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
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
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.
3. Experience river tubing with Floating Fun
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
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
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)
6. Play old school games at Time Out
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
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
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
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.
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)
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
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
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
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
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
Have fun in Oxford
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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