There are plenty of reasons to visit Georgia, whether you’re a fan of the sub-tropical climate or you’re interested in the rich history of the state. While Georgia peaches may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the things Georgia is known for, there’s more to the Empire State of the South than fruit.
To compile this list, 24/7 Tempo consulted major publications, including the U.S. News & World Report and the New Georgia Encyclopedia. Here are the most common things Georgia is known for.
Peaches
- Georgia is sometimes known as the Peach State and is one of the top peach-producing states
Georgia isn’t the only state in the country where peaches grow; it is known as the Peach State. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, four states in the U.S. produce the most peaches–South Carolina, New Jersey, California, and, of course, Georgia. That being said, you can’t visit Georgia without grabbing peaches from a local market or at least ordering a slice of peach pie. Peaches are one of the most famous things to buy in Georgia.
Stone Mountain Park
A beautiful view of stone mountain with trees as the surrounding.
- Stone Mountain Park has over 3,000 acres to explore and is one of the most popular attractions in Atlanta, GA
You can’t visit the great state of Georgia without passing through Stone Mountain Park. This park near Atlanta, GA, has over 3,000 acres of beautiful land, attractions, and fun. It’s the perfect place to explore some of Georgia’s history or take the Skyride to the top of Stone Mountain. There are also plenty of events and festivals throughout the year which have contributed to the park’s popularity.
Atlanta
- Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the state
As the capital of Georgia, Atlanta is definitely one of the cities Georgia is known for. It’s also the largest city in the state with a population of nearly 500,000. If you’re visiting the Empire State of the South, there’s plenty to do in Atlanta, from the Georgia Aquarium to the Atlanta Zoo. Atlanta is also home to Atlanta International Airport, which has been named the busiest airport in the world.
Savannah
- Savannah is a much smaller city than Atlanta, but it’s still a popular city worth visiting
Savannah is much smaller than Atlanta, with only about 147,000 residents. However, it’s still one of the major cities that Georgia is known for. Savannah is a popular tourist destination and has many beautiful sights, such as Forsyth Park and the Savannah Historic District.
Civil Rights Movement
- The Civil Rights Movement is a significant part of Georgia’s history, and Atlanta, GA, was the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.
You can’t discuss Georgia’s history without bringing up the significance of the Civil Rights Movement. This is especially true of Atlanta, GA. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, GA. Georgia is also where the Albany Movement began, a movement with the goal of desegregation for the community. There are plenty of ways to learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement while visiting Georgia, such as visiting Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Peanuts
- Peanut production is concentrated in Georgia mainly because of its climate
Whether you prefer them dry roasted or boiled, there are plenty of peanuts in Georgia. This state is the number one producer of peanuts and even outside of Georgia, they’re grown mostly in the South. This is because the warm climate is ideal for growing peanuts. Georgia and many other Southern states don’t experience the bitter winters that are common up north. (Read about the strangest food in every state to find out how some people eat peanuts in Georgia.)
Pecans
- Georgia is known for pecans since there are more pecans produced there than any other state
Another thing Georgia is known for is pecans. As the largest pecan-producing state, Georgia has plenty of pecan trees. While there are many other states that grow pecans as well, nearly a third of the country’s pecans are grown in Georgia. If you’re passing through, you can’t leave home without some–or at least finding a place that sells delicious pecan pie.
Vidalia Onions
White onions in a basket - wide angle lens.
Vidalia onions are the state vegetable of Georgia, and the ones grown in this state are supposedly sweeter
Onions are a strange thing for Georgia to be known for, but there’s a reason for it. Vidalia onions became the official state vegetable of Georgia in the 90s after these onions were trademarked. While onions are grown in many different places, the only place that sells official Vidalia onions is Georgia due to the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986. This variety is also supposed to be sweeter than onions grown elsewhere.
The Varsity
- The Varsity has been around since 1928 and has become the largest drive-in restaurant in the world
You can’t think of Georgia without thinking of all the delicious Georgia food. One of the restaurants you have to visit when you’re passing through the area is The Varsity. The history of this drive-in restaurant goes way back to the early 1920s when the original Varsity was born. Since then, it has grown to be the largest drive-in restaurant across the globe.
Coca-Cola
- Coca-Cola was first sold in Atlanta, GA, and you can learn more about this beverage by visiting the Coca-Cola Museum
Coca-Cola has certainly come a long way since the 1800s. Dr. John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist living in Georgia, first created the syrup for this fountain drink in 1886. It was sold in a local pharmacy in Atlanta for five cents a glass. To learn more about the history behind this popular drink, you can visit the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta.
Quail Hunting
- Georgia is a top state for quail hunting because of its expansive quail population
If you’re not a hunter, you may not be familiar with the best spots for quail hunting. But Georgia has been known as one of the top quail-hunting states for many years. Part of the reason is that Georgia has a large population of quails. The Bobwhite Quail is the most well-known variety and is the state game bird of Georgia.
Sweet Tea
- It’s easy to find sweet tea in Georgia, and this state has some of the best sweet tea in the country
Considering it’s a drink most Southerners can’t live without, it’s no wonder Georgia is known for its delicious sweet tea. What seems pretty foreign to those up north is an absolute necessity for those in the South. Sweet tea is simply made of iced black tea mixed with sugar, but the Arnold Palmer is a popular variety as well, which is sweet tea mixed with lemonade.
Southern Food
- Georgia is known for its delicious and savory Southern cuisine
It’s no surprise that some of the most popular food in Georgia is Southern comfort food. The cuisine across Georgia can vary depending on where you go, but you’ll find some of the best Southern food in many of the cities. From tasty fried chicken to shrimp and grits, there’s no doubt that when you visit Georgia, you should come hungry.
Warm Temperatures
- Georgia’s climate ranges from subtropical to moderate, depending on what area you visit
Like many of the states in the South, Georgia is often envied because of its warm temperatures. Although it does get cold in some parts of Georgia, they don’t experience the freezing temperatures that those from up north experience every winter. On average, the temperatures in Georgia range from 50-60 degrees during the colder parts of the year.
University of Georgia
- The University of Georgia is the oldest higher education institution in Georgia and has an overall enrollment of about 40,000
Most states are known for their top universities, and Georgia is no different. The University of Georgia is one of the things this state is known for. As the oldest higher education institution in Georgia, this school has ranked in the top 50 of the best colleges in the country. They offer over 200 degrees and programs, with some of the most popular choices being Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, and International Relations.
The Georgia Aquarium
- The Georgia Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Georgia, and overall, it contains over 11 million gallons of water
If you’re taking a trip to Atlanta, GA, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see attraction. As one of the largest aquariums in the world, this is the perfect stop for people of all ages. It’s also one of the most well-known attractions in Georgia. There are plenty of exhibits to see, and the aquarium is home to hundreds of animal species. As a local non-profit, they’re also dedicated to animal care and research.
Double-Barreled Cannon
- The original double-barrel cannon was designed by an Athens inventor named John Gilleland
A cannon may seem like another strange thing for Georgia to be known for, but if you’ve ever visited Athens, you may have seen the double-barrel cannon yourself. During the Civil War, an Athens-based inventor, John Gilleland, designed this experimental weapon. However, it was never used in the war and is now displayed in City Hall.
Films
- Georgia is a popular spot for filming, and many popular movies were filmed there
Filming in the state of Georgia isn’t a new concept, but the film industry is currently booming in the Peach State. It’s even known by some as the Hollywood of the South. There are plenty of great locations in Georgia for filming, and the moderate climate makes it a great place to film as well. Some of the top films shot in Georgia in recent years include Jumanji: Welcome, Spiderman: No Way Home, and Avengers: End Game.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
- The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has nearly 400,000 acres of land with a variety of wildlife
Even though there are many benefits to visiting some of the larger cities in Georgia, there are also many beautiful nature refuges outside the cities and plenty of wildlife to see. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is in Southern Georgia and is home to nearly 400,000 acres of land. Whether you’re interested in going camping or viewing some of the wildlife, there’s plenty to see at this refuge.
The Masters Tournament
- The Masters Tournament is a major golf championship that takes place in Augusta, Georgia
If you’re a fan of professional golf, you’re likely aware of the Masters Tournament. This event is one of the things Georgia is known for since it’s one of four major golf tournaments, and it takes place at the same location in Augusta, GA, every year. At this men’s golf championship, you’ll find some of the best golfers in the world, and it’s a lot of fun for those who enjoy the sport. (Check out the 25 slang and phrases only Southerners will understand.)