13 Must-See Attractions in Valdosta, Georgia: From East African Art to Thrilling Roller Coasters

The final destination heading south on Interstate 75 through the state of Georgia is the city of Valdosta.

In Valdosta’s formative years, Creek and Seminole tribes coexisted with Spanish missionaries and European colonists who established themselves in South Georgia. Presently, these influences continue to be evident in the city’s architectural styles and regional agricultural practices, particularly in pecan cultivation.

Valdosta embodies a community where visitors can experience local culture through events such as music festivals, farmers markets, and the Valdosta Azalea Festival, a seasonal celebration coinciding with the bloom of its namesake flowers.

From a theme park featured in a renowned zombie movie to a museum filled with East African artifacts, Valdosta offers numerous engaging activities.

Explore the palm-lined campus of Valdosta State University

The most significant landmark in the city is Valdosta State University, a public institution that originated as a small local college in 1913. The picturesque, 85-acre campus showcases Spanish mission-inspired architecture, palm trees, and public art installations by regional creators.

The campus provides various walking paths, including the Jewel Whitehead Camellia Trail, extending over 1400 ft (426 m). Visitors may also engage in a self-guided tour utilizing QR codes that unveil information related to the trail’s 14 designated points.

Experience the thrills at Wild Adventures Theme Park

Situated just off I-75, Wild Adventures is a family-oriented theme park known for its roles in the 2009 film Zombieland. Visitors will encounter an array of thrilling roller coasters, including the looping Boomerang, without the need to contend with fictional zombies.

Enhance your skills at the Valdosta Wake Compound

Valdosta is home to the Valdosta Wake Compound, an artificial lake that replicates the experience of wakeboarding on open waters. The structures within the lake enable optimal hang time, while a cable system assists in gliding across the water. This facility accommodates both novice and expert wakeboarders, offering gear rentals and instructional lessons. For those inclined towards land-based activities, the site also offers a skate park and a campsite available for overnight stays, starting at $20.

Reflect at Sunset Hill Cemetery

To uncover some of the most compelling narratives from Valdosta’s history, one can visit the Sunset Hill Cemetery, a Victorian park-style burial ground established in 1861. This site contains over 25,000 burials, including those of politicians, athletes, military personnel, and enslaved individuals.

Noteworthy markers include the graves of the parents of Wild West figure Doc Holliday and the mother of actor Demond Wilson from Sanford and Son. A distinctive feature is the gravesite of James F. Holmes, the son of a Coca-Cola Bottling Company proprietor, which is marked by a sculpture resembling a Coke bottle.

Enjoy a vibrant live music scene

Given Valdosta’s own musical heritage, often positioning itself as a waypoint for touring musicians or nurturing local talents like country artist Rhett Akins, visitors can find several venues offering live music. One highlight is the monthly First Friday events, where the downtown entertainment district springs to life at 5 PM with performances from local musicians, shopping opportunities, and refreshments, which may be enjoyed in “go cups.”

Whether or not your visit aligns with these festivities, you can still enjoy live music every weekend while savoring oysters and tacos at The Salty Snapper Oyster Bar & Live Venue.

Visit Valdosta’s first craft brewery, Georgia Beer Co.

Although most of Georgia’s breweries are situated around the capital of Atlanta, this trend is gradually evolving. The southernmost brewery in the state, Georgia Beer Co., proudly serves as Valdosta’s first and only craft brewery.

Established in 2014, Georgia Beer Co. integrates local produce into its IPAs and blonde ales. A standout offering is the Saint Helen Oktoberfest beer, inspired by the fall festival in the small, German-influenced town of North Georgia. The brewery also hosts food trucks and features games along with an outdoor beer garden suitable for families and pets.

Savor Colombian and Mexican Cuisine

Empanadas and More is among the top dining establishments in Valdosta. Nestled in a modest strip mall on Northside Drive, this restaurant specializes in Colombian delights, particularly its renowned crunchy empanadas. Accompany your meal with tostones, yucca fries, arepas, or choose from daily specials such as pork-chop stew.

For authentic Mexican fare, La Jalisco Supermercado functions as both a market and a restaurant, catering to essentials such as masa, queso fresco, and dried chiles. Popular menu items include tamales, ceviche, and menudo soup.

Stroll through The Crescent at Valdosta Garden Center

Founded in 1915, The Garden Club was initiated by local women to host annual flower shows and promote Victory Gardens during World War II.

In 1951, the organization preserved an 1898 mansion from demolition, establishing The Crescent at Valdosta Garden Center. This restored edifice, draped in Spanish moss, showcases many of the original furnishings.

Following your tour, take a leisurely stroll through the garden, particularly during spring when azaleas are in full bloom. The property also encompasses a chapel and a circa 1900s schoolhouse. The Crescent is accessible to the public on weekdays with appointments, as well as during the annual holiday open house.

Delve into local history at the Lowndes County Historical Museum

Situated in the town’s former Carnegie Library, the Lowndes County Historical Museum presents a comprehensive exhibit of South Georgia’s history. The two floors of galleries display photographs and artifacts, including military uniforms belonging to local residents, handmade quilts, and clothing from the Gilded Age.

Visitors will also find a train caboose and a pioneer cabin, complemented by a garden of historically significant plants. Additionally, the museum maintains a genealogical archive for individuals seeking to trace their ancestry in the area. Admission is free.

Discover East African artifacts at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts

Located in downtown Valdosta, the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts serves as an exhibition space for regional and national artists. The center hosts approximately 30 exhibits annually, including the Spring Into Art exhibition, which encourages participation from artists of varying skill levels.

A highlight of the center is the extensive collection of East African artifacts in the Jerry Tillman Gallery. This 600-piece collection comprises sculptures, masks, and instruments gathered during Tillman’s residence in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Somalia.

The center also offers complimentary tours for visitors interested in a more profound understanding of the artworks showcased.

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at GUD Coffee

While Valdosta offers a variety of Southern-style breakfast venues and coffee chains, GUD Coffee stands out as a local café dedicated to lighter fare. Established in 2019 in the downtown area, it quickly gained popularity among Valdosta State students.

In addition to high-quality coffee sourced from Intelligentsia Coffee, the menu features lattes, tea, smoothies, bagels, and toast options. The café boasts a cozy atmosphere with murals, a neon-lit wall, and numerous plants, providing a delightful environment for guests to enjoy their meal or plan their day of exploration. GUD Coffee also hosts live music during First Friday events.

Experience the unique ecosystem of the Grand Bay Wetland Center

As one of the last municipalities before the Florida state line, Valdosta features landscapes that transition from hilly terrain to marshlands. The Grand Bay Wetland Education Center, encompassing thousands of acres of hardwood forests and cypress swamps, offers a variety of outdoor pursuits.

Visitors can traverse the elevated boardwalk and lookout tower while spotting local wildlife. The site also provides hiking trails and canoe launch points for exploring the waterway. Additionally, seasonal activities include geocaching and fishing.

Stay overnight at a waterfront campground

For a unique lodging experience, bypass the standard highway chain hotels and consider Eagles Roost RV Resort. Situated south of Valdosta in Lake Park, this campground is surrounded by picturesque oak trees and offers RV sites equipped with electricity and internet access.

For an enhanced level of comfort, the campground provides cabins, along with amenities such as an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and grilling stations. The property is conveniently located adjacent to the Bargainville Flea Market, a local favorite.