Piedmont Park
Interactive Park Map
About Piedmont Park
A Glimpse into the Past
Back in the 1830s, Dr. Benjamin Walker owned this land as a genteel farm - quite the change from the bustling space it is today! The Piedmont Driving Club took over in 1887, and soon the area became home to significant gatherings including the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, which really showcased Atlanta's resilience after the Civil War.
In 1904, Atlanta officially purchased the land to create Piedmont Park. The city brought in the Olmsted Brothers (sons of the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted) to redesign the space. While they didn't implement every idea, their vision shaped what we enjoy today - those sweeping lawns, peaceful wooded areas, and winding paths that make you forget you're in the middle of a major city.
The Lay of the Land
This 189-acre green space sits right in Atlanta's heart, about a mile northeast of Downtown, nestled between the Midtown and Virginia Highland neighborhoods. It's a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Planning an event? Make a reservation at this park
The park offers a beautiful escape from urban life while paradoxically being right in the middle of it. Lake Clara Meer creates a peaceful centerpiece, offering those Instagram-worthy views of the Midtown skyline reflecting on its surface. The Active Oval gives you plenty of space to get moving, while trails wind throughout for everything from casual strolls to serious training runs.
Get Your Play On
If you're into sports, there are plenty of options. Tennis courts, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, soccer pitches, and volleyball courts with good quality sand are available for use. The Active Oval is perfect whether you're joining a pickup game or tossing a frisbee with friends.
Dog parent? Your furry friends have their own dedicated spaces with dog parks for both small and large pups, complete with water stations to keep them hydrated. The whole park is pretty dog-friendly, so you'll see plenty of wagging tails throughout.
Kids have their own playground areas with separate sections designed for different age groups, keeping both the little ones and older kids safely entertained. When summer heats things up, the swimming pool offers a refreshing dip.
The Social Calendar
The park hosts several signature events throughout the year. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and Atlanta Pride transform the space with color, music, and celebration. Runners know it well as the finish line for the iconic Peachtree Road Race. All year long, you'll stumble upon cultural festivals, concerts, and community gatherings that showcase Atlanta's diverse spirit.
Right within the park sits the Atlanta Botanical Garden - a lush bonus that adds another dimension to your visit. Since 1989, the Piedmont Park Conservancy has partnered with the City of Atlanta to keep the park flourishing and growing.
The Practical Stuff
You'll come across all the essentials scattered within the grounds. Picnic areas offer plenty of spots to spread out a blanket or claim a table for everything from solo lunches to family reunions. Some areas include grilling facilities if you're in the mood for a proper cookout.
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Restroom facilities are available in several locations, though they can get busy during major events (plan accordingly!). Water fountains line many of the paths, but be aware that some might be temperamental depending on when you visit.
The park is crisscrossed with paved paths that accommodate walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all abilities. These connect to the Atlanta BeltLine, so you can easily extend your adventure beyond the park's boundaries if you're feeling ambitious.
What's New
Recent years have brought various improvements to Piedmont Park, adding new amenities and green spaces. The park receives millions of visitors yearly.
Getting here is straightforward - you can take MARTA and walk about 15 minutes from the station, or drive and use the park's parking areas. Just know that during popular events and weekends, finding a spot can require some patience and creativity.
All Features & Facilities
Active Recreation
Nature & Wildlife
Water Features & Activities
Visitor Services
Food & Gathering
Upcoming Events (3)
Community events and activities happening nearby
Photo Gallery (tap to enlarge)
A lush garden pathway with tropical foliage
The garden landscape with native grasses
A sunlit garden path winding through diverse vegetation
Sunlight filters through the forest canopy along a tranquil garden path
An open meadow view with the Atlanta skyline visible through autumn leaves
The vine-covered colonnade at the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory
The Parterre Fountain Installation showcases Chihuly's blue glass sculpture centerpiece
The sunlit gravel path leads along a plant-covered wall
Gigantic water lilies in the pond
A stream bed with carefully placed stones creates a woodland water feature
Visitors admire the Radiant Yellow Icicle Tower artpiece in the Glade Garden
Sculptural origami provides an artistic contrast to the surrounding greenery
Whimsical plant sculptures on display at the Botanical Garden
A sculptural planting bed with an adorable frog
Lake Clara Meer with the Piedmont Park Bath House and Atlanta's skyline behind
The peaceful pond setting at the Cascades Garden with the Earth Goddess sculpture
Winter view across Lake Clara Meer with the city beyond
Green spiral patterns in the Aquatic Plant Pond
This is a cozy corner of the Japanese Garden
The formal garden with precisely trimmed hedges and clean pathways
The Earth Goddess is still asleep on this beautiful morning
This winding stream cuts through the forest floor in a shaded woodland area
Notable Sights (2)
Points of interest, landmarks, and things to see in this park
Monuments (2)
A bell commemorating the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition held in Piedmont Park, which attracted over 800,000 visitors.
A monument in Piedmont Park dedicated in 1911.
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Top Restaurants Near Piedmont Park
Bangkok Thai Restaurant
1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
A long-running family-friendly Thai restaurant serving traditional favorites like pad Thai and curries in a cozy atmosphere.
Varuni Napoli
1540 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Authentic Italian restaurant serving wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with locally sourced ingredients and homemade desserts.
Bantam + Biddy
1544 Piedmont Ave NE #301, Atlanta, GA 30324
Southern restaurant specializing in roast chicken with creative, locally sourced dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Anh's Kitchen
Viewpoint, 855 Peachtree St NE STE 2, Atlanta, GA 30308
Vietnamese restaurant serving traditional dishes like pho and banh mi in a comfortable dining atmosphere.
Fresh To Order - Midtown
860 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Chain restaurant serving fresh American deli fare including salads, paninis, and hearty entrees with vegetarian options.
Grana
1835 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Traditional Southern Italian restaurant featuring handcrafted pastas, artisanal pizzas, and an industrial-chic atmosphere with rooftop bar.
Top Hotels Near Piedmont Park
The Starling Atlanta Midtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
188 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361
Stylish upscale hotel featuring comfortable rooms, Southern cuisine restaurant, two bars, and complimentary bike rentals.
Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta
125 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
A refined midtown hotel featuring sleek rooms, Southern cuisine, indoor pool, and exceptional service.
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Luxury hotel featuring elegant rooms and suites with upscale dining, indoor saltwater pool, and full-service spa.
Moxy Atlanta Midtown
48 13th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
A trendy boutique hotel featuring stylish rooms, rooftop bar, outdoor pool, and vibrant social spaces.
AC Hotel Atlanta Midtown
53 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Modern hotel featuring airy rooms, some with terraces, plus amenities including a restaurant, pool, and rooftop bar.
Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown
35 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Modern hotel featuring spacious suites with wet bars, balconies, and convenient midtown location near dining and entertainment.
