Dragging yourself out of bed is no easy feat. Your caffeine–depleted body is used to hitting the snooze button, but there are benefits to waking up at the crack of dawn. Not only will you have more hours in your day, you’ll also be treated to a majestic view of the rising sun. Just head to one of these city spots for the best vantage point:
Cover Photo: Jori Samonen
1. Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is an ongoing revitalization effort by the City of Atlanta, which seeks to transform 22-miles of historic railroad corridors into a long network of public parks and multi-use trails. It’s the perfect place to take a scenic stroll through the city. Start off your day with a self-guided walking tour or join an early-morning group hike, led by a REI Outdoor School Instructor, who will take you to the best places to see the sun rise over the skyline. The tour meets at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark at 6:30 a.m. 830 Willoughby Way
Photo via Atlanta BeltLine
2. Jackson Street Bridge
Although the Jackson Street Bridge, located between Cain Street NE and Highland Avenue NE, used to be a secret amongst Atlantans, it’s now a popular spot for visitors and locals looking to snap a photo of the skyline. Standing on the bridge, you’ll see lanes of traffic passing underneath Atlanta’s downtown skyscrapers lined up on Peachtree Street. Plus, it’s also where the original promotional poster for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was shot. Jackson St NE
Photo via Om
3. Marta Lindbergh Station
The Marta Lindbergh station, located off of Piedmont Road near Sidney Marcus Blvd, has three parking garages that offer daily and long-term parking options. Bring a camera and head to the very top of the Garson parking deck to get a great view of the city as the sun rises or sets. 2424 Piedmont Road N.E.
Photo via Marta Guide
4. Piedmont Park
Approximately two miles away from downtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s “Common Ground,” is open everyday from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. At the heart of the park sits Lake Clara Meer, an 11.5 acre body of water formed by a flowing spring. Nearby, a dock offers an expansive vista of the Midtown skyline and the surrounding park scenery. The southeast side of Lake Clara Meer, near Charles Allen Drive, provides one of the best vantage points for photographs. 400 Park Drive N.E
Photo via Mike
5. Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain, situated in the eastern part of Dekalb County, is a 30-minute drive from Atlanta. Make your way to the top of the mountain by trekking up the one-mile long “Walk-Up Trail,” open daily from dawn to dusk. At 1,686 feet above sea level, you’ll be able to take in 60 miles of sweeping views from the mountain.
Photo via Public Domain
