For photographers in Atlanta, getting the best vantage point of the city while avoiding the classic and overdone shots can be difficult. It’s easy to get a “killer shot” from the Jackson Street Bridge or Atlantic Station, but after a while, you start to want some different. In a car-obsessed city like Atlanta, there has to be parking decks spread around all neighborhoods to accommodate everyone. Here is a visual guide to the best parking decks in Atlanta to explore for great city views.

Pemberton Place

Pemberton Place, bordering Centennial Park in downtown Atlanta, is where you can find the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The parking garage of the World of Coca-Cola is a great vantage point for photography. You can see the SkyView Atlanta ferris wheel, Centennial Tower and the CNN building all in one shot.

In terms of access, I had little trouble reaching the top level with the elevator at night, but a security guard did “check up on me” after a while. The same view from the neighboring parking garage for the Georgia Aquarium isn’t as great, however, since much of the view is partially obstructed by the aquarium’s facade.

Georgia Tech Hotel

I first visited this parking deck with @kbo_photo and @yoyoferro on a cold and overcast day in December. The conditions weren’t ideal for photograph that day, but the view was great for several reasons. It’s got a tribute to the 1996 Summer Olympics in the foreground with the classic downtown Atlanta skyline in the background. You also have I-75 cutting through the scene. If you like the view of the North Avenue Bridge, you’ll also love this view. It’s even got an elevator for easy top level access!

I went to the Georgia Tech Hotel parking deck again on a different day in January, where there were enough clouds to create a dynamic sunset.

Peachtree Station

By Peachtree Station in downtown Atlanta, this parking garage is a top favorite among photographers in Atlanta. I first went to this parking deck at the Worldwide Instameet (#WWIM10) last fall, hosted in Atlanta by @weloveatl. The view is good during the day, but the lights and colors of downtown Atlanta really pop at night.

The top level parking deck by Peachtree Station can be accessed by elevator, then by stairs (those classic ATL stairs).

Georgia State University

The main campus of Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta has a ton of parking decks to choose from, and even though there are no elevators, the doors are usually unlocked and don’t require a pass for entry. Since you are downtown, the parking decks unfortunately aren’t as tall as the surrounding buildings, so your good views and angles are limited. But, with a little creativity, you can get some unique shots.

You get a little peek of the Atlanta skyline through the buildings from this parking deck. But, like I said earlier, you need a parking deck that is taller than the immediate surrounding buildings to get a clear shot. However, this is worth checking out.

Centennial Tower Parking Deck

This view of the Atlanta skyline from the Centennial Tower parking deck is similar to the view from the rooftop bar at the Glenn Hotel, except everything feels much closer and larger. You get a great view of the Bank of America Plaza, the Skyview Ferris Wheel and the Westin Hotel. If you’re looking for a classic skyline shot, this is the place to be.

Upcoming

I’m planning on visiting (or re-visiting) the following parking decks in the near future. Message me on Twitter or Instagram if interested in coming!

Emory University Hospital

SCAD – I was told by numerous people that the Savannah College of Art and Design’s campus in Atlanta has a great view of most of midtown and downtown Atlanta. However, when a few of us tried to access the top of their parking garage, a security guard said it was off limits and firmly turned us away. The view may great, but access is definitely limited.

Grady Hospital

Georgia Bar

Centennial Tower parking deck

Atlanta Medical Center



Collaborators

The following individuals gave me suggestions and tips and even drove me around at times: @kbo_photo, @yoyoferro, @_kidscott, @mjinnyc, @visualsbyjhill, @iamphotojon and @adamjreid.

Disclaimer

This blog post does not advocate for or encourage trespassing or any other illegal activities. All parking decks featured in this post were accessed legally, including paying for access if we entered the deck with a car. I always left the area if asked by security. Please don’t trespass “for the likes.” Thanks!!!

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