20 Things To Do In Valdosta

Valdosta is a historic Georgian city in the southern part of the state, near the Florida border. The city was founded in 1860 and played a large role in the Civil War, acting as a transportation hub for the Confederacy, which lends to Valdosta’s rich history that can be seen through historic districts and landmarks.

Valdosta was named after Troup’s estate which was known as “Val d’Osta.” Since Valdosta is a city within the South, you can expect mildly temperatured winters and extra warm summers, making it a perfect spot for outdoor activities. Valdosta is also known as the “Azalea City” due to the stunning azalea blooms that decorate the city each spring, which bring visitors from all over.

The local university, Valdosta State University, brings the city an exciting young crowd and an academic vibe. Valdosta is an exciting, up-and-coming city that is waiting to be explored.  The charming and historic city sets the perfect background for outdoor activities, diving into new cultures, and admiring the natural beauty of the South. Valdosta is one of the best cities in the state of Georgia. There are many fun things to do in Valdosta, from beautiful nature parks, history and art museums, and thrilling theme parks.

Valdosta, Georgia

20 Things To Do In Valdosta

1- Explore Wild Adventures Theme Park

Wild Adventures Theme Park is Southern Georgia’s premier park for fun.

The family-friendly theme park combines an amusement park, water park, and zoo all in one! Enjoy thrilling coasters, animal exhibits, and exciting live performances with seasonal themes.

Some of our favorite attractions at the park are the Cheetah rollercoaster, the lazy rivers, and the carnival games.

You can easily spend your entire trip to Valdosta at Wild Adventures, but we recommend venturing out to explore all the city has to offer.

General Admission to the park starts at $59.99 and includes entry to Wild Adventures Theme Park and Splash Island Waterpark, plus animal exhibits, live shows, and special events.

Wild Adventures Theme Park is at 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601.

2- Visit The Lowndes County Historical Society And Museum

The society is a non-profit organisation with the mission of preserving the history and culture of the city of Valdosta through exhibits in the Lowndes County Historical Museum.

Here, visitors can explore the artifacts, books, paintings, and even outdoor exhibits pertaining to the story of Valdosta and how the city came to be.

The exhibits include pieces from Native American history, early settlement, and the Civil War.

The history museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Admission to the museum is free.

The museum runs educational programs and some interesting events, so be sure to check the calendar for more information.

Lowndes County Historical Society And Museum is at 305 W Central Ave, Valdosta, GA 31601.

3- Take A Stroll Through Valdosta’s Historic District

Valdosta Historic District is on the Main Street of town, which is Lee Street.

The city of Valdosta is so dedicated to preservation, that the city has a historic preservation ordinance that has been in place since 1980 in order to protect and maintain the 150 blocks of Valdosta’s Historic District.

Restored landmarks in the area include the Barber-Pittman House, the former Carnegie Library, the Converse-Dalton-Ferrell House, and the Crescent.

This is a perfect spot to take in the southern charm of the city.

Stroll the district to find historic museums, interesting architecture, boutiques, and other shops.

Valdosta Historic District is at 300 N Lee St, Valdosta, GA 31601.

4- Sip Local Brews At Georgia Beer Company Georgia Beer Co.

is the southernmost brewery in the state! The brewery and tap room try to stay true to its roots by using as many Georgian ingredients in their brews as possible.

The founders of the beer company met during their time at Valdosta State University, so you can sip easily knowing you’re supporting a local business.

The beers at Georgia Beer Co. are constantly rotating to adjust for the seasonal ingredients and flavors available.

The hours of the taproom vary based on the day, so be sure to check the website before heading over for a drink!

Georgia Beer Company is at 109 S Briggs St, Valdosta, GA 31601.

5- Tour Valdosta State University’s Campus

Valdosta State University is a public university within the city.

The university was established in 1906, originally as an all-girls school.

The vibrant campus brings life to the city with its diverse culture.

Daily campus tours are available to be scheduled on the university’s website.

These tours give visitors an inside look at the campus facilities, organizations, residences, and activities.

Even if you’re not interested in attending the university, it’s fun to spend a day admiring the stunning campus!

Valdosta State University is at 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31698.

6- Have A Picnic At Reed Bingham State Park

Although this is a little way out of Valdosta, Reed Bingham State Park is definitely worth taking the 30-minute drive to explore.

This Georgia state park spans 1,613 acres (652 ha) and is the perfect spot for outdoor activities.

The large lake brings kayakers and boaters from all over.

If you are a fisherman, you can expect to catch bass, crappie, catfish, and bream.

Reed Bingham State Park is also known for its abundance of wildlife throughout the park.

Visitors have often spotted species such as gopher tortoises, alligators, indigo snakes, deer, and nesting bald eagles.

You can visit seven days a week from 7 am to 10 pm; parking passes are $5 per vehicle.

Reed Bingham State Park is at 542 Reed Bingham Rd, Adel, GA 31620.

7- Experience The Annette Howell Turner Center For The Arts

Named after a prominent Valdosta art advocate and philanthropist, The Annette Howell Turner Center is a cultural hub with the mission of promoting, supporting, and celebrating arts of all kinds.

While this may seem like your ordinary art gallery, the center is also a host for many live performances and special events such as Artoberfest, Songwriter Showcase, and Music In The Art Park.

Gallery exhibits include rotating and permanent features such as the East African Artifacts Collection and the Fine European Porcelain Collection.

The Annette Howell Turner Center is open Tuesday to Thursday (10 am to 6 pm), Friday and Saturday (10 am to 4 pm).

Be sure to check the calendar for live performances and events as these will vary.

The Annette Howell Turner Center For The Arts is at 527 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601.

8- Attend A Show At The Peach State Summer Theatre

This professional summer theatre on the campus of Valdosta State University is also known as the VSU Dance Theater.

Each Summer, professional actors, singers, and dancers reside in Valdosta for about 10 weeks.

During this time, the group will rehearse and present three different musicals on a rotating schedule.

This theater experience is one of the main tourist attractions in Valdosta, bringing visitors from all over during these summer weeks.

If you are visiting during this time, we recommend getting tickets to one of these special events! Be sure to check the calendar of events to see what musicals are being performed and get your tickets in advance.

The Peach State Summer Theater is at 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31698.

9- Shop At The Valdosta Mall

Sometimes you just need to do some shopping while on vacation.

If you have cash to splash, head to the Valdosta Mall to spend it all in one place.

This mall is the only enclosed regional shopping within a 75-mile (120 km) radius, so it is pretty popular among locals.

Among the Valdosta Mall Directory, you can find anchor department stores such as JC Penney and Belk, as well as classic shops including Foot Locker, Old Navy, and The Children’s Place.

The Valdosta Mall is open daily (10 am to 8 pm), Sundays (12 pm to 6 pm).

The Valdosta Mall is at 1700 Norman Dr, Valdosta, GA 31601.

10- Play A Round Of Golf At Kinderlou Forest Golf Club

Kinderlou Forest Golf Club is a public golf course in Valdosta.

The course itself was designed by PGA Tour professional, Davis Love III.

Memberships are available, but if you are just looking to golf for the day, rates start at $65 depending on the date, tee time, and equipment needs.

Green Fees also include access to the driving range and practice greens.

Lessons and tournaments are also held at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, so this is a great place to enjoy all that the game of golf has to offer in the beautiful Georgia sunshine.

Kinderlou Forest Golf Club is at 4005 Bear Lake Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601.

11- Attend A Race At South Georgia Motorsports Park

In Adel, Georgia, just 20 minutes from Valdosta is the South Georgia Motorsports Park.

The park features a quarter-mile drag strip, a 1.25-mile asphalt road course, and a dirt off-road track, which allows it to host a wide range of racing events throughout the year.

You can check the events schedule on the website to learn more about the race that is happening during your visit and purchase tickets!

South Georgia Motorsports Park is at 2521 Hwy US-41, Adel, GA 31620.

12- Play A Round Of Disc Golf At Freedom Park

in the northern part of the city along Cherry Creek is Freedom Park.

This 88-acre (35 ha) park offers your typical amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, but it also offers a few special features including a 20-hole disc golf course and a dog park (missing your doggy?).

You will often find this park being used for local community events such as family gatherings, festivals, and the regional Spring Olympics.

Freedom Park is at 3795 Guest Rd, Valdosta, GA 31605.

13- Visit The Barber-Pittman House

The historic Barber-Pittman House is a well-preserved gem built in 1915.

The house was built for E.R. Barber, who was the first Coca-Cola bottler outside of Atlanta.

The home became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 after the daughter of Barber-Pittman gifted the home to a Valdosta citizen on the condition that it would not be sold.

The Barber-Pittman House offers self-guided tours daily from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

Admission to the historic landmark is free.

The Barber-Pittman House is at 416 N Ashley St, Valdosta, GA 31601.

14- Enjoy Outdoor Fun At McKey Park

McKey Park is a classic neighborhood park sure to spark some nostalgia.

Here, you can find two playground areas, picnic pavilions, a walking track, a sand volleyball court, and 18 tennis courts used for lessons, clinics, and general tennis recreation.

McKey Park is a great place to spend the day enjoying time with family and friends.

Visit from 7 am to 10 pm with free entry.

McKey Park is at N Oak St, Valdosta, GA 31602.

15- Take A Hike Through The Reed Bingham State Park

Grand Bay is a 13,000-acre (5,260 ha) swamp spanning across two counties in Georgia.

The area consists of Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area and Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area is in Valdosta, while the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge is part of Lakeland.

At the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area, visitors can roam the upland pine and hardwood forest and the wetlands.

The park features canoe and kayak launches, hiking and nature trails, picnic areas, a boardwalk, an observation tower, and prime fishing spots.

The Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area is closed on Fridays, but open Saturday through Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area is at 4649 Knight Academy Rd #4641, Valdosta, GA 31605.

16- Read A Few Books At The South Georgia Regional Library

The South Georgia Regional Library is a public library system that serves the Valdosta area.

This charming chain of six libraries is the perfect place to do research, read the kids a few stories, or simply enjoy an afternoon to yourself by browsing the many books in the catalog.

There are two libraries in Valdosta, The Willis L. Miller Library and The McMullen Southside Library.

Hours for the library vary based on the day of the week, so be sure to check the website before arriving.

The Willis L. Miller Library is at 2906 Julia Dr, Valdosta, GA 31602.

The McMullen Southside Library is at 527 Griffin Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601.

17- Discover Valdosta Wake Compound

Valdosta Wake Compound is a water park designed and built by wakeboarders and wakeskaters.

If you don’t know, wakeboarding is almost like surfing but the waves, or wake, are created by a boat that drives in front of the person on the board.

VWC features a 30-acre (12 ha) facility with custom-created ponds and a six-tower full-sized cable system to create a wake.

Prices for the full cable start at just $25 for a one-hour pass.

Valdosta Wake Compound offers discounts and lessons for rookie wakeboarders.

Valdosta Wake Compound is open daily from 12 pm to 7 pm.

Valdosta Wake Compound is at 2314 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601.

18- Roll Around The Rink At Skate And Play Family Fun Center

Looking for a way to escape the Georgia heat but still have fun? Head to Skate And Play Family Fun Center.

The center offers classic activities such as roller skating, a snack bar, arcade games, laser tag and mini golf. 

Skate And Play Family Fun Center is open daily (10 am to 11.45 pm).

Prices are based on the activities you choose, making it a perfect budget-friendly option.

Skate And Play Family Fun Center is at 3124 N Oak Street Extension, Valdosta, GA 31602.

19- Relax At The Crescent At The Valdosta Garden Area

Established in 1898, The Crescent is part of the Garden Club of Georgia and the National Garden Club.

To give some brief history, the Garden Club of Georgia was created by a group of Valdosta women to beautify the city.

Their hard work eventually led the City Council to pass the resolution declaring Valdosta “The Azalea City of Georgia.”

The Crescent was a privately owned historic home that was set for demolition but saved by the Garden Club of Valdosta and is now the home of the club.

While often used as a wedding venue, you can book tours of this stunning home.

The Valdosta Garden Area is at 904 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31601.

20- Test Your Brain Power At Epic Escape Rooms

Epic Escape Rooms was named “The Most Fun Activity in Valdosta” by Trip Advisor, so it is definitely worth checking out.

Test your brain against puzzles, riddles, and clues in order to escape a locked room.

You can book for groups of 2 to 10 people, with different themed rooms to fit your personality.

Hours vary based on the day of the week, so check the website for accurate times.

Escape rooms can be booked in advance or as a walk-in experience.

Epic Escape Rooms is at 2533 N Ashley St STE-A, Valdosta, GA 31602.