The Best Parks in Atlanta
We are all looking for an extra dose of Vitamin D this summer. As the sun continues to shine and the temperatures rise, more and more people are wanting to get outdoors. With the shadow of the pandemic lingering, looking for cheap things to do in Atlanta that are both safe and fun is the new norm. What better way to spend your day then heading to any of ATL’s sprawling green spaces. They are the perfect places to escape the crowds while spending quality time with family and friends. To help you decide, we’ve gathered a list of what we think are the best parks in and around Atlanta!
Piedmont Park
Often called the Central Park of Atlanta, Piedmont Park provides a ton of lush green space for whatever weekend activity you can think of. Conveniently situated near Midtown with stunning views of the city skyline, our first pick is a familiar spot for many locals. Filled with various restaurants, basketball and tennis courts, a pond, a swimming pool, and picnic areas with grills, this is the park that has it all. Make a day of it and pack some food for lunch — there’s no better way to soak up a summer’s day. Consider hiring us to transport you there and back, with a diverse range of vehicle options and sizes we can get the whole football team there along with all your food and drinks, so all you have to worry about is what to bring! The park also has a range of cafes, restaurants, ice cream stores, and other amenities, just waiting for you. A great way to support your local community too.
Centennial Olympic Park
Our second pick is an Atlantan institution. This 21-acre park in Downtown Atlanta is filled with fountains, Olympic-themed sights, and even free music events and public art on some weekends. If you’re new to the city, you can see it on our City Tour, which condenses a few days’ worth of attractions into 4 hours. Centennial Olympic Park has an impressive playground and is also conveniently close to Georgia Aquarium and the Children’s Museum, so if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Atlanta, then this should be your first choice.
Stone Mountain Park
What would an article about the best Atlanta parks be if it didn’t include Georgia’s most visited attraction? Stone Mountain Park has been a favorite of many going way back. We love it so much, we run our own private tours there and we’ve even written a whole blog just about why you should visit it. You can climb the summit of the world’s largest piece of exposed granite or take the gondola up, and when you reach the top enjoy 45-miles of stunning views. This 3,200-acre park has a wealth of activities for kids and adults alike, with a laser show during the balmy summer evenings, the Old Grist Mill, a farmyard petting zoo, and even a collection of historic antebellum homes. This is an ideal day trip from Atlanta for everyone.
Freedom Park
Sitting by the Little Five Points neighborhood, Freedom Park is Atlanta’s largest linear park. The big draw of the Park is the wealth of art installations that are dotted along the trails. This has the potential to be the perfect date spot and a place we recommend for things to do in Atlanta this weekend for couples. Freedom Park provides the ability to enjoy and interact with beautiful and interesting sculptures while remaining outside and keeping that all-important social distance. Plus, you can stroll over to the Little Five Points after you’re done to grab a bite or a drink.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Just 90-minutes south-west from ATL’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Chattahoochee River Park is the place to spend the day outside. With activities ranging from whitewater rafting, fishing, riverside trails for jogging, walking, or cycling, a zipline, and a splash pad. This is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and if getting there is a concern, we’d be happy to get you there and back comfortably.
Chastain Park
Currently, the city’s largest park at 268 acres, Chastain Park provides beautiful walkways, a pool, and plenty of green space. The Park is also home to a frequently used amphitheater that hosts an array of awesome music acts, including past acts such as Lauryn Hill, Brandi Carlile, and Lenny Kravitz. However, its status as Atlanta’s largest park is soon to be overtaken by the mammoth Westside Park that is being constructed over at the Bellwood Quarry. The Park is anticipated to be 280 acres and is nearing completion of phase one with $25.6 million being invested so far. We can’t wait to see the end result and spend many summer days exploring the landscape.
As the nation’s third greenest city, we could write forever about all of the parks in our backyard. Some other honorable mentions that we couldn’t leave out are Sweetwater Creek State Park, Oakland Cemetary, and Grant Park. It’s difficult to pick just one, so spend the summer exploring all the best parks in Atlanta! If you’re looking for some local advice or want to see more of the city don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll be glad to help you out.