Atlanta 1 full day

Question

Spending 2 nights in Atlanta as part of a roadtrip. With flight arrival time we’ll have 1 evening in Atlanta & 1 whole day (thinking a mid town hotel) so Marta to a midtown. We like outdoor space and after a long flight these are what we’ve found that sound of interest walking a section of the belt line .. fourth ward park or Piedmont park ? Ponce city market (rooftop restaurant/views)

The following morning Marta back to car rental at airport. We’ll be heading west(south) to Tuscaloosa next so thought maybe by renting at airport we’d avoid worst of the city traffic ? Would that be right? Don’t mind paying a bit more to avoid being thrown into traffic hell on the first days drive ..

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a great trip to Atlanta with just one full day to explore! Here are some details and suggestions to help make the most of your short stay:

Evening in Atlanta: Since you’ll be arriving in the evening, staying in Midtown is a good choice, as it's a vibrant area with plenty of things to do, even after dark. The BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and Ponce City Market are all easily accessible from Midtown. You can explore the BeltLine, which has great outdoor art installations, bars, and restaurants. You can also take a walk around Piedmont Park, though it might be best to visit the park the next day when you have more time and daylight.

Fourth Ward Park vs Piedmont Park: Both parks are great, but for a more expansive outdoor experience with trails, large green spaces, and a pond, Piedmont Park is the better option. It’s a larger park with beautiful views of the Atlanta skyline, and you can easily walk there from Midtown. Fourth Ward Park is a smaller urban park, but it’s perfect if you want a quick, quieter spot along the BeltLine with more of a neighborhood feel.
Ponce City Market: This is a great choice for an evening out, especially if you want to check out some rooftop views and have dinner. The rooftop has great views of the city and the Atlanta skyline, and you can enjoy food, drinks, or even games like mini-golf. It’s a very popular spot, so it’s worth checking out!

Transportation and Airport Considerations: Regarding your morning plans, it’s definitely a smart move to rent your car at the airport. This will save you from having to navigate through Atlanta’s busy city traffic, especially during rush hour, and give you a quicker start to your trip. Marta (Atlanta's public transit system) can take you to Midtown from the airport, and the ride is relatively easy and quick (about 20 minutes). Renting the car at the airport allows you to avoid the worst of downtown traffic, and you'll have a smoother transition for your drive west/south to Tuscaloosa.

Avoiding City Traffic: Renting at the airport will help you avoid the busiest parts of Atlanta traffic. If you rent in Midtown, you’d have to deal with more congested city areas, which can slow you down, especially in the morning. Traffic on I-85 and I-75 (which is the route toward Tuscaloosa) can be heavy, especially during rush hours, but starting from the airport puts you on the highway quicker without city delays.
Time Considerations: If you’re looking to get out of the city without much hassle, getting the rental at the airport and leaving early in the morning will minimize your time spent in traffic.

Additional Tips: If you have more time in the evening, consider exploring the Midtown area more, with great restaurants like South City Kitchen or Bar Margot for a nice dinner. If you’re a fan of history or culture, you could also swing by the High Museum of Art if you have some time to spare.

Overall, it sounds like you’re on the right track with your plans, and renting from the airport is definitely a great option to avoid city traffic. Enjoy your time in Atlanta!

Atlanta 1 full day

More Atlanta Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions