Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station Rooftop: A Local’s Guide to Ponce City Market’s Sky-High Hangout

If you’re looking for one of the most uniquely “Atlanta” things to do, Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station on the rooftop of Ponce City Market should be near the top of your list. You get Midtown and Old Fourth Ward skyline views, casual fun, good drinks, and a full-service rooftop restaurant—all in one spot.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how it works, and how to plan your visit like a local.

Where Are Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station?

Both are on the roof of Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood:

• Address: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Rooftop Access: Look for The Roof at Ponce City Market entrance inside the main market building.

You’ll first enter The Roof. From there, you can head to:

• Skyline Park – the family-friendly amusement-style area with games, mini golf, and walk-up bars
• 9 Mile Station – the more polished rooftop beer garden and restaurant

They share the same rooftop, but they feel like two different experiences.

What Is Skyline Park?

Skyline Park is a vintage-style rooftop amusement area with games, mini golf, and incredible skyline views. It’s casual, easygoing, and one of those places that works for:

• Date nights
• Friends’ nights out
• Out-of-town visitors
• Families during earlier hours

Typical features include:

• Mini golf with Atlanta skyline as your backdrop
• Carnival-style games (think ring toss or skee-ball style setups)
• Slide or midway-style attractions depending on current setup
• Walk-up bars for cocktails, beer, and soft drinks
• Plenty of space for wandering, taking photos, and just hanging out

It feels more like an adult-friendly playground than a bar, but there is alcohol service, so the feel shifts more grown-up at night.

Is Skyline Park Kid-Friendly?

Generally, yes, especially:

• Weekends during the day
• Earlier evening hours on weekdays
• When the weather is mild (spring and fall are especially popular)

Parents in Atlanta often bring kids or visiting relatives up for:

• A round of mini golf
• A walk around to see the skyline
• Ice cream or snacks from the rooftop vendors

Later at night, the crowd can skew more adult. Age policies, hours, and any age-related restrictions can shift, so it’s best to check The Roof at Ponce City Market’s current rules before bringing kids, especially if you’re planning a later visit.

What Is 9 Mile Station?

9 Mile Station is the more restaurant-focused side of the rooftop—often described as a modern beer garden and full-service restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Expect:

• Sit-down dining with reservations recommended
• A menu that usually leans toward elevated comfort food and shareable plates
• A strong focus on beer, cocktails, and wine
• Some of the best skyline views on the rooftop, especially at sunset

Many Atlanta locals use 9 Mile Station for:

• Birthday dinners
• Out-of-town guest dinners
• Date nights and anniversaries
• Pre-show or post-BeltLine meals

You can hang out in Skyline Park and then have a more relaxed, seated meal at 9 Mile Station—or just visit 9 Mile Station on its own.

Skyline Park vs. 9 Mile Station: Quick Comparison

Getting to the Rooftop at Ponce City Market

All rooftop experiences—Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station—start with The Roof at Ponce City Market entrance.

Step-by-Step Access

1. Enter Ponce City Market
   Use the main entrances on Ponce de Leon Ave or from the BeltLine side.

2. Find The Roof entrance
   Look for signage that says “The Roof” or rooftop access. There is usually a clearly marked check-in area.

3. Purchase access
   You typically buy a Roof ticket or pay a cover that gives you access to the rooftop space. Prices and policies can vary by day, time of day, or season (weekends and special events may cost more).

4. Take the elevator up
   Staff will direct you to the dedicated elevator up to The Roof, where you can walk over to Skyline Park or your 9 Mile Station reservation.

👀 Tip: On busy evenings (especially weekends, holidays, and during good weather), lines for The Roof can get long. If you have a reservation at 9 Mile Station, arrive early to give yourself time to check in and ride up.

Typical Costs and What’s Included

Exact prices change over time, but you can plan for a few main categories of spending:

• Rooftop access fee:
  A general admission or access fee to The Roof that allows you into Skyline Park and rooftop common areas. Sometimes this varies by:

  • Time of day
  • Day of week
  • Special events or holidays

• Games and activities:
  Mini golf or certain attractions within Skyline Park may involve separate fees.

• Food and drinks:

  • Casual bites and drinks at Skyline Park’s walk-up bars
  • Full food and beverage menu at 9 Mile Station

When planning a visit with a group, most Atlanta locals budget for:

• Roof entry per person
• At least one game or activity per person (if Skyline Park is on the agenda)
• Food and drink per person at either Skyline Park or 9 Mile Station

Best Times to Visit

Your experience will feel different depending on when you go.

Daytime

• Views: Clear views of Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and the BeltLine
• Temperature: More pleasant in spring/fall; can be hot in peak summer
• Crowd: More mixed with families, tourists, and locals
• Best for: Families, out-of-town guests, casual hangouts, photo ops

Sunset and Evening

• Views: The skyline lighting up is a major draw
• Crowd: Heavier on couples and groups of adults
• Energy: Louder, more social, especially on weekends
• Best for: Date nights, drinks, dinner at 9 Mile Station, pre-going-out meetups

If you live in Atlanta, weeknights or earlier evening hours often feel more relaxed, with shorter waits and easier parking.

Parking and Transportation Tips

Being prepared on the logistics side makes the rooftop visit smoother.

Parking

Ponce City Market has paid parking decks and lots. Common patterns:

• Paid by the hour
• Payment typically via kiosk or mobile app
• Can fill up quickly during peak times (weekend evenings, major events)

MARTA and Rideshare

• MARTA: There isn’t a MARTA rail stop directly at Ponce City Market. Many people:

  • Take MARTA to North Avenue or Midtown Station and then a short rideshare or scooter trip, or
  • Use a bus route that stops near Ponce de Leon Ave NE, if it’s convenient from their starting point.

• Rideshare: Lyft and Uber are very common options. They usually drop off and pick up along the Ponce de Leon side or in designated areas.

🚗 Local tip: On busy evenings, plan extra time for both parking and navigating the area around Ponce City Market. Traffic along Ponce and the BeltLine can be congested when the weather is nice.

Reservations and Planning Ahead

Do You Need Reservations for 9 Mile Station?

Reservations are strongly recommended for 9 Mile Station, especially:

• Friday and Saturday nights
• Weekend brunch
• Holiday weekends
• When you’re hosting visitors

Walk-ins sometimes work, but locals often book ahead to avoid long waits or limited seating.

Do You Need Reservations for Skyline Park?

Typically, no reservations are required just to access Skyline Park, though:

• You may have to wait to get up to The Roof during peak times.
• Special events or private bookings can impact availability.

It’s smart to check current hours and any special event notices before you go, especially around holidays.

What to Wear and Bring

Atlanta weather plays a big role in how comfortable you’ll be on the rooftop.

Clothing

• Casual to smart casual works in nearly all situations
• Comfortable shoes for walking, standing, and climbing between rooftop areas
• In summer: breathable, light clothing and maybe a hat or sunglasses
• In cooler months: a jacket or layers—rooftops catch wind more than street level

What to Bring

• ID for age verification if you plan to drink
• A small bag or crossbody (bag policies can change, so lighter is better)
• Payment method (cards are widely accepted; some venues go cashless)
• Sunscreen for daytime visits—there is some shade, but much of the roof is exposed

Special Events and Seasonal Atmosphere

The rooftop at Ponce City Market often shifts its vibe with the seasons:

• Spring and fall:
  Popular for after-work gatherings, sunset drinks, and visitors in town.
• Summer:
  Longer daylight, sometimes themed rooftop events or seasonal decorations. It can be hot, but evening breezes make it more comfortable.
• Winter:
  The rooftop sometimes introduces seasonal activations such as holiday décor or winter-themed setups. Details can change yearly.

Locals often keep an eye on The Roof at Ponce City Market’s latest updates if they’re looking for something festive or event-driven.

Tips for Different Types of Visitors

For Atlanta Locals

• Use weeknights to enjoy the views without weekend crowds.
• Consider pairing your rooftop time with a walk on the BeltLine or a quick stop at a neighborhood spot nearby in Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park.
• If you host visitors often, note their favorite experiences—mini golf, skyline photos, or a sit-down dinner—and tailor the visit.

For Visitors to Atlanta

• Plan to combine Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station in one outing if you have limited time.
• Budget extra time for taking photos—sunset over Midtown and Downtown is one of the rooftop’s biggest draws.
• If you’re not renting a car, rideshare is usually the simplest option to reach Ponce City Market from central hotels.

For Families

• Aim for daytime or early evening before the nightlife crowd picks up.
• Check age rules for The Roof and for specific areas if you’re bringing younger kids or teens.
• Pack light, and be prepared for stairs/ramps and some walking between areas.

Key Takeaways: Making the Most of Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station

• Location: Both are on The Roof at Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
• Skyline Park: Casual, game-focused, great for mini golf, photos, and relaxed hangouts.
• 9 Mile Station: Full-service rooftop restaurant and beer garden with reservations recommended.
• Access: Enter through The Roof at Ponce City Market, pay applicable rooftop access fees, and ride the elevator up.
• Vibe: Family-friendly earlier in the day; more adult and social in the evening.
• Best use: A one-stop experience for skyline views, games, and dining—all in the heart of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station offer a distinctly local way to see the city from above while still being right in the middle of the action.