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.

Stream bed with carefully placed stones creates a woodland water feature

Photo: alans1948 (CC BY 2.0)

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.

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.

Green spiral patterns in the Aquatic Plant Pond

Photo: justgrimes (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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.

Open meadow view with Atlanta skyline visible through autumn leaves

Photo: Pedro de Carvalho Ponchio (CC BY 2.0)

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 Earth Goddess is still asleep on this beautiful morning

Photo: alans1948 (CC BY 2.0)

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.

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.

Vine-covered colonnade at Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory

Photo: justgrimes (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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.