Day trip: Stone Mountain Park from Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Yes — Stone Mountain Park is an easy day trip from Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: the park is about 16 miles from the hotel and typically a 25–30 minute drive depending on traffic. You can go by rental car or rideshare, or use MARTA plus local bus/taxi connections if you prefer not to drive.
In this guide
Overview of the trip
Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre park built around a large exposed granite dome with hiking trails, a Skyride cable car, and family-oriented attractions. It’s frequently visited as a half-day or full-day outing from downtown Atlanta.
From Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park the park is about 16 miles away; driving time is typically 25–30 minutes but varies with traffic. If you don’t have a car, MARTA plus a connecting bus or taxi can reach the park in roughly 38–58 minutes depending on route and wait times.
- Park type: 3,200-acre state/city attraction built around a granite mountain
- Key on-site activities: Skyride (cable car) and hiking trail to the summit
- Typical travel time from hotel: about 25–30 minutes by car; longer on public transit
| From Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park | Typical travel time |
|---|---|
| Rideshare or taxi | 25–30 minutes |
| Personal/rental car | 25–30 minutes (traffic dependent) |
| MARTA + connecting bus/taxi | About 38–58 minutes (route-dependent) |
Getting to Stone Mountain from Omni (practical options)
Drive or rideshare: the most direct option is a taxi, rideshare, or rental car. The hotel’s concierge can help arrange transport if you want a driver or need directions. Valet parking is the hotel’s parking option for guests.
Public transit: you can take MARTA rail from a nearby station and transfer to a bus or taxi as needed; total trip time varies by connection and waiting times. If you plan to use public transit, allow extra time for transfers and schedules.
- Ask the concierge for the best current route and estimated drive time.
- Valet-only parking at the hotel is the available guest parking option.
- If using MARTA, plan for a rail leg to a connecting bus or local transfer to complete the trip.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / taxi | Direct, flexible pickup from hotel |
| Rental car | Useful if you prefer to explore the park area on your own |
| MARTA + bus/taxi | Lower cost but requires transfers and more time |
Suggested day plan
Morning departure: leave the hotel after breakfast to beat heavier afternoon traffic and give yourself more time on the mountain. Driving makes it easier to move between park attractions.
On-site activities: consider the Skyride to the summit for views, a hike on the trail to the top, and any seasonal shows or attractions the park is running. Check Stone Mountain Park’s official site for current hours and ticketing before you go.
- Start at Omni: pick up a coffee/sandwich from Centennial Grounds before you leave.
- Arrive at Stone Mountain: prioritize the Skyride or summit trail depending on your fitness and group.
- Allow time for lunch at park concessions or bring a picnic if permitted.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 AM | Breakfast at Centennial Grounds / depart hotel |
| 9:30–12:30 PM | Skyride, summit trail, short hikes |
| 12:30–2:00 PM | Lunch and explore park grounds / attractions |
What to pack and wear
Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for rocky or uneven trail sections if you plan to hike; sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is recommended in warmer months. Weather in Atlanta gets hot and humid in summer, and shoulder seasons are milder.
Pack water and any required medications; if you plan to use rideshare to return, ensure you have mobile connectivity. If you’re visiting in winter or on an odd forecast day, bring a light jacket.
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Water bottle and snacks or picnic
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Phone and charger for photos and rideshare calls
| Season | Packing tip |
|---|---|
| Spring / Fall | Light layers and sunscreen |
| Summer | Hydration, sun protection, expect heat/humidity |
| Winter | Light jacket; occasional cold snaps possible |
Dining before and after (at the hotel)
If you want breakfast before you go, Centennial Grounds opens early and serves coffee, pastries and sandwiches; New South Kitchen also offers breakfast options and a weekend buffet. Both are convenient choices close to the hotel exit.
For dinner after your return, New South Kitchen and Top Draft (sports bar with outdoor terrace) provide Southern comfort options and more casual bar food respectively. Vues Lobby Bar opens later in the day for cocktails and light bites.
- Centennial Grounds: coffee, pastries, sandwiches. Hours: daily 6 AM–midnight.
- New South Kitchen: scratch-made Southern comfort cuisine; breakfast/lunch/dinner hours vary by day.
- Top Draft: sports-bar menu with terrace overlooking Centennial Olympic Park; open late most nights.
| Hotel outlet | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Centennial Grounds | Coffee, pastries, grab-and-go sandwiches (6 AM–midnight) |
| New South Kitchen | Breakfast/lunch/dinner with Southern comfort dishes |
| Top Draft | Bar menu, beers on tap, outdoor terrace |
Where to sleep when you return
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park has a range of room types and suites to suit families, business travelers, and groups. Room options include specific named room types and suites for varying needs.
If you want a park or skyline view after a day out, ask at check-in for a Premier Room (Centennial Olympic Park View) or a room with a balcony; availability depends on occupancy and room type.
- Sample room names to request: Deluxe Double Room, Deluxe Room, Premier Room (Centennial Olympic Park View), Premier Room, Corner (Executive, Centennial Olympic Park Vw), Premier Room, Balcony (Centennial Olympic Park View), Executive Suite
- Suite options include Suite, with Sofa bed (Coca Cola), Suite, with Sofa bed (College Football), and Executive Suite types
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM
| Room type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Double Room, 2 Double Beds | Family-friendly option |
| Premier Room (Centennial Olympic Park View) | Park view; several bed configurations offered |
| Executive Suite | Larger space for groups or extended stays |
Concierge and planning help at Omni
The hotel’s concierge can assist with directions, arranging a rideshare or taxi, and providing current travel-time estimates to Stone Mountain Park. They can also advise on parking and return routing based on event schedules downtown.
If you’d like help booking local tours or tickets, the concierge and front-desk staff provide tours/ticket assistance and multilingual support. For reservations at hotel restaurants, you can use the OpenTable widget on the hotel dining page or call the restaurant directly.
- Concierge can recommend best departure times and transport modes
- Ask about dining reservations at New South Kitchen (phone for reservations listed on hotel pages)
- Front desk and concierge operate 24 hours for general assistance
| Service | How they help |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Transport, tour recommendations, tickets |
| Front Desk | General assistance, late arrival handling |
| Restaurants | Reservations via OpenTable or phone |
