Things To Do
in Opelika
Opelika, located in Alabama, is a charming city known for its historic downtown area and vibrant community. It is home to various shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy. Opelika boasts a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it a desirable place to live.
With a strong sense of community pride and Southern hospitality, Opelika offers a welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through the charming downtown area, checking out unique shops and boutiques.
Visit the historic train depot and learn about Opelika's railroad history. You can also explore the Opelika Historical Society Museum for a glimpse into the past.
Dine at a popular local restaurant that serves Southern cuisine. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk in one of the nearby parks.
Begin with an energizing hike at the nearby Chewacla State Park. The scenic views and fresh air will kickstart your day.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the park after your hike. Spend the afternoon kayaking or fishing at the lake.
Return to Opelika and treat yourself to ice cream at a local shop. Spend your evening relaxing on your patio or exploring local nightlife.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to national averages.
- Friendly and tight-knit community atmosphere.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities, including parks and nearby lakes.
- Good educational institutions, including community colleges.
- Growing local economy with job opportunities in various sectors.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Hot and humid summers, which may not be appealing to everyone.
- Some may find the nightlife and entertainment options to be limited.
- Healthcare facilities may be less comprehensive compared to larger cities.
- Occasional issues with noise or traffic due to local events or construction.
Best Activities in Opelika
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore hiking trails, go mountain biking, swimming, or enjoy a picnic in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Engage in fishing, boating, or simply take a leisurely walk around the serene lake.
Experience the historic park, hike along the trails, and have a relaxing day in the peaceful atmosphere.
Tours
Uncover the best of Opelika with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Opelika
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views, hiking trails, and a lake for photo opportunities
Features historic architecture, vibrant murals, and charming streetscapes for photography
Home to picturesque historic buildings and a quaint atmosphere for capturing timeless images
Food in Opelika
Opelika Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sliced green tomatoes coated in a seasoned cornmeal and fried to crispy perfection. A quintessential Southern dish that can be enjoyed at The Depot, a local favorite restaurant.
Must-Try!
A creamy spread made from cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos, perfect for spreading on crackers or as a sandwich filling. Available at Cottonseed Larry's, a popular deli in Opelika.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Opelika better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the farmers' market for an array of fresh, locally produced fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods. The market also features food trucks offering diverse street food options such as gourmet tacos, wood-fired pizzas, and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Opelika, it's important to be mindful of people's personal space and avoid standing too close or invading their privacy.
Politeness and using proper manners are highly valued in Opelika. Saying 'please' and 'thank you' is common practice.
Opelika embraces diversity, and it's important to respect people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Opelika with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Opelika
Ensure a smooth experience
In Opelika, tipping is customary in the service industry, including restaurants, bars, and other similar establishments. It is common to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Opelika, like other parts of the United States, primarily uses cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods for transactions. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Opelika.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Opelika, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It's also the time for various outdoor activities and events.
In the summer, Opelika experiences hot and humid weather, but it's the peak time for outdoor recreation, including swimming, hiking, and attending local festivals.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for scenic drives, outdoor dining, and enjoying the changing colors of the landscape.
Winter in Opelika is relatively mild, with occasional cold snaps. It's a quieter time to visit, but the holiday decorations and cozy atmosphere make it a charming destination.
Opelika at Night
Hiking in Opelika
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park with various hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and opportunities for swimming and biking.
A scenic trail system located around the museum that offers a peaceful walking experience amid art and nature.
A serene lakefront trail that provides scenic views and a calm environment for hiking and birdwatching.
A moderate trail that winds through wooded areas and along streams, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Located a short drive from Opelika, this trail offers a range of difficulty levels and stunning vistas of the surrounding hills.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Opelika through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Opelika by plane.
Located approximately 100 miles east of Opelika, ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
About 90 miles northwest of Opelika, BHM serves as a regional airport with multiple flight options and connections.
Approximately 60 miles to the southwest of Opelika, MGM provides various services and flights primarily within the United States.
Located around 120 miles south of Opelika, MOB is a regional airport offering domestic flights and some international services.
Situated roughly 200 miles north of Opelika, BNA is a major airport serving the Nashville area with a wide range of flight destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority demographic group in Opelika, reflecting a large population of European descent.
Significant demographic group with a rich cultural heritage and history in the area.
Growing demographic group contributing to the cultural diversity of Opelika.
A smaller demographic group, representing various Asian nationalities and cultures.
Individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds, reflecting increasing diversity.
A small demographic group with historical ties to the region.
The Soul of Opelika
Discover the essence of Opelika through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
American football is a popular sport in Opelika, with local high schools and community teams competing regularly.
Basketball has a strong following in Opelika, with numerous youth leagues and school teams participating in competitive play.
Baseball is a favorite pastime in Opelika, with Little League programs and school teams fostering local talent.
Soccer is rapidly growing in popularity, with community leagues and school programs attracting many young athletes.
Wrestling is a well-supported sport in Opelika, with strong participation at the high school level.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Opelika.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Opelika offer vegetarian and vegan menu options, ranging from creative salads to plant-based entrees. The Hound and SideTrack Coffee are just two examples of establishments catering to these dietary preferences.
Individuals seeking gluten-free choices can find accommodating dishes at numerous eateries in Opelika. SideTrack Coffee, for instance, provides a selection of gluten-free pastries and snacks to indulge in.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Opelika with these cultural adventures.
