A Visitor’s Guide to Centennial Olympic Park: History, Attractions, and Events
Centennial Olympic Park, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, is a sprawling 21-acre public park that serves as both a tribute to the 1996 Summer Olympics and a popular gathering place for residents and visitors. The park was originally built as a central hub for the Olympic Games and has since transformed into one of Atlanta’s most beloved green spaces. Offering beautiful fountains, walking paths, and scenic views, Centennial Olympic Park is a key part of Atlanta’s downtown landscape, connecting visitors to nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Whether you’re looking to relax, enjoy outdoor events, or explore Atlanta’s history, Centennial Olympic Park provides a peaceful and fun-filled destination in the heart of the city. The park is also home to Atlanta’s famous Fountain of Rings, a popular spot for both children and adults to cool off and watch interactive water displays.
A Living Legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics
Centennial Olympic Park was created to serve as a central gathering space for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and remains one of the most enduring legacies of the event. After the games, the park underwent significant renovations to make it a permanent attraction for the city. Today, it stands as a symbol of Atlanta’s role on the world stage and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history in hosting the Olympics.
What to See and Do at Centennial Olympic Park
- Fountain of Rings:
- The Fountain of Rings is the park’s most iconic feature, and one of the largest interactive fountains in the world. Designed in the shape of the Olympic rings, this playful water feature offers timed shows set to music, with jets of water shooting into the air in synchronized patterns. Visitors can watch the show from the surrounding plaza or join in the fun by running through the sprays of water, especially on hot summer days.
- Water Show Schedule:
- The Fountain of Rings plays its music and light shows four times daily, making it a fun stop during any visit to the park. The shows typically take place at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m..
- The Great Lawn:
- The Great Lawn is a large, open green space perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or enjoying outdoor activities. With plenty of room to spread out, the Great Lawn is a favorite spot for families, sunbathers, and those looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the park.
- Concerts and Events:
- Throughout the year, the Great Lawn hosts numerous concerts, festivals, and outdoor events, including Fourth of July fireworks and the popular Music at Noon series. It’s a versatile space that comes alive during Atlanta’s biggest celebrations.
- The Quilt Plazas:
- Scattered throughout Centennial Olympic Park are the Quilt Plazas, which feature engraved brickspurchased by individuals, businesses, and organizations to support the park’s development. These bricks form part of a large “quilt” pattern that celebrates the contributions of the Atlanta community and Olympic participants to the park’s creation.
- Find Your Brick:
- If you or someone you know contributed a brick to the park’s construction, you can use the brick locator service at the park to find the exact location of your brick.
- Olympic Games Monument:
- The Olympic Games Monument is a tribute to the 1996 Summer Olympics, featuring sculptures, plaques, and displays that commemorate the athletes, events, and history of the games. The monument tells the story of Atlanta’s journey to becoming an Olympic city and offers insight into the significance of the games in shaping the city’s modern identity.
- SkyView Atlanta:
- The SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel is located just outside the park and offers breathtaking views of downtown Atlanta and beyond. Standing at 200 feet tall, SkyView features enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, making it a great year-round attraction for visitors looking to get a bird’s-eye view of the city.
- Nighttime Views:
- Riding SkyView at night offers a particularly beautiful view of Atlanta’s skyline, with the city lights providing a magical backdrop to your Ferris wheel experience.
- Playgrounds and Splash Pads:
- Centennial Olympic Park is family-friendly and includes a children’s playground where younger visitors can climb, swing, and slide to their heart’s content. Additionally, the park features several splash pads that are open during the summer, allowing children to cool off and play in the water in a safe environment.
- Scenic Walking Paths:
- The park’s walking paths wind through manicured gardens, reflecting pools, and shady groves, providing a scenic route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a more active experience, the paths offer plenty of opportunities to explore the park’s natural beauty and Olympic-themed features.
- Public Art:
- Along the pathways, you’ll also find pieces of public art that reflect both the park’s Olympic heritage and the city’s cultural vibrancy. These sculptures and installations are integrated into the park’s landscape, enhancing the experience for visitors as they explore.
- Events and Festivals:
- Centennial Olympic Park is a prime location for some of Atlanta’s most exciting annual events, including the Fourth of July Celebration, Holiday in Lights, and the SweetWater 420 Fest. These events draw thousands of people to the park each year for live music, food, and entertainment.
- Holiday in Lights:
- During the winter months, the park transforms into a holiday wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The Holiday in Lights display is a favorite for families and visitors, creating a magical atmosphere for the holiday season.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Centennial Olympic Park is within walking distance of many of Atlanta’s top attractions, making it a convenient starting point for a day of sightseeing. Just steps away from the park are the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame, among other popular destinations.
- Georgia Aquarium: The world’s largest aquarium by volume, the Georgia Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 marine animals, including whale sharks, beluga whales, and dolphins.
- World of Coca-Cola: This interactive museum tells the story of the world’s most famous soft drink and includes exhibits on the history of Coca-Cola, global advertising campaigns, and the chance to taste Coke products from around the world.
How to Get There
Centennial Olympic Park is centrally located in downtown Atlanta, making it easily accessible by car, public transportation, or on foot from nearby attractions.
- Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Public Transport: The park is accessible via MARTA, Atlanta’s public transportation system, with the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center and Peachtree Center stations nearby.
- Parking: Paid parking is available in lots and garages surrounding the park, but using public transportation or rideshare services is recommended during busy times or large events.
Visiting Hours and Admission
Centennial Olympic Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and admission to the park is free. However, certain events and attractions within the park, such as SkyView Atlanta, may require separate admission fees.
- Fountain of Rings Water Shows: Daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m..
- Official Website: Centennial Olympic Park
Best Time to Visit
Centennial Olympic Park is beautiful year-round, but certain times and events offer unique experiences:
- Spring and Summer (March to August): Ideal for outdoor activities, concerts, and water play at the Fountain of Rings and splash pads.
- Fall (September to November): Perfect for enjoying cooler weather and autumn events like festivals and outdoor markets.
- Winter (December to February): Visit for the Holiday in Lights display and ice skating at the nearby Skate the Sky rink.
A Must-Visit for History, Recreation, and Events
With its mix of history, recreation, and entertainment, Centennial Olympic Park is a must-visit destination in Atlanta. Whether you’re relaxing by the Fountain of Rings, attending a live concert on the Great Lawn, or exploring the city’s nearby attractions, the park offers a unique blend of urban green space and cultural significance that appeals to visitors of all ages.
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