Downtown Atlanta is a bustling, thriving hub of business, arts, culture, music, sports, and more. At the center of this neighborhood is Centennial Olympic Park, a 20+ acre greenspace loved by locals and visitors alike.
Originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, the park now serves as the heart of the city’s entertainment district, surrounded by world-famous attractions, museums, restaurants, major entertainment venues, and hidden local gems. Whether you’re spending an afternoon downtown, planning a weekend getaway, or looking for activities before a concert or sporting event, there’s no shortage of things to do within a short walk of the park.
Read on to find the best things to do near Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, including popular attractions and local favorites you won’t find in every travel guide!
The Best Things to Do Near Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta
12+ Attractions, Tours & Hidden Gems
Photo by @DowntownAtlanta
Unexpected Atlanta’s New Visitor Center & Gift Shop
Before exploring the city, make Unexpected Atlanta your first stop. As the #1-rated “Tour & Activity” company on TripAdvisor, Unexpected Atlanta is the go-to source for everything Atlanta, including our city’s history, activities, food, sports, and more!
Located at 121 Luckie Street NW just a few blocks from Centennial Olympic Park, this new downtown space is part visitor center, part local gift shop, and part culinary experience.
At the Unexpected Atlanta headquarters, you can:
- Get recommendations from local Atlanta tour guides
- Learn about top-rated Atlanta walking food tours and history tours
- Shop unique Atlanta gifts and locally-made products
- Join a popular Southern cooking classes
- Book family-friendly and last-minute experiences
Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for a day or staying all week, this is the perfect place to start your adventure.
Experience Centennial Olympic Park
Of course, no visit is complete without exploring the park itself! With more than 20 acres of greenspace in the middle of Downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is the perfect spot for a picnic or a rest in between activities.
Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park features:
- The iconic Fountain of Rings, pictured above
- Walking paths and gardens
- Cascading water features
- Public art and remembrance markers
- A tribute garden featuring 29 magnolia trees of 7 varieties
- Seasonal events and festivals
- Plenty of room for kids to play: bring a frisbee, a football, a kite, or other outdoor toys
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority maintains daily operations to keep the park safe, clean, and welcoming for visitors.
This is also one of Atlanta’s best places for skyline photos!
Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class
Turn lunch into an experience with the Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class! During this one-of-a-kind Atlanta food tour and cooking class, you’ll experience the delicious flavors that define the South.
Enjoy 5-7 delicious tastings from popular local vendors inside Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market while learning about our city’s history, Southern culinary traditions, and the stories behind Georgia’s most iconic ingredients.
Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on biscuit-making class! You’ll learn all the secrets to creating the perfect fluffy, flaky Southern biscuit. Plus, take home the recipe and make these biscuits over and over again.
This is one of our most popular experiences for visitors who want to eat like a local instead of following the typical tourist path. Join us to see why Unexpected Atlanta has a 5-star Google rating with more than 1,000 reviews!
World of Coca-Cola
Learn the story behind one of Atlanta’s most famous brands. World of Coca-Cola offers interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and the chance to taste Coca-Cola products from around the world.
Want an even deeper dive into Atlanta’s history? The Prohibition Progressive Dinner is an upscale, guided food and drink experience that includes exclusive access to the real Coca-Cola vault. It’s a unique experience that most visitors never get to see!
Georgia Aquarium
Just steps from the park is the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
At the Georgia Aquarium, you can come face-to-face with incredible marine life, including whale sharks, beluga whales, penguins, sea otters, and more. You can also catch an exciting dolphin presentation and explore interactive exhibits designed for visitors of all ages.
It’s no surprise the Georgia Aquarium is consistently one of Atlanta’s most popular family attractions!
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Located beside Centennial Olympic Park, this powerful museum connects the American Civil Rights Movement with today’s global human rights issues.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is an inspiring and memorable stop. A visit here pairs well with exploring Atlanta’s rich history with our nearby Martin Luther King, Jr. walking tour.
Atlanta Spice Lab Experience
If you’re looking for a unique indoor activity near Centennial Olympic Park, the Atlanta Spice Lab Experience is a must. During this fun, one-hour class, you’ll explore the science and stories behind the spices that have shaped cuisines around the world.
Let a knowledgeable guide lead you through interactive, food-based experiments. Then, put your new knowledge to work by creating two custom spice blends to take home, complete with recipe ideas to inspire your next meal!
This hands-on Spice Lab Experience is equal parts educational, creative, and delicious.
Southern Essentials Cooking Class
Learn to cook three Southern classics in this hands-on Atlanta cooking class that’s perfect for food lovers of all skill levels.
During the Southern Essentials Cooking Class, you’ll mix flaky buttermilk biscuits, whip up homemade pimiento cheese, and brew refreshing sweet tea while discovering the history and traditions behind these iconic Southern staples.
With easy-to-follow techniques, local food stories from a friendly tour guide, and recipes you can recreate at home, this is a fun and flavorful way to experience Atlanta!
SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel
For incredible views of Downtown Atlanta, ride the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel.
The climate-controlled gondolas offer panoramic views of Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Downtown Atlanta skyline, and sunsets over the city.
Roaring Twenties Dinner
Looking for an unforgettable Atlanta evening? The Prohibition Progressive Dinner blends Atlanta history with incredible food, craft cocktails, and exclusive access to places most visitors never see.
Savor nine generous tastings at some of Downtown Atlanta’s most acclaimed restaurants, sip craft cocktails while taking in breathtaking rooftop skyline views, uncover the city’s hidden Prohibition-era secrets, and get a peek at the real Coca-Cola vault!
This is one of Atlanta’s most unforgettable dining experiences, just minutes from Centennial Olympic Park.
Catch a Sports Game or Concert
Several major Atlanta sports and concert venues are within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, including:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a world-class venue for football, soccer, and concerts. This spot is known for its retractable roof and surprisingly affordable concessions.
- State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, unforgettable NBA games, concerts, and more.
- Georgia World Congress Center, host to countless festivals, cons, and other special events.
Whether you’re attending a Falcons game, Atlanta United match, concert, or convention, Centennial Olympic Park makes a convenient home base for intown adventures.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
A short drive or rideshare away, you’ll find one of Atlanta’s most meaningful historic sites: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park.
Unexpected Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. History Tour goes beyond the standard visitor experience by sharing stories, neighborhoods, and landmarks that many visitors overlook while visiting – including:
- Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (when open)
- Dr. and Mrs. King’s Memorial
- MLK, Jr.’s office at the Prince Hall Grand Lodge
- Skyline views at Atlanta’s Jackson Street Bridge
Named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Best Things to Do in Atlanta, this immersive experience is led by passionate local guides who share important stories of Atlanta’s history and the Civil Rights movement along the way.
Families traveling with children may also enjoy our MLK Kids Discovery Tour, designed specifically to keep visitors ages 6-12 engaged through games and interactive storytelling.
Explore More Atlanta Neighborhoods
Once you’ve experienced Downtown, consider venturing to some of Atlanta’s other beloved neighborhoods. Here are some of our favorite top-rated Atlanta experiences across the city:
- Grant Park Food Tour
- Midtown Atlanta Food & Mystery Tour
- Atlanta Art and Mural Tour
- Group experiences for family reunions, corporate teams, and more
From award-winning restaurants to public art and fascinating local history, these tours lead you beyond the usual tourist attractions to discover more of what makes Atlanta special.
Shop Local Before You Leave
Looking for a meaningful souvenir? Instead of another generic magnet or t-shirt, stop by the Unexpected Atlanta visitor center and gift shop at 121 Luckie Street NW to browse unique local gifts and Atlanta-themed merchandise that celebrates our city’s culture, neighborhoods, and food.
Photo by @DowntownAtlanta
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or picking up a thoughtful gift for someone back home, you’ll find items that capture the spirit of Atlanta. Take home a lasting reminder of your visit while supporting local makers and businesses!
Frequently Asked Questions: Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta
What is within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park?
Many of Atlanta’s top attractions are within a 5- to 15-minute walk of Centennial Olympic Park, including Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Unexpected Atlanta’s downtown location at 121 Luckie Street NW.
Is Centennial Olympic Park worth visiting?
Yes. Centennial Olympic Park is one of Atlanta’s most popular public spaces and serves as the center of our city’s downtown tourist district. It’s a great starting point for exploring nearby museums, restaurants, tours, and entertainment.
Where can I take a cooking class near Centennial Olympic Park?
Unexpected Atlanta offers hands-on Southern cooking classes nearby, including our popular Southern Biscuits and Pimiento Cheese Cooking Class and the Atlanta Spice Lab Experience. Both are family-friendly, indoors, and make a fun activity rain or shine.
What’s the best food tour near Centennial Olympic Park?
For visitors who want more than just restaurant recommendations, Unexpected Atlanta offers several guided food experiences nearby, including the Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class, the Atlanta Spice Lab Experience, the Prohibition Progressive Dinner for ages 21+, and more. Each experience combines local cuisine with fascinating Atlanta history for a truly unforgettable tour.
Plan Your Atlanta Adventure with Unexpected Atlanta
From Centennial Olympic Park, you’re just steps away from some of Atlanta’s best history, dining, attractions, and neighborhoods.
Whether you’re looking for a guided food tour, an interactive cooking class, a fascinating history walk, or simply advice from locals who know the city best, stop by Unexpected Atlanta at 121 Luckie Street NW. We’d love to help you discover an Atlanta that’s anything but expected.
Traveling with a Group? Book a Private Tour!
Planning a group trip to Atlanta? Make it even more memorable with a private tour!
Whether you’re organizing a corporate outing, school group, family reunion, or special celebration, we’ll create a fun, engaging experience tailored to your group. Fill out our quick inquiry form below, and a member of our team will be in touch to start planning.
