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Our Guide to Auburn

Our favorite local restaurants, shops, and experiences.

Welcome to our guide to Auburn! As locals, we've put together a collection of our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, shops, and experiences to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you're here for a football weekend, graduation, or simply exploring the area, we hope this guide helps you experience Auburn like we do. We've also included a few favorite spots in nearby Opelika that are well worth the short drive.

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To make exploring even easier, we've pinned every recommendation in this guide to one interactive Google Map. Save it before you head out so you'll always have our favorite local spots at your fingertips.

Restaurants We Love

From casual to special occasion spots, these are the places we find ourselves recommending again and again!

Tacorita

An Auburn favorite serving fresh, made-to-order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and handcrafted margaritas. Known for its creative taco combinations and casual atmosphere, it's a great spot for lunch, dinner, or game day.

The Depot

Located in Auburn's historic train depot, elevated dining featuring fresh Gulf seafood, premium steaks, & Southern-inspired cuisine can be found. Its warm atmosphere and extensive wine list make it a favorite for special occasions & date nights.

Acre

Acre is a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing Southern cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The beautiful setting and seasonal menu make it one of Auburn's premier dining destinations.

Hamilton's on Magnolia

Located in downtown Auburn, Hamilton's on Magnolia serves contemporary Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, steaks, and handcrafted cocktails. It's a longtime local favorite for upscale dining.

Botanic

Botanic is a modern restaurant offering seasonal American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated wine list in a stylish atmosphere. It's a great choice for brunch, dinner, or a night out.

Piedmont on Piedmont

Located in historic downtown Opelika, Piedmont on Piedmont serves elevated Southern cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors. It's well worth the short drive for a memorable dining experience.

Coffee Shops We Love

Whether you're looking for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, these are our favorite local stops.

Well Red

Part bookstore, part coffee shop, and part wine bar, Well Red is a cozy downtown gathering place perfect for coffee, browsing books, or relaxing with a glass of wine.

Greystone Coffee & Tea House

Ross House Coffee serves specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and fresh pastries in a welcoming space that's perfect for catching up with friends or getting a little work done.

One Bike

One Bike Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop serving specialty coffee while supporting global clean water initiatives. It's a welcoming place to grab a great cup of coffee while supporting a meaningful mission.

Beignets & Brews

Beignets & Brew serves made-to-order New Orleans-style beignets alongside specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and other sweet treats. It's the perfect stop for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Spillin the Tea

While you won't find coffee here, Spillin' the Tea is a local favorite for loaded teas, refreshers, energy drinks, and specialty beverages. It's a fun alternative when you're looking for something fruity and refreshing.

Side Track

Located in historic downtown Opelika, Side Track Coffee serves specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and house-made pastries in a beautifully restored space. It's worth the short drive for excellent coffee and a charming atmosphere.

Explore like a Local

Whether it's your first visit or you're back for another weekend, these are some of our favorite ways to experience Auburn.

Toomer's Corner

No visit to Auburn is complete without a stop at Toomer's Corner. Grab a fresh glass of lemonade, browse the shops downtown, and experience one of Auburn's most iconic landmarks.

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Located on Auburn University's campus, this museum features rotating exhibitions, beautiful architecture, and peaceful walking paths around the lake. Admission is free.

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

Enjoy over 15 miles of walking trails, a nature playground, and scenic woodland views just minutes from campus. It's a great way to spend a quiet morning outdoors.

Downtown Auburn

Spend an afternoon exploring downtown Auburn's locally owned boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and historic streets. It's the perfect place to wander and experience the heart of the city.

Downtown Opelika

Just a short drive away, historic downtown Opelika offers charming boutiques, antique shops, local restaurants, breweries, and a walkable downtown district full of character.

Auburn University Campus

Take a stroll through Auburn's beautiful campus, visit Samford Hall, Langdon Hall, and the Auburn Oaks, or simply enjoy one of the prettiest college campuses in the South.

Kiesel Park

One of Auburn's largest parks, Kiesel Park features walking trails, open green space, a dog park, and beautiful gardens. It's perfect for a relaxing afternoon or picnic.

Donald E. Davis Arboretum

Located near the entrance to campus, this peaceful arboretum showcases Alabama's native plants with walking paths and beautiful seasonal blooms.

Chewacla State Park

Just minutes from Auburn, Chewacla State Park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and picnic areas for a full day outdoors.

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center

Catch a Broadway production, concert, comedy show, or live performance at Auburn's premier performing arts venue. The lineup changes throughout the year, making it worth checking before your visit.

Must Shop Spots

From Auburn apparel to locally owned boutiques, these are some of our favorite places to browse, shop, and support local businesses.

Therapy Boutique

One of our favorite local boutiques for women's clothing, gifts, and accessories. Whether you're shopping for game day, a girls' weekend, or the perfect Auburn outfit, Therapy is always worth a stop.

J&M Bookstore

An Auburn tradition since 1953, J&M is the perfect place to pick up Auburn apparel, gifts, souvenirs, and keepsakes. It's a must-visit for first-time visitors and longtime Auburn fans alike. 

Auburn Art

If you're looking for unique Auburn artwork, home décor, or gifts, Auburn Art is a wonderful stop featuring pieces inspired by the university and local community.

Toomer's Drugs

Known for its famous lemonade, Toomer's is also a great place to browse Auburn-themed gifts, apparel, and souvenirs before heading home.

Angel's Antiques & Flea Market

Located just over in Opelika, Angel's is one of the area's largest antique malls, featuring dozens of vendors with antiques, vintage finds, home décor, and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers

An independent bookstore and café that's perfect for browsing a thoughtfully curated book selection while enjoying a coffee. It's one of Auburn's coziest places to spend an afternoon.

Calling all AU Football Fans

There's nothing quite like an Auburn football weekend. Whether it's your first game or your fiftieth, these traditions are what make Saturdays on the Plains so special.

Tiger Walk

About two hours before kickoff, thousands of fans line Donahue Drive to cheer on the team as they make their way into Jordan-Hare Stadium. It's one of Auburn's most beloved traditions and a must-see before every home game.

Eagle Flight

Arrive early enough to watch Auburn's live eagle soar around Jordan-Hare Stadium before kickoff. Hearing the crowd yell "War Eagle" as the eagle flies is an unforgettable experience. 

Roll Toomer's Corner

If Auburn wins, head downtown after the game and join thousands of fans as they roll Toomer's Corner in celebration. It's one of college football's most iconic victory traditions. 

Walk Around Campus

Even if you aren't attending the game, Auburn's campus comes alive on football Saturdays with tailgates, the marching band, and fans gathering across campus. It's worth arriving early just to soak in the atmosphere.

Shop for Auburn Gear

Need orange and blue? Stop by J&M Bookstore or another downtown shop to pick up Auburn apparel before heading to the stadium.

Take a Photo at Samford Hall

One of the most recognizable spots on campus, Samford Hall is the perfect backdrop for family photos, graduation pictures, and football weekend memories.

Good to Note Spots

Need a grocery store, pharmacy, or other essentials? We've gathered a few helpful resources to make your stay a little easier.

Grocery

Whether you're stocking the fridge for the weekend or just grabbing a few essentials, these are our go-to grocery stores.

  • Publix 

  • Kroger

  • Aldi

Pharmacies

Need to pick up a prescription or travel essentials? These local pharmacies have you covered.

  • CVS 

  • Walgreens

  • The Drug Store

Gas

Fuel up before heading home or out for the day.

  • Weagle One Stop

  • Beeline Shell Gas Station

  • Sam's Club 

Urgent Care

  • Mills Urgent Care 

  • Village Urgent Care 

  • AFC Urgent Care

For illnesses or injuries that aren't life-threatening, these walk-in clinics are convenient options.

Emergency 

For emergencies, always call 911. Auburn Police also has a non-emergency line for situations that don't require immediate emergency response.

  • East Alabama Medical Center

  • Auburn Non-Emergency Line (334)-501-3100

Veterinary Care

These local veterinary clinics are available if your pet needs care during your stay.

  • Auburn University Veterinary Hospital 

  • South College Veterinary Clinic

  • North Gay Street Veterinary Clinic

EV Charging

Need to recharge? Auburn has several convenient charging stations located throughout town, making it easy to power up while you shop or grab a bite to eat.

  • Auburn Mall

  • Auburn University Campus

ATM & Banks

Need cash or banking services? You'll find several major banks and ATMs conveniently located throughout Auburn.

  • Regions Bank

  • AuburnBank

  • Wells Fargo

  • Truist

  • PNC Bank

Laundry Services

If you need to do laundry during your stay or your rental's washer is unavailable, these local laundromats offer self-service and wash-and-fold options.

  • Auburn Express Laundry Center

  • College Street Laundromat

  • Tiger Laundry

Post Office & Shipping

Whether you're sending a package home or returning an online order, these shipping locations are nearby.

  • United States Post Office

  • UPS Store

  • FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

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