Visiting Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Atlanta: What to Know

If you’re spending time in Atlanta, Georgia, you may hear people mention the Shepherd Center, often in the same breath as major hospitals and medical landmarks. While it is first and foremost a specialized rehabilitation hospital, it also functions as an important destination in the city for families, caregivers, health professionals, and community visitors who want to learn more about rehabilitation, accessibility, and life after serious injury.

This guide explains what Shepherd Center is, where it is in Atlanta, what to expect when you visit, and how it fits into the broader list of “things to do” in the city if you’re focused on health, caregiving, or medical travel.

What Is Shepherd Center in Atlanta?

Shepherd Center is a not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta that focuses on patients with:

• Spinal cord injury
• Brain injury
• Stroke and neurological conditions
• Multiple sclerosis and related disorders
• Other complex neuromuscular conditions

Unlike a traditional short-stay hospital, Shepherd Center is built around intensive rehabilitation, adaptive technology, and long-term quality-of-life planning. For many Atlanta families, it’s a place where loved ones relearn daily skills, practice mobility, and adapt to major life changes.

While it’s not a tourist attraction in the usual sense, it is a significant Atlanta institution that draws patients and visitors from across the country. For people coming to Atlanta specifically for medical reasons, Shepherd Center can be one of the central “things to do” in the city—the anchor around which travel, housing, and daily routines are planned.

Location, Directions, and Contact Basics

Address:

Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Main phone: (404) 352-2020

Shepherd Center sits in northwest Midtown Atlanta, along Peachtree Road NW, in a corridor with several major medical facilities.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

By car:

• From Downtown Atlanta:
  Typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Many drivers take I‑75/85 North, exit toward 10th/14th Street, then head west to Peachtree Street/Peachtree Road.
• From Buckhead:
  Drive south on Peachtree Road; Shepherd Center is on the left as you approach Midtown.
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  Generally 25–40 minutes by car in typical traffic, often via I‑85 North into Midtown and then west to Peachtree.

By MARTA (public transit):

• Use the Red or Gold Line and exit at Arts Center Station.
• From Arts Center, many visitors use:
  • A short rideshare or taxi trip up Peachtree Road, or
  • Local bus options that travel along Peachtree Street/Peachtree Road (routes change over time, so checking MARTA’s latest route info is recommended).

Parking and Drop-Off

Most visitors arrive by car or rideshare. Common experiences include:

• Designated patient and visitor parking areas near the main entrance.
• Short-term drop-off zones for patients with mobility challenges.
• Clearly marked accessible parking spaces close to entrances and ramps.

Because layouts and rules can change, many visitors call ahead or ask the hospital’s information desk for current parking and drop-off guidance, especially for large vehicles, accessible vans, or extended-stay parking.

Why Shepherd Center Matters in Atlanta

For Atlanta residents and visitors, Shepherd Center is:

• A regional hub for complex rehabilitation care.
• A place where families often spend weeks or months supporting a loved one.
• A community touchpoint for education on accessibility, adaptive recreation, and independent living.

If your “things to do” list in Atlanta is driven by medical care, caregiving, or health-related travel, Shepherd Center can shape:

• Where you stay (nearby hotels, short-term rentals, or extended-stay lodging),
• How you get around (accessible transportation options),
• What you do in your free time (accessible parks, restaurants, and cultural sites near the hospital).

What to Expect When You Visit Shepherd Center

Who Typically Comes to Shepherd Center?

You’ll see a mix of:

• Inpatients and outpatients undergoing rehabilitation.
• Family members and caregivers who may spend many hours or entire days at the hospital.
• Healthcare professionals from Atlanta and beyond visiting for training, collaboration, or meetings.
• Community visitors attending educational events or meeting with staff.

The environment is more like a specialized rehab campus than a traditional emergency hospital.

Visitor Check-In and Security

Most visitors can expect:

• A check-in process at or near the main entrance.
• Basic security measures and visitor badges.
• Information staff who can direct you to:
  • Patient rooms or units,
  • Therapy areas,
  • Family waiting spaces,
  • Cafeteria or coffee areas,
  • Meeting or seminar rooms.

It’s common for families to ask staff about quiet spaces, charging outlets, and food options nearby, especially if they anticipate long stays.

Amenities and Practical Services for Visitors

While the exact details can change, many large rehabilitation hospitals in Atlanta, including Shepherd Center, commonly offer:

Food and Daily Needs

• On-site cafeteria or dining area with standard meal options.
• Snack or coffee stands for quick food between therapies.
• Vending machines for late-night or off-hours.

Because Shepherd Center is right on Peachtree Road, visitors also have relatively easy access to:

• Nearby restaurants and cafes along Peachtree in Midtown and south Buckhead.
• Grocery stores and pharmacies a short drive away.

Family and Caregiver Spaces

Many visitors look for:

• Family lounges or waiting areas with seating and TVs.
• Quiet spots for making phone calls or working remotely.
• Meeting spaces where families can consult with clinical staff about discharge planning, home modifications, or equipment needs.

Hospitals like Shepherd Center often encourage families to stay involved in therapy and daily routines, so family presence is common and usually well accommodated.

Lodging Near Shepherd Center

People traveling from outside Atlanta often stay:

• In Midtown hotels along Peachtree Street/Peachtree Road.
• In Buckhead for additional hotel choices north of the hospital.
• In extended-stay hotels or short-term rentals that offer kitchenettes and laundry, especially during long rehabilitation stays.

Many families choose lodging based on:

• Distance and travel time to Shepherd Center.
• Availability of accessible rooms and roll-in showers.
• Ease of public transit or rideshare access for those without a car.

If you are coming from outside Atlanta, it’s common to call hotels in advance to ask specific questions about wheelchair accessibility and parking.

Accessibility and Mobility Around the Hospital

Because of its mission, Shepherd Center is designed with accessibility as a central focus. Visitors often notice:

• Ramps, wide entrances, and automatic doors.
• Wheelchair-friendly corridors and elevators.
• Spaces in and around the hospital that accommodate power chairs, scooters, and assistive devices.

Outside the hospital, Peachtree Road and nearby streets include sidewalks and curb cuts, but visitors using wheelchairs or walkers may still want to:

• Plan routes in advance.
• Use paratransit services, accessible taxis, or rideshares for longer distances.
• Ask staff about most accessible entrances and paths from parking areas.

Nearby Atlanta “Things to Do” for Patients and Families

Many people in Atlanta for rehabilitation look for low-stress, accessible outings close to Shepherd Center. Depending on a person’s condition, ability level, and medical guidance, families often consider options like:

Relaxed Outdoor Spots

• Piedmont Park (Midtown):
  A large urban park with paved paths, open lawns, and a skyline view. It’s a common place for gentle strolls, fresh air, and people-watching.
• Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside or Northside segments):
  Some sections offer relatively smooth, wide trails suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with access to cafes and public art.

Calm Cultural Activities

• High Museum of Art (Midtown):
  A few minutes’ drive from Shepherd Center. Visitors often find it to be a quieter, climate-controlled environment with elevators and wheelchair accessibility.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden:
  Adjacent to Piedmont Park. Several areas offer paved paths and structured walkways that may be easier for some mobility devices, though terrain varies.

Before planning any outing, families typically:

• Check opening hours and accessibility details.
• Consider fatigue level and therapy schedules.
• Discuss with clinical staff whether a particular type of outing aligns with the person’s current abilities and safety needs.

Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors to Shepherd Center

Here are some practical, experience-based pointers for navigating a visit:

1. Call ahead ☎️
If you’re unsure about parking, visiting hours, or where to go when you arrive, a quick call to Shepherd Center’s main line can clarify the latest procedures.

2. Build in extra travel time
Traffic along Peachtree Road and in Midtown Atlanta can be heavy during rush hours. Many visitors aim to arrive 15–30 minutes early, especially for time-sensitive appointments or therapy sessions.

3. Ask about accessibility needs
If you or your loved one uses a wheelchair, walker, ventilator, or specialized equipment, staff can often direct you to the most convenient entrance, elevator, and waiting areas.

4. Plan your day around therapy schedules
Rehabilitation schedules are often busy. Families staying in Atlanta for treatment frequently:

• Schedule errands or short outings around therapy times.
• Keep snacks, water, and chargers on hand for long days.
• Use downtime in family lounges or nearby cafes rather than traveling long distances across the city.

5. Explore nearby conveniences
Once you’re familiar with the area, it can help to map out:

• The nearest pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer for supplies.
• Accessible restaurants that can handle wheelchairs or other mobility needs.
• Green spaces or quiet places for a mental break between hospital visits.

Quick Reference: Shepherd Center at a Glance

When Shepherd Center Becomes the Center of Your Atlanta Visit

For many people, Atlanta is associated with entertainment, food, and major attractions. But for those dealing with serious injuries or neurological conditions, Shepherd Center may be the primary reason they are in the city at all.

Understanding its location, layout, and surrounding neighborhood can make the experience more manageable. Whether you are a local Atlantan supporting a loved one, a visitor traveling here for care, or someone simply getting to know Atlanta’s key institutions, Shepherd Center stands out as a major rehabilitation hub and a central point of activity in this part of the city.