If you’ve been feeling cramped by the concrete jungle, you’re not alone. Grey skyscrapers and boxy bedrooms can become dull after sitting in them all day, working and chatting away. And if you’re a SCAD student, you’re tight-roping around projects, careers and cabin fever — oh my! So while the winter months melt behind you, take advantage of these lovely outdoor locations in Atlanta.
Run and Play at Piedmont Park
In the heart of Midtown, Piedmont Park has something for everyone.
Wide sidewalks frame soft patches of green grass — a perfect loop for joggers and their dogs. Friends challenge each other to basketball or tennis on the routinely-cleaned courts. Parents chase after their little ones throughout the wheelchair-accessible playground. And in front of the flower bushes, newlyweds pose for the camera, capturing a magical moment in time.
Whether you’re an athlete, volunteer or someone who likes to stop and smell the roses, Piedmont is the ultimate outdoor location for family fun, festivals and picnics.
Shop and Dine at Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is a shopping center within walking or busing distance of the SCAD Atlanta campus. So if you’re not a big nature-lover, you can get some fresh air by searching small-business setups or sitting on the grass patch to watch sports on the big screen.
Atlantic Station meets the festive mood during the holidays by putting out decorative displays. And in the evening, lights flash in a rainbow of colors on the splash pad, making for a fantastic photo opportunity.
As one of the most “instagrammable” locations in Midtown, Atlantic Station allows you to support local businesses and get your steps in at the same time.
Adventure the Atlanta Beltline
Surrounding the Historic Fourth Ward Park, the Beltline offers the best running, walking and riding experience. Zoom on a scooter, hop on your bike and stroll around the paved pathway while getting great views of the cityscape.
And if you’re seeking bigger thrills, there’s an industry-standard, Tony Hawk-approved skate park.
Learn Something New at Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery is a historic burial ground known as “Atlanta’s oldest public park.”
Beautiful architecture and natural plant life surround the approximately 40,000 grave markers scattered across Oakland. But don’t worry, this park rarely hosts funerals today, making it more comfortable to visit than most private cemeteries.
Oakland welcomes tour groups, field trips and everyday Atlantans eager to learn and conserve the environment. Seriously people, respect the dead.
Entertain at Centennial Olympic Park
Looking for 90s nostalgia? Centennial Olympic Park earned its name by commemorating the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. In 2022, visitors can take pictures with the iconic Olympic rings that change colors and fountain water.
Ride the Ferris wheel, attend a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center, or book tickets to the concert of a lifetime at the nearby Mercedes-Benz stadium. You won’t want to miss the events happening in this area.
Watch a Game at Truist Park
America is the land of the free, and Truist Park is the home of the Braves. After winning the World Series in 2021, Atlanta Braves baseball fans are feeling good, bringing life to Truist’s massive stadium. But no matter which team you cheer for, baseball fans will have a blast at this outdoor ballpark.
Venture Beyond the City
If these Atlanta-based locations can’t satisfy your urge to run into the wild, you should try getting outside the city by visiting one of these locations:
—Chattahoochee River and Nature Center
Go Wherever the Wind Blows
If you’re truly out of options, sometimes the best thing to do is go outside with your friends and start walking. You never know where you’ll end up!
