Georgia's Largest Amusement Park Nicknamed 'The Thrill Capital Of The South' Is Just Outside Atlanta

Six Flags Over Georgia has been giving Georgians something to scream about since 1967, when it welcomed visitors through its gates for under $5 per person. The park was the second ever Six Flags in the United States, after the franchise began in Texas. What began as a modest lineup of attractions, including a log flume and one solitary wooden roller coaster, has blossomed into the largest amusement park in Georgia, with over 40 rides, live entertainment, and other exciting spectacles.

Continuously coming up with new and thrilling ways to delight guests is why the park has earned its nickname, "The Thrill Capital of the South." The park currently runs 12 roller coasters, from the Blue Hawk, a twisty coaster that climbs 122 feet before its first drop, to the Goliath, a 200-foot tall giant hypercoaster that races around at 70 mph. Add to that a bevy of other rides, a full roster of fun activities, and interactive games, it's also no wonder that Six Flags Over Georgia welcomes more than 28 million guests a year. The park is particularly close if you're coming from Atlanta, as it's just over 10 miles outside the metropolis.

As a note, Six Flags has unexpected clothing and accessory rules that you should know before trying to enter. Once you have those down, you're ready to start hopping on roller coasters and other rides that get the adrenaline pumping. The Catwoman Whip is a Ferris wheel-esque ride with a twist, Pandemonium is a massive pendulum, and there's even a classic swings ride. While a one-day ticket to the park is quite reasonable at $42.50, consider buying a Gold Pass to experience the park more fully. The pass gets you a variety of perks, such as free general parking and discounted Bring-A-Friend tickets. A Prestige Pass gets you all the Gold Pass benefits, plus additional ones such as preferred parking, two Bring-A-Friend discount tickets, and one fast lane use every time you visit. Meanwhile, there are add-ons, such as a fast pass to 20 major rides at the park, inlcuding Sky Screamer, Twisted Cyclone, and Dare Devil Dive. Other ticket bundles, for example the Fright Fest Bundle, allows you entrance to Halloween-themed fun houses, scare zones, and haunted mazes. 

While the park didn't make it onto this list of theme parks in the U.S. that aren't afraid to go big with Halloween fun, Six Flags Over Georgia is certainly deserving. Its annual Fright-fest takes place at the park on select nights from mid-September until November and comes with a Haunted Attractions Pass. Costume parties, trick-or-treat opportunities, and chances to meet (or flee from) spooky characters occur during Fright Fest, and you'll also recognize your favorite scary villains such as Jigsaw and Annabelle. The Nightmare is a performance including breakdancing and other thematic shenanigans, while BeanBoozled is a unique interactive activity where brave participants can try out jelly beans with strange flavors.

Head to the park in winter for Holiday in the Park. The park becomes a wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday-themed decorations, along with carolers, parades, and tree-lighting ceremonies. As the park has seasonal hours, check the calendar for opening times before you go. To keep on top of possible last-minute changes to showtimes, download the Six Flags' mobile app.