The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in DeKalb County

It’s convenient to take the road under the tunnel, rather than taking the path on the sides of the bridge

In the heart of downtown Atlanta lies Woodruff Park, a green oasis surrounded by tall buildings and urban bustle. During my walk, the park offered a welcome break: wide paths, fountains, and seating areas make it an ideal spot to relax or people-watch. The park has an open, welcoming atmosphere and is often used for events, art installations, and social gatherings. The combination of nature, architecture, and city life makes Woodruff Park a great stop during an urban hike through Atlanta.

One of the most impressive artistic experiences during my walk through Atlanta was passing through the Krog Street Tunnel. This tunnel is no ordinary passageway, but a living canvas where graffiti and street art are constantly evolving. Every square meter is covered with layers of paint, messages, characters, and colors—a visual dialogue between artists and the city. It feels like walking through a gallery that never closes and is always changing. Just outside the tunnel runs Wylie Street, where the street art extends further along walls, fences, and buildings. Here you'll see larger murals, often with social or cultural themes, and a mix of styles ranging from abstract to hyperrealistic. The atmosphere is energetic and inspiring—perfect for those who love urban art and visual storytelling. This place is a must-see for any walker who wants to experience Atlanta off the beaten path. The combination of raw creativity and local expression makes it one of the most authentic stops on the BeltLine route.

My walk along the Atlanta BeltLine was one of the most vibrant experiences in the city. This former railway line has been transformed into a dynamic walking and cycling path that winds through various neighborhoods like a creative artery. What immediately stands out is the rich presence of street art—from colorful murals to interactive sculptures. Every few meters, a new work of art seems to surprise you, often with social or cultural messages that perfectly capture the spirit of Atlanta. A highlight was my stop at Ponce City Market, a vibrant gathering place where the industrial architecture of the old warehouse is combined with modern flair. Inside, a culinary discovery awaited: I dined in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by locals, travelers, and creatives. The food hall offers flavors from around the world, and the open design creates a cozy, almost European market experience. The combination of art, gastronomy, and urban energy makes the BeltLine an ideal route for anyone who wants to experience, taste, and admire Atlanta. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy walking with a cultural twist.

During my walk through downtown Atlanta, I passed Hardy Ivy Park, a small but meaningful triangular park at the intersection of Peachtree and West Peachtree Streets. The park is named after Hardy Ivy, the first European settler in the area that would later become Atlanta.

A green oasis in the heart of downtown Atlanta, created for the 1996 Olympic Games, the park is perfect for a break from sightseeing. Stroll past fountains, art installations, and skyline views. The atmosphere is vibrant, often featuring street musicians and food trucks. It's an ideal starting point for exploring the city!

The CNN media network launched in Atlanta on June 1, 1980, as the world's first 24-hour news network. Turner had revolutionized cable television by broadcasting the TBS superstation worldwide via satellite and was convinced there was a market for an all-news network that could reach audiences through the growing cable and satellite network. Headquartered in Atlanta, CNN opened news bureaus around the world. Through its affiliate channels and the competitors it inspired, CNN expanded its reach worldwide, revolutionizing the broadcasting industry and the way people receive news and information.

Welcome to Centennial Olympic Park It's hard to believe that in 1993, this magnificent, 22-acre urban oasis was a run-down part of downtown Atlanta. Billy Payne, executive director of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG), spent hours gazing at empty lots and abandoned buildings from his nearby office balcony. He soon envisioned a beautiful gathering place for visitors and residents during the 1996 Centennial celebration and for years to come. In early 1995, the master plan for the park was unveiled, and just a few months later, a wrecking ball smashed into the Genuine Parts Company's Beck & Gregg building to mark the start of construction on Centennial Olympic Park. To finance the park's construction, ACOG sold engraved bricks to serve as pathways within the park. In the most successful program of its kind, nearly 500,000 commemorative bricks were sold. The park is much more than a legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics and a catalyst for efforts to revitalize downtown Atlanta. Today, Centennial Olympic Park anchors a thriving entertainment and hospitality district that stimulates billions of dollars in economic impact. The park is a private venue operated and maintained by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and receives no funding from the state.