The Most Scenic Neighborhoods in Atlanta for Photography
If you're planning a trip to Atlanta then you need to know about the most scenic neighborhoods for photography.
First, understand that Atlanta is a mostly modern city. Therefore, you're not going to find colonial neighborhoods like you will in places like Savannah or Charleston.
In fact, Atlanta didn't really grow into one of the largest cities in the US until the later part of the 20th century and early 21st. As a result, you can find a lot of cool modern buildings but few that are historic.
Come Stay in Scenic Atlanta
That said, there's still so much to see in Atlanta. Plus, when it comes to trees, parks, and other natural features Atlanta has you covered. It really is one of the most Instagrammable places I've ever visited.
So, here is my list of the most scenic neighborhoods in Atlanta to photograph. Plus, be sure to check out my list of the best places to stay in Atlanta at the bottom of the article.
The City In The Forest
Atlanta is truly a city covered in forest. The urban forest in Atlanta keeps it cool. Plus, it's here largely as a result of there being a lot of large lots with single family homes on them right up against the skyscrapers in Atlanta.
It's really nice being able to photograph in front of tall modern buildings then walk less than a block to a street full of bungalows with stone garden walls. So, if you're photographing models then Atlanta has scenic spots that provide a ton of variety.
The Most Scenic Variety in Atlanta
If you're seeking out that variety then you need to stay in Midtown. In fact, midtown isn't just scenic in a traditional sense, it's got so much scenic variety within a short walk. You've got so much opportunity for Instagram worthy photos in Midtown Atlanta.
Glass, Steel, and Stone
If skyscrapers and modern buildings call out to you then Midtown has a lot of options between Peachtree and Piedmont and beyond. Photographing murals is also a great option in Midtown.
If street photography in Atlanta is your thing then book your stay in Midtown. From here you can visit downtown, Buckhead, and the other great neighborhoods on this list.
Urban Bungalows on Tree-lined Streets
As mentioned above, Midtown features scenic residential streets with single family homes spreading out from the towers just off of Piedmont and south of 10th Street.
While there are more picturesque single family neighborhoods like Virginia Highlands proximity makes these streets ideal.
Piedmont Park
Just beyond the skyscrapers above 10th Street is Atlanta's answer to New York's Central Park. Piedmont Park is a massive sprawling urban park. In fact, it's one of my favorite places in Atlanta because it's so picturesque!
Piedmont Park features wooded paths and boardwalks, access to the Beltline, and the Atlanta Botanic Garden, talk about Instagrammable! Too, it features a large lake where you can photograph scenic reflections of midtown's towers. So, if nature is more in line with your idea of scenic then head to Piedmont Park.
Atlanta might be in the heart of the South but it's an open, inclusive, and progressive town. At 10th and Piedmont you'll find all four crosswalks are painted in Rainbows to show support for Pride and Atlanta's LGBTQ community. Despite being removed in other cities Atlanta refuses.
Bars, Coffee Shops, and More
There's a lot more to scenic Midtown than I've got space for. So, when it comes to a place where you can find a little bit of everything scenic this is the neighborhood to visit.
Atlanta's Other Most Scenic Neighborhoods For Photography
Midtown isn't the only option when it comes to picturesque and Instagram worthy photos.
Buckhead
North of Midtown is Buckhead. I mentioned Buckhead as a great place to do street photography in Atlanta. You'll spot all sorts of fashionable folks in Buckhead. Street portrait opportunities abound. Additionally, there are more modern buildings, mostly residential, but still picturesque and certainly Instagrammable.
Virginia Highlands
In fact, Virginia Highlands, (mentioned above), is a great scenic neighborhood. It's also just east of Piedmont Park. Therefore, they're both easy to get back and forth from if you're spending more than a day in Atlanta.
Inman Park
If you're looking for a more hip scene then Inman Park, south of Virginia Highlands, is a great location. From Krog Street Market to the Krog Street tunnel, you'll find art, coffee, and the hippest places to be.
Plus, Inman Park, like so much of Atlanta is full of trees and is adjacent to the Beltline. It's also next door to Little 5 Points.
Little Five Points
I debated leaving Little Five Points out of the list of Atlanta's scenic neighborhoods to photograph. Of course, it's a very photogenic place. However, there is a major construction project that has the intersection it's named after looking a bit ugly.
That said, Little Five Points is full of cool shops and even cooler people. Plus, if you're reading this after the Spring of 2026 then construction should be over.
Sweet Auburn
You can't really come to Atlanta and skip visiting Sweet Auburn. Especially if your definition of scenic includes churches. So, don't pass on photographing Martin Luther King Jr's Ebenezer Baptist Church. That said, Wheat Street Baptist is a little more picturesque but still, MLK's church is iconic.
There is a street car (trolly) that runs through the neighborhood. Additionally, beyond his church, the King Center is here. There is so much history in Sweet Auburn. Too, if you're into street portraits then Sweet Auburn is a great place to meet awesome people with great stories.
Of course, Sweet Auburn, as an historically Black neighborhood, remained a point of pride through the twentieth century despite Jim Crow and the horrific racism residents faced. Too, it's a neighborhood where the fight for civil rights was nurtured. Just walking these streets you feel the history.
Ponce De Leon To Decatur
Technically, Decatur isn't a neighborhood in Atlanta. In fact, Decatur is it's own town. That said, if you take Ponce De Leon Ave from near Sweet Auburn to Decatur then you'll pass some great Instagrammable spots.
For example, both the Ponce City Market and Hotel Clermont are great locations for photograph. Stop outside the Hotel Clermont close to sundown or after dark and take advantage of their neon sign.
Too, don't miss the Majestic Diner and Plaza Theater. They have a mid-century vibe that is made for Instagram.
Downtown Decatur
Once you get to downtown Decatur you'll find a really quaint small town feel. I highly recommend just walking around Decatur Square. You'll find a lot of picturesque scenes in the neighborhood for photography.
From Emory on the east of town to Spellman and Morehouse on the west side Atlanta has very scenic colleges and universities. Of course, it should go without saying, don't be a weirdo or creep.
While these aren't technically neighborhoods they're full of great opportunities for photography. Too, they feature some really Instagrammable spots.
Emory
Emory University features the Lullwater Preserve. Here, a large lake and nearby stream cut through the woods. The spot feature waterfowl and picturesque areas for photography.
Additionally, their satellite Briarcliff campus is home to the Dept. of Energy Building from Stranger Things. It served as exterior for where the door to the Upside Down was first opened.
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech has a very cool campus full of modern buildings that are very Instagrammable. Sweeping curves, lots of glass, yet still a very green campus. In fact, Georgia Tech looks like drawings of the future from a few decades ago making it really picturesque for architectural photographers.
Spellman & Morehouse Colleges
Both Spellman and Morehouse Colleges feature many historic brick buildings on truly picturesque campuses. Plus, both of these Historic Black Colleges have amazing histories and cool locations to photograph. In addition, they're not far from Castleberry Hill which has a great art scene with galleries and regular events.
Stay in the most picturesque neighborhoods in Atlanta
If you're coming from out of town then you'll want to stay in one of Atlanta's most scenic neighborhoods. There are so many to choose from. So, be sure to stay in a neighborhood that delivers on the type of picturesque photography you're looking to create.
Atlanta is full of great hotels and small B&Bs. As such, there's no reason to book through AirBnB. Instead, check out Discover Atlanta to find the perfect place to stay and even more things to do!
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