atlanta things to do tagged interest

An Urban Oasis Just Beyond Downtown

Grant Park is not only Atlanta’s oldest park but also one of its most diverse destinations. Covering more than 130 acres, Grant Park is the perfect place for visitors to explore an urban oasis beyond the hustle and bustle of Downtown while soaking up the history of bygone eras.

Nearby, an array of shopping and dining options makes it a cinch to mingle with locals in beloved neighborhood spots. Meanwhile, Zoo Atlanta and the serene acres of Oakland Cemetery, the most historic cemetery in the city, are other highlights of the area and its namesake park, a must-do whether you’re a longtime local or just in town for a few days.

Things to Do at Grant Park

Enjoy Walking and Biking Trails: Inside the green space of Grant Park, there are walking and jogging paths, two natural springs, a recreation center with adjacent basketball and tennis courts, and a playground. The Grant Park Loop Trail provides scenic views and is popular for an easy walk through the park. Biking through the tree-lined streets is another great way to explore the area.

Explore the Park’s History: Grant Park is also home to historic landmarks like the restored Milledge Fountain. In the park’s southeastern corner, a Civil War fort stands more than 1,000 feet high, offering a lesser-known spot where you can get an incredible view of the Downtown skyline. Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding Grant Park neighborhood which boasts beautiful 19th century Victorian homes that give you a sense of Atlanta’s rich history.

Discover the Wonders of Zoo Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta, originally known as the Grant Park Zoo, was established in 1889, just a few years after the park itself. Today, the zoo is home to some 1,500 animals, including pandas, zebras, orangutans, gorillas, crocodiles, tortoises, snakes, a variety of birds and many other species. To provide a deeper understanding of the animals, zookeepers offer educational talks, and visitors can also take advantage of presentations like raptor flights and “wild encounter” programs that allow close-ups with animals. In recent years, the zoo has added even more specialty programs, such as animal-themed family yoga, cultural heritage festivals and art exhibits. During the fall, the popular Boo at the Zoo, transforms the space into a family-friendly Halloween festival.

Make a Stop at the Farmers Market: Grant Park is especially busy on Sundays when the hugely popular Grant Park Farmers Market, a favorite of local chefs and foodies, draws more than 50 vendors. All along Cherokee Avenue, you’ll find fresh produce and specialty groceries (sauces, breads, chocolates, pasta), ready-to-devour fare (crepes, pastries, pizza, kombucha) and handmade goods like jewelry, sustainable bath and body products and more. Events also include chef demonstrations.

Insider Tips

On any given day round the clock, you can walk to the end of Cherokee Avenue and find something to please your palate in the cluster of bustling neighborhood restaurants like Dakota Blue and Grant Central Pizza and Pasta.

Around the corner on Memorial Drive are a slew of additional hot spots, such as Mezcalito’s Cocina and Tequila Bar, the seafood-centric Six Feet Under whose name is a nod to historic Oakland Cemetery just across the street From the balcony, you can get a prime view of the serene rows of tombstones and the much-beloved brunch mainstay, Ria’s Bluebird.

Weekends can get busy, especially with families visiting the zoo, so if you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday. Early morning and late afternoon are also better times to visit, when the temperatures are cooler and crowds fewer, especially in the summer.

Check the park’s calendar. Grant Park hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival, which includes live music, local vendors and food trucks.

Know Before You Go

Where is Grant Park Located?

Cherokee Avenue

Atlanta, Ga. 30312

(404) 521-0938

Where to Park at Grant Park?

Free parking is available in the Public/Zoo Atlanta Parking Lot (800 Cherokee Ave. SE). You might also find street parking near the park but be sure to observe signs, and don’t block driveways.

Originally written by Jhoni Jackson with RootsRated Media in partnership with Atlanta CVB.