Need a Southern getaway with local flavor, rich heritage, and family fun? Head to Dothan! Known as the "Peanut Capital of the World," Dothan blends agriculture, culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring outdoor parks, visiting art installations, or diving into regional history, Dothan offers small-town charm with big personality.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dothan is during the spring and fall (March–May and September–November), when temperatures are pleasant and events like the National Peanut Festival take place. Summers can be hot but are great for family attractions and water activities.
How to Get There
- By Car: Dothan is located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 84, 231, and 431, about 2 hours from Montgomery and Tallahassee.
- By Air: Dothan Regional Airport (DHN) offers regional flights, primarily connecting through Atlanta.
- By Bus: Greyhound and other carriers provide intercity service to and from Dothan.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Dothan – Modern hotel with on-site dining, pool, and convenient access to major roads.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Great value with complimentary breakfast and pet-friendly options.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Dothan – Newly renovated with upscale amenities and easy access to shopping and restaurants.
Top Attractions
⮕ Step Into the Past at Landmark Park, Alabama’s Official Museum of Agriculture
© Courtesy of Nick Fox - Fotolia.com
Landmark Park
is a 135-acre park that preserves the cultural and natural heritage of Alabama’s Wiregrass Region. Visitors of all ages love the exhibits and programs that the park offers, like in their 1890s living history farm.
The farm comes complete with an old farmhouse, a cane mill, a smokehouse, a syrup shed, and a range of farm animals like cows and pigs.
The Digitarium Planetarium is a wonderful place to learn about the night sky under their special 360-degree dome with real-time simulations of the sky.
End your visit taking a walk in the park’s many nature trails or viewing their wildlife exhibits for an exciting end to the day.
430 Landmark Drive, Dothan, AL 36303, 334-794-3452
⮕ Stroll Through Blossoms and Nature Trails at Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
© Courtesy of Frans - Fotolia.com
The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens in Alabama is a beautiful garden complex that has invites people to enjoy the stunning beauty of their landscape.
The magnificent garden started with the planting of roses in 1997. There are 15 specialty gardens that focus on azaleas, roses, and many other flowers.
Visitors who are interested in Southern history and heritage will love exploring the Southern Heirloom Garden, which was created as a means of preserving plants from the past, such as Confederate jasmine, larkspur, and more. The grounds also have boardwalks, walking paths, statues, preserved wilderness areas, water fountains, and so much more to enjoy.
5130 Headland Ave, Dothan, AL 36303, Phone: 334-793-3224
If you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Play Mini-Golf and Arcade Games at Adventureland Theme Park
© Adventureland
Adventureland is a place for friends and family to come together and have a safe and fun day filled with, well, adventure!
There are so many exciting activities offered at the park, ensuring that visitors of all ages have a wonderful time on their day trip.
Thrill-seekers can head to the go-kart track, while there’s nothing better on a hot day than spending time out on the Bumper Floats. Other spaces include the batting cages as well as the 18-hole mini-golf course. Re-energize yourself with a delicious slice of pizza, a hot dog, or some nachos at their snack bar – you can also treat yourself to some cooling Dippin’ Dots.
3738 W Main St, Dothan, AL 36305, Phone: 334-793-9100
⮕ Make a Splash with the Family at Water World
© Water World
Water World is every bit of fun and exciting as you would expect an aquatic adventure park to be. They have a 450,000-gallon rip tide wave pool with waves that can get to over 3 feet high, making it the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day.
Relax and sunbathe in the surrounding “beach area,” complete with lounges you can lay on while sipping a cool drink.
Other attractions include the Great White, which is a four-story high slide, the 400-feet-long Bonsai Pipeline with three unique slides, and the Tadpole Hole with a separate kid-friendly swimming pool and slides.
401 Recreation Rd, Dothan, AL
36303, Phone: 334-615-3750
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
⮕ Explore Contemporary Creativity at the Wiregrass Museum of Art
© Wiregrass Museum of Art
The Wiregrass Museum of Art is a must-visit for those who appreciate the visual arts. Their diverse range of exhibitions, permanent collections, and educational programs all work hand-in-hand to engage guests and preserve the arts in Dothan, Alabama.
Audiences of all ages will love spending a day there as they explore pieces from the early 20th century to the present. There are over 1,100 objects in the permanent collection, including works by Frank Stella, John Kelly Fitzpatrick, and other state and national artists.
There are several classes, workshops, and camps held throughout the year for adults and youth, which focus on various types of art whether it be drawing, painting, sculpting, or more.
126 Museum Ave, Dothan, AL 36303, Phone: 334-794-3871
⮕ Celebrate African American Heritage at the George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum
© George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum
The George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum is a creative cultural attraction that can be found in the heart of the city.
The museum focuses on educating its visitors on the rich historical contributions that African Americans have made over time. The exhibits follow a timeline that showcases how America has become the place it is today because of the dedication of these individuals.
The two permanent exhibitions are titled Black Scientists, Inventors, and Explorers and Designing the World We Live In. The Carver Room, dedicated to Dr. George Washington Carver, is also a wonderful place to explore his life and times. Visitors of all ages will love the interactive displays and all there is to see and do.
305 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303, Phone: 334-712-0933
⮕ Catch a Concert or Event at the Dothan Civic Center
© Dothan Civic Center
The Dothan Civic Center was constructed in 1975 and functions as a hub for business, culture, and leisure. Today, the 3,100-seat arena hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year. Depending on when you’re there, you’ll be able to catch sporting events, concerts, trade shows, and so much more. The center is such an integral part of Dothan’s history and has been the base for many of their community events over the years. If you’re looking to host a special event, you won’t regret hosting it at the Dothan Civic Center.
126 N St Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36303, Phone: 334-615-3000
⮕ Enjoy Bold Flavors and Fusion Fare at Taj Cafe and BBQ
© Taj Cafe and BBQ
Taj Cafe and BBQ is a lovely restaurant with an international menu comprising Indian, Greek, and Italian foods. It may sound like a lot for one place to take on, but their professional and knowledgeable kitchen staff will guide you to pick some of the most delicious food in Dothan to feast upon. The setting is contemporary and chic, while the menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, breads, mains, desserts, barbecue, and a separate section with meals that younger patrons will love. Their sizzling kabobs are a crowd favorite and are served fresh from being roasted in their clay tandoor oven.
2920 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36301, Phone: 334-699-3200
Where to Eat
- The Old Mill Restaurant – Cozy spot for Southern comfort food including fried catfish and cornbread.
- Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Casual and beloved for fresh Gulf seafood and steaks.
- Fire Stone Wood Fired Grill – Wood-fired pizzas, upscale burgers, and craft cocktails in a lively downtown setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- National Peanut Festival (November) – The largest peanut festival in the U.S. with rides, parades, concerts, and agriculture showcases.
- Downtown Dothan Hoops Classic (December) – High-energy high school basketball tournament drawing regional teams and fans.
- Peanut Butter Festival (Fall, nearby in Brundidge) – A quirky celebration of all things peanut, just a short drive from Dothan.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Dothan, Alabama:
- Chattahoochee State Park (30 min) – Great for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Headland, AL (20 min) – A quiet small town with antique stores, local diners, and historic charm.
- Water World (10 min) – Family-friendly water park with slides, a wave pool, and kid zones—perfect for hot summer days.
- Historic Columbia, AL (25 min) – Visit the Columbia Historical Society Museum and stroll quaint streets near the Chattahoochee River.
- National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds (10 min) – Check the calendar for off-season events, flea markets, and expos.
FAQ:
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Where is Dothan located?
- Dothan is a small city in Alabama that is lovingly known as the “Peanut Capital of the World.”
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What family-friendly attractions are in Dothan?
- There are several family-friendly places, including museums, natural parks, and adventurous attractions.
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What are some must-visit places in Dothan?
- Popular spots include Landmark Park, the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, Adventureland, and the George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum.
Map:
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