Phipps Plaza: Atlanta’s Luxury Shopping and Entertainment Destination

Phipps Plaza is one of Atlanta’s premier upscale attractions, blending luxury shopping, dining, entertainment, and business space in the heart of Buckhead. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re visiting Atlanta and looking for a polished, indoor activity, Phipps Plaza offers a very different experience from a typical mall.

Location:
Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Why Phipps Plaza Stands Out in Atlanta

Phipps Plaza is best known for:

• High-end shopping and designer brands
• Upscale and family-friendly dining
• Entertainment options like the movie theater
• A clean, indoor environment that works well in hot summers or rainy days
• Its central location in Buckhead, near other major Atlanta attractions and hotels

Compared with other shopping areas in Atlanta, Phipps Plaza leans more luxury and boutique, and less casual or big-box retail.

Getting to Phipps Plaza and Parking Tips

How to Get There

Phipps Plaza sits in the Buckhead commercial district, directly off Peachtree Road NE, across from Lenox Square.

• By car: Easily reached from GA-400, I-85, and I-75 via connector roads through Buckhead.
• From MARTA:
  • Take the Red Line to Buckhead Station or Lenox Station.
  • From either station, it’s a short rideshare or about a 10–20 minute walk, depending on your route and pace. Many visitors prefer rideshare due to busy roads and crossing Peachtree.

Parking

Phipps Plaza offers structured parking garages around the property.

• Multiple entry points from Peachtree Road NE and side streets
• Covered parking is helpful in Atlanta’s summer heat or storms
• Look for wayfinding signs that direct you to:
  • Retail entrances
  • Dining and hotel areas
  • Office and fitness areas

Parking policies and fees can change, so it’s a good idea to check posted signs when you arrive. Some restaurants or venues may validate parking during certain hours.

Shopping at Phipps Plaza: What to Expect

Phipps Plaza focuses on luxury and premium brands, so you’ll see fewer big-box or discount stores and more designer labels and specialty shops.

Types of Stores You’ll Find

You can expect:

• Designer fashion and accessories
• High-end jewelry and watches
• Beauty and skincare boutiques
• Home decor and specialty gift shops
• A limited but curated selection of children’s and family-focused retailers

For Atlanta residents, Phipps Plaza is often the go-to for special occasion shopping—formalwear, business attire, fine jewelry, or gifts.

Atmosphere and Layout

• Indoor, climate-controlled layout—ideal in summer and winter
• Generally quieter and more relaxed than some larger malls
• Wide walkways and open spaces give it a more gallery-like feel than a crowded shopping center

If you’re comparing options in Atlanta, Phipps Plaza tends to feel more boutique than Lenox Square across the street, which has a broader mix of price points and a busier, more high-energy atmosphere.

Dining and Drinks at Phipps Plaza

Dining at Phipps Plaza ranges from quick casual spots to upscale restaurants suitable for date nights, business meals, or special occasions.

Types of Dining Options

You’ll typically find:

• Fine and upscale dining – ideal for special events, client dinners, or birthdays
• Upscale casual restaurants – good for pre-movie meals or meeting friends
• Grab-and-go or cafe-style options – lighter bites, coffee, and snacks while shopping

Because restaurant offerings can change, Atlanta locals often check current availability or call ahead, especially for:

• Weekend evenings
• Holiday seasons
• Large groups or celebrations

Some restaurants also offer patio seating, which can be pleasant during Atlanta’s spring and fall weather.

Entertainment: More Than Just Shopping

Phipps Plaza is not just a retail center; it’s also a Buckhead entertainment hub.

Movie Theater

The onsite movie theater (AMC at Phipps Plaza) is a popular choice for:

• Date nights in Buckhead
• A cool, air-conditioned activity during hot afternoons
• A family-friendly outing combined with a meal or some light shopping

You’ll typically find first-run movies, premium seating, and the usual concession options. Atlanta residents often pair a movie here with a nearby dinner for a full evening out.

Seasonal and Special Events

Throughout the year, Phipps Plaza may host:

• Holiday decor and seasonal displays
• Occasional pop-up experiences or brand events
• Family-oriented activities during peak shopping seasons

If you’re visiting from out of town, checking current events before you go can add some variety to your visit.

Phipps Plaza as a Buckhead “Day Out” Destination

Because of its location and mix of uses, Phipps Plaza works well as an anchor for a full day in Buckhead.

Pairing Phipps Plaza with Nearby Attractions

Within a short drive or walk, you can connect Phipps Plaza with:

• Lenox Square – directly across Peachtree Road NE, offering a broader mix of shops
• Buckhead Village District – a few minutes away, with additional shopping and dining
• Nearby Buckhead hotels – convenient for visitors who want to stay close to shopping and restaurants

For Atlanta-area residents, Phipps Plaza is often part of:

• A Buckhead shopping loop (Phipps → Lenox → Buckhead Village)
• Holiday shopping trips that combine errands, dining, and entertainment
• Staycations or weekends based in Buckhead

Family-Friendly Features and Considerations

Phipps Plaza can be a family-friendly outing, particularly when mixed with a movie or a meal.

Why Families Use Phipps Plaza

• Indoor, climate-controlled space that’s easier with kids during extreme weather
• The movie theater as a built-in activity
• Stroller-friendly walkways and elevators

Parents in Atlanta often use Phipps as a comfortable, weather-proof option when playgrounds or outdoor attractions aren’t practical.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The overall price point of many shops and restaurants skews higher-end, so it’s not always the most budget-focused choice.
• It’s still an urban Buckhead environment—traffic can be busy, and crossing Peachtree requires attention, especially with children.

Special Uses: Business, Social Meetups, and Staycations

Because of its location and mix of retail, dining, and office/hotel space, Phipps Plaza is also used in more specific ways by Atlantans.

Business and Professional Use

• Business lunches or dinners in a polished setting
• A neutral, central meeting spot in North Atlanta
• Close proximity to major Buckhead office buildings

If you work in Buckhead or are meeting clients in the area, Phipps Plaza can serve as a convenient, professional-feeling venue.

Social and Leisure Meetups

Locals often use Phipps Plaza as:

• A meetup point before heading out elsewhere in Buckhead
• A comfortable place to gather when you need:
  • Easy parking or rideshare access
  • Indoor seating options
  • Multiple restaurants and a movie theater in one place

Staycation Base

For metro Atlanta residents doing a Buckhead staycation, Phipps Plaza frequently becomes:

• The shopping component of the weekend
• A default spot for at least one dinner and movie night
• A reliable indoor plan if weather changes

When Phipps Plaza Is a Good Choice vs. Other Atlanta Options

Here’s a quick way to decide if Phipps Plaza fits what you’re looking for in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Visiting Phipps Plaza

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your visit smoother:

• Time your arrival: Buckhead traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours and Saturday afternoons. Arriving earlier in the day often means an easier experience.
• Use rideshare if possible: Especially if you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or nearby Buckhead hotels, rideshare can be less stressful than parking and navigating Peachtree.
• Plan your “loop”: If you’re also visiting Lenox Square or Buckhead Village, group your stops to limit backtracking in traffic.
• Dress for comfort: Even though the environment is more upscale, Atlanta residents commonly dress in smart casual clothing that’s comfortable for walking.
• Check hours before you go: Store and restaurant hours can vary by day and season, especially around holidays.

Is Phipps Plaza Worth a Visit in Atlanta?

For Atlanta locals, Phipps Plaza is especially useful for:

• Luxury and special-occasion shopping
• A polished dinner-and-a-movie night in Buckhead
• An indoor, climate-controlled outing in extreme weather

For visitors to Atlanta, Phipps Plaza is worth considering if:

• You’re staying in or near Buckhead
• You enjoy higher-end shopping and dining
• You want an easy, all-in-one place for shopping, food, and a movie

If your priority is budget shopping, nightlife, or sightseeing, you may want to combine Phipps Plaza with other parts of the city. But as a luxury-focused, indoor attraction in Buckhead, it’s one of Atlanta’s most notable “things to do” for those who like shopping, dining, and a more refined environment.