8 Best Things to Do in Valdosta, Georgia

By VI Staff on September 13, 2018

The small city of Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County in southern Georgia. This charming Southern city of 54,000 people is small but still a worthwhile destination for travelers and tourists. Valdosta is also known as the “Azalea City” for the blooming bushes that grow all around town. Experience Southern hospitality and small-town charm while viewing unique attractions, all located in or around Valdosta, GA.

1.Freedom Park

Freedom Park is the place to be for outdoor recreation in Valdosta. This 250-acre park contains eight baseball diamonds with concessions and restrooms, 10 acres of soccer fields, a playground, and an 18-hole disc golf course. A small paved walking trail and a longer shaded hiking trail also wind through the park.

Guests can bring their four-legged friends to the complex’s large dog park, with sections for both large and small-breed canines. Freedom Park hosts baseball, softball, and disc golf tournaments throughout the season and holds a regional Olympic tournament each spring. Park facilities are available for rental for large events.

3795 Guest Rd. Valdosta, GA 31605

2.Grand Bay Wetland Education Center

The Grand Bay Wetland Education Center is part of the 8,700-acre Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. The goal of the center is to teach children about the local wetland habitat. Students and children can learn about the wetlands, and the plants and animals who live there as well as their relationships to each other.

The center offers hands-on educational experiences and contains a 54-foot tower where visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.

245 North Robinson Lennox, GA 31637, Phone: 229-546-4094

3.Jungle Jym’s Family Fun Center

Jungle Jym’s is the place to be for indoor and outdoor family fun. The complex covers 25,000 square feet and contains an arcade, soft play and bounce areas, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. There are also 5 private party rooms that can be rented for birthday parties, family gatherings, and more.

The bounce and soft play areas include large bounce houses, ball pits, and slides while the arcade games include ski ball, basketball, and air hockey.

3124 N. Oak St. Ext Valdosta, GA 31602, Phone: 229-224-3302

4.Lowndes County Historical Society and Museum

The Lowndes County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Valdosta and the surrounding area. Their museum covers roughly 10,000 square feet and includes a vast archive full of photographs and documents from the early days of the city and a large research library full of books, government documents, and genealogy records.

There are also exhibits dedicated to Valdosta’s military history, and a large collection of textiles that showcases uniforms and clothing from various historical periods. Places to Visit in Georgia

305 West Central Ave Valdosta, GA 31601, Phone: 229-247-4780

5.South Georgia Pecan Company, Valdosta, Georgia

For over 100 years, the South Georgia Pecan Company has been processing and selling the finest pecans harvested in the area. The company owns four plants that clean, shell, and package the nuts for consumers to purchase.

Visitors to Valdosta can stop at the gift shop and purchase pecans, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, peanuts, and snack mixes. The store sells relishes, BBQ sauces, chutneys, jams, jellies, hot sauces, and gift baskets as well. The company can also arrange for bulk and wholesale orders.

401 East Hill Ave Valdosta, GA 31601, Phone: 229-244-0686

6.The Crescent, Valdosta, Georgia

Named for its crescent-shaped front porch, “The Crescent” is a 23-room Southern mansion built by Senator William S. West in 1898. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The home is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and is an ideal venue for weddings, parties, receptions, and club meetings. Several area garden clubs also meet here. Special events such as flower shows and antique sales are held at the gardens throughout the year. Next read: Romantic Weekend Getaways from Atlanta and Best Things to Do in Georgia

904 North Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31604, Phone: 229-244-6747

7.Turner Center for the Arts, Valdosta, GA

The arts are alive in Valdosta! Turner Center for the Arts contains six galleries and over 17,000 square feet of space. The galleries house works both regional and international, old and new. Permanent exhibits include a large collection of East African art and a small collection of European porcelains.

With approximately 30 exhibits displayed annually, there is always something new at the Turner Center. Visitors can stop by the center’s large gift shop before leaving. The shop sells unique jewelry, pottery, and art items as well as books, CDs, and more.

527 N. Patterson St Valdosta, GA 31601 Phone: 229-247-ARTS

8.Things to Do in Valdosta, GA: Wild Adventures

Adventure awaits at Wild Adventures! This theme park has rides, games, and attractions for adventurers of all ages. Their newest attraction is Ohana Bay, which features seven water slides and is part of their Splash Island water park. The park also has rides such as roller coasters, carousels, Ferris wheels, a zoo with exotic animals and birds, an arcade, mini golf, go kart racing, and more!

Dining, shopping, concerts, and live shows are also offered at the park. Wild Adventures is open from March until the end of December and is closed January and February. Splash Island is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

3766 Old Clyattville Rd Valdosta, GA 31601