11 Popular Cities in Georgia (2024)

Wondering if there are any top U.S. Cities in Georgia? Oh, indeed there are. Georgia, or the Peachy State, as they say, is the eighth-largest U.S. state by population. From small mountain cities to sprawling towns and large metropolitans, it has a wide array of cities serving the population. The major Georgian cities have Fortune 500, the America’s best colleges, and plenty of professional opportunities. At the same time, these cities also boost tourism activities year-round, attracting visitors from Georgia and even the entire America across.

Noted amongst the top 10 American States in many terms, Georgia is loved by all. Its cities are a major draw amongst tourists, wanderers, students, researchers, politicians, businessmen, and corporate individuals. Whether you are looking for a city with lively energy or a city with peace of the world, Georgia has them all literally. And to help you decide which one to visit, here we have compiled a list of some popular cities in Georgia. Have a look before you head towards the Peachy State.

11 Popular Cities in Georgia

1. Atlanta

When talking about the best cities in Georgia, one cannot begin the list without mentioning Atlanta. Also known as the Big Peach or the New York of the South, Atlanta is definitely the best Georgia City. The increase in business opportunities and growth in the city has also given it some new names like Hotlanta and the Empire City of South. Atlanta is also known as the City of Trees, all thanks to one of the largest densities of tree canopies it houses in the world. There is no end to interesting places to explore in Atlanta, no matter what interests you carry. Not only Nature’s wonderland but Atlanta is also known for its Civil War history, the birth of Coca Cola and world-class museums.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Atlanta include:

Georgia Aquarium.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
World of Coca Cola
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
High Museum of Art

2. Savannah

Savannah is a coastal city in Georgia and an embodiment of the idyllic Southern city. The city lies at the mouth of the Savannah River on the border with South Carolina. Also known as the Hostess City of the South, Savannah is exceptionally beautiful. The entire city is surrounded by Spanish Moss, white sandy beaches, and magnificent antebellum Southern mansions. Since it is rich in history and heritage, it has multiple historic landmarks and lovely historic squares throughout the city. No matter what age you are, Savannah offers a thrilling and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Savannah include:

Bull Street & the Savannah Historic District
Bonaventure Cemetery
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences
Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum

TIP: Savannah is a Georgian City meant for exploring by foot, especially the area in and around downtown.

3. Suwanee

Though it sounds like Savannah, Suwanee is another best Georgia City. It is noted as one of the small cities in Georgia and has a population of nearly 20,000. The city of Suwanee is just 30 miles north of Atlanta, and one can cover it within less than an hour. It is famous for crowd-pleasing events, high-quality mixed-use developments, a variety of distinctive parks, and beautiful people. Suwanee is at the foothills of the Georgia Mountains however has an urban twist to it. Individuals who crave a flavor of country living with a modern touch are meant to visit this beautiful city. Not only for tourism, but Suwanee is also ideal for an after-retirement life in Georgia.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Suwanee include:

George Pierce Park
Suwanee Greenway Trail
Town Center Park
Everett’s Music Barn

4. Augusta

Georgia’s third-largest city, Augusta, is best known as the Master’s golf tournament host. However, this sprawling city is much more than that. The quintessential Southern charm and numerous gardens in Augusta attract nearly a million tourists every single year. Visitors enjoy walking across elegant tree-lined avenues and observing the antebellum mansions all over the place. One of the biggest draws in the city is the popular Riverwalk that engages both visitors and locals alike. It is also a known romantic destination and a honeymoon wonderland amongst individuals of Georgia. Augusta isn’t just known for its tourist attractions but also for its cyber security, biotechnology, and medicine.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Augusta include:

Augusta Museum of History
Augusta Riverwalk
The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Morris Museum of Art
Downtown Augusta

5. Columbus

Known for its idyllic riverside setting, Columbus sits on the border with Alabama. This Georgian city is the third-largest in the state and is a known wonderland/ playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Columbus is tucked against the state’s western border with the beautiful Chattahoochee River. A 15-mile stretch of paved pathways across the river makes up for a soothing walking experience. Individuals from Columbus and across visit here in order to enjoy the endless water views and adventure opportunities. Columbus is also home to one longest zipline that actually crosses the river in the world.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Columbus include:

Columbus Botanical Garden
The National Infantry Museum
National Civil War Naval Museum
Coca-Cola Space Science Center
Columbus Eats Food Tours

6. Macon

Macon is a historic Georgian city with a very relaxing and laid-back attitude. In terms of tourism, it is one of the best Georgia Cities. Also known as the Heart of Georgia, Macon holds a population of no more than 16000 individuals. Besides that, it is famously known by the name Brick City, all thanks to the well-preserved red-brick buildings across its region. The best way to explore Macon is through walking and strolling across the streets. Macon is also popular for the International Cherry Blossom Festival and its more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees. It is one of those popular cities in Georgia that one can visit any time of the year.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Macon include:

Ocmulgee National Monument
Historic Johnston—Felton—Hay House
Rose Hill Cemetery
Amerson River Park
Museum of Arts and Sciences

7. Marietta

Another popular city in Georgia, Marietta, is the northwest of Atlanta. It is a small city though boost number of places to visit and things to do. The beautiful and dramatic mountain backdrops grace the beauty of Marietta. Besides that, it is also known for its rich and sprawling history that results in multiple landmarks today. While just strolling downtown Marietta, one can find a number of tourist attractions within reach. The city is also popular for the number of museums and art galleries it houses.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Marietta include:

Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
Kennesaw Mountain
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Marietta Confederate Cemetery
Marietta Museum of History

8. Athens

Home of the University of Georgia, Athens is one of the top-rated cities in Georgia. It is popular in terms of tourism and living both. This mid-sized city emphasis majorly upon education, art, and culture. All thanks to that, there are multiple museums, learning centers, galleries, and cultural attractions within Athens. Like any other city in Georgia, Athens, too, is known for its walkable setting. From locals to visitors, a maximum of them choose to explore the city on foot. Athens even has a number of hiking trails that sprawls across the university and on the limit of the city as well.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Athens include:

State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Downtown Athens
Bear Hollow Zoo
Double-Barreled Cannon
Georgia Museum of Art

9. Alpharetta

Another city in Georgia that is closer to Atlanta, Alpharetta, is ideal for an escape from the city’s hustle. Alpharetta is a suburb with acres of green space. It is also ranked as one of Georgia’s best and most suitable places to live. The city is just a 30-minute drive from the north of Atlanta and makes for an ideal day trip and weekend getaway destination. It also acts as a basecamp for travelers who are heading their way toward the North Georgia Mountains. Alpharetta has an excellent mix of green space, history, parks, bustling attractions, and hundreds of restaurants.

Awesome City in Georgia-Alpharetta

Some of the top-rated places to visit in Alpharetta:

Alpharetta and Old Milton County History Museum
Jekyll Brewing
Downtown Alpharetta Historic District
Wills Park
Alpharetta Arts Center

10. Roswell

Georgia’s eighth-largest city, Roswell, is on the northern banks of the Chattahoochee River. The city sits somewhere between Alpharetta and Atlanta and is also known as the largest historic district in Georgia. It’s setting on Chattahoochee makes it an ideal getaway for water-based adventure and excellent photo-worthy opportunities. The city of Rosewell is home to 900 acres of outdoor recreational areas and 13 different parks. It boosts both active and passive modes of adventure, drawing enthusiasts from the city and across. It is also rich in historic landmarks and the heritage of the past.

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Some of the top-rated places to visit in Roswell include:

Bulloch Hall
Archibald Smith Plantation Home
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Archibald Smith Plantation Home
Chattahoochee Nature Center

11. Gainesville

Also known as the poultry capital of the world, Gainesville is another Best Georgia city to live and explore. The city got its name from a general in the War of 1812 against Great Britain. Gainesville has been a popular tourist city since the mid of 19th century and has the same charm today. The city boasts a number of tourist attractions along with plenty of natural sites. Gainesville is situated an easy 35 minutes south of the Georgia Mountains and 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta. The city of Gainesville also holds some strong economic opportunities. A lot of Georgians visit here in order to have a good life.