Things to Do in Valdosta
Just above the Florida-Georgia line sits one of South Georgia’s greatest gems that has something in store for everyone. Valdosta offers southern hospitality like no other with it’s friendly neighbors and inviting views.
While each season holds its own charm, the temperate weather allows for outdoor activities year-round. From gazing at azaleas in bloom (we are dubbed the Azalea City!) to exploring Cypress forests to rushing through the air on a roller coaster, you won’t find yourself bored!
Valdosta’s rich history practically speaks for itself when you travel downtown. The shops, local cuisine and beautiful buildings are simply charming. The city’s blended past with a newer found metropolitan feel bring you the best of both worlds.
If you are looking to travel, Valdosta’s prime location has you well on your way. Valdosta sits right on Interstate 75 and Highway 84 making trips in all directions efficient. The regional airport can also jumpstart your trip by connecting you to any flight out of Atlanta.
Valdosta State University’s manicured lawn and glimmering fountains will make you look on further for higher education. This accredited 4-year university is ideal for both locals and commuters with it’s easy to navigate, parking friendly. The palm tree lined front walk way will make you think you took a trip to the beach… which is only a 2 hour drive, might we add.
Almost all of Valdosta State’s sports teams hold national titles, which just adds to the theme of Valdosta’s award winning athletics. Known as ESPN’s Titletown USA, Valdosta lives for Friday night lights. After just one game, you are sure to walk away in your respective school’s colors!
Valdosta has a number of draws and is sure to impress any visitor. But who knows, you may fall in love with this sweet southern city and buy a home making your visit permanent!
Wild Adventures Theme Park
Love the rush of a roller coaster and the trills of fast rides? Wild Adventures is a 3-in-1 park and is sure to deliver! It offers 41 thrilling rides, hundreds of animals in spectacular habitats, plus a 17-acre Splash Island waterpark to cool off in the Georgia summers. Yes, we all need that!
This park is quipped for the whole family with rides both big and small. In the midst of your thrills, be sure to take a break to watch stunning animals and learn from their qualified handlers. If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to stick around for the summer concert series featuring top artists! Come ready to spend the weekend because one ticket ensures TWO days of adventures! After your wild time, you may even walk out with a season pass.
Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area
Grand Bay is a nature lovers dream! Travel across Georgia wetlands on the half-mile boardwalk and experience the various wildlife and plants that make up this ecosystem. You might even spot an alligator between the Cyprus trees! At the end of the boardwalk lies a 54-foot observation tower that is just a climb away. At the top, you are rewarded with a 360 degree view of thousands of acres of wetland! After walking back down the boardwalk, be sure to visit the educational center before heading back to your car. You are sure to learn something new about the wildlife that surrounds you!
The Crescent
This stunning white home is sure to catch your eye when traveling down Patterson Street. The Crescent (named for it’s crescent-shaped front porch) is a historical mansion built in 1898 truly reflecting the southern Victorian lifestyle. It elegantly boasts 23 rooms, many of which still feature original furniture and décor. Enjoy it’s architecture, beautiful gardens, and the way it takes you back in time.
Turner Center for the Arts
Enjoy the work of visual artists in six separate exhibition spaces at Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts! Truly get a taste of the Valdosta art culture by visiting the galleries for free and attending their various classes and concerts. If you are looking for time outdoors, visit the new art park just outside of the complex. The park features murals, displays and plenty of picnic tables to enjoy a meal while enjoying this creative space.
Downtown Valdosta
Shop where the local’s shop and experience the historical buildings of downtown Valdosta at Valdosta Main Street. Here, you will get a true taste of Valdosta’s rich culture that fuses the new with the old. Taste local cuisine inspired by the region and find unique items in local boutiques and even wander down to Georgia’s southernmost brewery. Downtown Valdosta is always charming, but be sure to make visiting on the first Friday of each month a habit! Every First Friday enjoy live music, arts, shopping, food, drinks, and more!
Theatre Guild
Perhaps Ashley Street’s greatest landmark is a depression-era movie theatre turned into a live theater, The Dosta Playhouse- Theatre Guild. This brightly painted building is home to Valdosta’s Theatre Guild. There are 4 main stage productions and two children’s productions every year that viewers flood to for top-notch live entertainment featuring local talent.
Peach State Summer Theatre
The theater, better known as PSST!, is Valdosta’s professional summer stock
Looking to beat the summer heat and enjoy a show? PSST! We have the answer! The Peach State Summer Theatre (hence PSST!) is a professional summer stock theatre put on by Valdosta State University since 1990. Actors, dancers, singers and technicians alike come to Valdosta for a ten week period each summer. In this time, they present three musicals to the public suited for all ages!
