Georgia’s largest cities hum with Southern soul and modern momentum: streets lined with magnolias and murals, live music drifting through downtowns, and history woven into every square and skyline. It’s the kind of place where I can sip sweet tea on a shaded porch and later catch a rooftop DJ set as the city lights glow on.
I’m strolling through Atlanta’s BeltLine at sunset, mural walls on one side, food trucks on the other, and the hum of the city all around me—this is Georgia turned up to eleven. Who knew peach country could feel this bold and this soulful all at once?
Atlanta leads the way—big, bold, and bursting with culture, from its civil rights legacy to film studios and futuristic skylines. Just down the road, Augusta flows with riverfront calm, golf prestige, and a blossoming arts vibe. Columbus delivers history and adventure in equal measure, where the Chattahoochee River runs wild beside restored mills and trendy cafés. Macon sings with musical roots and architectural charm, while Savannah brings cobblestones, moss-draped oaks, and stories around every square. And Athens? It’s all indie rock, college energy, and creative spark that never dims.
"Southern roots, city beats, and skyline dreams? This is Georgia’s urban groove—warm, wild, and unforgettable."
The Largest City:
1. Dive Into Dynamic Culture, History, and Skyline Adventures in Atlanta
Situated mostly in Fulton County but also stretching into DeKalb County in the northwestern part of the state, Atlanta is the capital city of the state of Georgia. Atlanta is also Georgia's biggest city, covering an area of 134 square miles and having an estimated population of 486,000 people, with over 5.7 million in the surrounding metropolitan area.
This city was founded in the 1830s and originally called 'Terminus' due to its situation on the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The name of the city was changed to Marthasville in 1843 and then Atlanta in 1847. The city of Atlanta is the 38th most populous in the United States and is the major commercial and cultural hub of Georgia. It is well-known for having lots of green spaces, earning the nickname 'City in a Forest', as well as being home to the busiest airport in the world: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Other Large Cities:
2. Walk Riverfront Trails and Celebrate Golf Legends in Augusta
Located on the Savannah River in the Piedmont part of Georgia, Augusta is the second biggest city in the state. It can be found on the eastern border with South Carolina and covers a very large area of 306.5 square miles due to its status as a consolidated city-county. Augusta has an estimated population of 197,000 people, with over 600,000 in the surrounding metropolitan area.
The city was founded in 1736 and named after Princess Augusta, the Princess of Wales. Augusta is best-known for hosting one of the four major PGA golf tournaments: The Masters. The city also notably enjoys a warm climate, helping to set it apart as one of the key resort towns in Georgia.
3. If River Adventures and Military History Call You, Explore Columbus
Located on the Chattahoochee River on the western border of Georgia, not far from the Alabama city of Phenix City, Columbus is Georgia's third largest city. It's the county seat of Muscogee County and, like Augusta, forms a consolidated city-county. Columbus was named after the world-famous explorer of the same name and was founded in 1828.
This city covers an area of 220.8 square miles and has an estimated population of 194,000 people. Columbus is known as a key transport hub for the state of Georgia, having close ties with Alabama and being just 100 miles away from Atlanta. The city is also known as a key tourism site, with many museums and historical landmarks, along with the Chattahoochee River which is very popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
4. Savor Southern Soul, Music Legends, and Architectural Gems in Macon
Like Augusta and Columbus, Macon forms a consolidated city-county and is the fourth biggest city in the state of Georgia. It is known as the 'Heart of Georgia' due to its central location in the state, and is situated just over an hour away from the state capital of Atlanta.
Macon covers an area of 255.13 square miles and has an estimated population of 152,000 people, with around 228,000 in the surrounding metropolitan area. The city of Macon is known as a strong educational zone, as well as being a popular tourism site for the state of Georgia due to its many museums and historical buildings.
5. Stroll Through Spanish Moss, Cobblestone Streets, and Timeless Charm in Savannah
Situated in Chatham County, of which it is the county seat, Savannah is the fifth biggest city in the state of Georgia. It was founded in 1733 on the Savannah River and played a key role in major events like the American Revolutionary War and Civil War.
Savannah is located in the eastern part of Georgia and covers an area of 108.7 square miles. It has an estimated population of 146,000 people, with 387,000 in the metropolitan area. Savannah historically had one of the most important ports in the country and is now a popular family-friendly tourist location. Must-see attractions include Forsyth Park, River Street, Pulaski Square and Savannah City Market.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What is Georgia’s historical significance?
- One of the original thirteen colonies, Georgia played a major role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War.
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Where is Georgia located?
- Situated in the southeastern region of the United States, Georgia has borders with Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida, with part of the state also on the Atlantic Coast.
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How large is Georgia?
- In terms of physical size, Georgia covers an area of 59,425 square miles, making it the 24th largest state in America.
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Why is Georgia called the 'Peach State'?
- Georgia is nicknamed the 'Peach State' due to its historical association with peach farming and production.
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Who was Georgia named after?
- Georgia was originally named after King George II of Great Britain.
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What is the capital and largest city of Georgia?
- The capital city of Georgia is Atlanta, which is also the largest city in the state.
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What is the largest metropolitan area in Georgia?
- The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metropolitan Statistical Area is the largest metro area in Georgia.
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Where can I find more details about Georgia’s largest cities?
- Here are some key details and overviews on the largest cities of Georgia.
Map:
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