The most expansive and popular of Atlanta's city parks was originally laid out for the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, and it now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Dog owners, sun-seekers, and sports enthusiasts flock to Piedmont Park to enjoy the fair weather, largely unaware that this was the spot of the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. Its picturesque locales also offer a romantic ambiance. The 189-acre (76.48-hectare) facility is home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and scenic Lake Clara Meer and plays host to many of Atlanta's favorite concerts and festivals.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the largest spectacles of plant life in the Southeast. Sprawling over 30 acres (12.14 hectares), this natural oasis was established in 1976 and is located within stumbling distance of the famous Piedmont Park. It is home to the Fuqua Conservatory and Japanese gardens, both rich in globe-spanning flora. Follow a walking trail, which is a favorite of couples, and admire exotic rose plantations and carnivorous specimens. In addition, guided tours and seasonal shows guarantee an entertaining botany lesson.
A rolling oasis nestled in the heart of downtown Atlanta, this lush park is interspersed with sprawling rock gardens. Built to enhance the infrastructure for the 1996 Summer Olympics, this park is fringed by a tapestry of buildings significant to the city, like the CNN Center, Philips Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center. The nearly 500,000 commemorative bricks that make up its main walkway were a part of fundraising efforts for the Games. During scorching Atlanta summers, children frolic in the ground-level Olympic Rings, which periodically shoot streams of water through their five rings. One of the most promising features of the park is the fascinating 'Fountain of Rings', a technology-controlled fountain complete with music, light towers and a splash pad; not only is the fountain a hive of fun and frolic, but it is also a great architectural feat. The park is also home to several other water features and is a massive locus for live music in the city's downtown. Bearing stunning semblances of natural wonders and an iconic Olympic legacy, Centennial Olympic Park is a site that Atlanta holds close to its heart.
The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 as one of the largest aquariums in the world. Located in downtown Atlanta, it is undoubtedly a breathtaking experience for all its visitors. A generous endowment from Bernard Marcus, the co-founder of Home Depot, made this dynamic aquarium possible. It showcases exotic sea creatures such as giant groupers, beluga whales and whale sharks. With 500 species, you will see something new and different no matter when you visit. One can opt for sleepovers with friends and enjoy a night-time experience in the aquarium. In addition, it also offers an expansive educational program for students of all ages and several interactive animal experiences.
Just minutes away from downtown Atlanta, located in the historic Grant Park, the exciting Zoo Atlanta features the Southeast's most impressive collection of wildlife from around the globe. Legend has it that the zoo got its start when the owners of a traveling animal show went bankrupt and suddenly fled town. Today, popular exhibits include daily elephant demonstrations, giraffe feedings, and a meet-and-greet with Chinese pandas. Various spots within the zoo make for wonderful locations to host private celebrations too.
Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a 3200-acre (1300-hectare) park centres on the world's largest exposed granite mountain. Skylift gondolas whisk visitors 825 feet (251 meters) to the top, where commanding views of the Georgia countryside await them. The north face's bas-relief memorial to Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson is one of the world's largest. An antebellum plantation, an antique auto museum and a petting zoo are all located within the park. Playing host to myriad activities such as camping, dining, and lodging, this park bears wooden mountain slopes bearing recherche Georgia oak, natural pools as well as delightful, verdant foliage. During the summer, there are evening laser light shows on the mountain, whereas the Great Barn and Geyser Towers are other attractions in the park. Some of the major trails coursing through the park include the Cherokee Trail, Walk-Up Trail, Nature Garden Trail, and Songbird Habitat Trail.
Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, Heritage Green is a public park that is operated by the Heritage Sandy Springs organization, which is a not-for-profit entity that strives to preserve the heritage and culture of the city. A nice grassy space, it is a good spot to walk your dog or spend some time with your family. Admission is free to the park, which comprises attractions like the Sandy Springs Historic Site, the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, and the Williams Payne House Museum. Also, the park is home to the original natural springs that have been preserved.
Lake Claire Community Land Trust offers a green space to relax, unwind and introspect. It is privately-owned, but open to the public and features long, winding paths under shady trees. It also has a pet emu called Big Lou who is loved and petted by most locals. One can rent a piece of land and grow vegetables of one's choice. Lake Claire Community Land Trust is a community park where people come together and maintain the land.
The Oakhurst Garden organizes field trips, seminars and events to spread environmental awareness among adults and children. It explains the various arenas of environmental science and nature in order to cultivate a better tomorrow. Visitors are also taught practical approaches of composting and agriculture so that they too can do their bit in preserving the environment. There is a playground for children too. Pets are allowed on a leash.
The Peachtree Trolley is a company which provides tours across Atlanta. These tours will take you to the best sites around the city and unfold its history, the lives of the people and discover the delights that make up this lovely place. It will include the legends and stories of Georgia Aquarium, CNN, Oakland Cemetery, Underground Atlanta, etc. This fully-narrated tour covers all the must-see places in enclosed, climate-controlled buses which ensure the comfort of the travelers. Check the website for tour timings.
Exodus Ranch is a delightful ranch for equestrian enthusiasts. Come enjoy the open countryside of Georgia, as you ride the majestic horses of the Ranch. At night, warm your feet by the bonfire, as you gaze above into the clear starry sky.