15 Best Things to Do in Statesboro, GA: College-Town Guide

You may know Statesboro from a song before you know it from a map. Blind Willie McTell’s “Statesboro Blues,” later turned into a rock staple by the Allman Brothers, put this small Southeast Georgia city on the musical map. Today, Georgia Southern University runs the show. That means good football, a young energy downtown, and a set of gardens, museums and wildlife exhibits that are free or very cheap.

A large tree on the grounds of the Georgia Southern Botanic Garden in Statesboro — The Georgia Southern Botanic Garden. Photo: muffinn on Flickr, CC BY 2.0

The best things to do in Statesboro, Georgia are visiting the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern, meeting the raptors at the Center for Wildlife Education, seeing the Georgia Southern Museum, catching a show at the Averitt Center for the Arts, cooling off at Splash in the Boro, and watching an Eagles game.

You can see most of this list in a weekend. Savannah is also about an hour away, so you can stay here for less and make a day trip to the coast.

1. Walk the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern

An old bell beside a wooden schoolhouse at the Georgia Southern Botanic Garden — The old school bell at the Botanic Garden. Photo: muffinn on Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Set on more than 11 acres, the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern began as an early-20th-century farmstead. Its trails and courtyards feature plants of the Southeastern coastal plain, along with a camellia garden.

An old farm building on the grounds of the Georgia Southern Botanic Garden — A farm building at the Botanic Garden. Photo: muffinn on Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Look for the old farm buildings and the rural life museum, which show how people lived here not all that long ago. Give it a slow morning.

2. Meet the Birds at the Center for Wildlife Education

A bald eagle, one of the birds you can meet at the center — Illustrative photo: a bald eagle, one of the birds you can meet at the center. Photo: Lewis Hulbert via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Georgia Southern’s Center for Wildlife Education showcases animals native to Georgia, especially birds of prey. Live wildlife displays are listed on weekdays at 3:30, but confirm the current schedule. Children love it, and you’ll get close to animals you’d rarely see otherwise.

3. Explore the Georgia Southern Museum

An ancient sea life fossil exhibit at the Georgia Southern University Museum — Ancient sea life at the Georgia Southern Museum. Photo: Richardelainechambers via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On the university campus, this family-friendly museum covers the history of the region and has ancient fossils too, including sea creatures that lived here when this part of Georgia was under water. Kids make it through easily. Look up the hours before you go, since they follow the university calendar.

4. See a Show at the Averitt Center for the Arts

The Averitt Center for the Arts in downtown Statesboro. Photo: Richardelainechambers via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Averitt Center downtown hosts live performances, including theater, and has a gallery with changing exhibits. You’ll find it in the old Bank of Statesboro building and the former Georgia Theater. See what’s on during your visit, and pair it with dinner downtown.

5. Stroll Around Downtown

The domed Bulloch County Courthouse in downtown Statesboro, Georgia — The Bulloch County Courthouse. Photo: Bubba73 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The historic center of town is built around the domed Bulloch County Courthouse, with a good mix of local restaurants, shops and old brick buildings. You won’t need long to walk it, so don’t rush. Find a coffee and take your time. If you expect a college town to be all pizza and T-shirts, you’ll be pleased.

6. See the Jaeckel Hotel

The historic Jaeckel Hotel building in downtown Statesboro — The historic Jaeckel Hotel. Photo: Bubba73 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

This handsome old downtown hotel building dates to the early 20th century and ranks among the best-known landmarks in town. It takes you back to when Statesboro was a major market for cotton and tobacco. Stop for a photo as you walk around, and look for the historical markers nearby.

7. Shop the Farmers Market

The Canton Street Farmers Market in Roswell, Georgia — Illustrative photo: the Canton Street Farmers Market in Roswell, Georgia. Photo: John Phelan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Main Street Farmers Market has been a popular Saturday tradition during the growing season, with local produce, baked goods and crafts. Taste what’s in season while you’re there. Confirm the current dates and location before you plan around it, and get there early for the best selection.

8. Cool Off at Splash in the Boro

A water slide at a family water park — Illustrative photo: a water slide at a family water park. Photo: Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) This image was made by Loadmas via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

In summer, head to Splash in the Boro at Mill Creek Regional Park, a waterpark with a lazy river, slides and a play pool. Local families flock here to survive the South Georgia heat. Sources list conflicting addresses, so go by the official site for location and season.

9. Spend an Afternoon at Mill Creek Regional Park

A neighborhood park with a playground — Illustrative photo: a neighborhood park with a playground. Photo: Mjrmtg via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

The wider park has sports fields, walking paths and lots of space for kids to run around, and it costs little when you need to get out of the car for a while. Bring a picnic, and try to go in the morning or the evening, when the air is cooler.

10. Watch the Georgia Southern Eagles

The entrance to the Georgia Southern University campus in Statesboro — The entrance to Georgia Southern University. Photo: The original uploader was Dawg1279 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Football is a big deal here, and Allen E. Paulson Stadium has a reputation as one of the most scenic and spirited small stadiums around. Fans call it “The Prettiest Little Stadium in America.” Saturdays in the fall bring tailgating and huge crowds into town, so book your room early if you’re coming for a game.

11. Walk the Georgia Southern Campus

The Georgia Southern University campus in Statesboro. Photo: The original uploader was Richardelainechambers via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The campus is a pleasant place for a stroll, with brick buildings, wide lawns and a pretty pond. Pair it with a visit to the museum or wildlife center. Avoid the class-change rush if you can. During summer break, you’ll have the place almost to yourself.

12. Listen to “Statesboro Blues”

The Tedeschi Trucks Band on stage — Illustrative photo: the Tedeschi Trucks Band on stage. Photo: Jonathan Schilling via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

This one is small, but play the song as you drive into town. McTell recorded it in 1928, and the Allman Brothers made it famous on their At Fillmore East album. Look around for local musicians while you’re here as well, since the college crowd supports a decent live music scene.

13. Eat Southern Barbecue

Pulled whole-hog barbecue — Illustrative photo: pulled whole-hog barbecue. Photo: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Barbecue is a major reason to visit. Ask locals where they go, since their favorites change. Family-run places like Vandy’s have long been part of the downtown scene. Go at lunchtime, when the food is freshest, and leave room for some sweet tea.

14. Day Trip to Magnolia Springs State Park

Magnolia Springs State Park in Jenkins County. Photo: Jud McCranie via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

About 45 minutes north, near Millen, this state park is known for its crystal-clear spring and boardwalk. Watch for turtles and birds, and take in the history too, because a Civil War prison camp once stood here. Look up fees on the park’s site, and bring along a picnic.

15. Take a Day Trip to Savannah

The Forsyth Park fountain in Savannah. Photo: Bubba73 (Jud McCranie) via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Savannah’s squares and riverfront are only about an hour away, an easy day trip from here. Hotels in Statesboro often cost less, particularly in peak season. If you’ve got time, continue on to Tybee Island for a swim.

Best Free Things to Do in Statesboro

The campus walk and the downtown stroll are free, and the Botanic Garden has been free to visit too, though you should confirm before you go. Bring a picnic and you can spend a nice day here on almost no money.

When to Visit and How Long to Stay

Spring and fall are the best times to come. Azaleas and dogwoods bloom in spring, and fall brings football and pleasant weather. Summer is hot and humid, so you’ll want to be at the waterpark. Home game weekends and graduation are the busiest and can be pricey. A day or two is plenty for most people, which leaves time for a trip to Savannah.

Where to next? Try our guides to Savannah, Brunswick and Augusta, or see the best things to do in Georgia for the whole state. You can also browse all our travel guides on Decidel.

How we checked this guide: details were checked against published sources in November 2026. Many details come from travel guides, and hours and locations can change, so confirm with the venue before you go.