Albany is the biggest city in southwest Georgia, on the Flint River about three and a half hours south of Atlanta. It is the hometown of Ray Charles, and its riverfront has an aquarium built around the Flint, a statue of Ray at his piano and a zoo set in a big wooded park. Add the clear blue water of Radium Springs and good fishing on Lake Chehaw. Here are the best things to do in Albany.
- From AtlantaAbout 182 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes without traffic
- CountyDougherty County (county seat)
- Known forRay Charles, the Flint River, Chehaw Park
- Getting thereI-75 south to Cordele, then U.S. 280 or GA 300 west
Top Things to Do in Albany
1. Flint RiverQuarium
An aquarium on the riverfront built around a big open-air tank of Flint River fish and turtles. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; adults are $9 and ages 4 to 12 are $6.50.
2. Ray Charles Plaza
A riverside plaza with a bronze statue of Ray Charles at his piano, which plays his music. Free, next to the RiverQuarium.
3. Chehaw Park and Zoo
A large park with a zoo of native and African animals, trails and camping on Muckalee Creek. The park is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the zoo 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4. Radium Springs Gardens
Georgia’s largest natural spring, a deep blue pool feeding into the Flint, surrounded by gardens. Swimming is not allowed, but the gardens are free to walk.
5. Albany Museum of Art
Regional and touring art exhibits, plus a collection of African art.
6. Lake Chehaw
A 1,400-acre Georgia Power lake on the Flint, known for largemouth bass, catfish and striped bass below the dam in spring.
Events and Seasons
Spring and fall are the best seasons in Albany; summers are long and hot, so plan the zoo and gardens for the morning. The riverfront hosts events through the year; check the city’s calendar before you go.
Nearby and Trip Planning
Albany pairs well with a trip to Plains and Jimmy Carter’s hometown about an hour north, and with Thomasville about an hour south. See our Plantation Trace libraries list and the Albany Nursery WMA page for hunters.
Make this trip yours
Turn this guide into a day-by-day plan for south Georgia, with a map, directions and stops you can swap.
Plan my tripCommon Questions
What is Albany, GA known for?
Albany is known as the hometown of Ray Charles, for the Flint RiverQuarium and Ray Charles Plaza on its riverfront, and for Chehaw Park and Zoo.
How far is Albany from Atlanta?
Albany is about 182 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 3 hours 30 minutes by car without traffic.
Can you swim at Radium Springs?
No. Swimming is not allowed at Radium Springs, but you can walk the gardens around Georgia’s largest natural spring.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, prices and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- Flint RiverQuarium: hours, admission
- Visit Albany GA: Ray Charles Plaza, Radium Springs, attractions
- Chehaw Park and Zoo: park and zoo hours
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.