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Top 24 Hotels Near Mcauley Aquatic Center
750 Ferst Dr Atlanta, GA 30332
Hampton Inn Atlanta-Georgia Tech-Downtown
For a stay where efficient travel is important, Hampton Inn Atlanta-Georgia Tech-Downtown is a short drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, making it a hub for event-focused trips.
Hampton Inn receptions feature community-style tables, encouraging relaxed coordination among groups upon arrival at the hotel. Guest rooms provide blackout curtains, premium mattresses, and climate control, creating personalized comfort that ensures nightly rest. Indoor pools with spa tubs, towel service, and lounge chairs offer restorative spaces, helping guests recharge during busy travel days.
On-site markets, complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, laundry service, and Wi-Fi access ensure convenience across every guest stay.
Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals
From Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals, Mcauley Aquatic Center is a quick drive, giving a direct route for getting to your destination.
With secure parking, a fitness center, a full kitchen, and in-unit laundry, guests experience a stay built for convenience and peace of mind. The kitchen is a highlight of the apartment, with full-size, high-end appliances and everything needed for a genuine residential-style stay. The fitness center often includes a dedicated yoga or wellness studio, providing a serene space for stretching and mindful exercise.
From the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer to a fitness center, pool, and concierge, the apartments offer desirable home comforts.
Bellyard West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
A key time-saving feature of Bellyard West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Atlanta is the quick drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center, leaving more room in the schedule for other activities.
Guests visiting Tribute Portfolio enjoy complimentary coffee or infused water in the lobby, gestures that reflect attentiveness and ease. Each guest room supplies ergonomic chairs, ample outlets, and Wi-Fi, supporting professionals with balanced setups for productivity. Guests at the spa encounter massages, aromatherapy suites, and quiet lighting, rituals that sustain consistent wellness each stay.
With breakfast spreads, art lounges, fitness centers, and valet parking, travelers experience a dependable mix of culture and convenience.
Hyatt House Atlanta Downtown
A notable benefit of Hyatt House Atlanta Downtown in Atlanta is the simple drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center, meaning less time with maps and more time enjoying the stay.
Reception areas at Hyatt House are clearly lit and directly in sightline of entry, ensuring orientation clarity for first-time visitors. Each suite contains fully equipped kitchens with dishwasher, stove, and full-size fridge, making daily living seamless for long visits. Outdoor patios furnished with grills, tables, and lounge seating encourage social connection and casual gatherings for longer stays.
Business centers, indoor pools, and breakfast service align with Wi-Fi and laundry, simplifying professional and family routines alike.
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
When visiting Atlanta, Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is located an easy drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, which keeps the main event well within reach by car.
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center often welcomes arrivals with stylish décor, curated art, and warm staff greetings that reflect boutique hospitality. Rooms often provide artisanal furnishings, curated décor, and boutique bathrooms that emphasize a creative guest orientation. Amenities often highlight farm-to-table restaurants, art-filled lounges, and co-working spaces that emphasize boutique personality.
Guests may enjoy artisanal breakfast, self-serve markets, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities, ensuring flexibility for longer boutique visits.
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Midtown
The benefit of a simple drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center makes Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Midtown into a great starting point before the main on-site experience.
Hilton Garden Inn receptions integrate Digital Key and mobile check-in, supporting loyalty recognition while easing delays for travelers. Guest rooms provide ergonomic desks, task lighting, and reliable Wi-Fi, giving business travelers functional setups to remain productive. Breakfast rooms with coffee stations, fresh pastries, and hot selections support clear morning starts that guests can rely on daily.
Complimentary breakfast, indoor pools, business lounges, Wi-Fi connectivity, and valet service simplify travel and support routines.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown GA
For guests in Atlanta, Homewood Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown GA is an easy drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, a spot that supports an efficient and enjoyable itinerary.
Infused water dispensers in Homewood Suites lobbies provide a refreshing touch, showing attention to small comforts that guests value. Suites deliver dishwashers, stocked cookware, and dining tables, enabling families to prepare meals and share time conveniently. Business centers including Wi-Fi, printers, and workstations ensure professionals remain productive while traveling away from home.
Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, fitness center access, and business services, keeping daily routines balanced on the road.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Downtown
From the lobby of SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Downtown, Mcauley Aquatic Center is a simple drive with no need for a long trip, simplifying the visit.
With communal tables and lounge chairs, SpringHill Suites creates lobby zones that invite groups to pause, coordinate, and connect calmly. Suites highlight open layouts, sofa seating, and entertainment options, offering families and groups flexibility to rest and connect comfortably. The breakfast area offers eggs, pastries, and cereals alongside coffee stations, giving travelers a reliable routine to begin mornings confidently.
Free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast variety, on-site parking, and indoor pool access together ensure essential comforts remain accessible during any stay.
Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel
Because Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel is a quick drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, guests can opt on the travel method that best suits their needs.
Hydration stations in Renaissance Hotels lobbies help guests regroup, showing care in small details that ease the arrival routine. Guest rooms supply espresso makers, stocked minibars, and glassware, keeping refreshment routines simple and convenient for every traveler. The lobby combines theatrical lighting and curated art displays, creating a striking first hub where guests can gather comfortably on arrival.
Dry cleaning, meeting room availability, enhanced internet, and breakfast buffets cover practical needs that make extended stays manageable.
Staybridge Suites Atlanta - Midtown by IHG
The benefit of a short drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center makes Staybridge Suites Atlanta - Midtown by IHG into a great starting point before the main on-site experience.
Staybridge Suites integrates elevator call panels beside wayfinding, putting room ranges and next turns within a single glance. Every suite sets a living area with a sleeper sofa and HDTV, creating space to unwind, stream, and organize belongings between outings. Courtyards arrange durable seating, planters, and shade, offering an easy outdoor option near lobby paths for short breaks or calls.
With free Wi-Fi, meeting space, and AV hookups plus a business center and coffee, collaboration remains straightforward indoors.
Sonesta Select Atlanta Midtown Georgia Tech
Reaching Mcauley Aquatic Center from Sonesta Select Atlanta Midtown Georgia Tech is a quick drive, a quality that weaves convenience into the fabric of the stay.
Sonesta Select uses clustered lounge seating and tall tables with outlets to support quick meetups or solo resets right at entry. Standard guest rooms offer a compact wardrobe, a luggage bench, and a stable work surface, helping travel gear stay organized each day. Small boardrooms include video-conferencing gear, dedicated tables, and privacy treatments, helping remote calls run without interruption.
With hot breakfast, Starbucks beverages, free internet, meeting rooms, and laundry facilities, routines stay predictable and easy to manage.
Crowne Plaza Atlanta - Midtown by IHG
The benefit of a quick drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center makes Crowne Plaza Atlanta - Midtown by IHG into a great starting point before the main on-site experience.
Lobby seating areas with natural light at Crowne Plaza create decompression points for guests transitioning from transit to stay. Each guest room features flat-screen TVs, blackout drapes, and plush bedding, combining rest and entertainment in a simple setup. Fitness centers equipped with treadmills, weights, and stretching mats make it simple for travelers to keep health routines consistent.
Business lounges, meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi pair with breakfast and indoor pools, offering convenience across work and leisure priorities.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown
For a trip where a simple car ride is essential, Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown is a quick drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, making it a logical hub for any itinerary.
Lobby seating clusters at Home2 Suites include sofas, tables, and flexible chairs, creating social zones where families can regroup easily. Each guest room includes blackout curtains, plush bedding, and coffee service, ensuring consistent comfort across multiple nights. Guests at the indoor pool enjoy loungers, fresh towels, and calm lighting, giving families a place to relax and recharge together daily.
Amenities such as Inspired Table® breakfast, markets, self-parking, and pools deliver reliable comfort for travelers of all kinds.
Hyatt Place Atlanta Centennial Park
For a trip to Atlanta, Hyatt Place Atlanta Centennial Park's location a quick drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center is a fundamental part of its practical appeal.
Modern décor and soft lighting at Hyatt Place create inviting lobbies that set dependable first impressions for travelers worldwide. All guest rooms are equipped with branded bath products, showers, and fresh towels, ensuring daily refreshment with consistency. Lounge bars offering cocktails, snacks, and casual seating create premium-feeling hubs that encourage social connection after travel.
Self-parking, meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi pair with hot breakfast and pools, making routines predictable and convenient for travelers.
Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Midtown / Georgia Tech
From Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Midtown / Georgia Tech, the quick drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center is a core principle of accessibility uncomplicated that defines the beginning of the stay.
The Mix evening receptions at Residence Inn offer drinks and small plates, showing attentiveness through social events that ease fatigue. Each suite offers microwaves, refrigerators, and counter space, giving travelers the flexibility to store and prepare food conveniently. Business lounges with shared desks, Wi-Fi connectivity, and quiet corners allow travelers to remain productive in comfortable settings.
Complimentary breakfast, rooftop pools, Wi-Fi connectivity, concierge services, and business centers provide premium convenience daily.
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown
In Atlanta, Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown is situated a quick drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, a feature that helps for a simple daily commute.
Lounge adjacency in Hilton Garden Inn lobbies creates social connection points, inviting relaxed conversation before guests continue. Each suite includes sofa beds, televisions, and coffee tables, creating flexible environments where families can relax or entertain easily. Lobby lounges with casual seating, curated décor, and visible bar service create relaxed hubs that ease transitions into evening.
On-site dining, complimentary internet, fitness facilities, outdoor pools, and breakfast buffets keep travel efficient and consistent.
Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Midtown
From Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Midtown, the quick drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center is a core benefit to stay on schedule before the day begins.
Guests at Courtyard encounter complimentary lobby coffee service, simple rituals that add comfort and reduce fatigue upon arrival. Guest rooms present blackout curtains, premium bedding, and adjustable lighting, ensuring guests enjoy reliable comfort every evening. In the Bistro, Starbucks® coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and soft seating create rituals that help mornings feel dependable and smooth.
Amenities such as The Bistro, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and conference rooms support productivity and relaxation together.
Element Atlanta Midtown
Mcauley Aquatic Center is an easy drive from Element Atlanta Midtown, a convenience that ensures the journey there is as simple as the stay itself.
Element lobbies include natural palettes, modern seating, and bright windows, providing a refreshed first impression that eases transitions. Each guest room offers full kitchens with cooktops, dishwashers, and fridges, enabling long-stay guests to maintain home-style convenience easily. Business centers supply computers, printers, and ergonomic chairs, supporting productivity and letting professionals manage tasks seamlessly.
Guests benefit from Rise breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, saline pools, and pet-friendly policies, sustaining dependable comfort across stays.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown
When the day's schedule in Atlanta is packed, Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown's location an easy drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center is a major benefit.
Embassy Suites atriums combine natural light with soaring ceilings and glass elevators, creating striking impressions that ease orientation smoothly. Suites provide digital thermostats, blackout curtains, and flexible lighting, allowing travelers to control comfort precisely. Lobbies with adjacent lounge bars and community seating foster relaxed interaction, turning arrival zones into social connection points.
On-site dining, indoor pools, EV charging, free internet, and fitness centers simplify travel by covering essential needs seamlessly.
The Georgian Terrace Hotel
Reaching Mcauley Aquatic Center from The Georgian Terrace Hotel is a simple drive, a feature that allows for a more flexible daily schedule.
Guests arriving at The Georgian Terrace Hotel may encounter stylish lobby seating, polished reception, and concierge guidance for a luxury entry. Rooms often highlight elegant design details, upscale bedding, and spa-style bathrooms that enhance a refined and comfortable experience. Shared spaces may offer refined lounges, cocktail bars, and fitness facilities designed to emphasize a sophisticated experience.
A stay typically highlights plush bedding, spa-style services, cocktail lounges, and Wi-Fi, blending indulgence with balanced daily routines.
W Atlanta Downtown
For a stay that requires a vehicle, W Atlanta Downtown is a straightforward drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, making it a convenient automotive base.
W Hotels places concierge or Insider support close to reception, making local tips and reservations part of your first minutes on property. Every guest room balances streaming-capable TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and a workstation, letting you move easily between entertainment and focused tasks. Meeting facilities with catering, breakout zones, and flexible layouts streamline programs, reducing logistical stress during group stays.
From meeting rooms to rooftop pools, valet services, and breakfast menus, amenities simplify work, play, and transitions onsite.
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown by IHG
The benefit of a simple drive to Mcauley Aquatic Center makes Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown by IHG into a great starting point before the rest of the stay unfolds.
Vibrant art and creative décor in Hotel Indigo lobbies establish boutique identity and signal the brand’s connection to local culture. Each guest room presents plush mattresses, blackout drapes, and quiet climate systems, delivering dependable comfort nightly. Fitness centers with treadmills, weights, and stretching zones make it simple for guests to maintain personal wellness while traveling.
Complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and pet policies join with laundry and fitness, providing consistency for family or business travel.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park
Mcauley Aquatic Center is a simple drive from Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park, a plan that ensures the pre-event journey is always a speedy one.
Complimentary breakfasts at Embassy Suites with cooked-to-order selections provide reliable nourishment that helps mornings begin with balance and ease. Each guest room offers sofa beds, dining tables, and lounge chairs, supporting family flexibility with comfortable shared space. Reception-side markets paired with hydration stations give guests accessible refreshment, reducing travel stress on arrival.
Complimentary breakfast, rooftop pools, business centers, valet parking, and Wi-Fi access ensure guests enjoy reliable daily comfort.
Epicurean Atlanta Autograph Collection
For a trip where a simple car ride is essential, Epicurean Atlanta Autograph Collection is a short drive from Mcauley Aquatic Center, making it a logical hub for any itinerary.
Autograph Collection greets travelers with turndown touches or welcome snacks, rituals that provide care and reinforce comfort. Suites contain rainfall showers, spa-inspired toiletries, and plush robes, rituals that deliver consistent refreshment and relaxation. In the meeting facilities, ergonomic seating, AV equipment, and flexible layouts support professional gatherings with convenience.
Amenities include spas, cultural lounges, outdoor pools, and Wi-Fi, highlighting a mix of wellness, reflection, and daily convenience.
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Mcauley Aquatic Center Local Area Guide
The McAuley Aquatic Center (formerly the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center) is hallowed ground in the swimming world, built originally for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Located within the massive Campus Recreation Center (CRC) on the Georgia Tech campus, this facility is frequently cited as one of the "fastest pools in the world" due to its consistent depth, wide lanes, and advanced gutter systems that minimize wave reflection. The venue features a 50-meter competition pool with stadium seating for 1,950 spectators, a separate diving well, and a dedicated water polo pool that often serves as a warm-up area. For visiting families, the experience is defined by the collegiate energy; you are in the heart of a bustling university in Midtown Atlanta. While the pool deck is legendary, the spectator seating is steep and can get warm, so dressing in layers is essential. This guide is designed for the swim parents and coaches traveling to "The Flats." You will learn how to navigate the complex parking decks on Tech Parkway, where to find the best pizza in the South just a few blocks away, and how to utilize the Tech Trolley to get around campus without moving your car.
Area contextNeighborhood Overview – McAuley Aquatic Center (Atlanta, GA)
The facility is located on Ferst Drive in the heart of the Georgia Tech campus, situated in Midtown Atlanta. The "neighborhood" is a vibrant mix of academic buildings, student housing, and high-tech corporate offices, bordered by the massive I-75/85 "Downtown Connector" artery. Access is primarily via North Avenue or 10th Street, but be warned: Atlanta traffic is notorious, and the connector can gridlock at any time of day, so always pad your GPS estimate by 20 minutes. The nearest major travel hub is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located about 20 minutes south; you can take the MARTA train directly from the airport to the Midtown or North Avenue stations, which are a short rideshare or trolley ride from the pool. Parking is strictly managed in the W10 Parking Deck (connected to the CRC) or the W02 Student Center deck; payment is usually via the ParkMobile app or kiosks, and enforcement is aggressive. The campus is extremely walkable and safe, featuring wide sidewalks and lush greenery, but venturing off-campus requires navigating busy city streets.
Lodging contextWhere to Stay Near McAuley Aquatic Center
Accommodation strategy focuses on Tech Square and Midtown. The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is the premier choice, located in Tech Square just a 10-minute walk or free trolley ride from the pool; it offers upscale amenities and sits in the middle of a dining hub. The Crowne Plaza Atlanta - Midtown and Staybridge Suites Atlanta - Midtown are also excellent options near North Avenue, offering easy access to the interstate and the pool. For a more luxurious stay, the hotels in Midtown proper, like the Loews Atlanta or Renaissance Atlanta Midtown, provide a city vibe with rooftop pools and high-end dining, though they are a slightly longer walk or drive. Budget-conscious teams might look closer to the Centennial Park district downtown, but traffic logistics there can be trickier. Staying in Tech Square offers the best balance of safety, food access, and proximity.
View nearby hotels Quick Plan EssentialsQuick-Plan Overview
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) · 20 min drive.
- Park in W10 Deck (CRC); use ParkMobile.
- Tech Square · 10 min walk.
- Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.
- The Varsity or Tech Square Dining.
Meet Day Flow
Check-In & Warm-Up
Arrive at least 75 minutes before the session starts. Parking in the W10 deck connects directly to the CRC, but space can be tight during large meets, forcing you to the W23 deck further down State Street. The spectator entrance is typically on the upper level of the CRC; you will pass security and ticket checks there. The athlete entrance is often separate on the lower level. Spectator seating is bleacher-style and elevated; the view is excellent, but it gets crowded. Bring a seat cushion for comfort during long prelim sessions.
Mid-Day Regroup
Between sessions, Tech Square is the logistical lifeline. A short walk across the 5th Street Bridge brings you to a cluster of fast-casual restaurants like Moe's, Starbucks, and Tin Drum, along with the Georgia Tech Hotel. The Student Center (if open to public/events) also offers a food court closer to the pool. If you have a break of three hours or more, the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola are just a short drive south, offering world-class entertainment in air-conditioned comfort.
Wrap-Up & Departure
Exiting the parking deck can be slow if a session ends during rush hour (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM). Traffic on North Avenue and 10th Street will be heavy. If you are heading to a team dinner, the Atlantic Station district or Antico Pizza offer large venues that can handle groups. Ensure you check the stands for trash; the CRC staff is strict about cleanliness.
Things to Do Near McAuley Aquatic Center
Walkable
Georgia Tech Campus & The Hill
Exploring the Georgia Institute of Technology campus is a fantastic, free way to spend time between heats. You can walk up "The Hill" to see the historic Tech Tower and the original academic buildings from the late 19th century. The campus is beautifully landscaped with wide pedestrian paths, outdoor art installations, and plenty of green space like the Tech Green where younger siblings can run around safely. It offers a glimpse into the high-pressure academic world of one of the nation's top engineering schools. The walk is hilly but manageable, and the architecture provides a nice contrast to the pool environment.
Ferst Dr · On siteCentennial Olympic Park
While it is a bit of a hike (about 20-25 minutes walking or a very short drive), this 21-acre park is the crown jewel of Atlanta's Olympic legacy. It features the Fountain of Rings, where kids can splash in the water jets (weather permitting), and expansive lawns perfect for a picnic. The park is surrounded by the city's top attractions and offers a clean, safe urban green space. It is a deeply significant site for swim families, connecting the current meet to the history of the 1996 Games. It is the perfect spot for a team photo with the skyline in the background.
Park Ave W · 1.2 mi (Long Walk)5–15 Minutes Away
Georgia Aquarium
Located just south of the campus, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the Western Hemisphere. It is famous for its massive Ocean Voyager exhibit, where visitors walk through a tunnel surrounded by whale sharks and manta rays. The facility is enormous, so you can easily spend a few hours here exploring the different galleries. It is a premium attraction with a higher ticket price, but the quality of the exhibits makes it a "must-do" for visiting families. It offers a cool, dark, and calming environment that is the perfect antidote to a hot, noisy pool deck.
Baker St NW · 1.5 miWorld of Coca-Cola
Situated right next to the aquarium at Pemberton Place, the World of Coca-Cola is a vibrant tribute to the history of the world's most famous beverage. The tour includes a look at the vault containing the secret formula, pop culture memorabilia, and a 4D movie experience. The highlight for most teams is the "Taste It!" lounge, where you can sample over 100 different beverages from around the globe—some delicious, some notoriously difficult to drink (beware the Beverly!). It is a high-energy, interactive attraction that captures the corporate history of Atlanta in a fun way.
Baker St NW · 1.5 miBeyond the Event: If you have a free day, the High Museum of Art in Midtown offers world-class exhibitions just 10 minutes away. Piedmont Park is the city's massive central park, perfect for running or festivals. Atlantic Station provides an outdoor mall experience with a movie theater and dining about 5 minutes north.
Dining & nightlifeFood & Drink Near McAuley Center
Inside & Adjacent
Tech Square Dining Hub
Located across the 5th Street bridge, Tech Square serves as the primary dining commissary for the university and visiting teams. It features a dense cluster of reliable fast-casual chains like Moe's Southwest Grill, Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, and Starbucks. This is the most practical place to grab a quick, affordable lunch without moving your car, as it is reachable via the free Tech Trolley or a 10-minute walk. The area is bustling with students and has plenty of outdoor seating. It is the logistical lifeline for fueling swimmers between prelims and finals.
5th St NW · 0.5 miHighland Bakery
Often located within or very near the major campus buildings (locations can vary/rotate, check current status), Highland Bakery offers a significant upgrade from standard cafeteria food. They are known for their massive pancakes, shrimp and grits, and high-quality coffee. It is a favorite spot for parents to grab a real breakfast after early morning warm-ups. The food is fresh, Southern-inspired, and comforting. It can get busy with students and faculty, but the line usually moves quickly.
Ferst Dr · Near CRCNearby Gathering Spots
The Varsity
You cannot visit Georgia Tech without experiencing The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in restaurant. Famous for its shouting carhops ("What'll ya have!"), chili dogs, and Frosted Orange drinks, it is an Atlanta icon located just across the interstate bridge. The food is greasy, fast, and classic—perfect for a "cheat meal" after the meet concludes. It handles massive crowds with ease, making it a fun, chaotic spot for the entire team to gather. It is more of a cultural experience than a culinary one, but it is absolutely mandatory for first-timers.
North Ave NW · 0.6 miAntico Pizza Napoletana
Located on the edge of campus, Antico is widely considered to serve the best pizza in Atlanta and is a favorite for carb-loading swimmers. They serve authentic Neapolitan pizzas baked in scorching wood-fired ovens imported from Italy. The seating is communal style, and the atmosphere is loud and energetic, often blasting opera or Italian music. You order at the counter, and the pizzas come out incredibly fast. It is a BYOB establishment (check current policy), which is a nice perk for parents looking to unwind with a bottle of wine.
Hemphill Ave NW · 0.8 miLocal & Elevated Picks
Mary Mac's Tea Room
For a true taste of Southern hospitality, Mary Mac's is the "Atlanta's Dining Room" that has been serving since 1945. The menu features scratch-made classics like fried chicken, pot likker with cracklin' cornbread, and sweet tea. It is a sit-down establishment that requires a bit more time, making it ideal for a celebratory dinner on a travel day. Visitors are often treated to a complimentary cup of pot likker as a welcome gesture. It offers a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that feels miles away from the pool deck.
Ponce De Leon Ave · 1.5 miCypress Street Pint & Plate
Located in Midtown just across the highway, Cypress Street offers a polished gastropub experience with a fantastic outdoor patio. They are famous for the "Sublime Doughnut Burger" (a burger served between two glazed donuts), but they also offer excellent salads, sandwiches, and a vast beer list. It is a great spot for parents to escape the campus bubble and enjoy a higher-quality meal in a lively neighborhood setting. The vibe is relaxed but trendy, fitting perfectly with the Midtown aesthetic.
6th St NE · 0.8 miLocal Tips & Year-Round Info
- Pool deck air quality is excellent, but spectator seating is warm.
- Parking is strictly enforced; use ParkMobile and do not back into spaces.
- Atlanta traffic is unpredictable; use Waze and allow buffer time.
- The Tech Trolley is free and connects the CRC to Tech Square.
- Clear bag policies are becoming standard for campus events; check ahead.
Weather & Seasons at McAuley
- Winter: December through February brings highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Ice storms are rare but paralyzing for the city. The indoor pool is comfortable, but the walk from the parking deck can be chilly and windy.
- Spring & early summer: March through May is famous for "The Pollening"—a layer of yellow dust covers everything. Allergies can be severe. Temps rise into the 70s and 80s, making the campus walk very pleasant.
- Mid-summer: June through August is hot and humid, with highs in the 90s. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost daily occurrences. The air conditioning in the CRC is powerful, but the humidity hits you the moment you step outside.
- Fall season: September through November offers the best weather, with clear skies and mild temperatures. It is football season, so be aware of Georgia Tech home games which can complicate parking and traffic significantly.
- Rain & snow: Rain is common year-round. Snow is rare. The city shuts down for even a dusting of snow, so monitor winter forecasts closely if traveling in January.
Venue Facts & Trip Essentials
Venue facts
- Primary team: Georgia Tech / USA Swimming.
- Neighborhood: Georgia Tech / Midtown.
- Nearest airport: Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL).
- Parking: Paid Decks (W10/W23).
- Walkable district: Tech Square.
Trip essentials
- Groceries & supplies: Publix (Spring St).
- Pharmacy: CVS (5th St/Tech Square).
- Urgent care: Emory at Georgia Tech (Students) / Piedmont Urgent Care.
- Downtime: Georgia Aquarium.
- Pro tip: Eat at Antico.

