Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, as well as its long coastline, which features many beaches and islands.
The state’s tourism industry is largely based on its natural attractions, which include the Appalachian Mountains, the Chattahoochee River, and Stone Mountain.
Other popular tourist destinations in Georgia include Atlanta, one of the most civilized cities in the state; Savannah, a charming coastal town, and Athens (NOT the Greek city).
Of course, as you’ll see, the most famous landmarks in Georgia are sprinkled across the state, not just these cities.
In this article, we are going to take a closer look at some of the most famous landmarks in the state, their significance, history, and these places.
Famous Landmarks in Georgia
1. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
This national park is a memorial to the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. The park includes his birth home and his resting place. It also hosts the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church, the place where he used to preach.
The monument was built in 1968 and is run by the National Park Service. It was established to preserve the legacy of Dr. King’s life and work during the civil rights movement in the United States.
The park offers guided tours of the birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and other important landmarks related to Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.
There are also large memorial grounds for visitors to explore and learn more about his legacy.
2. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, is one of the largest aquariums in the world, with 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater tanks hosting a variety of sea creatures from all over the globe. Located in Georgia, it is also one of Georgia’s top tourist attractions.
The aquarium was opened in 2005, and it is the only facility in the United States to house whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales. It also has a remarkable variety of aquatic life, such as dolphins, sea lions, otters, and more.
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The Georgia Aquarium offers visitors a variety of interactive experiences with its residents. Guests can take part in behind-the-scenes tours or swim with bottlenose dolphins and giant manta rays.
There are also many educational programs for children of all ages to learn about aquatic life and conservation efforts.
3. Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is an ancient Native American burial site located in Bartow County, Georgia. It consists of six earthen mounds and a plaza built over 2,000 years ago.
These Mounds were built by the Muscogee people of the Mississippian culture between 900 and 1100 A.D. and are one of the most important archaeological sites in North America. The site is believed to have once been an important religious center for the Muscogee tribe.
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Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or take guided tours which provide information about the Native Americans who once lived there, as well as how they constructed their mounds and other structures. There is also a museum that houses artifacts from the area.
4. Atlanta Botanical Garden
This is a 30-acre urban oasis located in downtown Atlanta. It features lush gardens, vibrant meadows, and winding walkways that lead to immersive experiences with nature.
The garden was founded in 1976 and is now one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States. It has grown over the years to include multiple specialty gardens as well as an edible garden and a Global Harvest Garden, which showcases food plants from all over the world.
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Visitors can explore the various gardens on their own or take part in guided tours with knowledgeable staff members who provide information about each garden’s unique characteristics and inhabitants.
The garden also offers events and activities throughout the year, such as concerts, cooking classes, and more.
Another reason why the Atlanta Botanical Garden stands out throughout the globe is that it houses the largest collection of tropical plants outside of a botanical garden in the world.
5. Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is an iconic 30-acre public park located in Savannah, Georgia. It features large grassy fields, stunning live oak trees with Spanish moss, historic monuments and sculptures, and two small lakes that provide a tranquil setting.
The park was originally established in 1851 and is named after Governor John Forsyth of Georgia. It served as a popular gathering place for the citizens of Savannah during the 19th century, and it has hosted numerous events throughout its history, including concerts, political rallies, and festivals.
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Visitors can take part in activities like picnicking, walking or jogging on the park’s trails, fishing in one of its two lakes, or playing sports such as volleyball or bocce ball. The park also offers regular events such as outdoor movie screenings and live music performances.
Forsyth Park is also home to many historic monuments and sculptures that commemorate important individuals and events throughout Georgia’s history. The park is a great way to learn about the state’s past as well as enjoy some outdoor recreation.
6. Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens is an iconic attraction located atop Lookout Mountain in Northern Georgia. It features one-of-a-kind rock formations, native wildflowers, and breathtaking views of seven states from its summit.
Rock City has been a popular tourist destination since the 1930s when it was founded by Frieda Utermoehlen Carter and her husband, Garnet Carter.
Frieda believed that the unique geological formations of Rock City were created by “ancient fairies” who left behind fairy houses, bridges, and walkways for visitors to explore.
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At 1,700 feet, it allows visitors to explore the enchanted gardens, walk along the scenic trails, and admire breathtaking views from Lover’s Leap (yes, the story is actually a sad one).
The park also offers special events throughout the year, like live music performances and holiday-themed activities.
7. Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is an 85-acre public park located in Atlanta, Georgia, that is perfect for outdoor recreation and relaxation. It features beautiful green spaces with open meadows, rolling hills, wooded areas, and two large lakes.
Piedmont Park was originally established in 1887 and served as the site of many significant events throughout its history, including the first-ever Earth Day celebration and civil rights rallies led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The park has also been a popular gathering place for many music festivals, art shows, and other public events over the years.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as walking or jogging on the park’s scenic trails, picnicking in one of its open meadows, fishing in one of its two lakes or playing sports like soccer and basketball.
Visitors can also take part in organized classes and activities such as yoga, tai chi, and dance classes. Piedmont Park is a great place for visitors to get some fresh air, appreciate nature, and enjoy some outdoor recreation.
8. World of Coca-Cola
It is an interactive museum located in downtown Atlanta dedicated to the iconic soft drink brand. It features displays on the history of Coca-Cola, its global reach and impact, as well as its role in popular culture.
The World of Coca-Cola was opened in 1990 with the goal of educating visitors about the famous beverage’s influence around the world.
The museum features numerous exhibits on topics such as advertising campaigns, packaging design, bottling processes, memorabilia, and much more.
9. Centennial Olympic Park
This is a 21-acre urban green space located at a 3-minute walk from the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, that commemorates the 1996 Summer Olympics held in the city.
It features monuments honoring athletes who competed at the games, as well as interactive fountains, walking paths, and an Olympic flame sculpture.
The park was constructed for the 1996 Games as a gathering place for visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation with family and friends.
It was also designed to honor the Olympic spirit of peace and goodwill, making it a symbol of Georgia’s commitment to the Games.
10. Zoo Atlanta
Yes, it is a weird name, but it is quite a popular 42-acre zoological park located just east of downtown Atlanta. It houses over 1,000 animals from across the world and features numerous exhibits devoted to species from different habitats.
Zoo Atlanta was founded in 1889 to showcase animals from around the world that were otherwise not able to be seen in the city. The zoo has since grown into a major attraction for locals and tourists alike, with exhibits featuring some of Earth’s most unique species and conservation efforts aimed at preserving endangered animals.
Visitors can explore Zoo Atlanta’s many animal exhibits while learning about their habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts underway to protect them.
Guests can also take part in interactive activities like feeding the giraffes or taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo, allowing you to get close to the wildlife and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Georgia is a city filled with plenty of incredible attractions to explore. From the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park to Zoo Atlanta, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking to learn about history, appreciate nature, or simply have some fun, Georgia has it all!