Auburn, Alabama is a vibrant college town with a rich history and plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. Known as “The Loveliest Village on the Plains,” Auburn offers beautiful outdoor scenery in addition to an array of museums, performing arts, and an exciting culinary scene.
| # | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Jordan-Hare Stadium | Explore the home of the Auburn Tigers football team with a guided tour. |
| 2 | Stroll Through Toomer’s Corner | Experience the historic corner known for its celebratory tree rolling tradition. |
| 3 | Browse the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art | Admire artworks spanning five centuries at this premier university art museum. |
| 4 | Explore Downtown Auburn | Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment in Auburn’s charming downtown. |
| 5 | See a Show at the Auburn Area Community Theater | Watch local theater productions in an intimate setting. |
| 6 | Tour Auburn University Campus | Walk through the scenic and historic campus of Auburn University. |
| 7 | Visit the Rural Studio | Discover innovative architecture and community projects outside Auburn. |
| 8 | Explore Indian Pines Park | Enjoy outdoor activities in a scenic park setting. |
| 9 | Sample Alabama Wines on the Tiger Wine Trail | Experience local wineries and taste Alabama wines. |
| 10 | Shop and Dine on Opelika’s Historic Downtown Square | Explore dining and shopping in the historic city of Opelika. |
| 11 | Hike or Bike at Chewacla State Park | Engage in outdoor activities at this park nestled in the Appalachian foothills. |
| 12 | Catch an Auburn Baseball Game at Plainsman Park | Experience college baseball at one of the nation’s premier stadiums. |
From exploring Jordan-Hare Stadium to wine tasting at the Tiger Wine Trail, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Auburn. This article highlights 12 of the top things to do on your next trip to this charming Southern town.
Visit Jordan-Hare Stadium, Home of the Auburn Tigers
Name and Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (251 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL) is home to the Auburn Tigers football team.
History and Significance: Opened in 1939, Jordan-Hare seats over 87,000 fans and is considered one of college football’s iconic venues and most intimidating gameday environments.
What to Expect: Visitors watch SEC football amid raucous crowds while spotting traditions like Tiger Walk and possibly rolling the historic Toomer’s Oaks after big wins.
Visitor Information: Guided stadium tours offered weekdays year-round. Game tickets needed for home matches in fall.
No trip to Auburn is complete without visiting the iconic Jordan-Hare Stadium, home of the Auburn Tigers football team. Take a guided tour to go behind the scenes and walk through the locker room, press box, luxury suites, and more.
On game days, join the “Sea of Orange and Blue” to cheer on the Tigers in one of college football’s most storied venues with a capacity of over 87,000 roaring fans. Be sure to stop for a photo next to the Tiger statue honoring Auburn mascot Aubie. Whether you’re a college football fan or not, Jordan-Hare Stadium is a must-see Auburn landmark.
Stroll Through Toomer’s Corner
Name and Location: Toomer’s Corner (N College St & E Magnolia Ave) is the historic gathering place for Auburn fans located downtown near campus.
History and Significance: For generations, fans have celebrated wins by tossing toilet paper in the trees at this intersection. The beloved 130 year old oaks there are icons of Auburn tradition.
What to Expect: Visitors see the famed Toomer’s Oaks and often find orange and blue toilet paper streamers after big victories. The area also features shops and restaurants.
Visitor Information: The corner is open to the public year-round. Best photo ops are on game days or when trees are rolled after wins.
The bustling intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street makes up famous Toomer’s Corner. It’s home to Toomer’s Drugs old-fashioned soda fountain and the iconic Toomer’s Oaks that Auburn fans “roll” with toilet paper after big victories.
Grab a freshly squeezed lemonade at Toomer’s Drugs or browse for Auburn memorabilia at nearby stores. Watch out for flying toilet paper and expect to find live music, tasty snacks, and a vibrant crowd at Toomer’s Corner before or after Auburn home football games.
Browse the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art
Name and Location: The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art is located at 901 S College St on the Auburn University campus.
History and Significance: Named for an Auburn alum and artist, the museum opened in 2003 and houses American and European paintings, sculptures, graphics and decorative arts in permanent and traveling exhibits.
What to Expect: Visitors explore world class art displays spanning different time periods and genres. There are also special events, family activities, and art classes offered regularly.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.
Regarded as Alabama’s premier university art museum, the expansive Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art features an impressive collection of nearly 14,000 artworks spanning five centuries. Wander through galleries filled with African, American, and European artwork exhibits.
Outside, stroll the scenic grounds dotted with modern sculptures. Don’t miss one of the museum’s most popular attractions – the soaring, light-filled Amery and Britt Harris Gallery featuring towering floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views. The Jule Collins Smith Museum offers special programs, lectures by renowned artists, and even instructional art classes too.
Explore Downtown Auburn
Name and Location: Downtown Auburn centers around East Magnolia Avenue spanning from College Street to Gay Street, just a few blocks from the university.
History and Significance: Historic buildings now house shops, galleries and popular restaurants that attract both visitors and students to dine and explore Auburn’s vibrant small town charm.
What to Expect: Visitors stroll down brick lined streets finding boutiques, coffee shops and casual dining spots alive with orange and blue Tigers pride, while spotting landmarks like City Hall.
Visitor Information: Restaurants and shops open daily with varying hours. Free parking around downtown area.
Charming downtown Auburn centered around College Street makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll. From boutiques and bookstores to cafes and a lively nightlife scene, Auburn’s walkable downtown offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Stop for a scoop at beloved mom-and-pop Auburn institution Toomer’s Drugs old-fashioned soda fountain or sip espresso at one of Auburn’s cozy coffee shops. Peruse discs at the Tiger Rags Record Store or browse wares at trendy clothing and gift boutiques. When you work up an appetite, downtown Auburn’s many tasty restaurants serve up everything from creative small plates to the best BBQ brisket for a quintessential Southern meal.
See a Show at the Auburn Area Community Theater
Name and Location: The Auburn Area Community Theater (714 E Glenn Ave) puts on stage productions featuring community talent at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.
History and Significance: Founded in 1978, AACT produces quality regional theater for thousands annually while providing a place for local performers to develop their skills. Their season runs September to July.
What to Expect: Patrons view locally produced dramas, comedies, and musicals with occasional youth productions and summer camps, providing live theater entertainment for all ages.
Visitor Information: Show schedules and ticket information found on the AACT website. Performances typically weekends with occasional weekday shows.
Treat yourself to an evening of performing arts at the intimate Auburn Area Community Theater in downtown Auburn. Housed in a converted church with seating for just over 200 people, this volunteer-run community theater company puts on an eclectic mix of dramas, comedies, and musicals throughout the year.
Sip a glass of wine at your seat and enjoy anything from thought-provoking original productions to Broadway musical favorites brought to life onstage by talented local performers. With affordable ticket prices, it’s easy to catch a quality show at the Auburn Area Community Theater on your next visit.
Tour Auburn University Campus
Name and Location: The main Auburn University campus spans over 1,800 acres centered around Samford Hall off of College Street in Auburn, Alabama.
History and Significance: Founded in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, Auburn University has over 30,000 students on a beautiful campus that retains its historic southern college charm.
What to Expect: Visitors tour historic buildings like Samford Hall, stroll shaded quads and explore museums covering topics from aviation to natural history, while spotting Auburn tiger symbols around campus.
Visitor Information: Daily campus walking tours available. Dining, shopping and lodging options on or near university grounds. Event schedules online.
Known as one of the most beautiful college campuses in America, Auburn University campus makes for a pleasant walk any time of year. Blooming flowers, sprawling green lawns, and historic buildings greet visitors touring the campus by foot.
Some campus highlights include the striking 19th century facade of Samford Hall administration building, the five dramatic eagles sculptures at Eagle Walk representing the university’s core values of truth, wisdom, integrity, loyalty, and justice, and the tranquil Duncan Wright Fitness Trail winding through a forested nature preserve area. If you’re an architecture buff, keep your eyes peeled for standout buildings like the sleek Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center and stately Beaux-Arts Ralph Brown Draughon Library.
Visit the Rural Studio
Name and Location: Auburn University’s Rural Studio (2025 E University Dr) is an architectural program focused on designing creative buildings to meet community needs.
History and Significance: Since 1993, Rural Studio students have completed remarkable humanitarian construction projects while honing their skills, often using recycled and sustainable materials.
What to Expect: At their west Alabama facility, visitors can tour innovative structures like Glass Chapel, Roundwood Pavilion and more built to enhance local access to education, arts and shelter.
Visitor Information: Free tours offered year-round on Fridays at noon by reservation through website. Seasonal lecture series open to public.
For a look at some remarkable architecture and community revitalization work, be sure to visit The Rural Studio about 20 minutes outside of Auburn. Since 1993, Auburn architecture students have designed and constructed over 150 innovative buildings and community projects across Alabama’s poverty-stricken Black Belt region as part of their coursework.
Stop by The Rural Studio grounds to tour highlights like the glass-walled Peanut Butter & Jelly House, steel Reading House clad in rusted metal, and collection of whimsical art sculptures made from salvaged materials. Check The Rural Studio website before visiting to confirm tour schedules and hours. Seeing the studio’s impactful architecture projects first-hand offers invaluable insight into an influential Auburn design/build education program improving lives across Alabama.
Explore Indian Pines Park
Name and Location: Indian Pines Park (900 Indian Pines Dr, Auburn, AL) is a recreational park located just south of Auburn.
History and Significance: For over 50 years, Indian Pines has offered wooded hiking trails, sports fields and peaceful scenery in a convenient location to enjoy and connect with nature and wildlife.
What to Expect: Visitors hike through pines and ravines, fish the pond, play on ball fields and courts or picnic while spotting plants, animals and occasional deer near town.
Visitor Information: The 80+ acre park is free and open daily 8am-10pm. Restrooms and water fountains available in lodge building.
Nature lovers flock to the 400-acre Indian Pines Park just minutes from downtown Auburn for walking trails, lakeside scenery, and recreation galore. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the 3.5 miles of woodsy trails winding through pine and hardwood forests abundant with native plants and wildlife. Pack a rod to fish in the park’s two spring-fed lakes or launch your canoe to paddle the peaceful waters.
Other park activities include camping, playgrounds, tennis, sand volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, and a newly renovated 18-hole disc golf course. Dogs are welcome at Indian Pines Park too, making it a popular spot for pet owners to walk their pups lakeside while taking in gorgeous natural surroundings.
Sample Alabama Wines on the Tiger Wine Trail
Name and Location: Auburn’s Tiger Wine Trail features multiple regional vineyards located in and around the city of Auburn.
History and Significance: Local wineries have produced fine Alabama table and muscadine wines dating to the 1970s, with Auburn’s climate and soil well-suited to growing European-style grapes.
What to Expect: Visitors tour and taste wines at wineries like Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Villa Bellangelo and more – sampling heavy reds, crisp whites and sweet fruit wines reflective of the southeastern terroir.
Visitor Information: Trail maps at auburnopelikachamber.com. Hours vary by vineyard, most open daily offering tours, tastings, sales.
Oenophiles, rejoice! Auburn sits in the heart of Alabama’s emerging wine region, making it the perfect base to explore the Tiger Wine Trail showcasing five stellar wineries near town and on the Auburn University campus. Start at elegant Springs Bistro + Wine Bar in downtown Auburn to learn about Alabama vino.
Next, head to campus for a guided tour and tasting at Auburn University’s 5-acre Leach Vineyards growing hybrid grapes able to withstand Alabama’s hot, humid climate. Further afield and surrounded by cotton fields, the family-owned Wine Maestro vineyard crafts muscadine wines sourced from their own vines.
End your day sipping flavorful, locally-made libations at quaint Terrapin Creek Vineyards set amidst pastoral farmland scenery. Wherever you go, expect Southern hospitality and unexpected, tasty wines that may surprise you. ¡Salud!
Shop and Dine on Opelika’s Historic Downtown Square
Name and Location: Opelika’s Historic Downtown Square centers around N. Railroad Avenue about 10 minutes north of Auburn in Opelika, Alabama.
History and Significance: Dating to the late 1800s, charming Victorian storefronts now house boutique shops, galleries, restaurants and the Museum of East Alabama drawing visitors to explore Opelika’s past.
What to Expect: Visitors stroll brick lined streets finding antique and gift shops, casual eateries and gastropubs filled with character and hospitality reflective of the deep south.
Visitor Information: Shops open daily, hours vary. Free two hour parking around the square. Visitor center located at 117 S. Railroad Ave.
For more great dining, shopping, and entertainment, take the quick 8-mile drive north from Auburn to the charming neighboring city of Opelika. Opelika’s historic downtown square transports visitors back in time with Victorian-era storefronts housing trendy boutiques, antique shops, cafes, galleries, and some of the area’s best restaurants.
Foodies flock to The Bottle for its seasonal New American fare and stacked wine list with nearly 600 selections. For family-friendly Southern comfort food, local favorite Mama Mocha’s is a must. After browsing downtown Opelika’s many shops selling everything from gifts to records, relax with a cocktail and live music at Cornerstone Tavern & Grill’s outdoor courtyard bar.
Hike or Bike at Chewacla State Park
Name and Location: Chewacla State Park (124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL) provides outdoor recreation and views of Chewacla Falls located just 6 miles from downtown Auburn.
History and Significance: Opened in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, the 696 acre park has hiking and biking trails leading through forests and fields surrounding a 26-acre lake.
What to Expect: Visitors hike, bike, picnic and fish the lake while spotting waterfall views, wildflowers, birds and deer mere minutes from Auburn University’s campus yet feeling miles away.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 6am-10pm. Entry fees $5/vehicle. Cabins and camping sites available to rent.
Nature abounds less than 10 minutes from Auburn at the ruggedly beautiful Chewacla State Park etched into the Appalachian foothills landscape. Lace up your hiking boots to tackle 26 miles of forested trails ideal for every skill level including multi-use paths catering to mountain bikers too. Follow the cascading creek views along the Loblolly Nature Trail or take on the more challenging climbs of Brushy Ridge Trail for rewarding ridgetop vistas.
Other park activities include kayaking and canoeing Chewacla Lake, fishing for bass and bream, camping sites, playgrounds, shady picnic areas, and a newly renovated ropes course. However you choose to explore Chewacla State Park, you’ll be immersed in picturesque natural scenery just minutes outside the bustle of Auburn.
Catch an Auburn Baseball Game at Plainsman Park
Name and Location: Plainsman Park (459 Duck Samford Dr) is home to the Auburn University baseball team located right on campus.
History and Significance: Opened in 1996, Plainsman Park quickly became an acclaimed college ballpark hosting SEC matchups and drawing 100,000+ fans annually with amenities tailored to player success.
What to Expect: Baseball fans watch Auburn Tigers action in an intimate 4,096 seat stadium known as “The Plains” finding concessions, exhibits chronicling program history and a family friendly atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Tickets available for 30+ home regular season games each spring online or at ticket office on site. Guided tours offered.
You can’t visit a major college town without taking in America’s favorite pastime! Cheer on the Auburn University Tigers baseball team at Plainsman Park, considered one of the premier college baseball stadiums in the nation.
Thanks to Auburn baseball’s strong fan base and success including frequent NCAA tournament appearances, expect crowds, energy and exciting action any time you catch a game at Plainsman Park. Arrive early to snag barbecue nachos or a fresh sausage dog smothered in unique Tiger sauce from onsite concession stands before first pitch.
Then sit back and enjoy the game from 4,096 fixed seats or sprawling grass berm beyond the outfield fences. With a lively game day atmosphere and a strong Tigers team, Plainsman Park offers phenomenal entertainment during the Auburn baseball season from February to June.
Conclusion
Overflowing with quintessential Southern charm, fascinating history, captivating culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and abundant natural beauty, Auburn offers an array of sights and activities bound to entice any traveler.
From iconic Jordan-Hare Stadium and the timeless Toomer’s Corner to award-winning museums and an emerging wine country, Auburn delivers dynamic attractions combined with friendly Alabama hospitality. When your Auburn adventure leaves you needing a little nature escape, stunning parks and trails such as Chewacla State Park allow adventurers to hike, bike, and reconnect with the outdoors just minutes from town.
With this list as your guide, get out and explore this captivating college town nestled in eastern Alabama’s leafy rolling plains. During your travels, don’t be surprised if you leave a piece of your heart behind in “The Loveliest Village on the Plains!”