05 Nov Atlanta’s Best City Parks

Atlanta’s massive city park system encompasses over 340 parks covering more than 3600 acres—and the majority of residents in Atlanta proper are less than a 10-minute walk from any of them. Here is a quick overview of a few of Atlanta’s best city parks.

Piedmont Park

Arguably the most popular park in Atlanta, Piedmont Park occupies nearly 200 acres in the heart of Midtown. Among its many features are a lake stocked for fishing, sports fields, tennis courts, a dog park, two large playgrounds, and miles of jogging and walking trails. Along the western side of the park ground is the famed Atlanta Botanical Gardens, boasting acres of indoor and outdoor floral exhibits. A lineup of special community events and activities is scheduled on park grounds every year.’

Centennial Olympic Park

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, this 21-acre park was built as part of city improvements for the 1996 Summer Olympics, and is open to the public year round. The park’s centerpiece is the Fountain of Rings, a massive, computer-controlled splash pad synchronized with lights and music for several shows a day. The park also features a playground for the kids and sponsors regular music events throughout the summer. Centennial Olympic Park is also convenient to many other downtown attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, the CNN Center and the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel.

Chastain Park

Located north of the Buckhead district in north Atlanta, Chastain Park is the city’s largest public park, covering nearly 300 acres. This park features a golf course, jogging trails, a horse park, tennis courts, a swimming pool and playground areas. The park’s most popular feature is a 6900-seat amphitheater that hosts musical events through the spring and summer months, including major popular bands and artists as well as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.’

Grant Park

Situated on just over 130 acres southeast of downtown, Grant Park is Atlanta’s oldest park, nestled in one of the city’s oldest Victorian neighborhoods bearing the same name. The park features a playground, a small lake, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a walking tour. Grant Park is also home to Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum.

Candler Park

This popular city park rests in another historic district just east of downtown Atlanta, and offers lots of features within its 44 acres. These include a playground, tennis and basketball courts, a football/soccer field, a swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course, and picnic areas.