exploring.
• Access: Easy by car or rideshare, reachable from MARTA with a short bus or ride connection.

For both Atlanta locals and visitors, Grant Park offers a classic in-town park experience that mixes history, community, and everyday outdoor fun.