Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Phenix City, AL

  • Published 2022/12/07

The city of Phenix is in Russell and Lee Counties, Alabama.

In the 1940s, it was referred to as “Sin City,” but today’s reality is dramatically different.

This quaint little city is now considered one of the safest places to travel in the United States, offering a variety of great things to do.

You can admire its beautiful architectural buildings, visit historical museums, stroll through parks, or take a riverside walk across the Chattahoochee River.

Find out the best things to do in Phenix City, Alabama.

Hop on a Rafting Adventure with White Water Phenix City

Chattahoochee River in Phenix City

Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

White Water Phenix City is an excellent choice if you’re seeking an exhilarating water experience on the Chattahoochee River.

The Chattahoochee River runs through Phenix City and the southern portion of Alabama.

The world’s longest urban whitewater rafting route is in this city.

Numerous water sports, including boating, kayaking, tubing, and jet skiing, are available here.

The ultimate whitewater rafting experience awaits you!

Flush with excitement, and hold on to your paddle as you bump along the water current.

Enjoy your journey while navigating the beautiful Chattahoochee River.

Without this top-notch attraction, your trip to Phenix City won’t be complete.

Have Fun at Idle Hour Park

With all the activities that Idle Hour Park offers, you’ll never have time to be idle.

Your children will enjoy exploring different playground activities at various structural playgrounds featuring slides and monkey bars.

The park’s expansive water feature splash pad is perfect for kids to play with water fountains and other activities.

You can also go to the Idle Hour Natural Area, where you can stroll along a trail through the woods and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

As you make your way to the park’s moon lake, you will see a wide variety of animals, especially geese and ducks.

Spend quality time with the family from dawn until dusk, especially at one of the many picnic pavilions dotting the area.

Watch Motor Racing at East Alabama Motor Speedway

Nothing is more thrilling than witnessing skilled and competitive drivers at East Alabama Motor Speedway.

Speed racing, dirt track racing, and mud bogging at the speedway arena will get your adrenaline pumping as they battle it out to be number one.

Cheer on your favorite racer from the comfort of your seat.

Likewise, enjoy some delicious food while you’re at it.

You can munch on snacks like a burger, fries, and soda.

Don’t miss the spectacular racing show at East Alabama Motor Speedway!

Take Your Best Shot at Lakewood Golf Course

The Lakewood Golf Course is great if you want to play golf and experience new challenges and course designs.

The 18-hole golf course at Lakewood Golf Course, which John LaFoy designed, is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great game of golf.

Show off your golf skills to friends and family while on vacation, and take in the picturesque hills of Phenix City!

Nothing beats a few hours spent playing golf.

If you’re looking for something new for your kids to try, bring them here!

They will have fun trying new things on the course.

After playing a few rounds, you can relax in one of the picnic areas with barbecue grills.

Enjoy an Incredible Phenix City Riverwalk

After a long day exploring Phenix City, take some time to relax at Phenix City Riverwalk.

Enjoy the 1.95-kilometer trail as you stroll while taking in the fantastic vista of the Chattahoochee River.

A pleasant conversation while walking with friends and family and a scenic view is always lovely.

You can also buy local food and enjoy it as you stroll around.

Bike rentals are available nearby if you want to enjoy the view on two wheels.

Phenix City Riverwalk is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a more immersive but chill experience.

With its warm atmosphere and beautiful sights, it’s easy to spend an afternoon strolling around and taking in everything the city offers.

Plan a Family Outing at Southside Park

Are you thinking of a fun activity outdoors with your family?

Whatever your family’s interests, Southside Park has something to offer them.

The playground and splash pad available will entertain your kids for hours as they run around and enjoy the water.

Southside Park also allows visitors to reserve a spot to play on a baseball field, basketball court, or tennis court.

If you want to use the nearby swimming pool, don’t forget to bring extra clothing.

Enjoy the water and a well-spent sunny day with your family.

Make the most of your family time at the available picnic areas and grill some chicken skewers for your family.

You can also stroll along natural trails while taking in the serene sounds of the environment.

Ride on the Gushing River with Chattahoochee Paddle Company

Chattahoochee Paddle Company will make all of your water-based adventure dreams come true.

It offers top-notch water sports equipment rentals such as paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks, as well as flat water runs and fishing tackles.

The shop’s veteran and skillful staff will gladly instruct you on paddling safely on the water.

Enjoy your rapid and pulsating experience at Chattahoochee River.

You can also book a yoga session to allow your body and mind to relax after a long day paddling at the river.

If you’re looking for a great camping experience, you can book their canoe-camping trip adventure.

Take your family and children and embark on this new experience with the Chattahoochee Paddle Company.

Solidify Your Outdoor Cravings at Phenix City Amphitheatre

Take your entire squad for a great outdoor activity at Phenix City Amphitheatre.

This location offers a fantastic view of the Chattahoochee River and allows you to enjoy the river.

You can go down the river in a raft or choose a great fishing place to catch various fish.

You will enjoy watching zip lines above the river at the park’s grassy field area.

There are also nearby play areas available for your children’s enjoyment.

Get the entire family outdoors for fun with a well-planned scavenger hunt or another activity everyone will enjoy.

You won’t want to miss a spirited concert at Phenix City Amphitheatre featuring local musicians.

Get swept up in the music and enjoy yourself surrounded by others doing the same.

Score a Goal at Phenix City Youth Sports Complex

If you’re looking for an exciting place to play some sports, look no further!

The Phenix City Youth Sports Complex offers different recreational fields in one place.

The most popular amenity, especially among kids, is the swimming pool area which features slides and other pool fountains.

To ensure everyone enjoys themselves, a kiddie pool and an adult pool are available at the Phenix City Youth Sports Complex.

Your children will enjoy the sunshine and clean air while having fun in the water.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the amenities and have some fun, visit the tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and softball diamonds located near the park.

And if you want to make the most of your time on the field, don’t forget to pack some energy-boosting snacks for you and the kids!

Enjoy Quiet Time at Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park, which offers a variety of outdoor attractions for the whole family, is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

A gated playground, a walking route, a gazebo, picnic places, and many more things.

You can also do several family-friendly activities in this park.

Your children will find swings, slides, monkey bars, and animal structures in the playground.

Plenty of covered picnic tables and grills make it a fantastic location for a family picnic.

Take a short stroll from Lakewood Park to discover the park’s centerpiece, a rock wall waterfall.

This is an excellent place to take a break and relax with the family.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Have you seen everything you wanted in Phenix City but still have some energy left?

By staying in Phenix City, you can easily access other enjoyable activities and attractions nearby.

Discover these things to do nearby Phenix City.

Revisit the Past at Fort Mitchell Historic Site

Outside view of Fort Mitchell Historic Site

dofftoubab, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can access the 209-year-old historical site of Fort Mitchell Historic Site, located in Fort Mitchell, Alabama, approximately a 12-minute drive from Phenix City.

Visit the museum in the visitor center at Fort Mitchell’s entrance to take a journey through time.

The lifelike exhibits that recreate historical events from this region in the past will astound you.

Get ready to witness the dueling artifacts displays, such as arrowheads and guns, household items, and pottery.

Blacksmith shop at Fort Mitchell Historic Site

dofftoubab, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll be amazed by the collection of 23 different carriages, carts, wagons, and surreys.

Find the route along the Trail Marker Trees to see where the Trail of Tears started in 1837 at Fort Mitchell.

The picturesque and storied atmosphere inside the woods will astound you.

Don’t forget to stop by the Dueling Ground, where notable historical people engaged in duels to settle disputes.

There are also film screenings depicting actual historical events from 1813 and 1860 at the Fort Mitchell Historic Site.

Go to the Moon or Mars at Coca-Cola Space Science Center

After just a four-minute drive from Phenix City, you can experience life in space at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus, Georgia.

In the downtown Columbus area near the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, you can begin your journey to space at this space science center.

You can accompany your youngsters and play as scientists and engineers together.

Work out your teamwork in a mission and feel like you’re living aboard the International Space Station.

For additional fun, check out the galaxy-themed stories on Omnisphere Theater Shows.

Your kids will marvel at the wonders of space as they explore the cosmos in the Space Shuttle Odyssey.

Prepare to be amazed by the Apollo artifacts, the most extensive collection of NASA Space Shuttle memorabilia in Georgia, and other celestial exhibits.

Maneuvering rockets on interactive exhibits will give you a wonderful time.

Don’t forget to take home some galactic items from the Coca-Cola Space Science Center gift shops.

Fly over Chattahoochee River with Whitewater Express’ Blue Heron Adventure

The zipline adventure at Whitewater Express’ Blue Heron Adventure is accessible after a three-minute drive from Phenix City to Columbus.

The 1,200-foot zipline, which runs from Columbus Riverwalk to Phenix Riverwalk, will take you on a flight across the Chattahoochee River.

Fly like a blue heron and take in the picturesque views of the river, the forest, and the impressive monuments.

Above the lovely oak trees in the park, your family will also enjoy checking out other outdoor pursuits.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Blue Heron Aerial Course.

Your whole family can enjoy this activity with ten obstacles on two levels in the forest.

Swing on high-altitude ropes, climb over a rope spider’s web and crawl through high-altitude tunnels.

Take on many other action-packed obstacles above the ground with the Whitewater Express’ Blue Heron Adventure!

Explore the National Civil War Naval Museum

The National Civil War Naval Museum is just a six-minute drive from Phenix City to Columbus.

The CSS Jackson, the largest surviving Confederate battleship, and the CSS Chattahoochee’s wreckage are both kept at the National Civil War Naval Museum.

On the ground, you’ll observe the great shipboard cannons on hand.

Compared to other historical exhibits, this museum will transport you to a picturesque overlook of a Civil War battle scene with life-size army mannequins.

Likewise, the CSS Albemarle exhibit is truly immersive, with a Plymouth, North Carolina, docking scene that will amaze you with its level of detail.

Bring your family along to see the sights of these fantastic exhibits at the National Civil War Naval Museum.

Explore Woodruff Riverfront Park

Only three minutes from Phenix City, Woodruff Riverfront Park provides a range of activities in one place.

You can also find this park in Columbus, Georgia.

Not only will your kids have a blast playing on the splash pads with other children, but you can also take advantage of the fabulous opportunity to go river kayaking.

You can explore the Chattahoochee River at your leisure by renting a kayak at Woodruff Riverwalk.

If you’re not up for the challenge of bouncy whitewater rafting, you may rest on the rocks by the river and take in the scenery while watching the kayakers.

The Dragonfly Trail also offers a distinct style of riverfront stroll for you to enjoy.

You can cycle, skate, stroll, exercise, and have fun on a fantastic trail in the heart of Columbus.

Experience nature like never before with lush greenery and wide open spaces at Woodruff Riverfront Park!

Final Thoughts

By offering everything from indoor to outdoor activities, Phenix City makes it easy for visitors to find what they want in one place.

Check out the best things to do in Phenix City, Alabama!

Experience a sweet escape from your busy life and feel at home in this picturesque city down South.

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