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Five years ago, our family moved from Southern California to Dothan, Alabama, and we’ve lived here longer than I have lived anywhere in my adult life.  So, I feel a little extra qualified to share some fun things to do in Dothan, Alabama, with you today!  As of September 2023, this post has been updated and reflects all Dothan activities for 2023, 2024, and beyond!

While I often say that we live in a “small town,” Dothan is actually the 8th largest city in the state of Alabama, with a population of just over 70,000 people.  And while some people may not like the hot and humid summers, our favorite thing about Dothan is the weather!   

We love warmer climates, and while the past week has been a bit chillier than usual, temperatures are usually pretty mild in this part of the USA.  The hot summers and the warm(ish) winters are nice when you have the beautiful white sand Florida Gulf Coast beaches only 90 minutes away and where many Dothan residents call their second home.

Dothan, Alabama

Before I share with you all of the fun things to do in Dothan, I want just to share a little bit more about where it is and what it’s known for. It’s basically large enough for a small regional airport with daily connections to Atlanta, Georgia, but not large enough for a Trader Joe’s.   It has more fast-food restaurants than any other city in Alabama, yet is also home to Top Chef winner Kelsey Barnard Clark and her casual yet chic southern eatery KBC.  Downtown Dothan is experiencing a revival, with more businesses finding their home in the once-bustling, old, yet new historic buildings, some dating back to the turn of the 20th century. I really can not wait to see it transform in the coming years and have been watching with excitement as the city of Dothan shares plans to redo a portion of the downtown area!

It’s the kind of town that the kids plan to leave the second they turn 18, yet return (shortly after graduating from Auburn or Alabama) to start their own families because roots run deep here in Dothan, Alabama.

Where is Dothan, Alabama?

Dothan, Alabama, is tucked in the very southeastern corner of Alabama, just 15 miles north of the Florida state line and about 20 west of Georgia.  No major interstate runs through Dothan, but it sure gets its fair share of traffic!  Travelers making their way down to the Florida panhandle from places to the northeast, such as Atlanta, Georgia, and beyond, will likely find themselves on the Ross Clark Circle.  Locals like to joke that “you should treat yourself like the  Ross Clark Circle and never stop working on YOU” because there almost always seems to be a construction project along this popular thoroughfare. It’s all much-needed improvement, though, as “The Circle,” a route overlaid by US 84, US 231, and US 431 encircling Dothan, Alabama, sees more and more traffic with every passing year.
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The nearest Interstate to Dothan, Alabama, is Interstate 10, which runs through the Florida panhandle, about 45 minutes south of Dothan.   Hop on i10 in either direction, and you can take yourself to Santa Monica, California, or east to Jacksonville, Florida! Dothan does have its own regional airport, though!  Dothan Regional Airport offers a 2x daily Delta connection to Atlanta.  We take this route often when we fly because you can fly almost anywhere from Atlanta, and this saves us the 3+ hour drive into the city. 

 There are several other nearby airports that you can use to get you “close enough” to Dothan, and my Guide to 30A Airports blog post shares exact flight schedules and more!

What is Dothan, Alabama, known for?

Peanuts.  Yep!  Dothan, Alabama, is known as the Peanut Capital of the World.  Why?  Well, about 1/4 of the United State’s peanut crop is grown in Dothan and the surrounding area.  Enter town from any direction, and you are sure to see a small stand selling boiled peanuts within minutes.   Then you’ll notice the almost adult-sized peanuts in front of the local businesses, all in character and everyone unique. 

If you are visiting in early Fall, you will probably see billboards wishing the best of luck to the local contestants vying for the title of Peanut Queen.   It all culminates in early November, once the crops have been harvested and the community comes together to celebrate at the National Peanut Festival!

Fun Things to Do In Dothan, Alabama

But you don’t have to wait until November to visit Dothan, Alabama.  There are so many fun things to do whether you call Dothan home or are just passing through.  Here are some of my favorites and some photos of my family enjoying all things Dothan over the past few years!

Check Out the Downtown Dothan Murals

There are 23 murals hidden away in the areas surrounding Foster Street, the center of downtown Dothan.   I recommend parking near the Civic Center and starting with the most famous one, and ode the peanut, of course, that is handpainted on the side of Liddon Furniture.  Stroll the surrounding 8 blocks and enjoy larger-than-life murals both celebrating and paying homage to the history of the area.

Visit Landmark Park

One of our favorite places to spend a half-day is Landmark Park, located just north of Dothan, off Highway 431.  Here, you can stroll a working historic farm, make friends with some animals, or just enjoy nature. This is a GREAT pit stop if you want to get out and stretch your legs, let the kids burn off some energy, and enjoy a little treat from the old-fashioned soda fountain.  I actually have a full blog post dedicated to Landmark Park with all kinds of great information.

Check Out The World’s Smallest City Block

Blink, and you may miss this Dothan claim to fame!  Located at 201-209 N College St, Dothan, AL 36303, Dothan is home to the world’s smallest city block.  There obviously isn’t much to do here besides take a photo, but it’s directly across from one of our other favorite things to do – the Wiregrass Museum of Art.

Wiregrass Museum of Art

There is something about an art museum housed in a historical building.  It just adds a little something extra to the experience! Founded in 1988, the  Wiregrass Museum of Art is located at 126 Museum Ave, Dothan, AL 36303, inside of what was once the city’s power and water plant.  The museum offers curated exhibits, many showcasing local artists, and also works hard to foster a love of art in our children.   

On First Saturday Family Day each month, the museum offers a free FREE family-friendly come-and-go art activity from 10:30-2:30 p.m.   Just like the name eludes to, this event takes place on the first Saturday of every month in 2023.  You do not have to register in advance, and all of the supplies needed for that month’s project are included! They also offer a variety of special events geared toward adults.

Eat at KBC in Downtown Dothan

This may be my absolute favorite thing to do in Dothan, AL.   Hotels and restaurants are my love language.  Great travel and good food fuel my soul.  And I could probably eat at KBC, in downtown Dothan, every single day and not tire of it.  You may recognize the name or, at the least, the name of KBC’s owner and chef, Kelsey Barnard Clark.  It’s because she WON Season 16 of Bravo’s Top Chef! 

Lucky for us, this born-and-raised southern gal from Dothan returned home after her time at the Culinary Institute of America in New York to launch her own restaurant in downtown Dothan.  I told you that is what people do!

Known for its Saturday brunch, available until it sells out, this popular local spot has been a lunch favorite for years.  They recently renovated and expanded their service to offer dinner service as well.  My personal favorite night to visit KBC is on Wednesday nights when local live music accompanies your supper. It’s just such a vibe, and I am here for it!

PS: There is also a peanut dressed as Kelsey on display in the courtyard.  And now, in 2023, is Circle City Brewing.  It just opened right next door to KBC in downtown Dothan, Alabama! 

And if you aren’t local to Dothan, make sure to check out Kelsey’s new cookbook, Southern Grit.  I have it and have loved everything I have made from it so far.  It’s southern cooking with a sophisticated flair.  The recipes are flavorful but not too elaborate.  They are designed to be followed with a side of your favorite music and a freshly uncorked bottle of wine.

Aplin Farms

We are so lucky to have this gem just a few miles from our home on the west side of town.  Aplin Farms is located on the outskirts of Dothan, to the southwest (that’s 8 o’clock on Ross Clark Circle time) at 2729 N County Road 49, Dothan, AL 36305.  This full-service farm is open most of the year, closing in November before reopening in late February (or around there) at the start of strawberry season.

They just built a brand new barn-style shop where visitors can pop by most days for produce fresh from the fields.  They even allow you to pick several things throughout the year.  We love picking peaches in May!  In the Fall, they put on a fall festival complete with family-friendly activities,  a pumpkin patch, and even fields of gorgeous sunflowers!

The best place to stay up-to-date on the happenings at Aplin Farms is via their Facebook page.

Go Shopping at Eagle Eye Outfitters

Dothan is home to one of the largest southern outfitters around!  Eagle Eye Outfitters is located right off of Ross Clark Circle and has something for everyone.  Shop brands like Patagonia and AFTCO, Free People and Hydroflask, Livie and Luca, AFTCO, Yeti, and so much more.  This local retailer gives back to the community in so many ways and is a true pillar of the Dothan community.

And you can even shop online!

Spend the Day at Water World

On our very first trip to Dothan, when Matt was busy with interviews for his new job, the kids and I paid a visit to Water World.  It was a HOT August day, and we learned a lot about the intensity of the sun here in the south.  We left full of smiles and covered in sunburns.  So, make sure to plan a visit to Water World in Dothan, but make sure to pack your sunscreen!

Since our first visit, the park has undergone numerous renovations and even debuted a whole new set of twister-style waterslides to compliment the oversized wave pool and existing slides.   Water World is located inside Westgate Park (401 Recreation Rd, Dothan, AL 36303) and is run by the city of Dothan’s Leisure Services department.   Every Tuesday and Thursday night, guests can enjoy the park for half price from 5-8 p.m.!  The park is continuing to make upgrades for the 2023 season.

Hike or Bike at Forever Wild Trails

This is probably the Dothan activity that we do the most!  The Forever Wild Trails at Beaver Creek are located on the west side of town and only a mile or so from where we live, so you will often find us hiking or biking the trails on a sunny day.  There are over 10 miles of trails, and they are all mountain bike-friendly.  It is seriously a hidden gem in Dothan!  It’s so perfectly nestled in the tall pine trees that you could easily pass it by without even knowing.

Last year I wrote a full blog post with everything you need to know about the Forever Wild Trails in Dothan, along with a trail map and addresses for all three access points/parking lots!  So, make sure to check that out before planning your visit.

Hunt For Peanuts

We have never really gone out on a hunt for the peanuts around town in Dothan myself because we see them everywhere every day, but for people just passing by, especially those with kids, it’s fun to keep an eye out for them.  Now, most are located in front of businesses, and with traffic, I don’t think I would advise trying to get out and see each and every one.  I would recommend that you play a little game of i-spy with your kids and look for them as you explore the community.

There is even a Peanuts Around Town Facebook page that features the various little characters and even has a map of where to find them.  Although I promise you can not miss them!

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens

This is another gem that is quite easy to miss!  Just north of Dothan, you will find Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy over 50 acres of native plants, perfectly manicured gardens, and walking trails.  And while the rose garden is the highlight, my favorite native plants are the Azaleas and the Camellias that blanket the south.  I liken them to the Bourgenvilla that ran wild in southern California.  It’s the beautiful colors that always make me smile!

The park is open daily and is located at 5130 Headland Ave, Dothan, AL.

George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum

You can’t call yourself the Peanut Capital of the World and not pay homage to his man!  You’ll find the GW Carver Museum at 305 N Foster St. in downtown Dothan.  Not only does this museum highlight the life and contributions of scientist George Washington Carver, but it also showcases the historical contributions of other noteworthy African Americans.

It feels symbolic that this museum is located within an old bus station.  One where not long ago, the African-Americans found themselves forced to use a separate entrance, separate bathrooms, and even separate water fountains.  To not acknowledge the racial division that ran deep here in the south would be amiss, and having lived in a lot of places, I do think there is still a long way to go in this part of the country.  But, I am optimistic about the future, and I think this is an important stop while visiting Dothan, Alabama.

Adventureland Dothan, AL

If you have anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to spend in Dothan or want to kill some time before games at nearby Westgate Park,  Adventureland is a great little place!  Featuring two mini-golf courses, go-carts, bumper boats, batting cages, and an arcade, this small amusement park is a great way to pass the time.   There is a small snack bar as well!

Funzone Skate Center & Arcade

And speaking of fun places for kids, another popular place is Funzone.  And while Adventureland is mostly outside, everything at Funzone (just on the other side of Westgate Park) is inside.  They have a roller skating rink, laser tag, rock wall, bumper cars, and a giant soft-play climber for young kids.  Funzone serves food as well.  This is a popular place for birthday parties, so can get busy on the weekends, but is one place that our kids are constantly asking to visit!

Pop into The Thirsty Pig on a Friday Night

Another downtown Dothan favorite of mine is The Thirsty Pig! This small taproom is open Tuesday – Saturday and often has live music on Friday nights.   The drink menu is changing daily, and there is always something fun being tapped, so make sure to check their website to see if they will have your favorite.  And if they do, make sure to take home a growler!  There is a fantastic little food truck on-site, and they have trivia some nights.  What I most love about The Thirsty Pig is that all ages are welcome.  This is not a fancy, pretentious taproom.  Often, on weekends, there will be groups of kids running around while their parents catch up with old friends. It feels more like a low-key backyard party, and that’s why we love it so much!

Westgate Park

I’ve mentioned Westgate Park a couple of times above because it really is the center of most of the action on the west side of Dothan.  The park itself is home to soccer, baseball, and football fields, a large tennis center, and a big (accessible) children’s playground.  It’s also home to Water World.  We spend a lot of time at the adjacent Westgate pool since Abby is a part of the local Dothan Dolphins swim team.   What I like best about the park is the trail.  It is approx 5k and loops around the entire park.  It is walker, runner, and biker friendly and offers quite a bit of wooded railway, making it a great place to get in a workout.

Dothan Nurseries

If you like plants, pop by Dothan Nurseries.  They have a huge selection of local plants and have seasonal events, including one of those adorable pumpkin houses that you see all over Instagram every October.  They have a cute little butterfly house and a wonderful assortment of gifts.

Mural City Coffee Company

We love this (big) little coffee shop located at 192 S Foster St.  And I am sure you can guess where it gets its name!  Head any number of blocks north, east, and west, and you will be able to spot those famous Dothan murals!  And what better way than with a coffee in hand? 

Mural City Coffee Company is a local roaster, tea room, and espresso bar that also serves local freshly baked goods. They often have local art on display and bring in a variety of local musicians to play.  With oversized windows and ample gorgeous light, it’s hard (yet easy) to imagine that this building nearly 100 years ago, this building started out as Singletary & Whiddon Plantation Supply & Farm Goods, an agricultural supply store.  The decor is mid-century modern yet maintains its southern vibe.  You can’t help but feel a little nostalgic while there, especially while you pursue the vintage library card catalog to pick out the perfect tea.

Downtown Books

The newest 2023 addition to downtown Dothan is Downtown Books!  Literally, it opened just under a year ago!  I believe that it is very important to support these small businesses that are working so hard to revive the historic downtown district.  The bookstore features two stories, with the upstairs geared toward children.  It’s right across the street from KBC, so it’s an ideal place to browse while waiting for a table or after your lunch. 

And here is an insider tip: you will likely find signed copies of Kelsey’s cookbook on the shelves here and at other local retailers.

Seasonal: Fun Things to Do In Dothan, Alabama

There are a number of seasonal activities In Dothan that you want to keep on your radar!

National Peanut Festival

Held every November, this 10-day fair offers a full-scale carnival, local and headline entertainment, agriculture exhibits, and the Corndog Man.  The rule in Dothan is that you can’t go to the National Peanut Festival and not get a corndog from the Corndog Man.  You can buy mega passes in advance or just purchase tickets at the gate.

Mardi Gras in Dothan, Alabama

Did you know that Mardi Gras actually originated across the state over in Mobile, Alabama?  There are a number of local groups in Dothan who help keep the magic alive.  There are a number of parades around town, with the largest being the Krewe Kolosee Mardi Gras Parade.  This is a family-friendly celebration, and yes, there will be Moon Pies.

Satsumas & Satsuma Picking

There are a few different satsuma farms in the Dothan area, and they are in season and ready to pick around November / early December each year.  Check out Circle City Satsumas on the west side of town or Wilkes Family Farm to the southwest.  They even offer u-pick days.

Ice Rink in Downtown Dothan

Last winter, downtown Dothan got an ice skating rink!  It was a first for Dothan and a big hit. They were able to bring it back for the 2022 – 2023 season from mid-November to mid-January, and it seems like it will be a staple for years to come!

More Things to Do In Dothan, Alabama

I feel like I could go on and on and list even more things to do in Dothan, Alabama.  We haven’t even done all that there is to do.  So, here is a list of additional things to do in Dothan, Alabama, in 2023 and 2024.

• Trampoline Parks – Extreme Air and Axtion Air
• Kiss My Axe  – Axe throwing in downtown Dothan
• Dothan Escape Room
• Hanger 38 Bowling Alley and Arcade
• Road Ice Cafe – Jake’s favorite little place by our house
• Golf the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
• Catch an event at the Dothan Civic Center
• Shows at the Dothan Opera House
• Attend a concert at The Plant located downtown
• Drive-In Movie west of town in Wicksburg
• Folklore Brewing Meadery – we love it when they have live music

Where To Stay in Dothan, Alabama

I don’t know if I would say there is one BEST place to stay in Dothan, Alabama.  You will have your choice of standard chain hotels, some newer than others.   If I had to recommend one over the others, it would probably be the new Townplace Suites in Dothan or the new Home 2 Suites since both are in good locations and on the newer side.  So, if you are looking for hotels in Dothan, my recommendation would be to browse Trip Advisor and find the best fit for your family!

Best Restaurants in Dothan, Alabama

So I already mentioned that there are more fast-food restaurants in Dothan than anywhere else in Alabama, and there are an equal number of chain restaurants.  But there are also so many great local restaurants, and some of our favorites are KBC, The Cellar, Top Thai, Conestoga Steakhouse, Firestone, Hunts Seafood, and Honey’s Hotdogs.

Visit Dothan Visitor’s Guide

When it comes to exploring a new city, my favorite resource is the community’s own Visitor’s Guide.  Sometimes, individual cities put them out, and other times, the county does, and I can assure you that every state has a visitors guide (and most will mail you one for free).

You can click here to view a digital version of Visit Dothan’s Visitor’s Guide, updated for 2023! 

And if you do find yourself in my neck of the woods, make sure to say hi!  I am most active on Instagram and always do my best to reply to everyone who comments on our posts or messages us!

PIN my Fun Things to Do in Dothan, Alabama Blog Post!