How to spend a day in College Park: from brunch to late-night
For all the urban explorers out there, College Park is a hidden gem with plenty to do during a weekend adventure.
The charming Atlanta ITP suburb with a lot to offer. It is the home of the Chick-Fil-A corporate headquarters, as well as portion of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Georgia International Convention Center, which is the second largest convention center in Georgia, and the new Gateway Center Arena are both located in College Park. The town also boasts the fourth-largest urban historic district, at 606 acres, and is home to one of the largest private schools in the Atlanta area, Woodward Academy.
Learn more about College Park below, including how to get there, what to eat and drink, and activities to check out.
Where is College Park located?
College Park, Georgia, is located nine miles southwest of downtown Atlanta, in both Fulton and Clayton Counties. It is part of what is considered Atlanta’s Airport District. The city is near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; in fact, the domestic terminal, as well as Concourses T, A, and two-thirds of B are located within the city of College Park. The city itself makes up 10.1 square miles.
How do you get to College Park?
College Park is easily accessible by car, MARTA rail and bus lines and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
By car: Exits 69 through 72 on I-85, and exits 60 and 62 on I-285, will get you to College Park.
By MARTA Rail: The Gold and Red Lines will get you to the College Park Station (the third-busiest rail station in the MARTA system). The Red Line only runs until 9 p.m. Note that the College Park Station is just one station away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
By MARTA Bus: Routes 82, 84, 89, 172, 180, 181, 189, 195 and 196 serve College Park.
By SkyTrain: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a special SkyTrain that runs on a five-minute loop and can drop you off at the Gateway Center and the Georgia International Convention Center, both located in College Park.
Where can I get breakfast or brunch in College Park?
The Breakfast Boys: Known for “inventive” twists to Southern cuisine, Breakfast Boys is a “fancy little breakfast place with a big boozy brunch.” Try their jerk chicken and sweet potato waffles, pineapple upside-down French toast, or coffee-rubbed steak and eggs. Pair it with a coffee or a fancy hot chocolate.
The Real Milk and Honey: Pair an espresso martini with deep-fried salmon and grits or a crab hash at this College Park brunch spot that is a real-deal “brunch vibe.”
Drip-Thru Coffee: For those who want something quick to-go, grab a latte roasted with Cafe Campesino beans, paired with a pastry or oatmeal, at this small but mighty coffee drive-thru.
What are some historical buildings I can explore in College Park?
College Park Historic Train Depot: This structure dates from pre-1900 and is a remnant from when College Park used to be called Atlantic City, and then Manchester, on the Atlanta and West Point Railroad.
United States Postal Service Office: If you have mail, wait to send it from this historic building that dates back to 1937.
College Park Women’s Club at Camellia Hall: This women’s club was founded in 1896 and continues to operate today, holding weddings and other social functions and events. Construction was completed on present-day Camellia Hall in 1927.
Where can I get lunch in College Park?
Hattie Marie’s Texas-Style BBQ and Cajun Kitchen: Texas meets Georgia at this popular barbecue joint. Try Big Willie’s dino beef ribs (their “filet mignon” of ribs) or get a classic plate of brisket, pulled pork or jalapeno sausage with traditional sides including mac and cheese and baked beans.
The Corner Grille: This restaurant offers traditional American fare with a Cajun twist. Get cooked-to-order shrimp and grits, blackened salmon opelousas, cajun seafood pasta or a cajun chicken sandwich with house-cut fries. Pair with sauces and dressings made from scratch, and complete your meal with a round of fresh beignets.
Bole Ethiopian Restaurant: This Ethiopian establishment provides “a world of vibrant flavors at your fingertips,” offering traditional Ethiopian fare such as tibs, sambusas and doro wot, combined with fusion offerings such as spaghetti, Cajun-style spicy rice and hot wings. They also offer a Bole cheesesteak sandwich, their take on a Philly cheesesteak.
What are some fun things to do in College Park?
Gateway Center Arena: Catch a basketball game at this new state-of-the-art 5,000-seat arena in College Park. This new stadium is the home of WNBA team the Atlanta Dream, as well as the College Park Skyhawks, an NBA G League affiliate team owned and operated by the Atlanta Hawks.
Phoenix Trail: Take a walk, go on a jog, or ride your bike along this rail trail that used to be a former CSX corridor path. The 2-mile trail runs from Massachusetts Avenue to W. Point Avenue.
College Park Golf Course: Built in 1929, this 9-hole golf course is historic, beautiful and challenging. Perfect your golf swing while enjoying the newly renovated grounds.
College Park Recreational Parks: Bask in nature at Barrett Park, Charles Phillips Park and RIchard D. Zupp Park. Sit outside and have a picnic at the pavilion while the kids play in the park playgrounds. Catch a game of tennis or baseball at the open courts/fields.
Where can I get drinks at College Park?
Brake Pad: This converted-garage corner joint puts the pedal to the metal with its “gas”-tropub offerings. The welcoming restaurant is themed like a vintage gas station with a spacious patio and offers a variety of liquor options behind the bar, as well as an array of sandwiches, burgers and salads.
The Manchester Arms: Transport to Great Britain as you grab a pint of beer at this inviting pub located in a lovely brick home. Pair with classics such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and other pub fare.
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