Top 13 Things Georgia, USA, Is Famous For - Updated 2024

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 4 min read

Georgia is a state located in the southeastern part of the United States. It was the last of the original 13 colonies that belonged to the British and was named after King George II. It is known for having a wide range of terrain including coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean, mountains that form part of the Appalachian Trail, and vast farmlands. It features great places to stay as well, including treehouse cabins and Airbnb tiny houses. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most famous Georgians, and you can visit the home he grew up in. The state is also home to worldwide brands like Coca-Cola and beautiful outdoor areas. If you are keen to learn more, check out this article to see the things Georgia, USA, is famous for.

1. Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Darryl Pierce used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The adventure seekers out there will enjoy a trip to Stone Mountain Park. This major attraction in Georgia offers a variety of activities for a whole day of fun. For dinosaur lovers out there, head to Dinosaur Explore where you can see life-sized dinosaurs. You can also check out Geyser Towers where you can traverse rope bridges suspended over a geyser.

There’s plenty more to explore and you will be able to spend a day here with your family or friends. If you’re feeling adventurous, this park also serves as a great hiking and trekking spot with its 15-mile (24.14-kilometer) trail for all sorts of skill levels.

Stone Mountain Park

Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, United States

Website: Stone Mountain Park

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 27 USD

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2. World of Coca-Cola (from USD 22.0)

Did you know that Atlanta, Georgia, is the birthplace of Coca-Cola? It was invented back in 1886, and today you can visit World of Coca-Cola right in downtown Atlanta. With this skip-the-line ticket, you will get to see historic Coca-Cola artefacts, learn about the company’s history, and of course, have a chance to taste a variety of Coca-Cola drinks from around the world. If you are a fan of this fizzy drink, this is a fun way to learn more about the product.

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World of Coca-Cola Multimedia Attraction Admission in Atlanta

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

812 reviews

3. Savannah Historic District (from USD 30.0)

A great way to learn more about a city is to simply start walking through it. With this guided walking tour of historic Savannah, you can learn about the city’s rich history. In fact, this National Historic Landmark District is one of America’s largest urban historic preservation districts. The tour will start at the historic Colonial Park Cemetery. Along the way, you will also see The Olde Pink House, a restaurant that serves classic Southern cuisine, and Savannah City Hall. The tour guide is also very accommodating, so don’t hesitate to ask him/her questions during the tour.

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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

1885 reviews

4. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jo Jakeman used under CC BY 2.0

Featuring a parade of beach resorts, Jekyll Island is a small island situated off the coast of Georgia and along the Atlantic Ocean. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous people with Europeans arriving in the early 1500s. Since then, the island has been home to a wide range of people including the military and America’s wealthiest families such as the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts.

Today, the island is one of the most famous places in Georgia for coastal relaxation as it has plenty of beaches to enjoy. If you like animals, stop by Georgia Sea Turtle Center or take a Historic Tour to learn more about the island’s history.

Jekyll Island

Address: Glynn County, Georgia, U.S

Website: Jekyll Island

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5. The Varsity

TheVarsity Atlanta-GA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Autiger used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Varsity is a chain of restaurants located in Atlanta, Georgia. The fast-food restaurant first opened its doors in 1928, serving up classic American snacks such as burgers and hot dogs. Today, it serves as an iconic destination in Atlanta for local and foreign travellers alike. While here, visit its main location on North Avenue. The original establishment is famous for being the world’s largest drive-in fast-food restaurant, taking up a whopping two city blocks and can seat 800 customers.

The Varsity

Address: 61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States

Website: The Varsity

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun - Thu: 11am - 8pm

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6. Rock City

High Falls at Rock City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JamesPFisherIII used under CC BY 3.0

Located on Lookout Mountain, Rock City is an attraction that features ancient rock formations, gardens, and beautiful views of the neighbouring states and mountain ranges. You can head to Fairyland Caverns, a rock cave with blacklight sculptures, or marvel at High Falls, a 140-feet (43 metres) man-made waterfall. There are, of course, spots to sit and eat along the way. If you are looking for cool souvenirs, check out the local shops nearby.

Rock City

Address: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, United States

Website: Rock City

Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)

Price: From 22 USD

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7. Atlanta (from USD 532.0)

This Atlanta helicopter tour gives you the chance to soar over the domes and skyscrapers that make up the city’s skyline. The host will be waiting for you inside the Hill Aircraft facility of the Fulton County Airport. Before the takeoff, wear your audio headset to ensure you can hear the captain clearly.

Starting off the tour is a flight above Battery Park in Vinings, home of the New Braves stadium, then catch a peek of the Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. After that, you’ll proceed to the west side of Buckhead, and finally, to the downtown area where you’ll join the magnificent Atlanta skyline. Throughout the journey, don’t forget to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

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Best Priced Helicopter Tour of Atlanta w/ Complimentary Beverage for up to 3

Duration: 30 minutes

12 reviews

8. Annual Possum Drop

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Annual Possum Drop in Georgia is a unique celebration that takes place in the city of Tallapoosa. Rooted in the hunting traditions of the American South, this event has been a quirky way for Georgians to welcome the New Year.

Typically held on New Year’s Eve, the possum drop involves lowering a taxidermy possum named ‘Spencer’ in a transparent box from a height as part of the countdown to midnight, reminiscent of the iconic Times Square ball drop. The event also features live music, food vendors offering Southern cuisine, carnival games, and a festive atmosphere that brings the community together.

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9. Movie Capital

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Georgia has emerged as a prominent movie capital, attracting filmmakers from around the world, and this can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, the state offers a generous tax incentive program that provides significant financial incentives to film and television productions. These incentives have lured major studios and independent filmmakers alike.

Additionally, the state boasts diverse landscapes and settings, from bustling urban scenes in Atlanta to picturesque rural areas, allowing filmmakers to depict a wide range of locations without leaving the state. Georgia’s skilled workforce, including experienced crew members and talented actors, further enhances its reputation in the film industry. With a thriving film infrastructure, top-notch production facilities, and a welcoming environment for filmmakers, Georgia has firmly established itself as a movie capital, earning its nickname ‘The Hollywood of the South’.

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10. Georgia peach

Peaches
Source: Pixabay

What food is Georgia known for, you ask? One of the first things that locals may answer you is its peaches. Nicknamed The Peach State, Georgia is indeed one of the four states that produce a large number of peaches every year.

This history goes back a long time when Franciscan monks brought some peaches to the state in 1571. Since then, this fruit has played a crucial role in the state’s agricultural economy. Most peaches are sold fresh and often used in restaurants across the nation.

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11. Okefenokee Swamp

Okefenokee Swamp - Prairie - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user pseabolt used under CC BY 3.0

Okefenokee Swamp is a 438000-acre wetland (177000 ha) and is located in southeastern Georgia and northern Florida. This area was originally inhabited by an indigenous group. Even to this day, “Swampers” still live on the land in isolation and speak Victorian English. The swamp is a popular spot for tourists with plenty of things to do here. You can take a boat tour and explore the swamp’s waterways, hike the trails, and watch wildlife shows.

Okefenokee Swamp

Address: U.S. 1 South Waycross, Georgia 31503, United States

Website: Okefenokee Swamp

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

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12. Georgia peanuts

Peanuts
Source: Pickpic

Peanuts first came to Georgia in the 1850s and since then, it has been a favorite “Georgia food.” Known as the top producer of high-quality peanuts, this state boasts hectares of peanut farms and produces over two billion pounds of peanuts each year. Aside from peanut butter, plenty of them is eaten as snacks or used in candies. If you’re a peanut fanatic, we recommend heading to Sylvester, Georgia which hosts a yearly Peanut Festival.

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13. Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids
Source: Pixy

If you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, you might have fond memories of playing with Cabbage Patch Kids, a set of soft dolls popular among kids across America. Among the most unique things in Georgia, the dolls were developed in the 1970s in Cleveland. They were originally sold at craft fairs until the creator purchased Babyland General Hospital, an old clinic that was turned into the “birthplace” of these popular dolls.

The hospital is open to the public, so if you wish to see how dolls are being made, do visit it. You can also purchase exclusive Cabbage Patch Kids dolls as a souvenir.

Cabbage Patch Kids

Address: Dummy address

Website: Cabbage Patch Kids

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm

Price: Free

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So much fun in Georgia

Georgia is famous for plenty of things! From peaches and peanuts to swamps and museums, Georgia offers a little something for everyone. It features scenic train rides and engaging wine tours as well. So if you are planning to visit the state, don’t forget to add the things Georgia, USA, is famous for to your travel itinerary.

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Frequently asked questions about the top things Georgia, USA, is famous for


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nicole is an American expat living in London, England. When she moved from the midwest to London in 2012, it was her first time leaving the US. She has traveled steadily since then, making trips...Read more

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