Top 15 Things To Do In Oxford, Alabama

things to do in oxford al
Linda
Linda 
Updated
| 6 min read

Located in the state of Alabama, Oxford is a city that nests between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Cheaha Mountain, which is the highest point in Alabama boasting breathtaking scenery of the city below and the wilderness. The city shares its borders with the Talladega National Forest and has so much to offer. Coldwater Covered Bridge is a historic structure in Oxford Lake Park. If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy the scenery or the best trails in the city, head to Cheaha Mountain. There are also lots of spots to keep you entertained, from old-school arcades to river tubing and of course, places to eat. With all this in mind, read on to find more about the best things to do in Oxford, Alabama.

1. Go shopping at Quintard Mall

Quintard Mall Entrance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Windyshadow32 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you happen to be in Oxford and want to explore the malls and go shopping, Quintard Mall should be your first spot. Quintard Mall was officially opened in 1970 and offers 720,0000 square feet (66,890 square meters) of expansive shopping space hosting several enclosed dining spaces, movie theaters, gaming arcades, and shopping stalls. Visit one of the apparel stalls or shoe stores and buy yourself the latest trendy clothes. Or if you are looking for decor, antiquities, and souvenirs, there is more than enough for you to pick from. Visit Quintard Mall and see how much shopping you can do.

Quintard Mall

Address: 700 Quintard Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

Website: Quintard Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

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2. Picnic at Oxford Lake Park

Decided on a different location for my run this time. Figured I'd get some miles in before I stuff my face tonight, lol!!

Posted by Evan Wilkins on Tuesday, 24 December 2019

Oxford Lake Park is a perfect spot for recreational activities. The park has fully equipped kids’ playground, several covered picnic pavilions, strategically placed benches offering a spectacular view of the lake, and if you love trekking, there is a 67-mile (108 kilometers) long walking track for you to enjoy. With a total of 10 pavilions scattered on the surroundings of the lake, Oxford Lake Park offers the best scenic location for a relaxing and peaceful picnic as you bask in the nature and serenity of the park.

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3. Experience river tubing with Floating Fun

things to do in oxford al | experience river tubing with floating fun
Source: instagram

Ready to have some fun? Then find your way to Floating Fun where you can have a try at river tubing and experience all the fun you have been missing. Enjoy a day of tubing down Choccolocco Creek with all its scenic views. Expect some quick currents and rocky shoals on the tube ride. But all in all, the beauty and fun are worth getting a little wet along the way for. Walk in or make your reservation online and come have fun with your friends and family at Floating Fun.

Floating Fun

Address: 460 Bobwhite Dr, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

Website: Floating Fun

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4. Play golf at Cider Ridge Golf Club


Gather your friends and family and have a try at golf at Cider Ridge Golf Club. Golfing is not all you can do at this premium golf club, dining at Cider Ridge Grill is an experience to be remembered. Delicious burgers and other American staples, freshly made salads, and the house special chicken fingers are just a sample of what’s in store for you on the menu. Come and find out and see why Cider Ridge Golf Club always buzzes with life every weekend.

Cider Ridge Golf Club

Address: 200 Apple Blossom Way, Oxford, AL 36203

Website: Cider Ridge Golf Club

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7:15am - 6:30pm; Fri - Sat: 6:45am - 6:30pm

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5. Stroll along the lake at Choccolocco Park


At times all you feel like doing is stretching out or just taking a walk to get things off your mind. A stroll by the lake at Choccolocco Park will do you loads of good. Choccolocco Park offers a safe, welcoming, and modern recreational space that suits all people. The lake by the park offers scenic, calming views, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a nice peaceful walk. Choccolocco Park is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who love the scenery of the park.

Choccolocco Park

Address: 954 Leon Smith Pkwy, Oxford, AL 36203

Website: Choccolocco Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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6. Play old school games at Time Out

things to do in oxford al | play old school games at time out
Source: instagram

Time Out is an outstanding arcade powered by Pac-Man Entertainment and located at Quintard Mall. It is not just a regular center for fun and food, it is also a gamer’s paradise. This arcade center features a museum dedicated to Pac-Man as well as bowling and a spacious gaming room. This thrilling arcade has various high-energy arcade games designed for both adults and kids. There is a café serving tasty treats and juicy burgers, re-energizing you for more fun in the arcade.

Time Out

Address:700 Quintard Dr # 53, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

Website: Time Out

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9:30pm; Sun: 12am - 6pm

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7. Savor Mexican food at El Agave Grill & Bar


If you are craving some Mexican dishes, El Agave Grill & Bar is the place to be. This Mexican restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican dishes, each prepared with the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Try their chimichangas, tilapia fillets, and shrimp soup. The casual dining atmosphere and delicious meals make this restaurant a family-friendly dining space. El Agave Grill & Bar is also famous for its array of cocktails and drinks, each designed to fit different occasions. Treat yourself and have a margarita!

El Agave Grill & Bar

Address:5156 HWY 78 West, Suite 4, Oxford, AL 36203

Website: El Agave Grill & Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9:30pm

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8. Watch a movie at AmStar Oxford


Thinking of going out? Movie night at AmStar Oxford is not such a bad idea. Come catch the latest blockbuster movies that will leave you right on the edge of your seat. Watch your movie in 3D or standard mode–either guarantees a fun yet laidback night out. Log-in to AmStar Oxford’s website and look up the latest movie of your choice. Get yourself the best seat and just enjoy your movie.

AmStar Oxford

Address: 700 Quintard Drive Suite 300, Oxford, AL 36203

Website: AmStar Oxford

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9. Check out Hell's Gate Bridge


If you believe in the existence of the supernatural and you happen to be in Oxford, make time to visit Hell’s Gate Bridge, considered to be the most haunted bridge in Alabama. The bridge became a local legend after the incident that took place in the 1950s when a young couple drove their car off the bridge and into the water. It is believed that if you park your car at the bridge and turn off your lights, a spirit will enter your car and leave behind a wet spot on the seat.

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10. Buy a vintage souvenir at Cheaha Antiques & Collectibles - Antique Mall


Collectors of antiquities and souvenirs, here is a mall that you have to visit. Cheaha Antiques and Collectibles offers a collection of goodies that will make you want to buy everything in the shop. From vintage collectibles to the best gifts, get the most unique buys at this Oxford mall.

Cheaha Antiques & Collectibles - Antique Mall

Address: 1605 Hillyer Robinson Industrial Pkwy, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

Website: Cheaha Antiques & Collectibles - Antique Mall

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

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11. Catch a performance at Oxford Performing Arts Center


Make time and come catch a performance at Oxford Performing Arts Center located within a historic building in downtown Oxford. This hub for performing arts puts on some of the best shows in the city. With over 130 performances all year long, Oxford Performing Arts Center delivers amazing international, local and national talent in one of the best art centers in Alabama.

Oxford Performing Arts Center

Address: 100 Choccolocco St, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

Website: Oxford Performing Arts Center

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12. Dine on Italian food at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Tired of leftovers? Come in and grab an Early Dinner Duo between 3-5 p.m., M-Th, for just $8.99. It's waaaaaay better than that turkey sandwich you were planning on having.

Posted by Olive Garden on Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Known for its traditional and authentic dishes, Olive Garden Italian restaurant is where you need to be to enjoy some amazing Italian cuisine. Have a try at the house special pasta, Smoked Mozzarella Shrimp Rigatoni or the Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken, both are new house specials. The dining offers ample space and posh furnishing, presenting the perfect restaurant to enjoy a scrumptious plate of authentic Italian cuisine.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Address: 401 Oxford Exchange Blvd, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

Website: Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm

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13. Try the craft beer and pizza at Mellow Mushroom


At Mellow Mushroom, you can enjoy some of the best pizza creations and down it with delicious drinks. Try their Holy Shiitake, Kosmik Karma, or Funky Q Chicken pizza or even build your own pie! You can also relax and have a swig of their craft cocktails or beers. Let the well-lit, ambiance of the industrial-style restaurant be the perfect backdrop for some good, old-fashioned quality time with friends.

Mellow Mushroom

Address: 33 Industrial Dr, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

Website: Mellow Mushroom

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm

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14. Munch on Struts of Oxford's famous wings


Struts of Oxford is creator Walter Fritts’ dream come true: a lowkey place that brought everything he loved together–burgers, steaks chicken wings, all his favorite Southern tastes. This down-to-earth restaurant at Ali Way has since become a place for Oxford locals to hang out and genuinely enjoy great food. They’re particularly known for their wings, which is served bathed in sauce, and–like the majority of their menu–fresh every day. Struts takes pride in cooking their food fresh every single day and never using frozen. Try the classic wings, chicken tenders, BBQ plates, and burgers and you’ll definitely want to come back the next chance you get.

Struts of Oxford

Address: 88 Ali Way, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

Website: Struts of Oxford

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

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15. Check out the paintings at J C Morgan Art Gallery


If you consider yourself an art enthusiast, you have to make time and visit J C Morgan Art Gallery. The art gallery is home to an array of art and exhibitions from artists of different genres and styles. Take time and browse through the collection of sculptures, jewelry, paintings, photography, gift items, and pottery, just to mention a few.

J C Morgan Art Gallery

Address: 324 Snow St, Oxford, AL 36203

Website: J C Morgan Art Gallery

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Have fun in Oxford

Oxford, Alabama
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SaveRivers used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Staying locked in the house is never fun. With this list, you’ll discover there is so much to do and so many places to visit guaranteed to keep you busy during your free time in Oxford. Ride the wave and see what you have been missing.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Linda is a free-spirited writer with an insatiable love for exploration, a passion for discovering new places, and a strong desire to experience new things while constantly seeking to learn....Read more

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