Southwest Georgia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Valdosta which includes a house, a sunset and heritage architecture
Pebble Hill Plantation showing interior views
Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village featuring heritage elements
Pebble Hill Plantation featuring a house
Thronateeska Heritage Center

Live at a slower pace in this laid-back region, where local farmers have tilled the land for generations and magnificent mansions seem frozen in time.

Southwest Georgia is a region long associated with pastoral beauty and country hospitality. Known locally as SOWEGA, this region is characterized by vast swaths of old plantation fields and rich riverfront floodplains, speckled with small towns and elegant homesteads. Investigate local historic landmarks revealing Southwest Georgia’s tumultuous history.

Albany, a large inland metropolis on the banks of the Flint River, anchors the region. Learn about the city’s checkered past as you explore 19th-century landmarks or stroll along the Riverfront Trail. The Albany Civil Rights Institute outlines the city’s role in the historic movement. Discover the story of local Creek Indian people at the Thronateeska Heritage Center. Follow the Oxford Environmental Park Nature Trail to learn about the ecological features defining this region. Outside the city, find pecan groves, pinewoods, farms and plantations.

Take a self-guided road trip around Southwest Georgia’s sprawling country landscapes. Neat rows of corn, peanut vines, tobacco and cotton lattice the wide, flat region. Visit ThomasvilleOpens in a new window to experience the region’s distinctive Victorian flavor. Check out mansions and plantation homesteads. Some are open to the public and present an intriguing insight into Southwest Georgia’s old way of life.

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain features beautifully manicured parkland and is the ideal spot to relax amid peaceful greenery. Visit in spring to see rhododendrons and azaleas blooming.

For interesting presidential history, tour FDR’s Little White House. This preserved cottage was home to Franklin Roosevelt while he was being treated for polio in Warm Springs. Plains is the hometown of former president Jimmy Carter and features a collection of museums and historic exhibits dedicated to his term.

Reach Southwest Georgia via Albany’s regional airport. Alternatively, drive to the regional capital in about 3 hours from AtlantaOpens in a new window. Southwest Georgia is a year-round destination. Book in advance during the busy spring and fall seasons. For pastoral charm and rich local history, be sure to visit Southwest Georgia.

Where to stay in Southwest Georgia

Valdosta featuring heritage architecture and a sunset

Downtown Historic District

While visiting Downtown Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Sweet Grass Dairy Marketplace and Thomasville Genealogical, History and Fine Arts Library.

Downtown Historic District
Lapham-Patterson House showing interior views

Dawson Street Historic District

If you're spending some time in Dawson Street Historic District, Lapham-Patterson House and Thomas County Museum of History are top sights worth seeing.

Dawson Street Historic District
Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Park/Valdosta

Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Park/Valdosta

2 out of 5
4913 Timber Dr, Lake Park, GA
The price is ฿1,937 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿1,937
฿2,390 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lake Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"It was my second time staying here and I really enjoy staying at this hotel when I’m visiting family. It’s clean, the price and just right and comfortable. Lisa’s Billiards & Sports Bar less than 2 mins away is a great place to night cap for drinks and hot snacks that’s close by. I only had 1 issue ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Park/Valdosta
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Valdosta

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Valdosta

3 out of 5
4610 N VALDOSTA ROAD, Valdosta, GA
The price is ฿3,406 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿3,406
฿4,078 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Valdosta. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,821 reviews)
"Place is pristine and clean and staff was great!!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Valdosta
Drury Plaza Hotel Valdosta

Drury Plaza Hotel Valdosta

3 out of 5
1327 N Saint Augustine Rd, Valdosta, GA
The price is ฿3,845 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
฿3,845
฿4,583 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Valdosta. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,403 reviews)
"We cover all Love Drury Hotels.. Easy check in. They always have carts available. Dinner, drinks and breakfast all tasty and good. Lobby area is always so nice... POPCORN and COFFEE always available..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Valdosta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Urban Lofts

Urban Lofts

3 out of 5
2016 16th Ave E, Cordele, GA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Cordele. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Crisp County Youth Ball ...
7.4/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"The property was very neat and clean and spacious! The area was safe and quiet. I love it"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Urban Lofts
Stunning Valdosta A-frame Home With Private Pool!

Stunning Valdosta A-frame Home With Private Pool!

3 out of 5
Valdosta, GA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Valdosta. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jumpn Jacks 4 Kidz ...
Bright, beautiful getaway
"This home was beautiful and cozy. We spent the weekend meeting with family and it was the perfect place. Communication was wonderful, they were responsive and so helpful! Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2024

Stunning Valdosta A-frame Home With Private Pool!
Georgia Countryside Home: 3 Mi to Wild Adventures!

Georgia Countryside Home: 3 Mi to Wild Adventures!

3 out of 5
Valdosta
Enjoy housekeeping and air conditioning. Popular attraction Wild Adventures is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"It was awesome, the family really enjoyed house."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Georgia Countryside Home: 3 Mi to Wild Adventures!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southwest Georgia