Sometimes it seems all of Atlanta is on Peachtree Street. (Photo: Alamy)

Atlanta

Right on Peachtree: How to Get Around Atlanta

Sometimes it seems all of Atlanta is on Peachtree Street. (Photo: Alamy)

“It’s right on Peachtree.” If you’ve traveled to Atlanta and ever asked for directions, chances are you’ve heard this as your reply. The thing is, this pseudo-address is somewhat of a joke for visitors and locals alike, considering nearly every other street or road in Atlanta seems to be named Peachtree.

We’ve explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods — and all its Peachtrees — and public transportation in this handy guide for getting around the Big Peach.

Peachtree Street

This is truly the “main street” of Atlanta. It begins at Five Points in downtown Atlanta, running through the popular neighborhoods of Midtown and changing to Peachtree Road when it gets to the Buckhead neighborhood.

Will You Need a Car?

The short answer?It depends. Atlanta is a car city; however, much of downtown can be accessed by foot. You may need a car when traveling to popular restaurants, arenas and attractions like Six Flags White Water theme park that lie well outside a walkable distance, even for ambitious pedestrians. If you will be driving, keep in mind that rush hour traffic is notoriously painful in Atlanta. You should add at least 30 to 45 minutes on to any estimated drive times

Meet MARTA

MARTA is Atlanta’s subway system and crisscrosses through the downtown area. Many locals don’t bother using the MARTA, opting instead to drive, which makes it happily uncrowded for visitors. The MARTA can take you to Atlanta’s popular destinations and neighborhoods for a fraction of the cost of a cab or renting a car.

Where are Some of Atlanta’s Main Attractions?

If you’re looking for upscale shopping, Peachtree Road in the Buckhead neighborhood offers Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square malls. Family fun like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola museum, Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center headquarters are all located just off Marietta Street Northwest.

When planning a visit to Atlanta, getting around the city isn’t impossible. With a little research ahead of time, you’ll have a blast exploring the city. Chances are, you’ll run into a destination right on Peachtree.