Southwest Georgia

Travel Guide
Valdosta showing heritage architecture, a sunset and a house
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 Thomasville 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 Atlanta. 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

Default Image

Downtown Historic District

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

Downtown Historic District
Default Image

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
Wingate by Wyndham Valdosta/Moody AFB
Wingate by Wyndham Valdosta/Moody AFB
2.5 out of 5
1800 Clubhouse Drive, Valdosta, GA
The price is CA $128 per night from Dec. 2 to Dec. 3
CA $128
CA $154 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Valdosta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,344 reviews)
"Great stay clean n comfortable"

Reviewed on Nov. 2, 2024

Wingate by Wyndham Valdosta/Moody AFB
Quality Inn
Quality Inn
2.5 out of 5
820 Shoneys Drive, Ashburn, GA
The price is CA $69 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $69
CA $87 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ashburn. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (694 reviews)
"It was fine only thing you could tell that they don’t sweep the dust off the top of the curtain around the bottom of the outside of tub You have any"

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2024

Quality Inn
Drury Plaza Hotel Valdosta
Drury Plaza Hotel Valdosta
3 out of 5
1327 N Saint Augustine Rd, Valdosta, GA
The price is CA $155 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $155
CA $185 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Valdosta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,287 reviews)
"The staff were amazing. Treated me like royalty and it made a great first impression as I've never stayed here before. Way to go to your team!! Thanks"

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 2024

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.
InTown Suites Extended Stay Albany GA
InTown Suites Extended Stay Albany GA
3 out of 5
2731 Dawson Rd, Albany, GA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Albany. Enjoy laundry facilities, premium TV channels, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Albany Square and Albany Crossroads ...
5.8/10 (12 reviews)
"Clean property. Good area."

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2024

InTown Suites Extended Stay Albany GA
Modern, cozy, Studio Apartment
Modern, cozy, Studio Apartment
Ochlocknee
Stay at this apartment in Ochlocknee. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and air conditioning.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Beautiful little cottage
"Our stay here was perfect. The cottage is beautifully appointed and very comfortable."

Reviewed on Oct. 31, 2024

Modern, cozy, Studio Apartment
Southern Farmhouse Retreat: 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath w/Master SPA like - Pet Friendly
Southern Farmhouse Retreat: 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath w/Master SPA like - Pet Friendly
Moultrie
Stay at this vacation home in Moultrie. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sunset Country Golf Club and Museum of Colquitt ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Perfect Stay
"My family was looking to escape Hurricane Milton and were so blessed to find this amazing farmhouse for our evac-cation. This home was simply perfect for our crew of 8, ages 5 to 55 (including 2 teenagers). The amount of space in the house was perfect, the well-stocked kitchen was fun to cook in. ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2024

Southern Farmhouse Retreat: 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath w/Master SPA like - Pet Friendly
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