Piedmont Park

Nestled in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park stretches across nearly 200 acres of open lawns, paved trails, leafy groves, and energetic public spaces. It pulses with the city’s vibrant rhythm yet offers the tranquil relief of fresh air, shade-filled paths, and the sound of children’s laughter. As Atlanta’s most beloved urban park, it’s not just a place to relax but a destination that shapes the city’s culture, community, and spirit.

Where City Life Meets Nature

Located between Piedmont Avenue, Monroe Drive, and 10th Street, Piedmont Park effortlessly links several of Atlanta’s most lively neighborhoods, including Midtown, Ansley Park, and Virginia-Highland. It connects directly to the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, making it easy to walk, run, or cycle into the park from various points throughout the city. Its central location and accessibility by MARTA rail at Midtown and Arts Center stations make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

What sets Piedmont Park apart is its ability to blend the city’s fast pace with the unhurried energy of a true green escape. Skyscrapers rise in the distance, yet a stroll along the park’s trails can feel worlds away. Whether you’re sipping a coffee under a canopy of oaks or tossing a Frisbee in one of the open fields, the setting is relaxed and inclusive.

Active Adventures and Relaxing Moments

Piedmont Park invites everyone to move. It offers miles of walking and biking trails, with direct access to the BeltLine for extended urban exploration. Cyclists can rent bikes near the park entrances, while joggers and walkers make use of paved loops and scenic side trails that weave through trees and open meadows.

Athletes flock to the sports fields and courts that come alive during warmer months. Facilities support volleyball, softball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and bocce. Runners gather at the Active Oval, while others take advantage of the park’s many free outdoor fitness and yoga classes, often held under the Atlanta sun.

In summer, the Aquatic Center becomes a gathering place for families, with lap lanes, a beach-style entry, and a lazy river-style current channel. Nearby, the Legacy Foundation Splash Pad shoots jets of water 30 feet into the air, offering kids a place to cool off without waiting in line. These seasonal water features offer relief on Atlanta’s hottest days and are a hit with every generation.

Events That Bring the City Together

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s main stage for large-scale outdoor events, and its calendar is packed with reasons to visit. Music Midtown and the Atlanta Jazz Festival transform its lawns into concert venues. The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival fills the air with savory aromas, while the Dogwood Festival and Piedmont Park Arts Festival showcase local artisans.

Every Saturday from March through December, the Green Market draws locals for fresh produce, homemade jams, and crafted goods. Whether you’re browsing for handmade soap or listening to a street musician with a cup of fresh coffee in hand, the energy is warm and welcoming. In late July, the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival brings frozen indulgence and family fun to the park’s shady lawns.

Space for Everyone

Families appreciate the park’s two thoughtfully designed playgrounds. The Mayor’s Grove Playground is a fully accessible area filled with sensory-rich equipment and conveniently located near bathrooms and picnic tables. The Noguchi Playscape, designed by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, provides a creative landscape of shapes, textures, and colors, encouraging kids to climb and explore.

Dog lovers head northeast, where two fenced dog parks allow large and small breeds to roam freely. These parks are secluded yet spacious, giving pups plenty of room to run while owners socialize or relax under the trees.

Throughout the park, green space remains abundant. Wide lawns and shaded groves provide room to stretch out for picnics, naps, or casual gatherings. Benches near Lake Clara Meer offer serene views of the water, which is regularly stocked with bass and catfish for catch-and-release fishing.

Historic Venues with Modern Flair

Piedmont Park isn’t just about open space. It’s also home to three elegant venues for weddings and events. Magnolia Hall, Greystone, and Dockside offer classic Southern charm paired with city skyline views. With stone architecture, lakeside settings, and ivy-covered walls, these venues create an unforgettable backdrop for celebrations.

The nearby Piedmont Room and Piedmont Garden Tent extend the experience even further. Located at 500 10th Street NE and featuring interiors lined with original wood planks and granite walls from 1905, these venues blend architectural history with modern refinement. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up to Atlanta’s skyline, while garden surroundings offer a soft, romantic feel. Guests frequently praise the responsive service, customizable menus, and seamless coordination.

A Park with a Plan

Maintained by the nonprofit Piedmont Park Conservancy in collaboration with the City of Atlanta, the park benefits from over 95 percent of its daily operations being privately supported. Current initiatives like the “Seeds for the Future” campaign focus on protecting and expanding the park’s treasured tree canopy.

Guided tours, seasonal programming, workshops, and wellness series are regularly offered, with many events centered around sustainability, education, and community involvement. The Conservancy also releases a seasonal guide, keeping the public informed on what to see, try, and enjoy throughout the year.

Close to Everything

Piedmont Park is steps away from celebrated restaurants like Park Tavern and The Nook, known for their crowd-pleasing menus and skyline-facing patios. Visitors can easily plan a full day of city discovery, with the Atlanta Botanical Garden right next door, offering 30 acres of cultivated landscapes, a Children’s Garden, rotating exhibits, and hands-on classes.

Hotels such as Loews Atlanta, the W Atlanta Midtown, and Hyatt Atlanta Midtown are all within walking distance, offering upscale accommodations for those wishing to stay close to the park’s activities and attractions.

From sunrise jogs to twilight concerts, Piedmont Park delivers a dynamic slice of Atlanta life. It is a place for movement, creativity, reflection, and celebration—where every visit offers something new to explore.