Best Day Trips from Auburn-Opelika, Alabama

This blog post was updated as of August 2022.

Ever since moving to Alabama, I've been pleasantly surprised at how many FUN weekend trip options I could choose from. Drive for 5.5 hours northeast? Charleston. Three hours south? Rosemary Beach, Florida. Four hours north? Nashville. The options are endless! And what better way to expand your appreciate for your home-state (and surrounding areas) than exploring your own backyard?? I believe there are countless hidden gems under our noses just waiting to be disovered.

I’ve had the priviledge of being able to explore a number of these places and/or gather recommendations from locals. For example: I’ve driven through Birmingham countless times, but I’ve never explored the area. HOWEVER, I’ve done some travel research and do plan on making a weekend trip here, soon.

For my most up-to-date adventures, follow me on Instagram and Tiktok!

my favorite day-trip and weekend getaway recommendations …

DAYTRIPPIN'

Providence Canyon State Park
- A mini Grand Canyon in the middle of west Georgia! This park offers an awesome hike + beautiful views and it’s only 1 hour(ish) south of Opelika.
- You easily hop over to Columbus after hiking in the morning!
Smith Mountain // Dadeville, Alabama
- Smith Mountain is a short 35-40 minute drive from Auburn and has a number of hikes and lookout spots alongside the beautiful Lake Martin. Watch this video for an overview of the adventure.
- Smith Mountain Fire Tower is the tallest point on Lake Martin and is an incredible hike! You can check out my hiking tips, here.
La Grange, Georgia
- Spend an afternoon at Wild Leap Brewery. I’d recommend their Alpha Abstraction but everything is good.
- Walk a couple of blocks down the street and grab dinner at Venucci (rave-worthy Italian).
Columbus, Georgia
- Explore Uptown and grab lunch/dinner at JarFly! It’s my favorite casual / trendy place to hang + enjoy a good meal. If you’re in the market for a good burger, try the Black Cow (noted by Garden & Gun magazine).
- White water rafting is available for the adventurous souls!
Cheaha State Park
- This state park is home to Alabama's highest point in elevation! The park is about 1.5 hours north of Auburn.
Birmingham, Alabama
- Try to hit Pepper Place market on a Saturday morning! Local artisans, businesses and businesses converage in a central location for a customer-friendly outdoor market experience.
- Birmingham is super foodie friendly. Snag a breakfast bun from Hero Doughtnuts (and try not to drool) …
- Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Snag a gin cocktail from Jekyll & Hyde (a gin parlour)
- Brewery hop. Some of our favorite beers call Birmingham home. Good People, Cahaba, Back Forty (heart eyes) and Ghost Train are on our list.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Atlanta, Georgia
- You can spend an entire day walking along the Beltline and popping in and out of shops + breweries
- Ponce City Market is a great day-trip destination, full of fab eateries + retail shops + cocktail spots
- Visit the Aquarium (the largest in the western hemisphere)
Highlands, North Carolina
- A stunning, small-town mountain getaway located just order the north Georgia border.
- Bring your hiking gear and get ready for some jaw-dropping views!
- Also known for being a mountain resort town, Highlands would be great for a weekend away to unplug and relax.
Savannah, Georgia
- The belle of the south. Be sure to grab a rooftop cocktail at The Peregrin and enjoy the views. Artillery Bar is also a killer spot for cocktails (actually housed in an old Civil War artillery storage room) - try their smoked Old Fashioned (one of the best I’ve ever had).
- Go on a ghost tour! Touristy? Yes, of course. Cool history and edge-of-your-seat entertainment? Yes.
- Bonaventure Cemetary. Just go.
Fairhope, Alabama
- Alabama's cutest small town right on the bay! The state of Alabama actually votes on this and Fairhope consistanty wins.
- Stay + bike around the grounds at The Grand Hotel. Stunning southern architecture, moss-dripping trees and gorgeous views of the bay.
- Dinner + cocktails at The Hope Farm.
Amicalola Falls State Park
- Located between Ellijay and Dohlonega, Georgia, this trail has stunning views and you can actuall chase the waterfalls. I think you could also make this a day-trip depending on what you want your drive-time to be.
Charleston, SC
- Southern foodie paradise WITH A BEACH! I’ve always wanted to go on a sailing tour … I think Charleston would be the perfect spot to do it (unless I could get myself to Nantucket).
- Check out my full travel guide, HERE.
30A/Rosemary Beach/Seaside, Florida
- The Florida panhandle is always stunning anytime of year. Located almost 3.5 hours directly south of Auburn-Opelika, this destination is almost a no-brainer.
- Cocktails at The Pearl + Pescado
- Dinner at The Great Southern + Edwards Fine Wine + Cowgirl Kitchen