Cordele Georgia is known as the Watermelon Capital of the World. The watermelons grown there are said to be the sweetest found anywhere. During the summer, Cordele celebrates the watermelon harvest with the annual Watermelon Days Festival.

Watermelons is one of the USA's largest cash crops. Cordele's State Farmer's Market is a major watermelon shipping point. The market is also a source of fresh seasonal produce.

Cordele is also known as the home of Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf club. This resort located in the midst of Georgia Veterans State Park's whispering pines is a popular Southwest Georgia conference center and also a Southern destination for northerners seeking refuge from cold winter weather. In addition to first class golf, this resort also features a marina where guest can rent watercraft for exploring Lake Blackshear or engaging in other water sports and activities. The Lady Liberty, a 50 passenger state-of-the-art event boat is available for private function.

Cordele is a part of the Andersonville Trail that runs from I-75 to the Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville Georgia. The trail route runs along Highway 280 from Cordele to Americus Georgia. From Americus, the trail follows Highway 49 to Andersonville.