Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Located in the middle of metro Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, rafting, biking, hiking, bird watching and even good old tubing through numerous parks and preserves from Lake Lanier to the city itself. Thanks in part to the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and other organizations, residents and visitors alike can reap the benefits and continue to help make the Chattahoochee even better for all Atlantans.

Fun Things to Do at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Hike Chattahoochee Trails

You’ll find several scenic trail systems to explore in the recreation area. The Palisades Trails are broken up into two sections, east and west. The West Palisades section features easier hikes, with four miles of mostly paved and flat trails. You’ll follow Rottenwood Creek with multiple bridge crossings. This section is a good bet for families and trail runners. The East Palisades are more strenuous (and usually less crowded). There’s more climbing, but you’ll be rewarded with stellar overlooks of the river and a stroll through a tall bamboo forest. In this section, you’ll find that more than six miles of unpaved trails intersect at various places allowing for a variety of loop hikes and options. The Cochran Shoals Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that’s popular with runners and cyclists as well, but hikers can branch off from the main trail to enjoy the multiple wooded paths that frequently cross creeks and traverse the rim of small valleys.

“Shoot The Hooch” (Tubing)

If you live in Atlanta, you’ve likely been invited to “shoot the Hooch” with some friends in tubes, kayaks, rafts or other watercraft with a cooler of cold beverages. The Chattahoochee stays cool all year long and is safe to float unless heavy rain dramatically increases the water flow.

Azalea Park near Roswell is a great place to start, and you can rent tubes or kayaks from several outfitters that will also shuttle you back to your car from the takeout.

Fish the Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee is one of the region’s top fishing destinations. Because the river’s water comes from deep reservoirs, it stays cold enough to support naturally reproducing trout. This makes the Hooch one of three trout rivers in the world that runs through a city with more than a million people. Whether you’re partial to fly fishing or using traditional bait, you can enjoy endless hours on the river (just make sure you have a valid Georgia fishing license).

Visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center

If you’re looking for a nature experience that the whole family will love, the Chattahoochee Nature Center offers lots of exhibits and outdoor-wetland trails to explore the ecology of the Chattahoochee River and teach your family members a little more about conservation and the biodiversity of the area. The CRNRA is also a meeting place where Atlanta goes to workout outside. With numerous paved and unpaved walking and biking trails, there are plenty of opportunities to break a sweat or just meander around the bends of the river to spot wildlife and get away.

Check out trails, fishing parks and other things to do at the Chattahoochee river.

Know Before You Go

While many spots are easily swimmer friendly along the Chattahoochee, it’s imperative to realize that the water depth varies wildly. The water is also frigid as you get closer to Morgan Falls dam to the point where you could have difficulty swimming from the shock, but the temperature mellows out as you head downstream.

If floating, it is recommended that you do a couple floats with an outfitter or someone who can show you a safe stretch of river for your skill level, as some areas have considerable rapids during higher flows.

Beyond safety, it’s also worth noting that the CRNRA requires an entry fee of $5 per day or $40 for an annual pass. Dogs are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash, and you must clean up after them. If you want to see your dog run loose, visit the Morgan Falls Dog Park to enjoy your pet and the river. 

Places To Stay Near the Chattahoochee River 

Being in the middle of metro-Atlanta, there’s no shortage of hotels or places to stay for a weekend visit.

Getting to Chattahoochee National Recreation Area

There are too many parks and points of interest to cover here, but this map page by the NPS will give you lots of information to help you see where you can go explore the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area.

Interested in visiting the Chattahoochee Nature Center for exhibits, programs and special events? The address is:
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Road 
Roswell, GA 30075 

Chattahoochee River

You’ll find a full 48 miles of river and more than 50 miles of trails in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and a good chunk of its best outdoor attractions are within Atlanta or conveniently close to it. In addition to the leaf-peeping charm and spectacularly scenic river-front views, the area is filled with opportunities for mountain biking, paddling, bouldering, fishing, hiking and more.

We’ve rounded up seven of the best trails, parks and other attractions located near the Chattahoochee River so you can start planning the perfect outdoor experience.

7 Must-Do Chattahoochee River Adventures Near Atlanta

1. Cycling from Cochran Shoals to Sope Creek

Mapped out like a figure eight with a bidirectional connector in the middle, the Sope Creek Trail, part of the Cochran Shoals system, includes miles of single track made of traffic-packed gravel, some wider dirt stretches and little elevation changes. That leisurely combination makes for a trek that’s mostly uninterrupted along its approximately seven miles. With a natural kaleidoscope of green, orange and yellow hues enveloping the forested bulk of its nine miles, it’s perfect for picturesque leaf-peeping. And at the grand-finale clearing, mountain bikers are rewarded with a serene stretch of the Chattahoochee, seemingly stretching for days.

Note that these trails are directional, though, and also multi-use. Check the signs at entrances to determine in which direction you should bike, keep your speed at 10 miles per hour or less and always be courteous of other folks, especially those on foot.

2. Hiking the East Palisades Trail

A diverse hike dotted with scenic jaw-droppers, the East Palisades Trail is an easy favorite for Atlanta hikers and runners. From the trailhead near Buckhead at Indian Trail, you’ll blast toward the river before reaching the banks of Long Island Creek, a small tributary, then cross a wooden bridge over another creek, where elevation is upped — you’re now at a bluff with a wide, idyllic view of the Chattahoochee. Yet another creek, stone building ruins and an old bridge later, you’re entering a grove of impressive 30-foot-tall bamboo stalks. Their subtle musicality amid the quiet is a unique highlight, but it’s the collective prowess of all these features that makes the East Palisades Trail so special. Before you retrace the trail heading back, you’re gifted a second bluff — another striking panorama. You can see some of the stunning views in this video from Atlanta chef Kevin Gillespie, in which he describes how wild Atlanta helps inspire him.

3. Catch Some Game Fish

Trout, bass and catfish galore — and then some — are the potential prizes when you fish in the cool temps of the Chattahoochee River. The prime area for fishing is the 12-mile stretch between Jones Bridge and Azalea Drive. Algae beds, submerged logs and rocks, plus pools with minimal currents, make for extra productive trout fishing. Expect a mixed pull of small rainbows and browns (the latter is actually naturally reproducing) and, if you’re lucky, some larger holdovers from the season past. Just remember, you’ll need a valid Georgia fishing license and a trout stamp if you’re older than 16.

Novices can even take a class or head out with an authorized guide for insider tips and tricks, be it bank, wading or boat fishing. With the right technique, you might snag yourself a trophy trout: The Georgia state record brown — a whopping 20 pounds, 14 ounces — was caught below the Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee in 2014.

4. Paddling the Chattahoochee River

Is shootin’ the ‘hooch the official Georgia pastime yet? It truly should be, and going the full 48 miles — save for an interruption at the dam at Morgan Falls — should be the Peach State’s crowning achievement for super-ambitious, extra-athletic paddlers.

Honestly, though, floating the calm flow of the Chattahoochee is one of the best ways to spend an early autumn day in the Atlanta outdoors. The backdrop — a pastiche of changing leaves along the forest-lined banks punctuated by bursts of birds and other wildlife — can’t be beat, and you’ve got options in the way of physical exertion. Make it a leisurely, relaxing excursion on a tube or raft, or kick things up a notch with a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, challenging yourself to push for faster speeds.

Shorter trips from Don White Memorial Park to Memorial Park (1.5 miles) or Powers Island to Paces Mill (2.5 miles) make for a half-day’s jaunt, or you can opt for the longer options of Island Ford to Azalea Park (3.5 miles) or Johnson Ferry to Paces Mill (6 miles). Bring your own floatation device and life jacket or rent from one of several businesses located at the various entrances.

5. Camp Overnight at Chattahoochee Bend

Spanning nearly 3,000 acres, Chattahoochee Bend is one of the state’s largest parks. Within the gargantuan tract that is this northwest Coweta County Park — only about an hour and a half outside Atlanta — there are umpteen campsite options, including primitive, screened-in Adirondack style, RV-ready sites with electric hook-ups, riverfront platforms and tent-only spots.

Rough it to your preferred degree, but don’t miss the more than six miles of wooded trails throughout and the superb sights from the designated observation platform. There is a five-mile stretch of Chattahoochee River frontage, too. Leave the tubes at home, though: This stretch of the river offers more excitement than most with steep banks, deep areas and changing currents. Conquer the Chattahoochee on canoe or kayak here instead — you can even rent on-site if you haven’t got your own.

6. Running and Dining in the Chattahoochee Hill Country

A tucked-away trove within the lush forest of the Chattahoochee Hills, Serenbe is a community of four hamlets built on the belief that sustainability and creativity are key to living your best life. As calm and serene as its name implies, the setting is peacefully rural — but culture and innovation are a major focus, too. Among the amenities on its 1,000 breathtaking acres: a massive arts complex, a holistic spa, yoga and Pilates classes, stables that offer horseback riding, a farmers and artisan market and, of course, premium farm-to-table dining options with ingredients sourced from Serenbe’s 25-acre organic farm.

Unsurprisingly, the trails at Serenbe are the stuff of bucolic dreams. Trekking down dirt paths, past the occasional blueberry bush and the pastoral peak of the farm, through the rolling hills, you’ll quickly forget you’re just 30 miles away from the perpetual busy buzz of the city. End your run with a seasonal dish or the famous fried chicken at the critically acclaimed Farmhouse, or head for the Hil, helmed by celebrated chef Hilary White.

7. Bouldering on Powers Island Trail

There’s more to this island than a picture-perfect hike or run along its mostly narrow 2.6-mile eponymous main trail. While that’s plenty reason to visit Powers Island, bouldering aficionados will also appreciate its modest but worthwhile crop of problems. Heading down the primary trail, you’ll see a creek, where you’ll bear left so the river’s on your right. That smaller path guides straight to the sizable Sandman, where you can conquer Power Nap and Lullaby, two problems that run out the roof.

Return to the main trail for another roof, easily noticeable just a few minutes in on the left; later, there’s another, more challenging boulder dubbed the Sundrop. Combined with the colorful foliage, a bamboo thicket around 1.3 miles, a vine-filled stretch and striking, unobstructed views of the Chattahoochee, Powers Island boasts a multi-faceted allure for bouldering enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The Chattahoochee River beckons with its picturesque landscapes and diverse recreational offerings, making it the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure in Atlanta. Whether you prefer leisurely floats along the river or adrenaline-pumping biking trails, an unforgettable outdoor experience awaits in Atlanta’s backyard.

Piedmont Park

Atlanta’s Central Urban Oasis

Piedmont Park’s reputation as Atlanta’s central urban oasis is a bit understated. Its rolling hills and miles of paved trails earn it that title, but today there are plenty of attractions and several hidden gems packed into this nearly 200-acre green space located just north of Downtown. Whether you’re looking to sprawl out a blanket for an afternoon picnic, join in a game of kickball with friends or go for a dash of culture at one of the dozens of annual festivals, Piedmont Park has a way of bringing it all together.

Originally founded as a country residence outside the city in the 1830s, Piedmont Park ties together several neighborhoods, including Midtown to the west, Ansley Park to the north and Virginia-Highland to the east. It connects to the Atlanta BeltLine Trail at the park’s southeastern corner.

Best Things to Do at Piedmont Park

• Walking and Biking Trails: Exploring the park on foot is a great way to see all it has to offer, with a variety of trails throughout. The park is connected to the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, a three-mile path that runs south through the city to Kirkwood Avenue (and eventually much further). Bike rentals offer a breezy way to get around and explore.
  
• Music, Food and Arts Festivals: Lots of events take place in Piedmont Park each year. Concert series like Music Midtown and the Atlanta Jazz Festival play to their own tune, packing the greens with throngs of music lovers. Foodies have tough choices about what to eat and drink during the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and the weekly Green Market on Saturday mornings. Some of the region’s best artisanal wares and custom creations are on full display (and sale) during the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Piedmont Park Arts Festival. Indulge in a sweet treat at the annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in late July.
  
• Games and Sports: Sports fields fill up fast during the warmer months (sign up early), with facilities for volleyball, softball, soccer, basketball, tennis, bocce and running. You’ll also find plenty of open green spaces to throw a Frisbee or play catch, and the park organizes several free outdoor yoga and fitness classes each month. In the winter, indoor ice skating is in full swing at Park Tavern every day of the week.
  
• Cool Pool and Splash Pad: An enticing draw during sweltering summer months is a chance to take a dip at the splash pad and Aquatic Center. The large, impressive pool includes four lap lanes, a beach entry and a current channel for lazy floating. The Legacy Foundation Splash Pad, which is free, features more than 70 jets that push water up 30 feet in the air. It’s a great way for kids to quickly cool off.

• Super Fun Playgrounds: The park features two impressive playgrounds for younger kids. The Mayor’s Grove Playground is surrounded by trees and is close to bathrooms and picnic tables. It’s a “Boundless” playground, which means it’s filled with sensory-rich features that allow children of all abilities to participate. The Noguchi Playscape was designed by artist and sculptor Isamu Noguchi and is filled with objects of different shapes, colors and textures, perfect for climbing and playing.

• Two Dog Parks: Two well-maintained dog parks (one for the big dogs, the other for the little ones) are situated in a secluded nook in the northeast section of the park.

• Wedding and Event Venues: Three historic venues are popular destinations for upscale weddings and other private events, including glamorous Magnolia Hall, granite-lined Greystone and Dockside, with skyline views on the shores of Lake Clara Meer.

Insider Tips

• A park map can be found as you exit the parking deck and several more maps can be found at various locations throughout the park.

• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy anywhere in the park’s open green space. Or grab a bite to eat from the concession stand, located at the entrance of the pool. It offers an extensive menu of snack and specialty items that are sure to please both kids and parents.

• Bring your fishing pole and cast a line into Lake Clara Meer from one of the piers or the dock. The lake is regularly stocked with largemouth bass and catfish.

• Check the park’s events calendar before you visit on the weekends to see what’s taking place. In addition to the farmers market that is open on Saturdays from March through mid-December, the park also offers guided history tours, weekly walking clubs, trivia nights, gardening classes and an assortment of other activities throughout the year.

• After a fun morning spent exploring, make plans to visit Atlanta Botanical Garden, located adjacent to Piedmont Park. It is home to more than 30 acres of beautiful gardens including a Children’s Garden, weekly shows and classes and a variety of events throughout the year.

Know Before You Go

Where is Piedmont Park Located?

Piedmont Park is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, bordered by Piedmont Avenue, Monroe Drive and 10th Street.

The address is:
Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, Ga. 30309

Nearest MARTA rail stations: Midtown Station and Arts Center Station

Where to Park at Piedmont Park?

A parking garage in the center of the park is an easy option for first-time visitors. Parking rates are typically based on the amount of time you spend in the park, and you can access the garage from Monroe Drive on Worchester Drive or off Piedmont Avenue at the Atlanta Botanical Garden entrance. Access the park from the lower level.

What is Near Piedmont Park?

Park visitors will find numerous dining options near Piedmont Park. Mainstay bars and restaurants near Piedmont Park like Park Tavern and the Nook offer killer views and signature vibes (and decadent eats, of course). Several hotels near Piedmont Park offer accommodations within walking distance. These include the W Atlanta Midtown, Hyatt Atlanta Midtown and Loews Atlanta Hotel. Midtown Atlanta is home to a unique array of boutiques, cafes and nightlife. After enjoying a day in the park, that’s not a bad way to spend the evening.

Originally written by RootsRated for Atlanta CVB

Phipps Plaza

Buckhead’s Iconic Luxury Shopping Destination

Phipps Plaza is an upscale shopping mall located in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, Ga. With its chandeliers, marble floors, grand staircase and luxury retailers, it is known as one of the most popular luxury shopping destinations in Atlanta. Shoppers looking to spoil themselves with high-end designer items will be more than pleased with the luxurious offerings available in this upscale shopping mall.

Reasons to Visit Phipps Plaza

• Phipps Plaza is home to more than 100 stores, including high-end brands like Gucci, Prada and Versace, as well as popular retailers like Nordstrom, Chico’s and J. Jill.

• The mall also offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Offerings include Alon’s Bakery & Market, Earl of Sandwich and Nobu Atlanta Restaurant.

• In addition to shopping and dining, Phipps Plaza offers entertainment options that include the LEGO Discovery Center and a 14-screen AMC theater. Take a break from shopping and have a drink or snack outside at The Green.

• Phipps Plaza is home to two luxurious hotels that offer the perfect escape and access to Atlanta’s notable shopping destination. The Marriott’s AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead features 166 European-inspired rooms, flexible venue spaces and re-designed amenities. Nobu Hotel Atlanta offers 152 stylish guest rooms, as well as a rooftop pool, meeting space, fitness facility and more.

• This upscale shopping mall also features a top-tier athletic country club, Life Time Fitness, which offers boutique programs, great amenities, fitness studios and an amazing rooftop Beach Club. The entire floor below the club features Life Time Work, a co-working concept that combines a world-class health club experience with exceptional workspaces.

Insider Tips

• The Phipps Plaza Valet is located at the main Peachtree Road entrance and is available to guests for a small fee.

• Situated just across Peachtree Road is Atlanta’s other upscale shopping mall, Lenox Square, the largest shopping mall in the Southeast.

Know Before You Go

Where is Phipps Plaza Located?

3500 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30326
(404) 262-0992

Discover even more fun things to do in the Buckhead neighborhood.

Lenox Square

The Southeast’s Top Shopping Destination

Lenox Square is one of the largest and most popular shopping malls in the Southeastern United States. With two stories of high-end boutiques and brand favorites situated in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood, Lenox Square is a favorite destination for both tourists and locals who are looking for an upscale shopping experience in Atlanta.

Reasons to visit Lenox Square

• Anchors include Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s along with more than 250 specialty boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, FENDI, Burberry and Marc Jacobs. You’ll also find an array of popular retailers like Apple, Zara and Gap.

• The mall has casual eateries and a food court with a variety of options, in addition to several fine dining restaurants. For dinner, grab a slice from California Pizza Kitchen or sit down for a quiet meal at True Food Kitchen.

• In addition to shopping and dining, Lenox Square hosts a range of events throughout the year, including fashion shows, concerts and seasonal celebrations. The Peachtree Road Race begins early on July Fourth outside the main entrance. The mall also participates in the annual Miracle on Peachtree.

• The mall offers a range of services to enhance the shopping experience, such as valet parking, personal shopping and gift wrapping.

Insider Tips

• Lenox Square offers free parking as well as valet parking.

• Situated just across Peachtree Road is Atlanta’s other upscale shopping mall, Phipps Plaza, one of the most prestigious shopping centers in the South.

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping malls boast some of the best celebrity sightings, so don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a musician or actor during your shopping adventures.

Know Before You Go

Where is Lenox Square Located?

3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30326
(404) 233-6767

Discover even more fun things to do in the Buckhead neighborhood.

Atlanta’s Shopping Districts

One of Atlanta’s best-known attributes is its shopping scene. Whether you’re looking for the newest fashion trends or vintage wares for your home, Atlanta has it. Even better, if you’re looking for something specific, Atlanta probably has a shopping district to meet your needs.

Atlantic Station

An eclectic assortment of more than 30 retailers, Atlantic Station features the Southeast’s flagship H&M store as well as the region’s largest Regal Cinemas 18. Atlantic Station also hosts events and community programs throughout the year including concerts, outdoor movies and ice-skating. If you prefer not to drive, take the red or gold line MARTA to the Arts Center Station and hop on the free Atlantic Station Shuttle.

Bennett Street District

Located in south Buckhead, Bennett Street District boasts some of the best decorative arts markets in the region. Enjoy various entertainment in the heart of Buckhead with cafes, decor shops, clothing boutiques and more.

Buckhead Village District

In addition to popular specialty stores such as Pinker Times and Diptyque, Buckhead Village District also showcases restaurant offerings such as the first Georgia outpost of Shake Shack, The Southern Gentleman, and Gypsy Kitchen.

Krog District

Krog District is filled with market stalls selling produce, goods and prepared food, along with a few Southern-grown restaurants and retailers.

Lenox Square

Home to Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Pandora, Cartier, David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, and nearly 250 other specialty stores, this popular shopping center is located in the heart of Buckhead, across the street from Phipps Plaza.

Little Five Points

This bohemian hangout is filled with a rich mix of art, theater and shopping. Find trendy clothes and gothic attire, get a piercing or tattoo, and find quirky gifts like no other, all in the funky neighborhood of Little Five Points Atlanta.

Miami Circle

If you like art and antiques, the Miami Circle area in Buckhead is known around the world for its museum-quality antiques, estate jewelry, rare book galleries and showrooms of unique lighting.

North Georgia Premium Outlets

About an hour drive north of the city, North Georgia Premium Outlets feature Saks Off 5th, Cole Haan, Kate Spade New York, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Michael Kors and Burberry, among many others.

Peachtree Battle Shopping Center

Situated in the heart of Buckhead, Peachtree Battle Shopping Center boasts shops, including the always entertaining Richard’s Variety Store.

Phipps Plaza

Phipps Plaza houses more than 100 high-end stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci. It’s also where you will find LEGO Discovery Center.

Ponce City Market

Housed within the historic Sears, Roebuck & Company building, Ponce City Market is the largest adaptive reuse project in Atlanta’s history and combines the Central Food Hall with various shops, flats and offices.

The Galleries of Peachtree Hills

This five-building complex designed in classical French style houses 24 distinctive antique and art galleries.

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta

Located in Woodstock, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is anchored by stores including Coach, Lucky Brand, Steve Madden and Vera Bradley.

Town Brookhaven

Town Brookhaven is home to restaurants and retail including Costco, Marshalls and LA Fitness.

Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland, a vibrant community east of Midtown, is best known for its restaurants, pubs, galleries and interesting shops along Virginia and Highland avenues. Among the variety of stores, find Dakota J’s for women’s clothing, Cachee for shoes and Tuscany at Your Table, an Italian market.

Westside Provisions District

Just west of Atlantic Station in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood is Westside Provisions District. This outdoor shopping destination is lined with stylish names like Anthropologie, Free People and East Fork.

Chastain Park

One of Atlanta’s Favorite Year-round Spots

Situated in trendy, upscale Buckhead is Atlanta’s largest city park, Chastain Park. The park beckons visitors and locals alike with an array of excellent attractions on its 268 acres. Enjoy a swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, walking trails, playgrounds, softball diamonds, a golf course and even a horse park. Chastain is also home to the Chastain Arts Center and Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, known for its concerts under the stars.

There’s so much ground to cover at this popular park that its security team actually patrols on horseback. Whether you’re up for a heart-pumping run along its leafy trails, a hands-on class at its arts center or getting in the saddle at its beautiful horse center, Chastain is one of Atlanta’s favorite year-round spots.

Reasons to Visit Chastain Park

• Live music under the stars: The Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park is the centerpiece of the park’s attractions. Since opening in 1944, the outdoor stage has played host to a who’s who of legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Bob Dylan. It also attracts a stellar rotation of newer stars. 

• Sports and athletics: The Chastain Park Athletic Club opens its pool during the summer and is free to the public on weekday mornings. Nearby, the Chastain Park Tennis Center offers lessons and league play for adults and kids, while the Northside Youth Center maintains a gym and playing fields and hosts youth football, cheerleading, fast-pitch softball, baseball and basketball. 

• Golf course and horse park: Golfers love Chastain Park’s public 18-hole course, where the hilly terrain provides stellar views of the Buckhead skyline. Equestrians of any skill level can take lessons at the Chastain Horse Park, which maintains a therapeutic riding program for people with disabilities and, in the summer, hosts the Horse Lovers camp for kids.

• A hub for the arts: Outdoor activity isn’t the only draw at Chastain Park. The Chastain Arts Center and Gallery is the oldest of Atlanta’s educational arts facilities and has been offering workshops and arts education for more than 50 years. Classes include mixed media book making, illustration and comics, picture framing, figure drawing, ceramics, collage art and printmaking. There are even yoga classes that cater specifically to artists.
  
  Additionally, the park hosts the annual Chastain Park Arts Festival where visitors enjoy fine art and crafts, a children’s area and gourmet food trucks along with local acoustic musicians.

• Walking and hiking trails: Chastain Park is a good destination for active types who want to walk or run along a paved path. Several trails — two 5Ks and a 3K — are managed by the PATH Foundation. The yellow-marked trail makes a three-mile trip, and the red and blue trails clock in around five miles. Each route takes you past the golf course, over Nancy Creek by bridge and around a fish-filled pond where you’re likely to spot wild ducks and geese.

• Children’s playground: Kids will have a blast at the Chastain Park Playground, where giant “oodle” swings allow two children to swing together. They can also race downhill on bumpy slides, scramble up a climbing wall and go exploring in a tree house. There’s even a music area where kids can play drums and chimes.

Insider Tips

• Chastain Park offers multiple parking lots at the north end of the park and a small parking lot next to the playground. Additional street parking can be found along Chastain Park Avenue and Chastain Memorial Parkway.

• Bathrooms and water fountains can be found at main structures and at the playground.

• You won’t have to go far if you get hungry as Buckhead is brimming with dining options. Take your pick from Southern fare, Korean barbecue, eateries near Buckhead Village District and the cluster of great dining establishments around Lenox Square, just a 10-minute drive from the park.

• Buckhead is also booming with topnotch accommodations.

Know Before You Go

Where is Chastain Park Located?

140 Chastain Park Ave. NW
Atlanta, Ga. 30342

Discover even more fun things to do in the Buckhead neighborhood.

PATH400

PATH400 is a 5.2-mile trail running along Georgia 400 through the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta and is part of a planned network of 106 acres of green space, parks and trails called the Buckhead Collection.

Reasons to Visit PATH400

1. PATH400 is a great place to get exercise by bike, skates, walking or running.
2. Stop and shop or dine at multiple locations along the path as it connects major shopping hubs like Lenox Square in addition to a number of restaurants.
3. Public art is on full display along PATH400. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to find murals, decorated birdhouses and picnic tables, shadow panels and more.
4. PATH400 continues to grow as new sections are completed. The plan includes linking up to the Atlanta BeltLine at the south end, trails in Sandy Springs and North Fulton County.

Insider Tips

• Live in the area? PATH400 was designed to make commuting easier. Liveable Buckhead can work with you to create a custom commute plan.
• PATH400 and Liveable Buckhead host many unique and fun events like Bike in Movies, PARK(ing) Day and more. Check out the Liveable Buckhead calendar for a list of events.
• Not all parking for PATH400 is free; view access and parking info.

Know Before You Go

• PATH400 is accessible to all but does have a few rules, notably, no motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs, electric scooters and bikes).
• The path is open from sunup to sundown, but closed at night.
• No alcoholic beverages, drugs or firearms are allowed.
• PATH400 is pet friendly, but please clean up after your pooch.
• Adhere to basic safety rules like yielding to pedestrians, keeping right and passing on left to ensure an enjoyable time for all.

Where is PATH400 Located?

PATH400 is located at:
3475 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30319

Shopping in Westside Atlanta

Just west of Midtown is Atlanta’s Westside, a walkable environment with trendy restaurants, eateries, and boutiques. Steeped in history dating back to the 1880s, many of the area’s boutiques are housed in restored factories and warehouses with a chic, industrial vibe, offering the perfect place to find a wide array of treasures, from paper goods to furniture.

Atlantic Station

An eclectic assortment of shops resides in Atlantic Station, featuring a walkable streetscape-style setting with brick-paved streets and the Atlantic Green in the midst of it all. The compact setting features great boutiques, sidewalk cafes, hip restaurants, and a boutique hotel, making it the perfect destination for visitors. With nearly 30 stores and 25 food options, Atlantic Station is the ultimate shopping destination for retail therapy, date night, girls’ night out, relaxation and more.

Westside Market Atlanta

Just south of Ballard and Hill Street Warehouse, head to the destination where new meets old. Atlanta’s Design Collective houses 95 leading merchants showcasing home accents, local art, new and handcrafted furniture, and fashion. You’ll find the latest selections by major manufacturers alongside vintage, mid-century, and antiques. Housed in an impressive 85,000 sq. foot industrial space, it is the most extensive handmade rug collection in Atlanta, along with original local art, home design sources, custom flooring and accessories. All priced with value in mind.

Westside Provisions District

At Westside Provisions District, chefs and shop owners offer unique retail with Atlanta’s finest furnishings, fashions and fun dining experiences. It’s Atlanta’s premier destination for boutique shopping and fine dining on the Westside.

West Midtown Design District

West Midtown is known for its wide variety of home furnishing showrooms featuring everything from contemporary to traditional furniture, antiques to vintage mid-century furnishings, and accessories to lighting. Fabric stores, custom workrooms, and craftsmen can help you create your vision or shop for great design ideas from ready-made offerings. The stores also ship worldwide, so if you find a fantastic set of 19th-century Louis XVI chairs you just can’t live without, rest assured you won’t have to.

LEGO Discovery Center

The newly renovated LEGO Discovery Center inspires guests through fun, interactive LEGO Creative Workshops assisted by a team of specialist Playmakers and Master Model Builders.

Reasons to visit LEGO Discovery Center

1. The 4D theater provides a fun and immersive experience for all the senses. 
2. DUPLO Park is perfect for families with younger kids. It’s a place where they can play and learn.
3. Kids can design and build a LEGO spaceship and launch it into cyberspace in the Space Shop Build & Scan.
4. At the Miniland display, see if you can spot the miniature local landmarks created from more than 1.5 million bricks.
5. The center invites kids to learn through play within the walls of LEGO Discovery Center in areas like Pirate Adventure Land, Build Adventures, Great Lego Race VR Experience and more.

Insider tips

• The center is fully accessible for all visitors and offers tactile activities including building with bricks and water play.
• LEGO Café offers fresh food, snacks and drinks on site. No outside food is allowed (except for babies and children with allergies).

Know before you go

Where is LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta located?

LEGO Discovery Center is conveniently located in Phipps Plaza in the Buckhead neighborhood at:

3500 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30326

• Parking is free and the closest is near Davio’s Italian Steakhouse. Enter and go straight up to the third floor. 
• Shoes are required for all visitors including kids.

Discover even more fun things to do in the Buckhead neighborhood.