Fun Facts About Atlanta, Georgia: Surprising Things to Know About the ATL

Atlanta isn’t just another big Southern city—it’s a place where Civil Rights history, film sets, hip-hop, tech startups, and tree-filled neighborhoods all overlap. Whether you live here, you’re visiting, or you’re just curious about how Atlanta really works, these fun facts will help you see the city in a new way.

Atlanta’s Nicknames: Why It’s Called “The ATL” and More

Atlanta has more nicknames than many cities its size, and each one tells you something about the place.

Common nicknames you’ll hear locally:

• The ATL – Popular in music and everyday conversation. If someone says they’re “from the ATL,” they mean Metro Atlanta.
• A-Town – Another casual, often music-connected nickname.
• Hotlanta – You’ll see this on tourist shirts, but many locals don’t use it. It mostly refers to the city’s nightlife and summer heat.
• The City in the Forest – Atlanta has an unusually high tree canopy for a major city. If you’ve ever flown in, you’ve probably noticed you’re landing into a sea of trees.
• Hollywood of the South – A nod to Atlanta’s booming film and TV industry.

If you’re visiting, you’ll fit in more if you say “Atlanta” or “the ATL” rather than “Hotlanta.”

Atlanta Has Had Three Official Names

Before it was Atlanta, the city had different names tied to transportation:

1. Terminus – In the 1830s, this was simply the “end of the line” for the Western & Atlantic Railroad.
2. Marthasville – Named briefly after the then-governor’s daughter.
3. Atlanta – Adopted in 1847 and inspired by the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Many believe the name reflects its role as a rail “Atlantic” connection or a feminized form of “Atlantic.”

The rail focus is still visible: Downtown Atlanta’s Gulch area, near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, sits on and around those original rail lines.

The Airport Is One of the Busiest in the World

If you live in Atlanta, you already know Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a big deal. But many people don’t realize:

• It’s regularly ranked among the busiest airports in the world by passenger volume.
• Its central location in the Southeast makes Atlanta a major connection hub, not just a destination.
• You can get from Downtown Atlanta to the airport in about 15–20 minutes (outside of heavy traffic) via I-75/I-85 or MARTA’s Red and Gold Lines.

Local tip:
If you’re flying out, you can park at MARTA rail stations like North Springs or College Park and ride straight into the airport terminal, often avoiding highway traffic and airport parking stress.

A City in the Forest: Atlanta Is Extremely Green

One of the most surprising fun facts for visitors: Atlanta is heavily wooded.

• Metro neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Druid Hills, Buckhead, East Point, and Kirkwood have big, mature trees shading entire streets.
• You can walk parts of Midtown and Inman Park and feel like you’re in a forest with skyscrapers in the background.
• The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, just north and west of the city, offers hiking and kayaking within a short drive of places like Sandy Springs, Vinings, and Buckhead.

If you want to see this “forest city” up close, stroll or bike along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, where leafy paths weave between neighborhoods, restaurants, and public art.

Civil Rights History Is Embedded in the City

Atlanta played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, and you can see that history in specific, walkable places.

Key Civil Rights Landmarks in Atlanta

For Atlanta residents, many school field trips and community events still center on these locations, keeping the city’s Civil Rights legacy very much alive.

Atlanta Is a Major Film and TV Hub

If you think you’ve seen Atlanta on TV without realizing it, you probably have.

• Marvel movies, popular streaming series, and network shows regularly film in and around the city.
• You’ll find production happening in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and nearby suburbs like Fayetteville and Douglasville.
• Many shows and movies set elsewhere are actually filmed in Metro Atlanta thanks to sound stages and flexible locations.

Locals are used to spotting production trucks, “base camp” signs, and street closures for filming, especially in neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, Old Fourth Ward, and the Westside.

The Peachtree Mystery: So Many “Peachtree” Streets

Ask someone for directions in Atlanta and they might say, “Turn left on Peachtree.” The problem? There are dozens of Peachtree streets.

You’ll run into names like:

• Peachtree Street NE
• Peachtree Road NE
• Peachtree Center Ave
• Peachtree Industrial Blvd
• Peachtree Battle Ave

And that’s only a sample.

Fun fact: Despite all the references to peaches, Atlanta and much of North Georgia are historically more associated with railroads and cotton than peach farming. Many locals will tell you Georgia’s official nickname is the “Peach State,” but much of the state’s peach farming is centered further south and middle Georgia—not directly in the city.

Atlanta Was Rebuilt After Being Burned in the Civil War

Atlanta was a strategic railroad and supply hub for the Confederacy. In 1864, much of the city was destroyed during the Civil War as Union forces moved through under General William T. Sherman.

• Today, Atlanta’s official symbol is the phoenix, a mythical bird that rises from its own ashes.
• You can see interpretations of the phoenix in public art, city seals, and sculptures—especially downtown.

That “rising from the ashes” identity still shapes how Atlanta sees itself: a city focused on reinvention, growth, and long-term resilience.

Coca-Cola Was Born in Atlanta

The world-famous soft drink Coca-Cola was first created in Atlanta in the late 19th century.

• The original formula was sold at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Downtown Atlanta.
• Today, you can visit the World of Coca-Cola, near Centennial Olympic Park, to explore exhibits about the brand’s history and influence (and sample different Coke products from around the world).

You’ll see Coca-Cola’s presence across the city—from sponsorships at sports venues to bright red signs in local shops.

Atlanta Hosted the 1996 Olympic Games

The 1996 Summer Olympics brought major investments to Atlanta and left behind some lasting landmarks:

• Centennial Olympic Park – Built as a gathering space for the Games; today it’s a public park with fountains, events, and skyline views.
• Georgia Tech and other universities expanded housing and athletic facilities for athletes, many of which are still in use today.
• The Olympic rings can be found in several locations, including sculptures and park designs.

If you’re visiting, the area around Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW remains one of the best spots to see several major attractions within walking distance, including the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.

Atlanta Is a Major Music Capital

Atlanta has shaped modern music in big ways, especially in hip-hop, R&B, and trap.

Artists and producers associated with Atlanta have helped define:

• Southern hip-hop
• Trap music
• Parts of mainstream pop and R&B

Neighborhoods and suburbs like College Park, East Point, Decatur, Bankhead, and Southwest Atlanta show up in lyrics, album art, and visuals.

You’ll find music history woven through:

• Small venues in East Atlanta Village
• Large arenas like State Farm Arena
• Local festivals and block parties in places like Downtown, Midtown, and the Westside

The BeltLine: An Old Railroad Becomes a City Loop

One of the most interesting recent transformations in Atlanta is the Atlanta BeltLine:

• It’s built on old, mostly unused railroad corridors that circled the city.
• Segments like the Eastside Trail, Westside Trail, and Southside Trail are now popular for walking, biking, and scootering.
• The BeltLine connects neighborhoods that once felt separate, such as Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Reynoldstown, West End, and Midtown.

You’ll find:

• Public art installations along the paths
• Access to parks like Historic Fourth Ward Park and Piedmont Park
• Direct connections to restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and markets

For residents, the BeltLine has become a daily routine spot—for exercise, commuting by bike, or casual strolls with friends and pets.

Atlanta’s Layout: Why Navigation Can Feel Confusing

Newcomers often notice that Atlanta’s street layout doesn’t follow a simple grid, especially Inside the Perimeter (the area inside I-285).

Some quick fun facts about getting around:

• I-285 is known simply as “the Perimeter”—it loops around most of Metro Atlanta.
• The main north–south highway through the city is I-75/85, often called the Downtown Connector.
• Many local roads change names as they cross into new neighborhoods or counties.
• East–west travel across the region can be slower because of staggered routes and traffic patterns.

Locals rely heavily on landmarks and neighborhood names—for example, “near Piedmont Park,” “by Ponce City Market,” or “in Buckhead”—instead of just street names.

Yes, It’s Hot… But the Weather Is More Varied Than You Think

Atlanta’s reputation for heat is well-earned, but the climate has quirks:

• Summers are hot and humid, especially in July and August.
• Winters are usually mild, but every few years, light snow or ice can cause major disruptions because the city isn’t built around routine snow events.
• Spring and fall can be beautiful but allergy-heavy, thanks to all those trees.

Residents track pollen counts closely, especially in March–April, when cars routinely turn yellow-green from pollen dust.

Atlanta’s Neighborhoods Each Have a Distinct Personality

One of the most interesting things about Atlanta is how different each neighborhood feels. A few examples:

• Midtown – High-rises, arts institutions like the Fox Theatre and High Museum of Art, walkable streets, and easy access to Piedmont Park.
• Buckhead – Known for upscale shopping, office towers, and established residential areas.
• Old Fourth Ward – Mix of historic homes and modern lofts, near the BeltLine Eastside Trail and Ponce City Market.
• West End & Westview – Rich in history and culture, with access to the Westside Trail of the BeltLine.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV) – Known for music venues, nightlife, and a more eclectic vibe.
• Grant Park – Historic houses, leafy streets, and Zoo Atlanta.

Exploring neighborhood by neighborhood is one of the best ways for both visitors and new residents to understand the city’s character.

MARTA: Atlanta’s Rail and Bus System

Atlanta’s primary public transit system is MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority).

Quick facts useful for riders:

• MARTA runs rail lines (Red, Gold, Blue, Green) and a network of buses across the city and into parts of DeKalb, Fulton, and Clayton counties.
• The Peachtree Center, Five Points, Civic Center, and Midtown stations serve many core destinations.
• The Airport Station is located directly inside the airport terminal, making it practical for flights.

For residents, MARTA is especially useful for commuting from the suburbs into Downtown, Midtown, and the airport, as well as getting to major events to avoid traffic and event parking.

Sports: A Passionate Fan Base Across Multiple Teams

Atlanta is home to several major professional sports teams:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown.
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Play at State Farm Arena, also Downtown.
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Play at Truist Park in the Cumberland area of Cobb County.
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Share Mercedes-Benz Stadium and have a very active, enthusiastic fan culture.

Sports events are a big part of local life, with entire areas like The Battery Atlanta (around Truist Park) built for pre- and post-game dining, entertainment, and gathering.

Day Trips: Mountains, Lakes, and Small Towns Are Close By

Another fun fact about Atlanta is how quickly you can swap skyscrapers for mountains or lakes.

Popular within-a-few-hours trips include:

• Stone Mountain Park – East of the city, known for its large granite monolith and hiking trails.
• Lake Lanier – North of Atlanta, popular for boating and lake houses.
• North Georgia Mountains – Areas like Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Helen are reachable for weekend getaways, offering hiking, waterfalls, and small-town main streets.

For residents, these spots are common choices for quick escapes from city traffic and summer heat.

Fun, Hyper-Local Details People Love to Point Out

Some smaller but memorable Atlanta facts:

• Krispy Kreme and Waffle House are especially iconic here, and you’ll see both all over Metro Atlanta.
• The Varsity, near Georgia Tech, is one of the city’s oldest and most well-known fast-food spots. The question “What’ll ya have?” is part of the experience.
• Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, an ornate 1920s theater, has a starry-sky ceiling in its main auditorium that surprises many first-time visitors.
• Many locals identify strongly with Inside the Perimeter (ITP) vs. Outside the Perimeter (OTP)—a cultural as much as a geographic difference centered on I-285.

These details give the city its day-to-day flavor beyond the big headlines and attractions.

Atlanta is a city of layers: historic and futuristic, leafy and urban, relaxed and high-energy. Whether you’re strolling the BeltLine, catching a game, visiting Civil Rights landmarks, or simply trying to navigate the many Peachtree streets, learning these fun facts about Atlanta, Georgia helps you see how all those layers fit together.