clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

10 Parks, Secret Gardens and Green Spaces in Atlanta

View as Map

August is on its way out, meaning we may have just a few more weeks of oppressive heat before the weather gives way to autumn's awesomeness. With bearable temperatures on the horizon, you'll soon be able to leave your air-conditioned cocoon, go outside and actually enjoy the experience. Atlanta's got tons of outdoor spaces that are pretty sweet — Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, the Beltline, etc. — but if you want to slink away somewhere quiet, there's plenty of lesser-known places, too. After the jump, check out 10 off-the-beaten-path outdoor spaces in Atlanta. One even has a resident emu.


· Kirkwood Urban Forest Community Garden
· Lake Claire Community Land Trust
· Ansley Park Beautification Foundation
· Roof Garden at Clough Commons
· Cator Woolford Gardens at the Frazer Center
· Springvale Park
· Japanese Zen Garden at the Hyatt Grand
· Mountain Way Common
· A Guide to Lullwater Park
· Serene PATH400 Park to Host Ribbon-Cutting Next Month [Curbed Atlanta]

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Kirkwood Urban Forest Community Garden

Copy Link

Formerly an illegal dump, this seven-acre slice of paradise is a forest filled with trails, a creek and even a community garden.

Lake Claire Community Land Trust

Copy Link

Just one-and-1/2 acres, this elevated piece of land next to the MARTA tracks used to be filled with kudzu. Now there's a playground complete with resident emu, Big Lou.

The Parks of Ansley Park

Copy Link

With five separate parks nestled amongst the winding streets of Ansley Park, there's plenty of space to relax in the shade of big oaks, surrounded by beautiful old homes.

Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons (CULC)

Copy Link

Located on the roof of Georgia Tech's Student Center, this garden provides views across campus above the bustle of the quad.

Cator Woolford Gardens

Copy Link

Located at the Frazer Center, this 39-acre old-growth forest is one of the few remaining historic estates in the metro area and a popular spot for weddings.

Springvale Park

Copy Link

Stretching through the heart of Inman Park, Springvale was the brainchild of Joel Hurt and designed by the famous landscape architects the Olmsteads.

Japanese Garden at Grand Hyatt

Copy Link

Epitomizing feng shui, complete with a 32-foot waterfall, the park was designed by a Kyoto-based architect, making it super-legit.

Cocktails in the Garden

Copy Link

While the Atlanta Botanical Gardens aren't all that secret, not everyone knows about their Cocktails in the Garden series. Because plants are a lot more interesting when there is alcohol.

Mountain Way Common

Copy Link

Located beneath Georgia Highway 400 in a secluded residential valley, the park is undergoing some major upgrades in preparation for its linking to PATH400.

Lullwater Preserve

Copy Link

Owned by Emory University, this 154-acre preserve features a massive suspension bridge over a lake, plus trails and plenty of opportunity to see wildlife.

Loading comments...

Kirkwood Urban Forest Community Garden

Formerly an illegal dump, this seven-acre slice of paradise is a forest filled with trails, a creek and even a community garden.

Lake Claire Community Land Trust

Just one-and-1/2 acres, this elevated piece of land next to the MARTA tracks used to be filled with kudzu. Now there's a playground complete with resident emu, Big Lou.

The Parks of Ansley Park

With five separate parks nestled amongst the winding streets of Ansley Park, there's plenty of space to relax in the shade of big oaks, surrounded by beautiful old homes.

Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons (CULC)

Located on the roof of Georgia Tech's Student Center, this garden provides views across campus above the bustle of the quad.

Cator Woolford Gardens

Located at the Frazer Center, this 39-acre old-growth forest is one of the few remaining historic estates in the metro area and a popular spot for weddings.

Springvale Park

Stretching through the heart of Inman Park, Springvale was the brainchild of Joel Hurt and designed by the famous landscape architects the Olmsteads.

Japanese Garden at Grand Hyatt

Epitomizing feng shui, complete with a 32-foot waterfall, the park was designed by a Kyoto-based architect, making it super-legit.

Cocktails in the Garden

While the Atlanta Botanical Gardens aren't all that secret, not everyone knows about their Cocktails in the Garden series. Because plants are a lot more interesting when there is alcohol.

Mountain Way Common

Located beneath Georgia Highway 400 in a secluded residential valley, the park is undergoing some major upgrades in preparation for its linking to PATH400.

Lullwater Preserve

Owned by Emory University, this 154-acre preserve features a massive suspension bridge over a lake, plus trails and plenty of opportunity to see wildlife.