TravelpediaonlineBest Things To Do In Dothan (Alabama) – Dothan was once considered one of the “worst places to live in the United States,” but much has changed since then, and the city today has a strong economic framework and plenty of things to do.
Dothan is a city in Alabama, with a very small population — yet it has a strong sense of community that you will notice when you visit. You’ll discover references to peanuts everywhere, and Dothan has graciously accepted the nickname “The Peanut Capital of the World.”
This charming, tiny Alabama town is known as the Peanut Capital of the World. Because the peanut farms in the surrounding areas supply practically all the country’s peanuts, it’s no surprise that Dothan celebrates the humble peanut in every way possible, making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Dothan (Alabama).
Dothan, Alabama’s is a small town famed for its peanuts. Landmark Park, the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, Adventure land, and the George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum are just a few of the family-friendly sites, together with museums, natural parks, adventurous attractions, and restaurants to explore while you’re there.
If you’re planning to visit Dothan, and you’re not sure of what you can do there, continue reading as we have compiled the list of best things to do in Dothan (Alabama).
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Here are the list of the best things to do in Dothan (Alabama):
1. Landmark Park
Landmark Park is a 135-acre park dedicated to preserving Alabama’s Wiregrass Region’s cultural and ecological legacy. The park’s exhibits and programs, such as their 1890s living history farm, are very popular with visitors of all ages coming over to explore.
An antique farmhouse, a cane mill, a smokehouse, a syrup shed, and a variety of farm animals such as cows and pigs are all part of the farm. Under its unusual 360-degree dome featuring real-time simulations of the sky, the Digitarium Planetarium is a fantastic place to learn about the night sky.
For an interesting conclusion to the day, take a walk along the park’s many nature paths or visit the park’s wildlife exhibits.
2. Adventureland
Adventureland is a location where friends and family may gather for a safe and enjoyable day of adventure. The park offers a wide range of engaging activities, ensuring that guests of all ages have a great time.
On a sweltering day, nothing beats spending time on the Bumper Floats, while thrill seekers can head to the go-kart track. Batting cages and an 18-hole mini-golf course are among the other amenities. Recharge yourself with a great slice of pizza, a hot dog, or nachos from their snack bar – or chill off with some Dippin’ Dots.
3. Dothan Area Botanical Garden
The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is a lovely garden complex that invites visitors to take in the breathtaking scenery. The exquisite garden began in 1997 with the planting of roses. There are fifteen specialty gardens dedicated to azaleas, roses, and a variety of other flowers.
The Southern Heirloom Garden, which was intended to preserve plants from the past, such as Confederate jasmine, larkspur, and more, will delight visitors interested in Southern history and tradition. Boardwalks, walking routes, statuary, conserved nature areas, water fountains, and much more can be found on the grounds, making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Dothan (Alabama).
4. Wiregrass Museum Of Art
For those who enjoy the visual arts, the Wiregrass Museum of Art is a must-see. Their shows, permanent collections, and educational activities all work together to engage visitors and sustain the arts in Dothan, Alabama. Audiences of all ages will enjoy spending a day exploring works from the early twentieth century to the current time.
The permanent collection contains about 1,100 artifacts, including pieces by Frank Stella, John Kelly Fitzpatrick, and other local and national artists. Throughout the year, there are a variety of seminars, workshops, and camps for adults and children that focus on various genres of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and more.
5. Peanut Around Town
Many restaurants and shops in downtown Dothan participate in the Peanuts Around Town event. Because the area is recognized for its thriving peanut business, the Alabama Peanut Producers Association decided to launch a project in which various artists designed peanuts to be placed throughout the town.
Characters from Charles M. Schulz’s famous comic strip, as well as statues, figures, and paintings, may appear in the designs. They can be found at the Southeast Alabama Medical Center, the Southtrust Bank of Dothan, and in front of the Dothan Fire Department.
The peanuts are frequently dressed in amusing and adorable outfits that suit their location.
6. Water World
Water World is every bit as entertaining and thrilling as you’d expect from an aquatic adventure park. They have a 450,000-gallon rip tide wave pool with waves that can reach over 3 feet (0.91 m) high, which is ideal for cooling yourself on a hot summer day.
Relax and sunbathe at the nearby “beach area,” which includes lounges where you may relax while sipping a refreshing beverage. The Great White, a four-story-high slide, the 400-foot-long Bonsai Pipeline with three unique slides, and the Tadpole Hole with a separate kid-friendly swimming pool and slides are among the other attractions.
7. Taj Café and BBQ
Taj Café and BBQ is a charming eatery with an eclectic cuisine that includes Indian, Greek, and Italian dishes. It may seem like a lot for one restaurant to handle, but their competent and knowledgeable culinary staff can help you choose some of Dothan’s most delectable dishes.
The decor is modern and trendy, and the menu comprises appetizers, soups, salads, breads, desserts, barbecue, and a separate section with kid-friendly meals. Their sizzling kabobs are a fan favorite, and they’re served hot from their clay tandoor oven.
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8. Dothan Civic Center
The Dothan Civic Center was built in 1975 and serves as a center for business, culture, and recreation. Throughout the year, the 3,100-seat arena offers a wide range of events. You’ll be able to attend sporting events, concerts, trade exhibits, and much more depending on when you go.
The facility is a significant part of Dothan’s heritage and has hosted several community activities over the years. If you’re planning a special event, the Dothan Civic Center is a great place to hold it.
9. George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum
The George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum is a unique cultural attraction located in the city’s core. The museum focuses on informing visitors about the significant historical achievements made by African Americans throughout history.
The exhibits are organized along a timeline that illustrates how these individuals’ contributions aided America’s development into the country it is now. ‘Designing the World We Live In’ and ‘Black Scientists, Inventors, and Explorers’ are permanent exhibitions at the museum.
The Carver Room, which is dedicated to Dr. George Washington Carver, is also an excellent resource for learning about his life. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the interactive displays and everything else there is to see and do, making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Dothan (Alabama).
10. Murals of The Wiregrass
Murals, many of which portray the region’s rich history, have made Dothan famous. The amazing works of art that adorn the old buildings in the downtown district bring them to life with depth and color. Make your way through the downtown area of Alabama’s Mural City on a self-guided tour to explore diverse works of public art.
On N. Foster Street, there’s The Steamboat Era, on the side of the Liddon Furniture building, there’s Salute to the Peanut Industry, and on South Saint Andrews Street, there’s Chief Eufaula: Creek Indian Removal. There are many more, each highlighting a significant aspect of the country’s rich history.
11. Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza and Grill
If you can’t make it to Italy for authentic pizza, come to Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza and Grill instead. The locally owned pizzeria and grill is located in downtown Dothan and focuses on providing tasty meals using traditional products and methods.
Fresh ingredients are brought daily, and all of their pizzas are baked in wood-fired ovens imported from Tuscany. There’s also a fully equipped bar with a variety of liquors, bottled beers, draft beers, and aged wine, as well as a full menu of soups, salads, appetizers, and sandwiches.
12. Conestoga Steak House
For nearly 30 years, the Conestoga Steak House has been delivering wonderful food to Dothan residents. The family-run restaurant assures fresh food – so fresh, in fact, that they’ve never had a freezer on the premises and never utilized frozen meat.
Customers return time and time again because of the variety of steaks on the menu: The New York strip, filet Mignon, T-bone, or rib eye are among them, and they can all be served with home-cut fries, sweet potato, baked potato, daily made yeast buns, salad, or broccoli.
13. Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar promises to serve the best steak, seafood, and oysters in Dothan, Alabama, and they’re so certain of their food’s quality that they’ll refund your money if you don’t enjoy it. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves tried-and-true classics like burgers and sandwiches, which makes it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Dothan (Alabama).
Blackened crab claws, Hunt’s Famous Oysters served with homemade cocktail sauce, their famous steak and shrimp, the seafood gumbo, and the shrimp pasta tossed in homemade Alfredo sauce and served with garlic toast are all popular evening menu items.
14. Folklore Brewing and Meadery
Folklore Brewing & Meadery is a family-owned business and the area’s first packaging brewery since Prohibition ended. The brewery makes great craft beers that represent the Pate family’s passion and dedication while also incorporating Southern traditions and folklore.
The brewery is housed in the family’s old barn, and guests are welcome to take a tour of the plant and sample what they’re making immediately. At the Fly By Night Grill, which is adjacent to the property, you may sample their great beers and lagers at any hour, like the Irish-style Green-Eyed Monster and the Front Porch American pale ale.
15. Escape Dothan
Escape Dothan is the place to go if you’re seeking for an adrenaline-pumping, exciting activity for you and your buddies to do while in Dothan. The escape room is similar to a live-action video game in that it requires teamwork, critical thinking, and pressured performance.
You and your buddies will have one hour to find clues, crack codes, and solve issues to escape. You can choose from four different room types: Bazaar Battle, the 13th Floor, Time Warp, and Murder at the Mansion, in which you must figure out who murdered a wealthy businessman, with what weapon, and why. Escape Dothan is the pinnacle of adrenaline rushes.
16. Go Bowling at Dothan Lanes
The most popular bowling alley in Dothan is Dothan Lanes. It has 24 lanes with automatic scoring and hosts both casual and competitive bowling leagues. Keep an eye out for their weekly specials; they usually have something to offer every day of the week.
Sundays are often the ideal days to take the whole family, as there are discounts for up to six people. Dothan Lanes is a nice place to grab a couple of drinks and hang out with friends while bowling. Other activities available at the facility include pool and arcade games, making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Dothan (Alabama).
17. Catch a Movie at Continental Drive-In
What better way to elicit romantic feelings than to travel back in time to a time when drive-in movies were popular? You can watch a movie under the stars at the Continental Drive-In, just like you did in high school.
The Continental Drive-In features many screens, as well as a full concession area with a variety of snacks and beverages. A ticket includes two films, each with a ten-minute pause between them, as well as a radio to listen to your favorite film. All you have to do now is sit back and relax in your car.
18. Go Out For Opera at Dothan Opera House
Since 1915, the Dothan Opera House has been a part of the local environment. With its variety of live theatrical and musical performances, it has entertained millions of guests throughout the years.
The opera building features a stunning Victorian interior architecture and excellent acoustics, with symphonic orchestras recording their music there regularly. It is a small facility with seating for up to 590 people that hosts opera, theater, and beauty pageants.
Check the calendar for a schedule of the performances during your Dothan trip.
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Best Restaurants To Visit In Dothan (Alabama)
1. La Parrilla Mexican
La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant is a colorful, family-friendly establishment that serves traditional Mexican cuisine and beverages. This laid-back eatery is one of Dothan’s best, thanks to its environment and delectable cuisine served in generous portions.
This is an exceptional location for family dinners and meeting with friends over delicious food. As an appetizer, try the Queso Fundido with Chorizo, followed by the La Seis Combination, which includes an enchilada, taco, Mexican rice, and Mexi-beans.
2. Thai House
Thai House is a laid-back Asian eatery that specializes in Thai food. For its peaceful environment and extra tasty food, this simple, Asian-inspired bistro is one of the best Dothan eateries.
You’ll be able to take Asian cuisine to the next level here, as the meals combine the comfort of home cooking with the opulence of fine dining. The Thai Rolls and Chicken Satay come first, followed by the Spicy Drunken Noodles and Ginger Chicken.
3. Zack’s Family Restaurant
Zack’s Family Restaurant is a family-friendly establishment known for its buffet and home style Southern fare. This is one of the casual areas to eat when you truly want to feel full after your meal for the hungry foodie looking for the greatest restaurants Dothan has to offer.
As you stuff your plate with all the goods from the buffet, the basic digs will make you feel right at home. Consume as much as you can from the buffet, which includes items such as Country Fried Steak, Hamburger Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, and more.
4. Taj
Taj is a trendy restaurant with authentic Indian and Greek food. This laid-back, modern restaurant is one of the most popular to visit and serves some of the greatest meals in Dothan. Its Indian and Greek options are uncommon in town, so dining here would be a one-of-a-kind experience merely for the menu.
Then there’s the stylish dining area, which is ideal for relaxing with friends and family. For appetizers, get the Baba Ghanoush and Samosa. Then, wash it down with a refreshing drink of Mango Lassi and a satisfying plate of Lamb Biryani.
5. Cactus Flower
The luxurious Mexican restaurant and café Cactus Flower is noted for its Cali-style Mexican cuisine, drinks, and sweets. If you want to eat your favorite informal Mexican meals in a more refined setting, this exquisite café is one of the top birthday restaurants in Dothan.
Its crème walls and indoor fountain give it a pleasant, traditional courtyard feeling that will make your dinner as memorable as your day. Keep things easy with a quesadilla and a burrito from Southern California. The Mahi Fish Tacos are another delicious option. Finish your dinner with a Fabulous Flan – a traditional dessert.
6. The Blue Plate
The Blue Plate is a laid-back diner that serves home-cooked Southern fare. Because of its cozy environment, this diner is one of the greatest places downtown for casual Dothan dining.
The café is sparsely decorated with simple tables and chairs, but the home style food served will make you feel warm and welcome. But when ordering the Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Macaroni & Cheese and Coleslaw, stick to the classics.
7. Thirsty Pig BBQ
Thirsty Pig BBQ is a local pub and taproom that serves BBEQ staples as well as craft beer. The food truck look of this tavern will appeal to trend-setters and casual diners alike.
It’s one of the best restaurants in Dothan for creative Instagram shots and chill hangouts with your pals because of its outdoor eating and graffiti-art facade. BBQ Nachos, Cream Cheese Stuffed Chilis, and Pig Fries go well with your ice-cold pints. Then order a Cheeseburger to fill up your stomach.
8. Metro Diner
Metro Restaurant is a popular neighborhood diner noted for its traditional American breakfast and lunch menus. If you’re looking for a brunch spot in Dothan, this is the place to go.
After a lunch here, you’ll feel energetic and happy to start a new day because of the large servings, soothing options, and minimalist, retro-inspired decor. When you order the Bissell Breakfast with a cup of hot coffee, you get a bit of everything.
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Final Thoughts
Dothan is a little city with plenty of fun things to do while you’re there. It’s a city rich in historical art displays that preserve old historic objects, as you will find various museums to explore. It also has a magnificent setting and stunning landscapes.
You can relax with your friends and families in Dothan’s parks and participate in various activities for both young and old, such as swimming and playing various games. Dothan specializes in providing the greatest and freshest meals available. Eating cuisine in Dothan is similar to eating food prepared at home.
They prepare a variety of dishes and provide excellent customer service in a pleasant environment. So, if you’re still unsure, we invite you to take a chance and come see for yourself!
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