Centennial Olympic Park

Olympic Legacy

Centennial Olympic Park was born out of the 1996 Summer Olympics and has spent the decades since becoming one of downtown Atlanta's most popular gathering spots. What started as a venue for the games has grown into a 22-acre living postcard where Atlanta's past and present mingle together.

Walk the pathways and you can find yourself stepping over commemorative bricks and past monuments that tell the story of those memorable Olympic games. It's like a little history lesson etched right into the landscape of the park.

Iconic Attractions

The centerpiece is the Fountain of Rings - an interactive water feature shaped like the Olympic rings that performs throughout the day. Throughout the day, this fountain bursts into choreographed shows set to music and lights. When the temperature climbs, it transforms into an impromptu splash pad where kids laugh and dash through the dancing water.

For your Instagram feed, make sure to snap a photo at the Olympic Rings sculpture. It frames Atlanta's impressive skyline perfectly, with the SkyView Ferris wheel often peeking into the background. As you wander, you'll encounter various sculptures and monuments that honor both the Olympics and Atlanta's rich history.

The Baron Pierre de Coubertin monument within the park

Photo: Travis Wise (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation and Green Space

Need a break from the concrete jungle? The park has spacious lawns, pleasant gardens, and smooth walking paths where you can take a leisurely stroll. Grab your favorite takeout and claim a patch of grass for an impromptu picnic - there's plenty of room to spread out.

Families will appreciate the two recently upgraded playgrounds with their climbing structures and safety-focused rubber surfacing. And yes, your four-legged friend is welcome too - the open spaces make it a hit with the dog-walking crowd.

Lush trees frame the All Children's Playground on an overcast day

Photo: xiquinhosilva (CC BY 2.0)

Downtown Hub

One advantage of the park is its central location. You're just steps away from some of Atlanta's must-see attractions: the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

The area around the park has seen development of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spots in recent years. If you're new to the city, it's an excellent jumping-off point for urban exploration.

An ornamental pool inside the park

Photo: David Jones (CC BY 2.0)

Community Space

Both tourists and locals frequent the space. Year-round, the park hosts everything from intimate concerts to major festivals. The park maintains clean facilities, offers plenty of seating, and has good lighting after dark.

Stop by the Visitor Center if you're looking for tips on what to see next in Atlanta. The park keeps its gates open from 7AM to 11PM daily, offering a peaceful green retreat in the middle of Atlanta's urban energy.