Atlanta is a favourite city of many. There’s a constant pulse that the city moves with. The people are creative, hardworking and always on the go.
There’s never a shortage of cool things to do in Atlanta throughout the entire sprawling city. Every weekend, locals and visitors alike are offered a range of options – from farmers markets to concerts and festivals to sporting games.
Ever since ATL’s founding in 1837, Atlanta’s people have supported industry growth, innovation and community.
Atlanta is also passionately supportive of the arts. The city has embraced a culture of self-expression and has seen the rise of many talented artists, whose medium ranges from music to screen to paint.
On top of some pretty cool hotel options right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, check out some of the interesting facts Atlanta is famous for, as well as other unique things to do while visiting Atlanta below!
What Is Atlanta Famous For?
Atlanta has a rich history. Founded as the final stop of the Western and Atlantic railroad built in 1836, the city was first named “Terminus.” Atlanta was later renamed to what it is today, inspired by its railroad history. Its history, which includes its involvement in the Civil War and during Reconstruction, plays a role in shaping the United States to where it is today.
here are several things Atlanta is known for, such as:
1. Atlanta, The 5th City To Be The Capital Of The State Of Georgia
Atlanta is the 5th city to serve as the capital of Georgia state. The Georgian government operated from Savannah in 1776 when it came into existence. In 1778, the British captured Savannah during the revolutionary war, and the government was transferred to Augusta. But Augusta didn’t stay its capital for long and it was moved to Louisville in 1796.
Due to the reports of Malarial symptoms in Louisville, the capital was again shifted and established in Milledgeville in 1807. Milledgeville served as Georgia’s capital until 1868. It was finally transferred to Atlanta after that, the fifth and final capital of the State of Georgia.
2. ‘Go Down Peachtree’ Direction
Most of the streets in Atlanta have the name peachtree and you’ll encounter common phrases when looking for directions in Atlanta, such as “go down peachtree.” This doesn’t mean that you’d need to (or can, for that matter) find peaches in the city.
The name came about when the Creek and Cherokee Indians inhabited the site where Atlanta is today. They used to name this very location the ‘standing peach tree.’ The name has stuck on since.
3. Origin Of Civil Rights Movement In The United States Of America
Atlanta has played an active role in American history. It’s where many civil rights movements were launched. You can visit the famous Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park site to learn how he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Admission to the Museum is free and can be explored without any tour guide.
4. The Busiest Airport In The World
Atlanta houses Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, arguably the world’s busiest airport in the world.
In 2019 alone, they logged 110.5 million passengers. It’s no surprise, since Atlanta is so centrally located.
Read this:
12 Truly Unique Things To Do in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Wondering what Atlanta, Georgia is famous for besides the unique facts and figures? Well, it’s home to many attractive and fun man-made and natural locations which are shared below:
1. Ponce City Market
Within the tall sturdy brick walls of the Old Fourth Ward Neighbourhood sits a market full of small, privately-owned restaurants and shops.
Come hungry. There’s no shortage of cuisine variety.
From quick service grab-and-go options to sit-down-and-linger-over-wine-and-a-course meal, Ponce City Market is one interesting spot to not miss when visiting Atlanta.
Originally built to house Sears Roebuck in 1926, the building has been a landmark in Atlanta for decades. In 2014, renovations transformed the massive structure into a true community hub.
2. Local Farmers Markets
This is another great way to savour the local flavours of Atlanta, Georgia and find out what Atlanta is known for. Don’t worry if your travels don’t provide you with time to cook while visiting. There are delicious local breads and pastries to enjoy as well as a variety of beverages ranging from fresh juices to locally brewed beers available at the various markets.
Reference the 365 Atlanta Traveler page for which neighbourhoods host markets on which days around the entire city.
3. Atlanta Beltline
Almost every neighbourhood throughout Atlanta cradles a green space or park where locals can enjoy the outdoors daily.
Atlanta has come up with a creative way to loop most of these spots together and adorn it with the talents of local street artists. Regardless of the neighbourhood you’re in, you can find mesmerising street art – in the form of spray art and graffiti – that tell a tale.
If you’re serious about uncovering these street art, there are even street art scavenger hunts and tours to secret street art locations in Atlanta.
The Atlanta Beltway is a great way to get outside and stroll while enjoying the painted voices of artisans with a passionate message and story to tell.
4. Georgia Aquarium
One of the biggest aquariums in the United States, The Georgia Aquarium is a cool thing to do in Atlanta and great for getting out of the Atlanta heat for a few hours.
The aquarium divides its exhibits into habitats, so you truly experience the world of these magnificent creatures through their eyes. There are several interactive tours, including the unusual opportunity to swim with a whale shark!
Visitors come by the busloads from around the country to experience the Georgia Aquarium, so give yourself time to wait for those Instagram-worthy shots between the crowds.
Get my 7 AI prompts that saved me $1000s!
5. View An Atlanta Sunset From 700 Feet Above The City
The Sundial Restaurant and Bar atop the Westin Hotel in downtown Atlanta is on the 72nd floor of the round skyscraper. Offering full 360-degree views of the entire city, it has one of the most breathtaking sunsets over the city, and truly something cool to do in Atlanta.
Reservations are highly recommended for the restaurant.
Arrive early, for there’s often a long line for visitors wanting to catch the sunset, and there are only two elevators to take you to the top.
The best way to truly experience the sunset is to set your dinner reservations for an hour before sunset, then savour dessert and a glass of wine while taking in the views as the city is bathed in the golden sunset and lights up for the night.
Read this:
6. Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta was home to the 1996 Summer Olympics, and Centennial Olympic Park was the hub for all the festivities. From sprawling grassy lawns to relax and picnic or kick the ball around on, to fountains and playground for kids, the park is a great way for the whole family to get outside and play or just hang out.
The Park also hosts several events around the year including concerts and festivals. Leverage the GWCCA site for details on events at the park during your visit.
7. Skyview Atlanta
Adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park sits The Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel.
This is another unique way to experience the beautiful skyline of downtown Atlanta and her surrounding neighbourhoods. The Skyview Atlanta is often open late, so this can be a fun after-dinner experience after the other attractions have closed for the evening.
Don’t miss:
8. Fox Theatre
Catch a show at Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre. Built in 1928 and originally intended for the Shriners, the building was leased to William Fox who continued with the development of the elegant structure. He later released the first motion picture on Christmas Day in 1929 and featured the now famous, Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie.
The Fox Theatre offers interesting tours of the opulent interior, but it’s still a very active theatre, with a variety of shows ranging from The Nutcracker to Gucci Mane.
9. Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is the mini version of Atlanta’s Central Park. The lush green park amidst skyscrapers has several paved trails where you can enjoy rollerblading on weekends. You can also find a dog park here.
In addition to the beautiful lush green surroundings, you can also find ponds, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts.
The park is open to people from all walks of life since it’s home to various free events. Atlantans love the Piedmont park for its sense of community and beauty.
10. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden has more to offer than just rare plants and flower species. Besides nature, you can find sculptured structures and gardens made from plants. You can find giant figures such as the Earth Goddess, a permanent installation at the garden’s water.’
Don’t miss out on the beautiful fountains flowing across blown-glass masterpieces as well. It’s a great place for families to wander with kids too as there’s a dedicated garden section with a treehouse.
Read this:
11. Chilli Cheese Dog At The Varsity
Chilli dog is one of the things Atlanta is famous for. It’s a must-try food and there’s no better place to try it than at The Varsity. The Varsity has been serving it since the 1920s. It’s a classic American restaurant that offers sandwiches, hotdogs, salads, shakes, burgers and fries. All the food is served with extra mustard and a meaty chilli slab.
12. “The Walking Dead” Location Spots
Heard about the famous Zombie Apocalypse series “The Walking Dead?” It was shot in Atlanta. If you want to explore where it was shot, you can easily get the directions by asking any local. The Walking Dead spots as I’d like to call it are known to all the locals.
To discover all that Atlanta is known for, you’d want to spend several days here.
If you’re spending more than three or four days in Atlanta and have time to explore several other great spots around the downtown area, consider the CityPASS.
Read this:
Atlanta College Football Hall of Fame
This gives you entry to four of the popular spots to visit including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola CNN Studios, Zoo Atlanta or Center for Civil and Human Rights and Fernbank Museum of Natural History or College Football Hall of Fame.
While the Aquarium is easily a 3-4-hour experience (longer if you add on animal encounter tours or swimming with whale sharks), the other locations on the CityPASS roster could easily be enjoyed in 2 hours or less.
Atlanta Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Center for Civil and Human Rights and College Football Hall of Fame are within easy walking distance of each other adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park.
Atlanta is packed full of so much to experience. Take time to enjoy this Southern gem and explore the passion and diversity of this great city.
Get my 7 AI prompts that saved me $1000s!
Pin this:
-
- Pin for later!
This was a really interesting post, thanks for sharing your travel experience.