Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Auburn, AL

  • Published 2022/07/20

Auburn in Alabama is known as “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.”

As it is to the famous Auburn University, the city is considered a historic university town.

The university’s location is considered to be the fastest growing and developing metropolitan area in Alabama.

Auburn is one of the most economically important towns in Alabama and was ranked as one of the 10 most livable cities in the US in the year 2009.

The city is home to a large number of cultural, art, and recreational attractions that make it a very lively place to visit.

From beautiful markets to classy bars and restaurants and vast parks to fascinating art museums, Auburn is a city in Alabama that will eventually find a place in your heart.

The people, culture, art, food, and overall vibe of this place are so different and charming that you may never want to head back home.

Here are the best things to do in Auburn, Alabama:

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Chewacla State Park

Scenic view of Chewacla State Park

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

Chewacla State Park is a vast property in Auburn that is spread over an area of 696 acres.

The entire property is divided into different subdivisions, which include a lake that is spread over an area of 26 acres, some swimming creeks, camping grounds, playgrounds, common picnic areas, trails, and many more.

The park is wonderfully managed and designed in such a manner that it would fulfill everyone’s needs.

History marker of Chewacla State Park

JNix / Shutterstock.com

It is ideal for fishing, as the lakes here are massively loaded with different types of fish.

Although it is a park, the property also has six stone houses in case visitors want to extend their stay and spend the night.

The option to pitch your own tent is also available.

Chewacla State Park is a proper family picnic destination and is an absolutely fun place to visit.

Two hikers walking along Chewacla State Park's bridge

JNix / Shutterstock.com

Admire the Amazing Works at The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Exterior of The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Josh Hallett, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are visiting Auburn in Alabama, you cannot miss out on the beautiful art at The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

Opened in the year 1948, after Frank Applebee bought 36 paintings from a government auction, the museum is one of the top places to visit in Alabama.

The museum displays a collection of beautiful and unique pieces of art, ranging from traditional to contemporary works.

Welcome sign of The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It has grown tremendously since it was founded.

Starting with only 36 paintings, the museum is now home to more than 2,000 pieces of incredible art by some of the most famous artists.

The museum’s architecture is also a delight in itself.

Watch a Live Football Match at Jordan-Hare Stadium

Exterior of Jordan Hare Stadium

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

If you are lucky enough to visit Auburn in time for an Auburn Tiger football match, you should definitely grab the opportunity to watch it live at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The stadium has been hosting football events for the past 18 years and thrilling more than 80,000 visitors at each game.

The field of Jordan-Hare Stadium

Tom Key, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The thrill and excitement level during a football match at Jordan-Hare stadium is crazy, and you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the chance to be a part of it.

When you are in town, getting your tickets to a live football match is one of the first things you have to do.

Front view of Jordan-Hare Stadium's exterior

Chad Robertson Media / Shutterstock.com

Purchase Tickets to a Basketball Game at Neville Arena

Interior of the Auburn Arena

CarterMichaels, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With a seating capacity of 10,000, Neville Arena—formerly known as Auburn Arena—is situated on the Auburn University campus.

The stadium was built in the year 2010 and has long been used as a venue for men’s and women’s basketball games.

The vibe in this basketball stadium is more intimate than that of Jordan-Hare Stadium, as this one has a maximum seating capacity of a little over 9,000.

However, the craze and heat in the environment do not fall short as the fans go all crazy when the teams start playing their matches.

If you are highly interested in games and athletics, make sure to try and catch a basketball game at Neville Arena.

Take a Tour of the Charming Pebble Hill

Pebble Hill was built in the year 1947 by a colonel who was inspired by Greek art.

However, the antebellum property was looted during the Civil War and was mostly destroyed.

Some of the property’s treasures were undiscovered, due to which reviving the property was easier, and it now stands stronger and prouder.

Pebble Hill is also known as the Scott-Yarbrough house and is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Currently, it is being used as a center for developing arts and humanities and is an excellent place of interest for people who love art and architecture.

The place and its decoration are quite charming, and a visit to this Auburn attraction will definitely be worth your time.

Go for a Hole-in-One

at Indian Pines Golf Course

The grounds of Indian Pines Golf Course

Lissoy at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the year 2005, Auburn was voted to be the “Best Golf City in America.”

Golf courses like Indian Pines Golf Course made it possible.

Spread over an area of 6,310 yards, the golf course is a place that will surely excite golf enthusiasts.

Indian Pines Golf Course was first established in the year 1946 with just nine holes.

After five years of operation, nine more holes were added.

Following a redesign and a restoration after a fire, Indian Pines Golf Course became the lovely 18-hole course it is today.

The place has beautiful and far-stretching green grounds, which are a blissful sight to anyone’s eyes.

Enjoy Freshly Squeezed Lemonade at Toomer’s Corner

Toomer’s Corner was named after businessman and State Senator Sheldon Toomer, who founded Toomer’s Drugs—another iconic Auburn establishment.

The place has been located in Auburn for more than a century now and serves freshly squeezed lemonade.

The lemonade served at this place is unique and follows a secret recipe.

Made with natural ingredients, Toomer’s Corner’s lemonade receives great support from Auburn’s football teams and is sold at the stadiums.

The place has a beautiful view as it is surrounded by oak trees.

Toomer’s Corner is typically one of the more busy spots in Auburn.

Explore the Walking Trails at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve

The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve was donated to the University of Auburn in 1993.

Also known as the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, it is spread over an area of 120 acres and is covered with beautiful and breathtaking woodlands.

The nature center has a big playground dedicated to children and allows them to explore and play.

The property also comprises a lodge and several walking trails.

The trails are family-friendly as they are mostly flat and allow everyone, regardless of age, to enjoy a healthy walk amid nature.

Let Your Dogs Run Free at Kiesel Park

Kiesel Park is a dog-friendly park where your pets are allowed to walk and run freely within enclosed areas.

The place does not have much to offer, but it’s a fun place to be, as you’ll get to witness different breeds of dogs and their crazy activities.

You can also get some exercise time for yourself while your dog is running on the open fields.

There are also open creeks at the park where you can go fishing.

Spot Amazing Birds at The Southeastern Raptor Center

The Southeastern Raptor Center is an ideal place for birdwatching in Auburn.

Every Friday, the center organizes bird shows that mainly involve birds like falcons, hawks, and eagles flying from a tower.

The center does not cage the birds, which are residents of the center.

The Southeastern Raptor Center is also responsible for taking care of the birds and releasing them back into the wild once they are healed.

Try the Craft Beers at The Hound

The Hound is a classic, family-owned American restaurant and bar in Auburn.

It offers delicious food and a wide range of beers and other drinks to choose from.

Almost 28 different varieties of craft beers and a few types of bourbons are available at the bar.

The restaurant is designed in such a manner that it will take you back to your childhood days.

In simple words, its design is nostalgic and will get you in a carefree mood.

The restaurant offers various happy hours and promotional events throughout the week.

This place is quite famous among locals and can therefore get pretty crowded.

If you are looking for classic American dishes and satisfying craft beers, The Hound is the place for you.

Participate in the Exciting Auburn Oktoberfest

Auburn has been organizing its own version of Oktoberfest since 2008.

The event started as a small gathering where about 150 people came together and celebrated.

However, the festival has grown since its inception and is quite famous among the locals.

The choices of drinks at Auburn Oktoberfest have also increased since it was first launched.

At present, almost all the local breweries and wine yards showcase their best drinks at the event.

The craze of the festival has reached a point wherein some of the breweries craft special beers exclusively for Auburn Oktoberfest.

As its name suggests, the festival is conducted every year in the month of October and has quite a popular and entertaining vibe around it.

Tour the Beautiful Auburn University Campus

Welcome sign of Auburn University

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

Auburn University is one of the city’s historic establishments and brings immense pride to the place.

If you are in town, you can definitely spend some time walking around the university’s campus and exploring it on your own.

Comer hall in Auburn University Campus

goodmorningauburn / Shutterstock.com

The university has a few beautiful old buildings, one of which is the Samford Clock Tower.

Auburn University’s grounds are quiet and peaceful, inviting people to spend some time relaxing in their own company.

Samford hall in Auburn University Campus

Kristopher Kettner / Shutterstock.com

Shop for Fresh Local Goods at the Farmers’ Markets

The best way to explore the outdoors is to stroll through a farmers’ market in Auburn.

There are a lot of farmers’ markets in the city, such as Grows Farmers Market, the Acre Farmers Market, and the market at Ag Heritage Park.

These markets are organized on a weekly basis and are really enjoyable during the summer.

They offer a wide range of good-quality products.

You can also try the homegrown food sold at the markets and purchase some of the items for your picnics and outings.

Take Part in the Annual Auburn CityFest

The Auburn CityFest is an annual event that’s been held for over 10 years.

It is one of Auburn’s most important and attractive events, where you can experience a great deal of fun and different activities.

You can have fun while watching artists and their work, enjoying delicious food, getting entertained by music and art performances, and more.

The festival has something to offer each of your family members and gets bigger every year.

Go Play a Game of Golf at Moore’s Mill Golf Club

The Moore’s Mill Club is a great spot to enjoy a special day of golf.

There are 18 holes of golf, a driving range and training facilities, tennis & pickleball courts, a fitness center, luxury swimming pools, and a lot more amenities.

Their Club Amenities have you covered whether you want to play a game of golf, relax by the swimming pool, exercise in the fitness center, or have a fantastic meal in the dining room.

Furthermore, the Moore’s Mill Club is the ideal venue for your upcoming event!

Their club has a variety of spaces and can accommodate a range of events, including wedding receptions, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, luncheons, rehearsal dinners, company gatherings, and more.

Head to Downtown Auburn to Experience the City’s Vibrant Nightlife

Daytime view of Downtown Auburn

Saverivers at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Auburn is a place that becomes even livelier at night.

If you are looking to experience some crazy and adventurous nightlife in Auburn, downtown is the spot for you.

The place offers great live music, and you can just sit and enjoy the music or dance your worries away.

Auburn’s downtown area also has some incredible restaurants and bars to take care of your appetite.

Enjoy an Italian Meal at Ariccia Trattoria

Ariccia Trattoria, an upmarket casual restaurant inside The Hotel at Auburn University, offers a private dining experience with candlelight or al fresco seating.

The greatest Italian cuisine, wine, and community are highlighted at Ariccia Trattoria.

Ariccia debuted in 2001 and was inspired by a hilltop town of palaces, vineyards, and poets.

The freshest seasonal ingredients, Italian meats and cheeses, house-made focaccia, and Auburn’s greatest wood-fired pizzas are the center of this restaurant.

Breakfast, lunch, supper, and Auburn’s favorite brunch place are all available.

Play Games at the Auburn Escape Zones

Did you know that an escape room is a type of immersive, interactive entertainment that originated in California and Japan?

Anyone who wants to solve puzzles and play games will find escape rooms to be a fun, participatory experience.

To locate hints, decipher codes, and beat the time, you must work as a team.

Your party of up to eight individuals will be engrossed in a puzzle-filled room with a theme.

Auburn Escape Zones offer its guests the chance to establish relationships, organize a Christmas party, celebrate an accomplishment, or find methods to collaborate more effectively.

Enjoy a challenging and exciting experience at Auburn Escape Zones!

Stroll around the Donald E. Davis Arboretum

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum was built as a learning facility, but it is also one of the most tranquil, restful, and romantic places in the city.

Tourists and locals are welcome to wander around the arboretum, and admission is free.

Students from Auburn University, local community organizations, and schools use this arboretum as an outdoor learning facility.

You may enjoy a wide variety of native trees, plants, shrubbery, and wildflowers during your time here.

Take a stroll in the shade of the trees or have a picnic amidst the stunning scenery.

Order Fresh Seafood at the Depot

The Depot in Auburn’s Historic Train Depot serves the best and freshest seafood around.

It is located in the center of downtown Auburn and was first constructed in 1847.

Scott Simpson, Executive Chef & Co-Owner of The Depot, is improving the food in Auburn with a menu that draws inspiration from across the world.

The meal is prepared simply but magnificently while simultaneously paying homage to Alabama’s southern tradition.

The Depot offers a globally renowned wine program with prize-winning varietals from all around the world.

Enjoy great seafood and a glass of wine with friends at The Depot.

Final Thoughts

Auburn, a city in eastern Alabama, is known for its stunning natural surroundings.

You’ll want to make most of your time outside at this well-known tourist destination because of its numerous magnificent parks and open spaces.

Additionally, there are several top-notch athletic events and museums in the city.

With a variety of wonderful attractions, this city is the ideal holiday spot and offers practically everything a traveler could want.

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