Best Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama

Welcome to Auburn, Alabama: a vibrant college town known for its charming small-town atmosphere, abundance of outdoor adventures, and rich history, culture, and arts opportunities.

DRB Homes puts over 30 years of accolades and experience into each of our new construction homes, including all our new homes in the Auburn area. By only working with highly regarded vendors, every new home we construct is as flawless as the previous one, and comes with all the latest features, finishes, and technologies that new homeowners desire.

For those of you looking to move into a new home in Auburn, we’ve put together this guide to lead you through the diverse array of activities and attractions this city has to offer. From historical landmarks to stunning natural beauty, here are some of the best things to do in Auburn, Alabama:

Living Near Auburn

Of course, the very best thing to do in Auburn is to live here! And the very best place to live is in one of DRB Homes new home communities. From townhomes to single family homes, we have the perfect place for you to call home in the Auburn region.

The Borough at Wyndham South

The Borough at Wyndham South in Opelika (immediately east of Auburn) gives new homeowners the perfect blend of spaciousness and convenience with 2-story townhomes. Each has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, kitchen islands for entertaining, and 2-car garages. Close to I-85, you’ll easily be able to explore Tiger Town (East Alabama's retail hub), downtown Auburn, shops, restaurants, and the rich history of Opelika's historic downtown.

The Preserve

The Preserve is Auburn's premier resort-style community. These luxurious single family homes are in the heart of Auburn and enjoy postcard-worthy lake views, a state-of-the-art clubhouse, and community pool. Offering both ranch and 2-story home plan, with up to 3,846 Sq. Ft. of living space, these thoughtfully designed homes feature open-concept floor plans, spacious primary suites, and elegant touches throughout.

The Village at Waterford

The Village at Waterford is a beautiful community in Opelika that provides homeowners space, comfort, and luxury. Open-concept designs and spacious kitchens make entertaining a joy, while 3–4 bedrooms ensure a perfect fit for your family's needs. And, coming soon, you'll be able to enjoy the community's stunning pool and cabana amenities. Enjoy the tranquility of home, while still being close to all that Opelika and Auburn has to offer.

Auburn Historical Attractions

When Auburn was founded in 1839, one of its goals was to become an education center. Within 20 years, Auburn University opened and has since become one of the largest universities in the South. Steeped in history yet always striving to conquer the future, Auburn University has become the second largest university in the state! With a growing list of awards for academic excellence, Auburn is poised to become even more of a visionary institution in the years to come.

A part of Auburn University, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is a gem in the crown of the city. With its 40,000 Sq. Ft. of space, this museum collects and preserves 19^th and 20^th century American and European Art, while also showcasing contemporary and local artists. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is also a teaching museum, with programs and classes for the public and PreK-12 students.

Another blast from the past to explore is Historic Downtown Opelika, right next door to Auburn. Opelika began life as a railroad town, growing as the iron horses connected the town to other points east and west. As the railroads prospered, so did Opelika. The city is now home to over 750 properties on the National Register of Historic places, and all are waiting to be explored. Because the best way to learn about the past is to experience it!

Auburn’s Outdoor Adventures

Auburn’s great outdoors offer even more things to experience. From parks to golf courses, the variety of adventures you can have outside is exponential. The first place you’ll want to explore is Chewacla State Park. Chewacla State Park is 696 acres of scenic Alabama beauty, just a short drive from Auburn. Here, you’ll enjoy a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, modern and primitive campgrounds, rental cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails, and picnic areas with tables, grills, and shelters. Fishing is also a rewarding experience here (either at the lake or two creeks), where you can catch bream, bass, crappie, and catfish.

Within Auburn city limits, the largest park is Kiesel Park. Inside, you’ll find a pavilion, a garden, a pond, off-lease dog park, and a 2.25-mile-long walking trail. You’ll also be able to see The Nunn-Winston house, an amazingly preserved example of antebellum Greek Revival architecture built in the 1850s. Kiesel Park also is home to some of the biggest events in Auburn: the annual Auburn CityFest, Easter Egg Hunt, and Fall Sundown Concert Series.

And we mustn’t forget to mention Grand National: a must-play for golf enthusiasts. Grand National routinely wins awards and recognition from golf publications and reviewers, including being voted “#1 Public Golf Facility in America” by the readers of Golf World. Built on the 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee, 32 of Grand National’s 54 holes fold along its shores. Grand National is a point of pride in Auburn, as it’s quite possibly the only course in the county to host all these important golf events: NCAA D1 Men's and Women's National Championships, LPGA Tour, Symetra Tour (LPGA), Korn Ferry Tour (PGA), and PGA Tour.

Family-Friendly Activities in Auburn

Auburn is full of activities and destinations the whole family can enjoy together. From outside learning and adventures to indoor adventures, Auburn has it all. Another part of Auburn University is the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. Here, 120 acres and 7 natural habitats create a natural playground in which to explore and learn. See the natural springs and pond, visit an old home site and barn, and experience the natural wonders in Auburn. You can also enjoy 150-seat Frank Allen Turner Amphitheater, pavilion, 5 miles of hiking trails, and interpretive kiosks throughout the preserve. Plus, special events, programs, and classes make the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center a place to visit again and again.

Another fun family activity to escape to is actually one to escape from! Escape Zones Auburn is an amazing collection of escape rooms where you puzzle it out as a team to solve mysteries, and escape before time runs out. With five different escape room scenarios available (including a two-team cooperative puzzle room), your collective brains will be put to the test. Will you be skilled enough to figure out how to conquer The Cabin and get your friend some much needed anti-venom? Will your team of superheroes defeat The Puzzler?

And after you’ve put your gray matter to the ultimate test, it’s time to give your body a workout. Head to the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center. More than just a gym, The Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center likes to call itself a “Life Enhancement Center.” There’s basketball, racquetball, pickleball, swimming, splashing, cardio, weights, running and walking on indoor and outdoor tracks, and more to get your blood pumping and your whole being feeling more alive! 

Experience the Culture of Auburn

Proving once again that Auburn centers on its college, The Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University brings culture to the city. From Broadway tours to country music to giant animatronic dinosaurs, there’s something to excite and entertain everyone in your family. And to make finding that perfect performance even easier, The Gogue Performing Arts Center has divided them into series: Broadway, Celebrity, Concert, Country, Dance & Movement, Orchestra & Chamber Music, and Family (shows and programs for younger audiences).

The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts is another local venue that hosts a wide range of performers and performances. Over 20 international orchestras, 50 Broadway tours, 21 major ballet and dance companies, and 21 jazz and popular entertainers have stopped by and celebrated their art in this 1150-seat performing venue. For almost 30 years, the Opelika Center for Performing Arts has been a bastion of culture in the area, and it will continue for another 30 and beyond!

And for those looking to see local talent (and local talent-in-training before they hit it big and come back to perform at the previously mentioned venues), you must visit the Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT). With a mission to bring theater education, participation, and high-quality performance to the community, AACT offers a variety of experiences, including Shakespeare, thought-provoking plays, hilarious comedies, children-focused shows, and original productions. Supporting AACT means you’re directly supporting artists that make the Auburn community so great!

Auburn’s Dining and Nightlife

Auburn may be a college town, but that doesn’t mean it just offers college fare. As Southern Living highlights, Auburn is quickly becoming a “culinary powerhouse.” From classic country cooking roots, the landscape of the city has been evolving. If you want something more classical like Southern meat and veggies, you should head to Pannie-George’s Kitchen (and make sure to try the fried chicken). When your stomach is calling for fresh and tasty seafood, the only place to go is The Depot. And when you want a fine dining experience downtown, check out Acre. Good food has undergone such a transformation in Auburn that the university has recently opened the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center to help train the chefs and innovators of the future.

Auburn’s neighbor, Opelika, is known for its local craft breweries. Drink the skill and love brewed into every glass at Red Clay Brewing Company, each of which pairs with one of their pizza or pretzel creations. Another great place to whet your whistle is Resting Pulse Brewing Company, where seasonal and special brews are waiting to be enjoyed. And when you want to try your own hand at craft brewing, you need a shopping spree at Whistle Stop Bottle & Brew, where you can find all the supplies and ingredients needed to create you own beer, wine, mead, and kombucha. They even have classes to get you brewing right!

Other than the places mentioned in the culture section above, Auburn has a lot more fascinating nightlife options to keep your evenings hopping. From a late-night game of pool at Auburn Billiards Sports Bar to the elevated views on The Rooftop at The Laurel Hotel and Spa, your late night choices are varied. If you prefer live music, check out Piccolo for cold cocktails and hot jazz, or The Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series for intimate performances in an relaxed setting. Whatever you choose, you’ll have tons of options to enjoy the night in Auburn.

Shopping and Local Markets in Auburn

Auburn is also a wonderful place for unique and local shopping experiences. There are so many fun retail stores and boutiques in Downtown Auburn. Here you’ll find fashions from runway to mountain climber, and gifts from balloons and flowers to sparkling jewelry. There are also places to find books, artisanal soaps, and custom t-shirts.

When you need something a bit more vintage, head to Angel’s Antique and Flea Mall. Spread out across 68,000+ Sq. Ft., you’ll find treasures from yesteryear from over 450 vendors. It’s been rated as one of the Top 5 Best Antique Malls in the South, and won numerous awards and fan pools. And at just one block off I-85 in Opelika, getting there is always easy. As Angel’s website says, “You won’t believe what just came in!”

Every summer, make some time to visit The Market at Ag Heritage Park, hosted by the College of Agriculture at Auburn University. Open only on Thursday afternoons, the market includes vendors from all over the area who change on a weekly basis based on available produce. Fresh and local, past vendors have included Macy’s Favorites Dog Treats from Auburn, Paradise Plants from Opelika, Leo’s Produce from Tallasee, Hale Farms from Clanton, and the Cake Lady. Connecting farmers directly to consumers is the market’s mission, and it succeeds year after year!

Auburn’s Best Things to Do

Auburn offers a diverse array of attractions that are sure to delight and fascinate visitors of all ages. From the stunning beauty of its undiscovered natural wonders to the charming delights found within its vibrant community, this area of Alabama has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're hiking its trails, drinking its brews, or exploring the area’s fascinating history, Auburn transforms even the most ordinary moments into exciting adventures.

One of the best things about Auburn is its ability to completely captivate not only those who venture here, but those who live here. DRB Homes knows how to build homes near Auburn that give you everything inside that the city gives you outside. And as night falls and stars twinkle overhead, it’s easy to see why Auburn holds a special place in the hearts of those who call it home!