The picturesque city of Pelham is located around 20 miles(32 km) away from Birmingham in Alabama. Though small, it is today counted among the fastest-growing cities of the state. Best known for the incredibly beautiful Oak Mountain State Park, the city offers plenty of exciting options for fun outings – both family-friendly and adventurous ones! Make the best use of its gorgeous outdoors with a visit to one of its parks, attend a live musical performance or head out for a leisurely meal at one of its many great restaurants or bars, just a few experiences available to you. Find out about this welcoming and friendly city with our comprehensive list of things to do in Pelham, Alabama.
1. Go fishing with family at Oak Mountain State Park
Spread over nearly 10,000 acres (4,046 ha), Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest park featuring verdant pine tree cover, lakes/ponds, a waterfall and a host of recreational facilities. The fishing lakes offer plenty of active fishing spots making it perfect for a family outing with picnic and fishing facilities offered. Want to do something more active? You have several options such as scenic hiking and biking trails, boating, canoeing/kayaking and even golf. The park’s long list of facilities means you can come here again and again and have an exciting new experience each time!
Oak Mountain State Park
Address: 200 Terrace Drive Pelham
Website: Oak Mountain State Park
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
2. Play a round of golf at Ballantrae Golf Club
Located just outside the city, the award-winning Ballantrae Golf Club attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the region. This par 72 golf course offers 18 championship holes. With beautiful lush background with rolling hills and scenic valleys, players will enjoy this well-maintained course. Welcoming to both novice players and experts, the course has open fairways and a wonderful mix of holes that make playing exciting. There are five different tees available, so you can find a level that’s comfortable for your playing style. As it is a semi-private club, the pricing is on the reasonable side. The course also offers golf lessons if you are keen on improving your game. To unwind after a game, head to Fireside Grill restaurant or the clubhouse for refreshments.
Ballantrae Golf Club
Address: 1300 Ballantrae Club Dr, Pelham
Website: Ballantrae Golf Club
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 7:28am - 5pm
3. Watch the feeding of the raptors at Alabama Wildlife Centre
Inside Oak Mountain State Park, you will find this admirable wildlife center that is dedicated to protecting the native birdlife of Alabama. The facility, the largest of its kind in the state, provides medical care to a wide variety of wild birds (numbering over 2000) that have been injured or orphaned. Admire the different species of birds being treated currently as you walk around the center. Birds on the cusp of being released can be viewed inside the Raptor Wing and Freedom Flight, while the Treetop Nature Trail is a kind of zoo that houses birds that are healthy but not suitable for release. The center frequently offers absorbing educational programs if you are interested to know more, plus, you can even volunteer!
Alabama Wildlife Center
Address: 100 Terrace Drive, Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham
Website: Alabama Wildlife Center
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Listen to live music and down a few drinks at The Beer Hog
Be sure to swing by at least once to Beer Hog, a popular beer bar that offers over 65 craft beers on tap. Featuring an all-wooden look, this warm and welcoming bar is the perfect place to hang out for a night out. Pick out from the massive beer menu put up on the wall, that shows off their incredible collection of beers from around the country. You can also pick something from several bottled brands that the bar stocks. Sit back with your drink and enjoy sports on the 50-inch television inside the store or just chill on the outdoor patio. The bar has recently started stocking wines from Alabama’s wineries as well. Their retail store adjoining the bar offers over 300 varieties of beer in case you are looking to buy some. Frequent events held on-site, like live music shows and beer tastings, add to its buzzing atmosphere
The Beer Hog
Address: 112 Bowling Ln, Pelham
Website: The Beer Hog
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 2pm - 11pm; Thu: 12pm - 11pm; Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
5. Enjoy scuba diving at Blue Water Park
Scuba diving in the middle of Alabama? It may be surprising but at Blue Water Park, you can experience the wonder of scuba diving without having to head to the coast. Private-owned, this beautiful 27-acre (10 ha) quarry has been converted into a scuba diving facility that is suitable for both experts and beginners. The quarry depth ranges from 4 to 140 feet (1 to 43 meters) and it comes with three training platforms and three training pools. Thoughtfully constructed, you can enjoy both confined and open water dive experiences in the same location depending on your expertise. Don’t know how to scuba-dive? You can get trained by certified divers! There are also scuba diving group travels that you can join. If you prefer to enjoy the beauty of the pristine blue waters above, then kayaking or paddle boating are also possible.
Blue Water Park
Address: 100 Industrial Park Drive, Pelham
Website: Blue Water Park
Opening hours: Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Diving: 27 USD; Kayak & Paddleboard: 5 USD
6. Get spooked at Warehouse31
Auburn got you on the edge of your seat? Come to Warehouse31 after the game. We can keep your blood pumping. Doors open at 7.
Posted by Warehouse 31 on Saturday, 5 October 2019
Feeling brave? Then get ready for a phenomenal experience at this acclaimed haunted house. Typically open only around Halloween, Warehouse31 offers the region’s best scares with its haunted attractions spread through 30,000 sq.ft (2788 sq.mt.)! This no-touch haunted house has the right mix of scary props, atmosphere, dramatics to get you to jump! You have three experiences to choose from - 3D Experience, Rigamortis and Escape Room. So get ready to have the scare of your life! The haunted house also makes your wait fun, thanks to a host of entertainment options ranging from cornholes, firepits, food trucks, and even a carnival game area!
Warehouse 31
Address: 3150 Lee St, Pelham
Website: Warehouse 31
Price: Rigamortis & 3D Experience Combo: 25 USD; Escape Room: 10 USD
7. Catch a musical concert at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Oak Mountain Amphitheatre on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Spend an evening enjoying a concert experience par excellence at Alabama’s largest outdoor amphitheater! Oak Mountain Amphitheatre is the premier live performance venue where the biggest musical acts feature. Artists who have performed here include John Mayer, Counting Crows, Willie Nelson and Dave Mathews Band. The amphitheater is massive with three tiers of seating that can hold up to 10,500 people. A big advantage of its tiered plan is that you are usually assured of great seating. So, treat yourself to this acoustic experience and check their schedule to catch a concert by your favorite artist!
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Address: 1000 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham
Website: Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
8. Learn horse riding at Windwood Equestrian
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Head out to Windwood Equestrian if you are keen on learning horse riding! This top-class equestrian property is a training and stabling facility that offers lessons for beginners as well. As a proper riding school, you will get lessons from professional riders and can choose from a great selection of horses. The property is gorgeously verdant, so you will love spending time amidst nature. Sit back after a session of riding on its front porch enjoying the sight of beautiful greenery around and of horses cantering around. The center’s natural beauty also lends itself to be a stunning wedding venue.
Windwood Equestrian
Address: 4848 Highway 11, Pelham
Website: Windwood Equestrian
9. Wet your feet under the Peavine Falls
One of the most popular features of Oak Mountain State Park, Peavine Falls is a spring-fed waterfall that is located atop the highest ridge of the park. Dropping around 65 feet (25 meters), the waterfall is a picturesque sight, particularly during times of heavy water flow. There are three trails that will lead you to the Falls, with The Green Trail being the shortest one at 1.9 mi (3 km). You can reach the Peavine Falls parking lot and start from there. Though short, the hike can be steep and tricky at times so be sure it is within your comfort level. Your hard work, however, will be rewarded with the clean, cool water at the bottom of the falls where you can splash around and cool off!
Peavine Falls
Address: Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham
Website: Peavine Falls
10. Watch a live play at South City Theatre
This small community theatre is known to host amazing shows using local talents as evidenced by its many awards. The theatre puts up six professionally produced mainstage productions per year. Additionally, it runs regular youth programs where young adults learn acting. Seating less than 100 people, the theatre’s cozy seating arrangements gives you an intimate experience that adds charm to the experience. So catch one of their plays for a memorable evening.
South City Theatre
Address: Alpine Square, 2969 Pelham Parkway, Suites J-K, Pelham
Website: South City Theatre
11. Indulge your sweet tooth at Edgar's Old Style Bakery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The go-to place for desserts in Pelham is Edgar’s Old Style Bakery. This historic bakery offers a dazzling array of scrumptious confections. Cakes are what it is primarily known for but other baked goods like cupcakes, cookies and muffins are also available. Edgar’s is also a breakfast cafe, so head here to taste its scrumptious goodies seated outside in its delightful outdoor patio. Options include the classical all-American breakfast, fresh waffles, and their own house specialty dishes like the Monte Carlo.
Edgar's Bakery
Address: 499 Southgate Drive Pelham
Website: Edgar’s Bakery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:30am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
12. Play bowling at Oak Mountain Lanes
Newly upgraded Oak Mountain Lanes is a bowling alley that features 32 well-maintained lanes of bowling. But there’s more than just bowling at this family entertainment center. Apart from the usual arcade games, here you will find three more exciting attractions that are bound to thrill the young ones - Laser Tag, Ropes Course and the latest one Hologate VR where kids can try out virtual reality games. Affordable rates, a great snack bar and friendly staff make it an all-round ideal destination for a family outing.
Oak Mountain Lanes
Address: 300 Bowling Lane, Pelham
Website: Oak Mountain Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 11pm; Thu: 10am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 12am - 10pm
13. Try some drinks at Lil Bits Tavern
Spend an evening at the local hangout spot, Lil Bits Tavern, enjoying its laidback vibe and good food. The tavern or pub is a no-frills one but you will not lack good entertainment! The bar offers live music, open mics (Wednesdays), karaoke nights and pool tournaments, so there’s always something fun on. The menu is fairly extensive with classic Southern cuisines on offer ranging from BBQ chicken to chilies and salads. The must-try dish here, though, is the beef tips with rice.
Lil Bits Tavern
Address: 3221 Highway 52 West Suite B, Pelham,
Website: Lil Bits Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 2pm - 2am (closed on Sun)
14. Pick up some antiques at Oak Mountain Emporium
Find a rich variety of vintage art, clothing, jewelry, home decor and accents at this surprisingly spacious antique store. Recently renamed as Myrtle Jane’s South, the store offers a diverse collection of high-quality items curated by local dealers and artists and displayed charmingly room by room. Just walk around exploring the rooms stocked with treasures and you are bound to find something that’s perfect for your taste.
Oak Mountain Emporium
Address: 2700 Pelham Parkway, Pelham
Website: Oak Mountain Emporium
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
15. Relax and rejuvenate at Melanie's Salon & Spa
Posted by Melanies Salon and Spa on Wednesday, 5 August 2015
Melanie’s Salon & Spa is a full-service salon in the city, offering a range of beauty treatments. Although most well-known for its hairstyling services, the salon can also offer skin care treatments like facials and dermabrasion as well as nail care. The staff at the salon are trained professionals and the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly.
Melanies Salon and Spa
Address: 2961 Pelham Pkwy # 104, Ste 104, Pelham
Website: Melanies Salon and Spa
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
16. Relish American comfort food at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
What goes well with chicken? More chicken. This fall we have our Sunday Homestyle Chicken, Southern Fried Chicken, and our new Homestyle Chicken BLT available every day of the week.
Posted by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on Friday, 27 September 2019
The best place to head if you are looking for a relaxed homestyle meal consisting of your favorite dishes is Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The Pelham branch of this chain restaurant offers scrumptious American classics that it is famous for all throughout the day. Service is warm and attentive which makes the whole experience a comforting one. The best dishes to try here are fried chicken, pancakes, biscuits and meatloaf.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Address: 655 Cahaba Valley Rd., Pelham
Website: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 6am - 11pm; Sun: 6am - 10pm
17. Shop till you drop at Pelham Towne Center
Head to Pelham Towne Center when you are in the mood for shopping. This mall’s biggest store is a Publix Supermarket where you will find all the essentials. The mall also contains a variety of stores and outlets for different services including beauty salons, fitness centers, doctor clinics and restaurants.
Pelham Towne Center
Address: 365 Huntley Pkwy, Pelham
Website: Pelham Towne Center
18. Play baseball with your friends at Pelham City Park
Posted by Rachel Simmons Vail Fleming on Monday, 7 October 2019
Though small, Pelham City Park is not lacking in amenities. Located near the city center, the park boasts of numerous ball fields (football, baseball etc), playgrounds, tennis courts and basketball courts among others. A paved walking and biking trail that goes through its green grounds and a small creek is a great option for a relaxed evening walk as well as for fitness lovers. The dog park is yet another facility where you can have fun with your furry friend.
Pelham City Park
Address: 555 Ballpark Road, Pelham
Website: Pelham City Park
Discover Pelham and its charms
Whether you want a thrilling outdoor trip or a quiet evening enjoying the company of your friends, Pelham has some great venues as you can see from this list of things to do in Pelham, Alabama. If you want a change of pace, then consider heading to nearby towns like Hoover or Helena. These towns are a short drive away and also have cool options like art galleries, museums and paintball parks. Another cool option is visiting local wineries for tasting and tours.
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