Piedmont Park in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s backyard, and for good reason. This massive green space in Midtown is where locals run, dog-walk, picnic, play sports, see festivals, and catch skyline views—all in one place.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning time in the city, this guide walks through how Piedmont Park works, what to do there, and practical tips to make the most of it.

Where Piedmont Park Is and How to Get There

Address:
Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Neighborhood and Main Entrances

Piedmont Park sits between Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Ansley Park. You can enter from several points:

• 10th Street entrance – Near the Midtown MARTA Station, popular for festivals and large events
• 12th Street Gate – Good for quick access to the lawn and walking paths
• 14th Street entrance – Closer to the northern part of the park
• Park Drive Bridge / Monroe Drive entrance – Near the Active Oval and dog parks
• Side paths from Virginia-Highland and residential streets on the east

Getting to Piedmont Park

By MARTA:

• Take the Red or Gold line to Midtown Station
• Walk about 10–15 minutes east along 10th Street to the park entrance

By car:

Parking around Piedmont Park can be tight, especially on weekends and during events.

• Paid parking is commonly available near the Atlanta Botanical Garden deck (entrance off Piedmont Avenue NE)
• Limited street parking exists on surrounding streets like 10th St, 12th St, and Monroe Dr NE—watch for resident-only or time-limited signs
• Rideshare drop-off is usually easiest along 10th Street or Piedmont Avenue

By bike or scooter:

• You can reach the park using nearby routes from the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail; access points connect near Monroe Drive and 10th Street
• Bike racks are scattered around main entrances

What Piedmont Park Is Known For

Locals use Piedmont Park for different things at different times of day. Common uses include:

• Running and walking on paved and gravel paths
• Picnics and relaxing on the lawns
• Sports and pickup games at the Active Oval
• Dog walking and dog parks
• Events and festivals like concerts and seasonal celebrations
• Pool and splash pad in summer
• Views of the Midtown skyline—especially around Lake Clara Meer and Oak Hill

Hours, Rules, and General Info

Piedmont Park is a city park overseen in partnership with the City of Atlanta and the Piedmont Park Conservancy.

Typical Hours

• Park grounds: Generally open daily from early morning to late evening (commonly dawn to dusk or slightly later)
• Specific facilities (pool, tennis, dog parks, splash pad) may have separate seasonal hours and fees

Because hours can change for special events, weather, or maintenance, many Atlanta residents check facility hours in advance if they’re planning something specific.

General Rules to Know

While posted rules can vary by area, common guidelines include:

• No overnight camping or sleeping in the park
• Alcohol is typically restricted except during permitted events
• Grills and open flames only in designated grill areas
• Stay off athletic fields when they’re closed for maintenance or wet conditions
• Respect wildlife—no feeding ducks, geese, or other animals around Lake Clara Meer
• Follow leash laws except in designated off-leash dog areas

Walking, Running, and Biking in Piedmont Park

Popular Paths

Piedmont Park has a network of paved and gravel paths that loop around lakes, lawns, and sports areas.

Some well-used routes:

• Outer loop around the park – Good for runners looking for a longer path with some hills
• Lake Clara Meer loop – A scenic, shorter loop with skyline views
• Pathways between 10th St entrance and the Active Oval – Heavier foot traffic but very convenient

You’ll see all levels of runners here, from casual joggers to people training for races.

Biking and Scooters

• Cyclists and scooter riders often share the main paths, especially near entrances
• Speeds are expected to stay slow and controlled due to pedestrians and dogs
• For more continuous riding, many people pair the park with the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail nearby

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Piedmont Park is one of the main recreation hubs for in-town Atlanta.

The Active Oval

The Active Oval is a central sports area with:

• Soccer fields
• Softball/baseball fields
• Volleyball courts
• A running track-style path around the fields

Fields can be reserved for leagues and organized play. When not reserved, locals commonly use the space for casual, pickup games and workouts. Signs usually indicate when the fields are closed or booked.

Tennis and Basketball

• Tennis courts: Available on the northern side of the park; some players reserve courts for league play, while others use them for casual matches
• Basketball courts: Occasionally busy after work hours and on weekends, with pickup games forming naturally

Swimming Pool and Splash Pad

The Piedmont Park Aquatic Center and Pool is generally open seasonally in warmer months.

• Offers lap lanes, leisure swimming, and sunbathing areas
• Daily fees or seasonal passes may apply
• A splash pad area is usually popular with families and young children during the summer

Because schedules and admission requirements can shift year to year, locals typically confirm pool details at the start of the season.

Piedmont Park for Families and Kids

Piedmont Park is a regular weekend spot for Atlanta families.

Playgrounds

There are multiple playground areas with modern equipment, often shaded by trees or nearby structures. Typical features include:

• Climbing structures and slides
• Swings
• Sand or rubberized ground surfaces in many spots
• Benches and nearby seating for caregivers

These are busy after school and on weekends, especially when the weather is mild.

Kid-Friendly Spaces

• Open lawns allow for kites, frisbees, and casual soccer
• The splash pad offers a way for kids to cool off in summer
• Paved paths make it fairly stroller-friendly, though there are some hills

Dog Parks and Pet-Friendly Areas

Piedmont Park is one of the most popular places in Atlanta for dog owners.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

The Piedmont Park Dog Parks (often referred to as Piedmont Dog Park) are located near the Park Drive Bridge / Monroe Drive side of the park.

They typically include:

• Separate large-dog and small-dog (under a certain weight) areas
• Fenced, double-gated entry
• Water stations and seating

Common expectations:

• Dogs must be off-leash only within the fenced dog park
• Owners are expected to pick up waste and monitor dog behavior
• Dogs should be current on vaccinations and not aggressive toward others

Dog-Walking Around the Park

The rest of the park is on-leash for dogs. You’ll see many people walking dogs along the paths, especially in the mornings and evenings. Water fountains for people and dogs appear at several points.

Events and Festivals at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park hosts some of Atlanta’s largest outdoor events and festivals throughout the year. While the exact schedule changes, residents often expect:

• Art festivals showcasing vendors and artists across the lawns
• Food and cultural festivals offering regional or themed food and entertainment
• Concerts and performances drawing big crowds to the Meadow and surrounding lawns
• Seasonal events, especially in spring and fall when weather is milder

During major events:

• Portions of the park may be fenced or ticketed
• Parking in Midtown and Virginia-Highland becomes more difficult
• Noise, crowds, and traffic can be significant—locals who live nearby sometimes plan their errands around these dates

If you prefer quiet walks and runs, you may want to check the park’s event calendar before heading out on weekends.

Best Picnic and Relaxation Spots

Atlanta residents treat Piedmont Park as a go-to picnic and relaxation area, especially on sunny days.

Popular spots include:

• The Meadow – Large open lawn near the 10th Street entrance with clear skyline views
• Oak Hill – Rolling lawn area near Lake Clara Meer, often used for laid-back picnics and casual games
• Near Lake Clara Meer – Benches and grassy banks with water and city views
• Shaded areas under mature trees throughout the park’s inner paths

Common picnic tips:

• Bring a picnic blanket; benches can be limited during peak times
• Portable grills are typically not allowed outside designated grilling areas, so plan food accordingly
• On busy days, aim to arrive earlier in the day if you want a prime, uncrowded spot

Scenic Views, Photography, and Nature

Piedmont Park combines city skyline backdrops with trees, lawns, and a lake, making it a favorite photography spot.

Best Viewpoints

• Lake Clara Meer bridges and edges – Classic Midtown skyline reflections
• Top of hills near Oak Hill and the Meadow – Wide-open shots of open space with buildings behind
• Near the 12th Street Entrance – Good vantage points for both skyline and park interiors

You’ll often see:

• Engagement and family photo sessions
• Fitness and running photoshoots
• Sunrise and sunset photographers, especially when the weather is clear

Nature and Wildlife

Within the park, you can find:

• Ducks, geese, and turtles around Lake Clara Meer
• Mature trees and landscaped areas maintained by the Piedmont Park Conservancy
• Flower beds and seasonal plantings in some sections closer to formal paths

Visitors are encouraged not to feed wildlife, as it can affect animal health and water quality.

Facilities: Restrooms, Water, and Accessibility

Restrooms

Permanent public restrooms are located in several key areas of Piedmont Park, including near popular gathering spots and facilities. During major events, temporary restrooms may be added.

Because restroom access can vary by renovation or event, many locals plan to use:

• Restrooms near main entrances or sports areas
• Facilities inside event areas when attending a festival or concert

Water Fountains

Water fountains and bottle-fill stations are scattered across the park, particularly:

• Near the Active Oval
• Around main entrance paths
• Close to some playgrounds and gathering spots

It’s still common for people to bring their own water, especially in summer when Atlanta heat and humidity are high.

Accessibility

Piedmont Park includes:

• Paved, relatively smooth paths around much of the lake and main lawns
• Several accessible entrances from adjacent streets
• Some hills and inclines, especially between entrances and the interior, which can be challenging for some visitors

For events and large gatherings, organizers often provide information about accessible routes and viewing areas.

Quick Reference: Piedmont Park at a Glance

Practical Tips for Visiting Piedmont Park

Here are some locally grounded tips to make your visit smoother:

• Check the event schedule if you want either a quiet day or to join a major festival
• In summer, try to go early morning or later evening to avoid the peak heat
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—shade is available but not everywhere
• If you’re driving, plan extra time for parking in Midtown, especially on weekends
• For picnics, pack a blanket and trash bags; trash cans are present but can fill quickly on busy days
• Dog owners might want to bring a towel—the dog park can get dusty or muddy after rain

Key Local Contacts and Nearby Landmarks

While daily park use does not require contacting any office, it can be helpful to know related organizations and nearby landmarks:

• Piedmont Park Conservancy (Administration/Visitor Info)
  Often located near the park’s central areas; this nonprofit works with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance the park.

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  Oversees city parks and can provide information on reservations, field use, and general rules.

• Nearby Landmarks

  • Atlanta Botanical Garden – Located on the northern edge of the park (entrance off Piedmont Ave)
  • Midtown offices, restaurants, and shops within walking distance along 10th St and Piedmont Ave

Piedmont Park is one of the core public spaces that defines in-town Atlanta life. Whether you’re here for a quiet sunrise walk, a weekend festival, or a casual game with friends, knowing how the park is laid out—and how Atlanta locals use it—helps you make the most of every visit.