Georgia’s capital is known as “The City in a Forest” because it has an abundant tree canopy. The trees and plant life provide countless opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying the convenience and culture of urban life. The are exercise groups, classes that teach about gardening, and festivals that make use of the glorious spring weather. This is a taste of the best outdoor spaces and activities that make spring in Atlanta truly special.
Piedmont Park: Atlanta's Urban Oasis
At the heart of Midtown sits Piedmont Park, Atlanta's answer to New York's Central Park. This 189-acre green space serves as the city's playground, featuring rolling meadows, serene lakes, wooded areas, and panoramic skyline views. Originally designed by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted (the mastermind behind Central Park), Piedmont Park combines natural beauty with thoughtful urban design.
Spring brings Piedmont Park to life, with joggers circling the Active Oval, picnickers spreading blankets on Oak Hill, and photographers snapping pictures of the skyline across Lake Clara Meer. The park's extensive trail system provides perfect pathways for walking, running, or cycling, while dedicated courts and fields accommodate everything from tennis and basketball to soccer and softball. If you want to stay near Piedmont Park, the southwest corner is only a couple of blocks from Stonehurst Place.
Upcoming Events at Piedmont Park
This spring, Piedmont Park offers a robust calendar of activities for all interests:
- Guided History Tours take place every Saturday at 10 am, offering fascinating insights into the park's 115+ year history.
- Painting Flowers Guided Workshop on April 3 provides an opportunity to capture the park's blooming beauty on canvas.
- Intro to Fishing for Adults at Lake Clara Meer on April 6 helps beginners learn the basics. Note that a valid Georgia Fishing License is required to participate.
- Cultivating Curiosity Garden Series on April 8 and May 6 offers hands-on education about companion beds and pollinator plants.
- Garden Mixology Class in the Community Garden on April 16 teaches participants to craft cocktails using fresh herbs and edible flowers.
- Free Yoga in the Park on April 17 and May 15 welcomes practitioners of all levels for rejuvenating outdoor sessions.
- Bike-In Movie presentation of The Lorax on April 18 combines cycling and cinema for an eco-friendly evening.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: A Floral Paradise
Housed inside Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers 30 acres of meticulously curated plant collections, exhibitions, and displays. Spring is perhaps the most magical time to visit this horticultural haven, as thousands of bulbs, perennials, and flowering trees create a kaleidoscope of color and fragrance.
The Garden's highlights include the Fuqua Orchid Center (home to one of the country's largest orchid collections), the Kendeda Canopy Walk (an elevated pathway through the treetops), and the Edible Garden (showcasing sustainable food production). There are many reasons to visit the Gardens any time of year.
Spring Events at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Orchid Daze runs through April 13, showcasing thousands of exotic orchids in creative displays.
- Atlanta Blooms transforms the garden throughout March and April with thousands of tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs.
- Cocktails in the Garden returns on Thursday evenings in May, offering adult visitors the chance to sip creative concoctions while strolling through illuminated garden spaces.
The Atlanta Beltline: Urban Exploration on Foot or Wheels
The Atlanta Beltline represents one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in the country. This network of 22 miles of multi-use trails, built along former railway corridors, will eventually encircle the city's core. Currently, several segments are complete and heavily used.
Spring on the Beltline means encountering everything from public art installations and impromptu music performances to pop-up markets and food festivals. The trail passes numerous parks, restaurants, breweries, and shops, making it easy to create a full day of exploration. Look for the bright bursts of native wildflowers that line portions of the trail and the bustling energy of Atlantans enjoying the perfect spring weather.
Beltline Activities and Events
- Weekly Runs take place on Thursdays, sponsored by Atlanta Beltline Partnership and Atlanta Track Club, welcoming runners and walkers of all abilities.
- Tree Tours with the Beltline Arboretum highlight the diverse urban forest that lines the trails
- Trail Skating groups and lessons provide fun opportunities for roller skaters and bladers to enjoy the smooth pathways.
- Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade on May 3 illuminates the trail with thousands of handmade lanterns, creating a magical community celebration.
Zoo Atlanta: Wild Encounters in Grant Park
Historic Grant Park is home to Zoo Atlanta where visitors can have close encounters with over 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species. Spring brings increased activity among the residents, making it an ideal time to visit. The zoo's crown jewels include one of North America's largest gorilla collections and an expansive African savanna habitat.
Spring at Zoo Atlanta means comfortable temperatures for both visitors and animals, blooming gardens throughout the grounds, and the possibility of spotting adorable baby animals. The zoo's commitment to conservation education comes alive during this season of renewal and growth.
Zoo Atlanta Spring Events
- Beastly Feast Gala on May 3 offers an elegant evening of dining and fundraising to support the zoo's mission.
- Endangered Species Day on May 17 highlights conservation efforts and the critical importance of protecting threatened wildlife.
- Brew at the Zoo on May 24 combines craft beer tasting with after-hours animal viewing for an adults-only adventure.
Atlanta's Beloved Spring Festivals
Beyond these major outdoor destinations, Atlanta celebrates spring with numerous festivals throughout the city:
- Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes over Piedmont Park from April 11-13, 2025 to celebrate the city's iconic flowering trees with art, music, food, and entertainment. Read here for five reasons to visit Atlanta for the Dogwood Festival.
- Georgia Renaissance Festival runs from April 12 through June 1, transforming a forested area in nearby Fairburn into a 16th-century English village complete with artisans, entertainers, and period food.
- Inman Park Festival on April 26-27 showcases one of Atlanta's most beautiful historic neighborhoods with home tours, a street market, live music, and the famously quirky parade.
- Georgia State Fair from May 9-18 brings classic rides, games, performances, and fair food to the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Embracing Atlanta's Spring Splendor
Spring in Atlanta offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban amenities. Whether you're seeking peaceful moments among blooming gardens, family-friendly animal encounters, community celebrations, or active outdoor adventures, the city delivers in abundance.
From the dogwoods of Piedmont Park to the lantern-lit Beltline, from the tulips of the Botanical Garden to the exotic residents of Zoo Atlanta, springtime in the City in the Forest invites exploration, celebration, and connection with both nature and community. Don't miss this magical season when Atlanta truly shines.
