The Ultimate Guide to the Atlanta Beltline
What started as a Master's thesis by Ryan Gravel in 1999 has become Atlanta's most iconic feature, transforming disused rail lines into 33 miles of walking and biking paths. An ongoing project, the Atlanta Beltline is scheduled to be completed in 2030 and will loop around the city with streetcars and connected parks.
The Beltline's success has launched urban renewal projects like Ponce City Market and Lee + White. In many ways, it's better than the famous High Line in New York City because it connects all parts of the city with public art and events. Come see for yourself what makes it so great!
Superica at Krog Street Market in Atlanta, Georgia
Restaurants along the Atlanta Beltline
There's no shortage of restaurants on the Beltline. Most are placed around the Eastside Trail, but more are arriving on the western connections. Krog Street and Ponce City markets alone have countless dining options. We've included a few of our favorite eateries either on or adjacent to the trails, but venture out a bit further and you can find even more.
Krog Street Market
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - Irwin Street
The former stove factory has become one of the city's top places for dining. In addition to bars like Ticonderoga Club and the beer bar at Hop City, there's a diverse selection of restaurant options at Krog Street Market. Opt for the Mediterranean flavors at Yalla, Tex-Mex at Superica, and pizza at Varuni Napoli.
Kevin Rathbun Steak
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - Irwin Street
Kevin Rathbun and his restaurants have been a part of the Inman Park community since before the Eastside Trail's completion. Start at Kevin Rathbun Steak, which has been open since 2007. The fine dining eatery has a menu of dishes like dry-aged steak, rack of lamb, and truffle parmesan fries. The restaurant even backs up to the trail.
Two Urban Licks
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - Ralph McGill Boulevard
Play bocce on the patio that overlooks the trail while you wait for your table at this favorite brunch and dinner spot. Two Urban Licks is set in an industrial space brightened up by walls of plants. Share plates with friends over craft cocktails and wine.
Ponce City Market
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - Ponce City Market
Locals and visitors alike love the Ponce City Market Central Food Hall for its wealth of choices that can please just about everyone. Chow down on the famous H+F Burger, try Sean Brock’s take on Mexican at Minero, and enjoy ramen and yakitori at Guy Wong's Ton Ton.
Woody's Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - 10th Street and Monroe Drive
The Beltline restaurant scene isn't limited to the Old Fourth Ward. The area around Piedmont Park has plenty of options. The humble Woody’s Cheesesteaks serves up the sandwiches like the ones you'll find in Philly. They've been an Atlanta staple since 1975.
Gunshow
Closest entry point: Southside Trail - Glenwood Ave.
Make reservations for a dining experience like no other at Gunshow, Chef Kevin Gillespie's take on Brazilian churrascaria-style dining and Chinese dim sum. The menu changes daily and features seasonal ingredients prepared and presented in a creative fashion.
Lean Draft House
Closest entry point: Westside Trail - Kroger/Cascade
While you're exploring the Westside Trail, stop into Lean Draft House for a pint and a bite to eat. Inspired by European vintage motorcycles and its surroundings, the menu includes 20 craft beers on tap, tacos and other Mexican dishes.
Cafe Sunflower
Closest entry point: Northside Trail - Northside Trail Terminus
You'll have to cut through Buckhead's residential neighborhoods to get to the closest restaurants, but you’ll be glad you did. Cafe Sunflower has been Atlanta's top vegetarian and vegan restaurant for two decades. You won't miss meat with their Thai green curry bowls and quinoa avocado burritos.
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall in Atlanta, Georgia
Bars & Breweries along the Atlanta Beltline
It's no surprise that the Beltline has become a popular spot for a drink. Pub crawls now take place on the Eastside Trail. The area has an abundance of patios and pet-friendly watering holes. There's something for every style! Here are just three to check out.
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - John Wesley Dobbs
Enjoy the camp vibes at Ladybird, a bar and restaurant with a large outdoor area and cozy indoor spaces. Play a round of shuffleboard while noshing on the shared barbecue board, washing it all down with craft cocktails and canned beer.
Park Tavern
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - 10th Street and Monroe Drive
One of the city's most iconic bars is Park Tavern, which overlooks Atlanta's largest green space, Piedmont Park. It hosts events like live music and ice skating as well as an epic Peachtree Road Race after-party on July 4.
Monday Night Garage
Closest entry point: Westside Trail - Peeples Street/Donnelly Avenue
Monday Night Brewing is just one craft beer operation to set up shop on Atlanta's West End. Located in the Lee + White development, the Monday Night Garage has a barrel aging and souring facility as well as a taproom. Neighbors include outposts of Wild Heaven Craft Beers, ASW Distillery, and small-batch food companies.
Ponce City Market in Atlanta
Shopping along the Atlanta Beltline
Grab something for yourself at Atlanta's best stores. No longer limited to suburban malls, a number of retail businesses are set up around the Beltline. Here are three places for great shopping on the Beltline.
Ponce City Market
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - Ponce City Market
In addition to being home to dozens of restaurants, Ponce City Market is, at its core, a retail heaven. Shop from big-name brands like Anthropologie, J.Crew and West Elm, as well as local shops like Citizen Supply and Savannah Bee Company.
Krog Street Market
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - Irwin Street
The Krog Street Market food hall also has a retail component. Woof Gang outfits all of your furry friends’ needs, while The Merchant sells gifts and home decor. Browse the aisles of craft beer and wine at Hop City.
Atlanta Beltline
Things to Do on the Atlanta Beltline
The Beltline isn’t just for eating, drinking and shopping. There's always something going on, and attractions are within a short walk of the trails.
Bike Rentals
It’s easy to see the Beltline by foot, but you can also rent a bike to see it by two wheels. On the Eastside Trail, you can rent from Atlanta Bicycle Barn (near the John Wesley Dobbs entrance). Hopr Bike Share also has stations at Irwin Street, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Piedmont Park, and at the West End MARTA Station.
Public Parks
In addition to the miles of trails, there are dozens of connected public parks. Piedmont Park, designed in part by the Olmsted Brothers, connects to the Eastside Trail. It features a public pool, sports fields and events like the annual Peachtree Road Race. Historic Fourth Ward Park is also connected to the trail, home to a skate park, free yoga classes and frequent festivals.
Gordon White Park on the West End Trail opened in 2008 on a formerly abandoned lot, making it the Atlanta Beltline's first park. Much of the Northside Trail cuts through Buckhead's Tanyard Creek Urban Forest. Arthur Langford Jr. Skate Park is the Beltline's second skate park and will eventually connect to the Southside Trail.
Westview Cemetery
Closest entry point: Westside Trail - Lucile Avenue
Oakland Cemetery may be better known, but Westview Cemetery is the final resting place of notable Atlantans like Joel Chandler Harris, Asa Candler and Henry Grady. It's the largest civilian cemetery in the region, stretching over 500 acres. Westview Cemetery Abbey is a must-see landmark within the cemetery.
The Wren's Nest
Closest entry point: Westside Trail - Lawton Street/Donnelly Avenue
The stunning Victorian mansion in the historic West End was the home of writer Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories. Now operated as a museum, The Wren's Nest retains much of the decor that existed while Harris and his family lived there.
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia
Closest entry point: Northside Trail - Northside Trail Terminus
Get your dose of culture at the Buckhead-based The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. Accessible from a road that connects to the Northside Trail, it has a permanent collection of contemporary works as well as changing exhibits.
Skyline Park
Closest entry point: Eastside Trail - Ponce City Market
The rooftop theme park at Ponce City Market is a year-round favorite, featuring old-school carnival games during the summer and ice skating during the winter. Skyline Park honors a park that was once located nearby.
Tiny Door near the Old Fourth Ward Skatepark in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by @sabrinasnan
Best places to snap photos along the Atlanta Beltline
There's no shortage of places to photograph along each of the Beltline trails. Public artwork is found throughout, including murals and sculptures. Don't miss the Tiny Doors that line the trails as well as photogenic viewpoints. The Freedom Parkway overpass near the Old Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Eastside Trail and the railroad trestle on the Northside Trail are favorites.
