Woodruff Park in Atlanta: A Downtown Green Escape With Plenty To Do

Woodruff Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s most recognizable public spaces—a central green oasis surrounded by office towers, historic buildings, and major attractions. Whether you live in the city, commute in for work, or are visiting for a few days, Woodruff Park offers a mix of relaxing green space, public art, events, and family-friendly activities just steps from MARTA and Peachtree Street.

Where Woodruff Park Is and How to Get There

Location:
Woodruff Park
91 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

The park sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, roughly between Peachtree Street NW, Auburn Avenue NE, and Edgewood Avenue SE. It’s an easy walk from many downtown hotels, attractions, and office buildings.

Getting There by MARTA

Woodruff Park is especially convenient if you’re riding MARTA:

• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines) – About a 5-minute walk south.
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green lines) – About a 5-minute walk north.

From either station, follow signs to street level and walk along Peachtree Street—you’ll see the park’s open lawns and trees surrounded by downtown skyscrapers.

Parking Near Woodruff Park

Driving downtown can be busy, but there are multiple public parking garages and surface lots around the park. Common options include:

• Garages along Auburn Avenue, Park Place NE, and Edgewood Avenue
• Metered street parking on nearby blocks, when available

🅿️ Tip: Parking rules and prices can vary by block and time of day. Check signs carefully and consider using a garage if you plan to stay more than an hour or two.

What Makes Woodruff Park Special

Woodruff Park is more than just a patch of grass. It’s designed to function as a community gathering spot, a lunch break escape for downtown workers, and a gateway to nearby neighborhoods like Fairlie-Poplar and Sweet Auburn.

Key features you’ll notice right away:

• Large central lawn – Ideal for picnics, reading, or casual games.
• Shade trees and seating – Benches, movable chairs, and tables scattered around.
• Fountains and public art – Including the well-known International Peace Fountain.
• Walkable setting – Surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and historic buildings.

For many locals, Woodruff Park is where office life, student life, and tourist activity overlap, giving the area an active, urban feel most of the day.

Main Attractions and Features Inside Woodruff Park

The International Peace Fountain

One of the park’s signature sights is the International Peace Fountain, near the Peachtree Street side of the park.

• Symbolizes peace and international unity
• Frequently used as a backdrop for photos
• Provides a soothing water feature in the middle of the city

Visitors often gather here to rest, take in the skyline, or meet up before heading to nearby attractions.

Public Art and Monuments

Woodruff Park includes a variety of public art pieces and monuments that reflect Atlanta’s history and values. While installations can occasionally change, you’re likely to find:

• Sculptures and plaques recognizing Atlanta’s civic history
• Artwork that highlights downtown’s evolution and local culture
• Occasionally, temporary or rotating art for special programs or festivals

If you’re interested in architecture and history, the buildings around the park—including those in the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District—add to the visual appeal.

The Reading Room & Games Area

Many days, you’ll find movable tables and chairs, often arranged in a designated “reading room” or activity area. Depending on programming and season, you may encounter:

• Outdoor seating for remote work or studying
• Bookshelves or carts as part of literacy or community initiatives
• Board games, chess, and other tabletop games available during staffed hours

Locals often use this space as a kind of outdoor living room, especially during mild spring and fall weather.

Playgrounds and Kid-Friendly Areas

Woodruff Park typically includes child-friendly play features, such as:

• A small playground or play elements
• Open lawns where kids can run, throw a ball, or play frisbee
• Occasional family events, festivals, or story times

If you’re downtown with kids for a visit to the Georgia State University area, the Atlanta Streetcar, or a nearby museum, the park can serve as a convenient break spot to let children run around.

Events and Programming at Woodruff Park

Woodruff Park is known for regular programming that aims to keep the park active, safe, and welcoming. While specific events change year to year, visitors commonly encounter:

Fitness and Wellness Activities

Throughout the warmer months, the park may host:

• Free or low-cost outdoor yoga or fitness classes
• Walking groups or wellness events organized by local partners
• Occasional health-focused fairs or demonstrations

These are especially popular with nearby office workers and downtown residents looking for a quick after-work or lunchtime workout.

Cultural, Music, and Community Events

The park is often used for:

• Live music performances and small concerts
• Cultural celebrations tied to Atlanta’s diverse communities
• Art markets, pop-up vendors, and seasonal festivals
• Movie nights or special themed gatherings, depending on the season

Because the park is centrally located, it’s a convenient meeting point for downtown events and city-wide initiatives.

Downtown Activations and Pop-Ups

Woodruff Park is frequently part of broader downtown activation efforts, such as:

• Temporary public art installations
• Interactive exhibits or educational displays
• Pop-up spaces highlighting local nonprofits or public programs

If you’re walking through on a weekday, you might encounter something new—a music duo performing at lunch, a small market, or a community information booth.

Things to Do in and Around Woodruff Park

Woodruff Park works well as both a destination and a starting point for exploring downtown Atlanta.

Relax, Picnic, or People-Watch

For a low-key visit:

• Bring lunch or coffee from a nearby restaurant and use the park’s tables or lawn.
• Sit beneath the shade trees and enjoy some people-watching.
• Use the tranquil areas of the park for reading, journaling, or sketching.

Downtown workers frequently use the park as a midday escape from offices and conference rooms.

Explore Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, Woodruff Park is within walking distance of several major Atlanta attractions, including:

• Georgia State University (GSU) campus areas
• The Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, with its distinct architecture
• The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park area (accessible via a longer walk or the Atlanta Streetcar nearby)
• The Atlanta Streetcar route, which connects to Edgewood Avenue, the Sweet Auburn district, and other downtown sites

Using Woodruff Park as your central reference point makes it easier to navigate between neighborhoods on foot.

Combine With a Downtown Walking Route

If you’re visiting Atlanta or showing guests around, consider a self-guided walking loop:

1. Start at Woodruff Park (Peachtree Street side).
2. Walk through Fairlie-Poplar to admire historic facades.
3. Head toward Marietta Street or Centennial Olympic Park for museums and attractions.
4. Loop back via Auburn Avenue or Edgewood Avenue, returning to Woodruff Park.

This route gives you a good sense of downtown’s layout, history, and urban energy, with the park as a natural rest stop.

Amenities and Practical Details

Hours and General Use

Woodruff Park is typically:

• Open daily, generally from early morning to evening (exact hours can vary).
• Free to enter and use for casual activities.
• Designed for public access, with paths, lawn areas, and seating throughout.

As with most city parks, certain activities—like large gatherings, amplified sound, or commercial filming—may require permits through city channels.

Restrooms and Facilities

Public facilities in and around the park may include:

• Restrooms (availability can vary by season and time of day)
• Drinking fountains, when operational
• Lighting along paths and gathering areas

For detailed, up-to-date information on restroom hours or special facilities, it’s best to check the latest information from City of Atlanta parks administration or onsite signage.

Safety and Park Etiquette

Woodruff Park is a busy urban space, especially during weekdays. Common-sense tips:

• Keep an eye on personal belongings.
• Use well-lit, busier paths if visiting later in the evening.
• Follow posted rules about alcohol, smoking, and pets.
• Dispose of trash in cans to help keep the park clean.

Many locals find that the more active and programmed the park is—fitness classes, events, and lunchtime crowds—the more comfortable it feels to spend time there.

Who Manages Woodruff Park and How It’s Cared For

Woodruff Park is a City of Atlanta public park supported by downtown partners that focus on keeping it active and maintained. In practice, that means:

• Groundskeeping and landscaping to maintain lawns, trees, and plantings.
• Security and cleaning crews visible throughout the day.
• Ongoing efforts to balance public access, safety, and community use.

If you have questions about park rules, permits, or events, you can start with:

• City of Atlanta – Department of Parks and Recreation
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main Parks & Recreation phone lines can provide guidance on reservations, permits, and general park policies.

Local downtown organizations may also list event calendars and volunteer opportunities related to Woodruff Park.

Quick Reference: Woodruff Park at a Glance

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

• Visit on a weekday at lunch if you want to experience the park at its most lively, with office workers, students, and street activity.
• Early mornings and late afternoons can be more relaxed, better for reading or quiet time.
• Combine your park time with nearby coffee shops or lunch spots to turn it into a full downtown outing.
• If you’re new to Atlanta, use Woodruff Park as a starting point for exploring downtown on foot, including historic districts and nearby attractions.

For Atlantans and visitors alike, Woodruff Park serves as a central, walkable green space where you can pause between meetings, stretch your legs during sightseeing, or simply sit under the trees and watch the city move around you.