Atlantic Station occupies roughly 138 acres in the heart of Atlanta, developed in the early 2000s on the remediated brownfield site of the Atlantic Steel mill. The district sits just west of Midtown along 17th Street and offers a walkable grid of retail, restaurants, residences, and entertainment venues uncommon in car-dependent Atlanta.
What is Atlantic Station known for?
Atlantic Station is known as one of Atlanta’s first large-scale brownfield redevelopment projects, transforming a shuttered industrial site into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use neighborhood anchored by open-air retail along Market Street and Central Park, with national retailers, local restaurants, and a 16-screen Regal Cinemas multiplex all within walking distance of one another.
- Built on the former Atlantic Steel mill site, closed in 1998
- Home to Regal Atlantic Station cinema, one of Atlanta’s busiest multiplexes
- Central Park at Atlantic Station serves as the district’s main public green space
- IKEA operated a flagship store here for years; the site has since been redeveloped
Best things to do in Atlantic Station
The best things to do at Atlantic Station include catching a film at Regal Atlantic Station, browsing retailers along Market Street, attending outdoor concerts or seasonal events in Central Park, skating at the seasonal ice rink, and exploring the public art installations scattered throughout the district’s pedestrian plazas.
- Seasonal outdoor ice skating rink in Central Park during winter months
- Outdoor movie screenings and live music events in Central Park
- Shopping at national retailers including H&M, Gap, and Dillard’s
- Holiday light displays and festivals throughout the calendar year
Where to eat in Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station’s dining options line Market Street and the surrounding blocks, ranging from fast-casual chains to sit-down restaurants including a Tin Lizzy’s Cantina serving Tex-Mex, a Yard House with an extensive beer and food menu, and a P.F. Chang’s, alongside local quick-service options throughout the open-air corridors.
- Yard House: large American menu, extensive draft beer selection on Market Street
- Tin Lizzy’s Cantina: local Atlanta Tex-Mex chain with tacos and margaritas
- P.F. Chang’s: reliable pan-Asian dishes in a full-service setting
- Several fast-casual and counter-service options for quick meals between activities
How to get to Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is accessible from Midtown Atlanta via a dedicated free shuttle that runs from the Arts Center MARTA station on the Red and Gold lines, making it reachable without a car; drivers can access the district directly from 17th Street NW or I-75/I-85 via the 17th Street bridge, with parking decks available on-site.
- Free circulator shuttle connects Arts Center MARTA station to Atlantic Station
- Arts Center station serves MARTA Red and Gold lines
- 17th Street bridge provides direct pedestrian and vehicle access from Midtown
- On-site parking decks located throughout the district for drivers
Where to walk in Atlantic Station
The most rewarding walk at Atlantic Station follows Market Street from the 17th Street entrance south through the retail core to Central Park, then loops through the residential streets of the West Village section, covering the district’s full pedestrian grid and passing public art, restaurant patios, and green spaces in under a mile.
- Market Street: primary retail and dining corridor through the district center
- Central Park: landscaped green space ideal for a midday stroll or rest
- 17th Street bridge: connects Atlantic Station directly to Midtown’s street grid
Best time to visit Atlantic Station
The best time to visit Atlantic Station is on weekend afternoons from spring through fall when outdoor events, farmer’s markets, and al fresco dining are most active; the winter holiday season draws visitors for the ice rink and light installations, while weekday mornings are quietest for shopping without crowds.
- Spring and fall weekends offer the most outdoor programming and comfortable weather
- December brings holiday markets, ice skating, and seasonal light displays
- Summer evenings feature outdoor concerts and movie screenings in Central Park
- Weekday mornings are least crowded for retail and dining
