Piedmont Park

Atlanta’s Central Urban Oasis

Piedmont Park’s reputation as Atlanta’s central urban oasis is a bit understated. Its rolling hills and miles of paved trails earn it that title, but today there are plenty of attractions and several hidden gems packed into this nearly 200-acre green space located just north of Downtown. Whether you’re looking to sprawl out a blanket for an afternoon picnic, join in a game of kickball with friends or go for a dash of culture at one of the dozens of annual festivals, Piedmont Park has a way of bringing it all together.

Originally founded as a country residence outside the city in the 1830s, Piedmont Park ties together several neighborhoods, including Midtown to the west, Ansley Park to the north and Virginia-Highland to the east. It connects to the Atlanta Beltline Trail at the park’s southeastern corner.

Best Things to Do at Piedmont Park

• Walking and Biking Trails: Exploring the park on foot is a great way to see all it has to offer, with a variety of trails throughout. The park is connected to the Beltline’s Eastside Trail, a three-mile path that runs south through the city to Kirkwood Avenue (and eventually much further). Bike rentals offer a breezy way to get around and explore.
  
• Music, Food and Arts Festivals: Lots of events take place in Piedmont Park each year. Concert series like Music Midtown and the Atlanta Jazz Festival play to their own tune, packing the greens with throngs of music lovers. Foodies have tough choices about what to eat and drink during the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and the weekly Green Market on Saturday mornings. Some of the region’s best artisanal wares and custom creations are on full display (and sale) during the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Piedmont Park Arts Festival. Indulge in a sweet treat at the annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in late July.
  
• Games and Sports: Sports fields fill up fast during the warmer months (sign up early), with facilities for volleyball, softball, soccer, basketball, tennis, bocce and running. You’ll also find plenty of open green spaces to throw a Frisbee or play catch, and the park organizes several free outdoor yoga and fitness classes each month. In the winter, indoor ice skating is in full swing at Park Tavern every day of the week.
  
• Cool Pool and Splash Pad: An enticing draw during sweltering summer months is a chance to take a dip at the splash pad and Aquatic Center. The large, impressive pool includes four lap lanes, a beach entry and a current channel for lazy floating. The Legacy Foundation Splash Pad, which is free, features more than 70 jets that push water up 30 feet in the air. It’s a great way for kids to quickly cool off.

• Super Fun Playgrounds: The park features two impressive playgrounds for younger kids. The Mayor’s Grove Playground is surrounded by trees and is close to bathrooms and picnic tables. It’s a “Boundless” playground, which means it’s filled with sensory-rich features that allow children of all abilities to participate. The Noguchi Playscape was designed by artist and sculptor Isamu Noguchi and is filled with objects of different shapes, colors and textures, perfect for climbing and playing.

• Two Dog Parks: Two well-maintained dog parks (one for the big dogs, the other for the little ones) are situated in a secluded nook in the northeast section of the park.

• Wedding and Event Venues: Three historic venues are popular destinations for upscale weddings and other private events, including glamorous Magnolia Hall, granite-lined Greystone and Dockside, with skyline views on the shores of Lake Clara Meer.

Insider Tips

• A park map can be found as you exit the parking deck and several more maps can be found at various locations throughout the park.

• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy anywhere in the park’s open green space. Or grab a bite to eat from the concession stand, located at the entrance of the pool. It offers an extensive menu of snack and specialty items that are sure to please both kids and parents.

• Bring your fishing pole and cast a line into Lake Clara Meer from one of the piers or the dock. The lake is regularly stocked with largemouth bass and catfish.

• Check the park’s events calendar before you visit on the weekends to see what’s taking place. In addition to the farmers market that is open on Saturdays from March through mid-December, the park also offers guided history tours, weekly walking clubs, trivia nights, gardening classes and an assortment of other activities throughout the year.

• After a fun morning spent exploring, make plans to visit Atlanta Botanical Garden, located adjacent to Piedmont Park. It is home to more than 30 acres of beautiful gardens including a Children’s Garden, weekly shows and classes and a variety of events throughout the year.

Know Before You Go

Where is Piedmont Park Located?

Piedmont Park is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, bordered by Piedmont Avenue, Monroe Drive and 10th Street.

The address is:
Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, Ga. 30309

Nearest MARTA rail stations: Midtown Station and Arts Center Station

Where to Park at Piedmont Park?

A parking garage in the center of the park is an easy option for first-time visitors. Parking rates are typically based on the amount of time you spend in the park, and you can access the garage from Monroe Drive on Worchester Drive or off Piedmont Avenue at the Atlanta Botanical Garden entrance. Access the park from the lower level.

What is Near Piedmont Park?

Park visitors will find numerous dining options near Piedmont Park. Mainstay bars and restaurants near Piedmont Park like Park Tavern and the Nook offer killer views and signature vibes (and decadent eats, of course). Several hotels near Piedmont Park offer accommodations within walking distance. These include the W Atlanta Midtown, Hyatt Atlanta Midtown and Loews Atlanta Hotel. Midtown Atlanta is home to a unique array of boutiques, cafes and nightlife. After enjoying a day in the park, that’s not a bad way to spend the evening.

Originally written by RootsRated for Atlanta CVB