Atlanta, Georgia has some of the most beautiful parks in the Southeast.
In this article, we’re going to show you where some of the best parks are in Atlanta. You can use these spots for a quick jog, a pleasant walk or even a nice picnic.
Greenspaces have become even more popular during the coronavirus pandemic, where getting into the open air and away from large crowds can do wonders for our physical as well as mental health.
Here Are The Best Atlanta Parks
So, you can see that finding great park space is no biggie in Atlanta, and yet, many Atlanta parks have their own features, dynamics and geography. Whether you’re looking for a place to just chill and relax or trying to find a place for your kids to play, you’ll find that the best Atlanta parks have a little of both.
So, which Atlanta parks are the best? Well, how about we rely on the many voices found on the internet to answer that question? AtlantaFi has compiled numerous comments from various sites to get their take on the best Atlanta parks you can find.
Cook Park
Cook Park in the Vine City neighborhood of Atlanta has all the amenities you’d want in an urban greenspace: It’s close to the community, near downtown and is expertly manicured!
Bellwood Quarry
The Bellwood Quarry Westside Park is old abandoned quarry converted into a modern urban water reservoir park.
Here’s what one park lover says about Bellwood Quarry: “This is going to be one amazing park after my first big love Piedmont Park. I love the fact that you can walk or bike around the entire park and end up in different section. I spent hours walking around this park and loved it. I will sure be going there again for my nature walk. I love the fact that the city of Atlanta is working hard to create these different parks venue for people to be outside and keep them healthy. This is a smart investment for people who know how much health care cost in this country. Keep up the good work opening these different venue to keep us healthy.”
Perkerson Park
Perkerson Park, located at 770 Deckner Ave SW Atlanta, is a 50-acre park in the Capitol View/Sylvan Hills neighborhoods. It has a basketball half-court just past its entrance, but up the path on a plateau about 200 yards away is a full court basketball court. There’s also a kids’ playground, a recreational fields, a jogging track and frisbee tournament grounds.
South Atlanta Park
Located at Gammon St SE, South Atlanta Park opens at 8 a.m. daily. One Google reviewer said this about South Atlanta Park: “I normally love coming to this park but lately it feels like maintenance has been lacking. This used to be one of my favorite places to come- don’t get me wrong- still is an amazing park. Just wished it was a bit cleaner and up kept.”
South Bend Park
South Bend Park, one of the south side’s signature parks, is located at 1955 Compton Dr SE Atlanta. Here’s what one Google reviewer said: “The trail is very nice but the park itself is a bit sketchy. A lot of homeless make the covered areas their residence. The playground, and all play areas for that matter, could use a good pressure washing. The baseball field looks nice but no rec sports are offered by this park. There’s no public engagement from the city at this park. Which is unfortunate because our community needs it! Maybe a burger/hot dog day in exchange for the community to come out and clean up the park while meeting the neighbors. Just a thought.”
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park located in Downtown Atlanta fascinated me so much that we(my family & I)ended up spending more than an hour here appreciating the Fall Foliage and clicking tonnes of pictures.
The Fountain of Rings, The Bronze Arch statue and the Statue of The founder of Olympic Committee are the predominant Charms of the park.”
Emma Millican Park
Emma Millican Park, located in Capital View Manor neighoborhood just off Metropolitan Parkway in southwest Atlanta, is a relatively small park built for families, picnics and shade tree chillin’.
Here’s what one Google reviewer said: “Perfect place for a 1 year old grandson to take his grandpa to wear him out so grandpa will sleep well that night. All of it is clean and in great shape. We go several times each week.”
Grant Park
Grant Park, adjacent to its namesake neighborhood, is the oldest city park in Atlanta and is known for its sprawling green space. The park is a favorite of eastsiders, many of whom live in the Victorian homes that surround the park.
One Google reviewer said: “Much nicer than it was in the 90s. Yes, it has been that long since I have been there. The Farmer’s Market that runs 9 to 1 most Sundays is great. Less produce and more local artisans with cheese, meats, soaps, bread and on like that. We were there to walk our dogs, but the market was nice. We had wood fired pizza, scones, donuts, coffee, and iced tea. There is produce, but not many. Maybe in warmer months there is more.”
D.H. Stanton Park
D.H. Stanton Park has some pretty trails as well as a baseball park. Located at 213 Haygood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, Stanton Park is located around some of the oldest neighborhoods in southwest Atlanta.
One Google reviewer said this: “Wow! Such a nice playground for kids. Splash pad, rubber Hill area, seating, the works! Use Martin Street address when getting directions from MAPS. If you use Haygood address you will end up on a dead end on a tight Street you don’t want to be on! Didn’t give it 5 stars because there is limited shaded area that is subject to being taken over for a birthday party and no off-street parking.”
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Avery Park (The Gilbert House)
Avery Park, where the Gilbert House is located, sits on a civil war site that has been turned into a tourist gathering spot in southwest Atlanta.
“The Gilbert house is a historical Civil War Revenant one of the few homes surviving the burning of Atlanta the house was saved by local who put the fire out years later in the mid-60s the house was restored and now acts as a spool the grounds are very attractive and large lots of shade trees and the home itself is very handsome,” one Google reviewer said. “Excellent artifact from the 1800s in the Civil War Gilbert house if you’d like to see a piece of History.”
Springvale Park
Springvale Park is located in the Inman Park neighborhood in Midtown Atlanta. Located at 889 Euclid Ave NE, Springvale Park is a best-kept secret in the city.
Here’s what one Google reviewer had to say: “Cute little Park tucked away in the Inman Park neighborhood. Has a stream that is really cute for taking pictures.”
Pittman Park
Pittman Park is a recreational mecca for the neighborhoods around Garibaldi Street in southwest Atlanta. PIttman Park has a basketball ball court, a recreation field, a tennis court, a pool and more.
One Google reviewer said: “It is a good park the have cheerleading, football, basketball, and track. You will really love it.”
Howell Park
Howell Park is one of the best parks in Atlanta’s West End area. Located at 983 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Howell Park is a great place to get some fresh air or read a book.
Here’s what one Google reviewer said: “This park needs a facelift…. Things are slowly being added to improve the serviceability of the park but the city should do more to push the junkies and the drunks that frequent the park somewhere else.”
The Rev. James Orange Park at Oakland City
James Orange Park at 1305 Oakland Ln SW has been a family gathering spot for Oakland City residents for years.
“Nice park,” one reviewer said. “Well maintained. Upgraded pool. Not very busy. Nice gazebo for parties and reunions. Surrounding areas is a little questionable.”
Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s flagship park, PIedmont Park is the crown jewel of Midtown. The park is a great place for a jog, sightseeing or to even have a wedding. Adjacent to the Beltline, Piedmont Park also has a farmer’s market and nearby restaurants.
Here’s what a local guide said: “Superb clean park. Many things to do and a huge park for the whole family. You can walk🚶, skate, bike🚲 , scooter or more through this beautiful part of Atlanta. You can rest some of the places for events through the park system, even wedding venues. On Saturday they have farmers market with unique goods. A must stop if your visiting Atlanta.”
Hurt Park
Hurt Park in downtown Atlanta is a favorite green space near the city’s financial district as well as Georgia State University. Since the main homeless shelter closed in 2017, Hurt Park has been a primary place for homeless people.
Here’s what a reviewer said: “This is a historic park in the area of Edgewood Ave. At this park you will see college students, professional people, people playing board games etc. However, homeless individuals gather here too. Our ministerial group passed out Pre-Thanksgiving dishes to the homeless.”
Boulevard Crossing Park
Atlanta Memorial Park
Atlanta Memorial Park is a great place to run, jog or walk. With multiple tennis courts, the park is well-designed for athletic play. It also has a golf course, playgrounds and trails.
Here’s how a Google reviewer described it: “Great park for trail walking. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash. Beautiful wooded trails with multiple loops/ routes for different distances. A lot of different wildlife can be seen, from deer to owls. Very popular for runners and walkers. Has a pond and streams. The pond can be fished. Great family spot.”
Woodruff Park
Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta is a beautiful park a short distance from Underground Atlanta just off Peachtree Street. It’s nothing to see scores of people in the park due to GSU students milling about in the pavilion as well as homeless people congregating there to play or watch chess games.
One Google reviewer said: “I love coming to this place. There are two different areas to choose from depending on the size of your dog or what tots you’d like to have available for them to play with. People here are always friendly and nice and even bad weather can’t spoil the fun of bringing out your pet to play!”
Cabbagetown Park
Cabbagetown Park is a major green space in its namesake neighborhood. While it’s not a large park, it packs a punch with a children’s playground, sculptures and plenty of room to run around.
“Cool neighborhood park,” one reviewer said. “Perfect for a quiet afternoon of reading or chilling with kids/dogs. The sitting area under the big tree is very shaded for those hot days. Walk over to Sweet Cheats for coffee and something sweet.”
Maddox Park
Situated on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Maddox Park is a hot location due to its inclusion in the Beltline designs. Want easy access? Maddox Park is conveniently located across from the Bankhead MARTA Station.
Here’s what one reviewer said: “With the train station being literally at the park, the industrial ambiance is quite relaxing, if you ask me. The Marta train station is located across the street. Thankfully, a pavilion is close in distance to cool off at & is perfect for hosting parties. The basketball court is gated and filled with great street players. There is also a gated pool with a kiddie umbrella water area. The only thing I dislike is the lack of parking spaces in front of the parks community building.”
How You Can Save Atlanta’s Parks
You might not know it but, Atlanta’s parks are endangered due to urban sprawl and utter neglect from city officials and the community. But you can do something about that.
Join the movement spearheaded by the Trust for Public Land to put a park within a 10-minute walk of every American.
Final Word
Atlanta, Georgia has become an oasis of public greenspaces. People looking for wide open spaces and green acreage don’t have to travel very far to find it in the city.
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Got any other ATL parks to add to the list? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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