6 Best Views of the City for First-Time Visitors

By Lesli Peterson

Published December 12, 2016
Last Updated October 2, 2020

You are in town for the first time and you want the best views of the city for that iconic Facebook photo or sensational selfie. But where do you go? We’ve got seven must-photograph locations for you. Don’t miss sunrise and sunset shots at these noteworthy destinations, and add #DiscoverAtlanta to your shots so we can see your fun.

1. The Sun Dial

The tallest hotel in the Southeast, Westin Peachtree Plaza, is home to The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View, which provides stunning views from on high. Climb to new heights in one of two glass elevators to the View Level for 360-degree panoramas from 723 feet in the air. If you want to linger a little longer, try lunch or a romantic dinner at the restaurant or drinks and light bites at the bar, both with the same spectacular views of the city as from the observation level.

2. Jackson Street Bridge

Locals know that Jackson Street Bridge is a view screaming for a selfie. Park the car on a nearby side street and make your way to the pedestrian walk for the quintessential Atlanta shot, made most famous by the Season 1 introduction of “The Walking Dead.” Don’t miss a sunset shot, and photographers should note that they will love a long-exposure nighttime reel here.

3. Skyline Park

Ponce City Market is notable for its success in urban reuse and for delicious eats and superb shopping, but do you know about the roof? This historic building embraces its past with a Boardwalk-style amusement park, Skyline Park, located on the roof. Play a round of putt-putt or classic carnival games while you take in some of the best skyline views in the city. Feast on sausage, pork belly or divine squash galette from the rooftop beer garden, Nine Mile Station.  

4. SkyView Atlanta

Soar 200-feet in the air for a bird’s-eye view of Centennial Olympic Park and the downtown Atlanta district on Atlanta’s Ferris wheel, SkyView Atlanta. Whether you pick daytime views or visions of lights on a nighttime ride, you will not be disappointed. Buckets are climate controlled and rotate about four times for an 8- to 15-minute ride.  Want to spoil your bae? Take the VIP gondola with a glass floor, Ferrari-style seats and an extended ride. After your ride head over to McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks for dinner and cocktails.

5. SkyLounge

Named one of the best rooftop lounges in the world by ABC, SkyLounge invites guests to sip on craft cocktails while taking in stunning views of the city. Don’t let the weather stop you:  An awning provides heat protection in summer, and panels disrupt the chilly air–but not the view–in winter. SkyLounge sits atop the Glenn Hotel, one of  Atlanta’s charming boutique hotels. The secret? It’s a Marriott Autograph Collection locale so your Marriott points make staying here an easy decision.

6. Piedmont Park

Take a hike along the edge of Lake Clara Meer, head over to neighboring Atlanta Botanical Garden or grab a bite at Park Tavern. Whatever your style for visiting Piedmont Park, it’s sure to include spectacular views of the city.  Spring is a wonderful time to catch a festival or visit the park’s Noguchi playground. If you’re visiting in summer then take a dip in the pool or visit the Legacy Fountain. Fall is ideal for music concerts, and winter brings an ice-skating rink to the park. 

Need more inspiration on scenic Atlanta places to visit? Check out our guide to the best Instagram spots in town. 

Lesli Peterson is a guest blogger for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.