Discover College Park
9 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Flight viewing
Open plane-spotting area near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Intl. Photograph arriving/departing airliners, runway patterns, and skyline-framed compositions. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and dramatic skies; nights offer long-exposure light trails. Easily accessible by car with nearby parking (check local lots/Delta Museum area); no special entry permit but follow posted safety signs. Expect airport noise and security restrictions (no drones). Weekdays are busier with operations;冬
CEP Spotter's Field
Small public plane‑spotting field near Hartsfield‑Jackson International in College Park. Shoot arriving/departing airliners, runway light trails at dusk, and dramatic low passes with stormy skies. Best at golden hour and blue hour; nights reveal colorful approach lighting. Easily reachable by car with basic parking; expect loud noise and occasional crowds—ear protection recommended.
Hartsfield-Jackson Dog Park
A lively off‑airport dog park under flight paths offering dynamic action shots of dogs, owners and passing airliners. Photograph fast motion, candid interactions and the dramatic scale contrast between pets and jets. Visit near golden hour for warm light; midweek mornings are quieter. Expect loud aircraft noise and basic parking; entry is free but follow posted rules. Easy access from Terminal Pkwy makes it convenient between flights.
Light
Light is a public light-art installation in College Park that offers bold color and geometric forms—ideal for abstract night and urban photography. Best visited at blue hour and after dark when LEDs and fixtures pop; golden hour can also reveal textures and surrounding architecture. Easy pedestrian access with street parking and nearby lots; no entry fee. Weeknights are least crowded. Check seasonal events that may change colors or access.
Spin The District - College Park Criterium Start Point
Start point for the Spin The District College Park criterium — dynamic street scenes, racers, pit crews and branded start/finish banners. Good for capturing motion, decisive moments and the surrounding suburban-urban backdrop. Best at race start/finish and during golden hour; weekdays are quiet but events draw crowds. Street parking and public transit nearby; be mindful of road closures and local permits for pro gear or tripods. Drone use is restricted near ATL airport.
Barrett Park
A small urban community park with mature trees, open lawns and walking paths — good for relaxed landscape, portrait and lifestyle shots. Best at golden hour for warm light through tree canopies and dramatic skies; weekday mornings are quieter for portraits and long exposures. Easily accessible by car with on-site parking and no entry fee; close to Hartsfield–Jackson area so occasional aircraft can add dynamism. Simple, safe environment suitable for short shoots and practice sessions.
Charles E. Phillips Esquire Park
Small community park with open lawns, mature trees, walking paths and memorial features — good for low-key landscape, portrait and urban-context shots. Near Hartsfield‑Jackson approaches, offering occasional aircraft in frame against sky. Best at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter. Easy street parking and wheelchair‑accessible paths; no entry fee. Compact size makes quick location scouting practical.
Richard D. Zupp Park
Small community park with oak canopy, open lawns, walking trails and playgrounds — good for intimate landscape and nature shots, seasonal foliage and candid family/street-style portraits. Easy access with free parking along Hawthorne Ave, no entry fee, open daylight hours. Visit golden hour for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter. Proximity to runways can add occasional plane silhouettes at sunset.
Main Attraction Dance Studios
Busy community dance studio inside a College Park strip center—shoot dynamic rehearsal and class moments, portraiture, movement studies and candid behind-the-scenes detail. Interiors have mirrored walls and barres; exteriors work at golden hour. Access is private—ask permission from staff. Weekday evenings and weekend class times offer peak activity; parking available in the lot. Expect mixed fluorescent and natural light; bring small modifiers for portraits.