A Day in Piedmont Park

This post is in collaboration with Expedia. All opinions are my own.

When Nick and I moved to Atlanta a little over 5 years ago, we made an effort to go out and explore our new city. We went to the museums, tried all the restaurants, checked out all the concert venues. There’s no shortage of things to do in Atlanta. That means a lot to me, having lived in a small town until I went to college. Lately we’ve been trying to get out and enjoy our city more and we’ve tapped into some of our old favorites (like going to the High Museum). One of our all time favorite things to do in Atlanta is spend a day in Piedmont Park. It’s a wonderfully central location and there’s so much to do in the area.

A Day in Piedmont Park

A couple weekends ago, Nick and I took a day to just hang out in Piedmont Park. There’s a lot to do in and around the park – more than you can probably do in a day – so it’s a perfect way to spend a spring or summer day. The park is still a little drab this time of year; the trees are bare and the grass is brown. The weather has been mostly gorgeous the past few weeks, though, and I reckon that things will green up very soon. In the meantime, there’s no reason you can’t go experience the park and take advantage of this gorgeous weather.

If you’re not sure what to do, we’ve provided a roundup of several ways to spend time in and around Piedmont Park.

Have a Picnic

During our most recent visit, we found one of our favorite spots in the park and set up for a quick picnic. It’s always quiet in the late morning on a Sunday; early mornings on a Saturday are great, too. You’ll likely only be sharing the park with the runners and, with any luck at all, all the cute dogs. Nick and I just packed enough for a snack and parked ourselves in a quiet area of the park, but feel free to bring a whole spread and set up in the grass and people watch (one of our favorite things) for as long as you please.

Go for a Walk or Run

I’d say this is the most basic and essential thing to do in Piedmont Park and it’s totally free (unless you pay for parking).

Have a Coffee

While you’re on your morning stroll, pop over to Blue Donkey Coffee for a cup o’ joe. They have a truck located in the park for your convenience and there are a few cafe tables where you can have a rest and enjoy your caffeine.

Go on a Bird Walk

If a regular walk won’t cut it for you, join the Atlanta Audubon Society for a bird walk on the first Saturday of every month. I’ve never been on one of these walks, but I’ll be going to one this year for sure (Nick already promised he’d join). One little known fact about me is that I LOVE birds. I come by it honestly (my grandmother is birdwatcher) and I am not ashamed. I have an app on my phone that helps me identify birds and it even has a catalogue of bird calls! Needless to say, this is right up my ally.

Attend a Fitness Class

The Piedmont Park Conservancy offers a couple fitness classes in the park (for a fee), including yoga every Saturday at 10:00 am.

Attend a Festival

Atlanta and, more specifically Piedmont Park, hosts a few festivals throughout the year. The popular Atlanta Dogwood Festival is next month. Music Midtown is also in Piedmont park later in the year. Check the Piedmont Park Conservancy calendar of events to see what else is going on.

Visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are adjacent to Piedmont park (and actually kinda sorta in Piedmont Park), so if you’re interested, definitely include this in your day in Piedmont Park. We actually usually park at the gardens’/park’s joint parking deck every time we visit because it’s just super convenient. You can enjoy the park all morning then head to the gardens when they open or go to the gardens then head to the park for a picnic.

Venture Outside of Piedmont Park

One of our favorite things about Piedmont Park is it’s proximity to some other really great things in Atlanta. The park is not far from The High Museum of Art or Ponce City Market. You can actually walk to either if you don’t mind a 20-30 minute walk. There’s access to the Atlanta Beltline from Piedmont Park, so that’s a great option (that actually goes to PCM). There’s also a slew of restaurants within walking distance: Park Tavern, The Nook, Flying Biscuit, and more.

Live in Atlanta or love to visit? What are your favorite things to do in and around Piedmont Park?

As always, thanks for visiting!

xo,

Mae