LlamaStay Blog

Best Road Trip Ideas: Things to Do Near Auburn, Alabama

Written by Heather Park | Aug 8, 2022 1:00:00 PM

Many of us have the urge to travel and seek adventures with unique vistas. However, we don't always realize that adventure awaits simply by hopping in the car and taking a drive! 

Fortunately, there are some spectacular places close at hand, even if you're in town for a visit to the Auburn University campus. So, if you are looking for things to do near Auburn, Alabama, here are some Insta-worthy destinations to explore in a day or two when taking a road trip.

Drive to Birmingham to See the Museum of Art

A drive to Alabama's capital city will take you about two hours from Auburn (and it's worth the drive). 

While you're there, the Birmingham Museum of Art houses over 27,000 artworks (paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints) dating from pre-Columbian times to now. Make sure to enjoy the delightful foodie scene and taste beer at Back Forty. If you have a bit of time, you can also explore the Civil Rights Institute and stroll through Kelly Ingram Park.

Climb Alabama's Tallest Mountain at Cheaha State Park

Next, consider a quick road trip to the town of Delta—about an hour and a half's drive from Auburn. In Cheaha State Park, you can hike to the top of Alabama's highest point (2,407 feet above sea level). Needless to say, the views are breathtaking. 

The park comprises 2,799 acres, so there are many hiking trails to choose from if climbing the highest peak isn't on your list of to-dos. 

Tour the FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama

This is a great one for music lovers! Head north-west from Auburn for about three and a half hours to reach the town of Muscle Shoals. Here you will find the FAME recording studios. The studio has produced many hit records and played an instrumental role in giving traction to what became known as the "Muscle Shoals" sound.

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a picturesque trail along a historic travel corridor first used by American Indians, traders, European settlers, soldiers, and other notable personalities. The 444-mile road crosses three states and takes about ten and a half hours to drive. 

If traveling the full parkway isn't ideal, there are many points of educational and recreational interest along the way for shorter drives before heading back to your accommodations in Auburn.

See the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Looking for more things to do near Auburn, Alabama? Ideal for a day trip, you can get to Tuskegee from Auburn in under thirty minutes. The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site at Moton Field honors the role of the African-American airmen in World War II.

Brenda's Bar-B-Q Pit in Montgomery, Alabama

Brenda's Bar-B-Q Pit has been smoking pork since 1942. If authentic barbecue fare is your thing, a visit to Brenda's Bar-B-Q Pit in Montgomery is a must-do and worth the road trip. The pork ribs are lip-smacking, and the fish sandwich is delicious.

Enjoy Many Things to Do Near Auburn, Alabama!

With so much to do and see in and around Auburn, Alabama, you will want to make the most of your time here. So instead of the Holiday Inn or other hotels in Auburn, book a stay for a few nights with Llamastay getaways as the ideal "home base" for your day trips on the road. We're one of the best places to stay in Auburn, Alabama!