Named after the former mayor of Atlanta, Jonathan Norcross, Norcross is a historic city that lies north-east of Atlanta. It centres around an atmospheric downtown area featuring rows of narrow brick buildings that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to do in Norcross
Locals come to picnic, exercise and cool off in Lillian Webb Park, which encompasses two hectares in the heart of Norcross. In addition to its ornate gazebos, fountains and shaded walking trails, it features volleyball courts, a softball diamond and an interactive splash pad. Lillian Webb Park is a short stroll from Betty Mauldin Park, which is home to Georgia’s largest elm tree.
Kids will love spending a day at Malibu Norcross, a family-friendly amusement park where they can get behind the wheel of go-karts, test their swing in the batting cages or enjoy a round of mini-golf. In the summer months, kids can cool off in the three-storey water play area of Buccaneer Cove or escape the heat in the state-of-the-art video gaming room.
A short drive from Norcross is McDaniel Farm Park, a leafy recreational area that occupies an early-20th-century cotton farm. It remains largely unchanged and is complete with its original barn, chicken coop and blacksmithing shed. You can learn about the struggles faced here during the Great Depression while exploring the farm’s historic structures before stretching your legs on the surrounding nature trails.
Getting around Norcross
Norcross is around 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of Atlanta and 35 minutes from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America, Europe and the Middle East. Buses connect to Norcross and travel throughout the city while the Western Gwinnett Bikeway offers access to neighbouring Duluth.