Last Updated on June 19, 2026 by Tami
When looking for the perfect blend of deep Southern history, striking Victorian architecture, and vibrant green spaces, there is an endless array of fascinating things to do in Grant Park, Atlanta. As one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, this historic enclave invites visitors to step back in time while simultaneously enjoying a modern culture. Whether you are strolling beneath a canopy of century-old trees, paying respects to local legends, or exploring pioneering urban trails, a day spent here reveals a beautifully preserved side of the city that captures the true heart of Atlanta.
While serving in Atlanta as church missionaries, my husband and I enjoyed opportunities to explore the city and surrounding neighborhoods. As we’re particularly interested in history, the Grant Park neighborhood was an intriguing option for us. We hope this article will spark your interest as well. As you explore Grant Park, consider these highlights:
1. Grant Park
The Park
The namesake of this historic neighborhood, Grant Park, is a beautiful oasis of over 130 acres of green. Originally the site of Fort Walker during the Civil War, it is now the oldest of all city-owned parks. It is also the fourth largest park in Atlanta. With walking trails, fountains, and shady vistas of mature trees and green spaces, it is an important stop while visiting the Grant Park neighborhood. In addition, a pond, ball courts, restrooms, a playground and recreation center make Grant Park a treasure for its community.
CYCLORAMA
Grant Park was also the first home of the Cyclorama, a historic painting depicting the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. It was created as a traveling exhibit in the North, but was purchased and brought to Atlanta in 1891. The painting was 49 feet high and 358 feet long, weighing 10,000 lbs. A special building was created to hold it with a civil war museum, in Grant Park. The original building is now part of the Savannah Exhibit at Zoo Atlanta. In 2014, the Cyclorama was fully restored and is currently housed at the Atlanta History Center. You will still see signs for the Cyclorama at Grant Park.
2. Zoo Atlanta
History
Grant Park includes Zoo Atlanta, one of the oldest continuous zoos in the United States, opening its doors in 1889. Its origins are unique, beginning with the bankruptcy of a traveling circus. A menagerie of exotic animals were left behind. A local businessman, George Valentine Gress, bought the animals and donated them to the city, which carved out a permanent home for them right in Grant Park.
Today
Today, the zoo is a world-class conservation hub. It is also famous for being one of a few zoos to house giant pandas. Not only known for its animals, but for special events held during the year, Zoo Atlanta attracts crowds at Boo at the Zoo, Cookies with Santa, and Illuminights — a fantastic display of lights and animal-shaped lanterns during the holiday season.
3. Oakland Cemetery: More Than Tombstones
Oakland Cemetery is essentially Atlanta’s oldest public park and a breathtaking example of a Victorian “rural cemetery,” designed to be a peaceful, garden-like sanctuary for the living to picnic and stroll. My husband and I enjoyed strolling under the majestic trees to see the unique vaults and tombstones. I even spotted a Calhoun vault, which may or may not house one of my Calhoun ancestors.
Want to know who is resting beneath the historic monuments? Touring the grounds and learning about these legends is widely considered one of the absolute best things to do in Grant Park Atlanta:
- Margaret Mitchell: The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gone with the Wind rests here under a surprisingly modest headstone, which constantly receives tokens and flowers from literary fans.
- Bobby Jones: The legendary grand-slam golfer is a major point of interest. Visitors frequently leave golf balls and tees at his grave site as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
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Maynard Jackson: Atlanta’s trailblazing first Black mayor, who helped expand the airport and bring the 1996 Olympics to the city.
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Kenny Rogers: You’ll find this beloved, smooth-voiced country music icon laid to rest here in an elegant private mausoleum.
Historical Footnote: The cemetery is also home to thousands of unmarked graves, including a vast Confederate section, a federal Union section, and a historic African American section that tells a poignant story of the city’s segregated past.
4. The Lemuel P. Grant Mansion
The history of this 1856 Italianate-style mansion is incredibly dramatic and ties the whole neighborhood together. It is one of only a few buildings in Atlanta that survived the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. During the burning of Atlanta in 1864, Union troops spared this house from the flames when they discovered Masonic paraphernalia inside, honoring a code to protect fellow Masons.
It is the ultimate piece of Atlanta trivia that Bobby Jones was actually born in a first-floor bedroom of this house in 1902. Decades later, Margaret Mitchell personally stepped in with thousands of dollars to buy and safeguard the property from being lost to time. Today, the mansion serves as the headquarters for the Atlanta Preservation Center. For years, they’ve been meticulously restoring the structure after it survived decades of neglect and devastating fires.
Grant Park was named after Lemuel P. Grant, as well as the surrounding historic community. If you are interested in a free tour of this home, see this site for a schedule of tours.
5. The Victorian Homes & Tree Canopy
Recommended DIY “Victorian Architecture” Walking Loop
If you want to explore the best streets together for a beautiful architectural walk, you can easily stroll this highly scenic, 1.5-mile free loop:
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Start at the Lemuel P. Grant Mansion (300 Cherokee Ave SE): Appreciate the 1856 Italianate architecture—the birthplace of golfer Bobby Jones and the home that sparked the neighborhood’s footprint.
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Walk North on Cherokee Avenue: This stretch directly faces the park and features grand, sweeping Queen Anne Victorians with wrap-around porches, turret towers, and the neighborhood’s signature sunburst porch brackets.
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Turn West onto Sydney Street SE: This street offers a tight, beautiful canopy of trees framing incredibly well-preserved, smaller-scale Folk Victorians and classic double-shotgun Victorian cottages.
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Turn South onto Grant Street SE: As you walk back down, you’ll see a wonderful structural transition from late 19th-century Victorians into early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows.
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Finish along Georgia Avenue SE: This brings you right near local cafes and eateries where you can rest your feet.
Other Hidden Gems & Spots of Interest
Grant Park Farmers Market
The Grant Park Farmer’s Market operates seasonally on Saturdays and has grown into one of the better-attended neighborhood markets in Atlanta.
Legendary Local Eats
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Ria’s Bluebird: Located right across from Oakland Cemetery, this cozy, eclectic diner is legendary for its breakfast. The New York Times once dubbed their buttermilk pancakes the best in the world.
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Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House: Located right on the edge of the cemetery, this lively seafood spot playfully leans into its location with its name and offers a fantastic rooftop deck overlooking the historic graveyard and the city skyline.
The Beacon Atlanta
Found at 1039 Grant St. SE, the Beacon is a brilliant example of adaptive reuse. This vibrant complex transformed a row of historic industrial warehouses into a creative neighborhood hub. Filled with local restaurants, boutique shops, and bakeries, it’s a treat to stop for a visit.
Access to the Atlanta Beltline
This amazing re-creation of old railroad lines and connector trails between green spaces is a 22-mile circle around Atlanta. The Beltline features sculptures, murals, and other works of art as well as popular places to eat and beautiful trails that make you feel connected to nature. The Grant Park neighborhood sits along the Beltline route and has several access points along the path. This makes it easy to walk to other neighborhoods without having to move or re-park your car! See my expansive article about the Atlanta Beltline.
Conclusion
Whether you love diving into local history, admiring the beautiful Victorian architecture, wandering through nature, or just finding a new favorite place to eat, Grant Park really has something for everyone. It’s such a welcoming part of Atlanta, and I think you’ll find that a day spent here is truly special. I hope these highlights help you plan things to do in Grant Park, Atlanta to match your own interests.
Nice overview — clear and helpful. Quick question: any tips on the best entrance or parking spot to use if I want to visit the park, zoo, and Oakland Cemetery all in one afternoon? Also, is public transit convenient for that loop or is driving preferable?
Nice of you to “stop by”, Viggo. You certainly can drive through the Grant Park neighborhoods to see the historic homes. You can see some of the park that way as well. But the best option is walking, if it’s not too hot. Street parking is generally free, but be sure to check for signs indicating otherwise. There are a few parking lots within the park and street parking is available near the cemetery also. The zoo, however, has paid parking lots, about $3 per hour — one at 800 Cherokee Ave SE and the other at Grant Park Gateway Facility, 759 Boulevard SE. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Grant Park neighborhood.
I love how the Belt Line walking/cycling path has connected this wonderful place and so many others around Atlanta!
What cool homes!!!
Yes, so well cared for and preserved!