7 things to do in downtown Opelika

Reviewed by: Callie Puryear

Reading time: 8 minutes

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Downtown Auburn 10,000 Hz Things To Do In Opelika Alabama
Make a day trip out of downtown Opelika with these 7 fun activities. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Did you know downtown Opelika has so much to offer? You can easily make a fun day trip out of downtown if you know the right spots to hit. We’re giving you 7 fun, unique activities that will ensure you have a great downtown experience!

1. Enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea)

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The coffee shops in Opelika are well worth the hype. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The BamaBuzz)

Opelika has some of the best coffee shops to fuel up at with a quality coffee or tea. I start every trip downtown with a quick coffee shop visit and sip on my drink of choice (normally a Side Track matcha) while I shop around. Whether you need a quick cup to-go or want to sit and get some work done, here are places you need to visit when you’re in downtown Opelika.

2. Treasure hunt at thrift and antique shops

Era Opelika
Era Opelika (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)
Roland'S Thrift Store
Roland’s Thrift Store (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)
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Fringe Consignment (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)
Whether you want a new going-out top, a cute glassware set for your bar cart or a fun trinket, you’ll probably find it in downtown Opelika. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The BamaBuzz)

When people ask me how I can spend hours walking around downtown Opelika, the real answer is the thrift stores. Downtown Opelika has so many locally owned thrift shops FULL of goodies. I walk away with something every trip—this time, vintage martini glasses from Roland’s Thrift Store.

I always chat with the owner, Roland, while I’m browsing (fun fact: he has owned and operated his thrift store for 21 years since retiring!). You’re almost guaranteed to find something new and unique to add to your home when you visit these shops.

3. Browse records at 10,000 Hz

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10,000 Hz has a wide range of genres in stock—perfect for me who loves indie pop and for my friend who prefers the oldies. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The BamaBuzz)

Perhaps my favorite past time in Opelika is flipping through the new and used vinyls at 10,000 Hz Records. As a record player owner and audiophile (if you know, you know), 10,000 Hz is one of my all-time favorite record stores.

The super knowledgeable staff can point me to any record I name off, or order anything they don’t have in stock. Even if you don’t have a record player, you can stock up on CDs or cassettes—or you can just go for the vibes.

4. Grab a bite to eat

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Irish Bred Pub is one of the cute restaurants you’ll pass by in downtown Opelika. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The BamaBuzz)

You’ll work up quite the appetite after spending all that time walking around the shops. Good news—downtown Opelika has plenty of tasty food that’ll hit the spot (and keep you fueled for even more downtown exploring). Here’s what’s popular:

  • Irish Bred Pub—spacious sports bar serving pub grub with an Irish influence, plus dancing & games
  • Zazu Gastropub—low-key, rustic-chic tavern featuring 20+ craft brews on tap, plus New American eats & wine
  • Niffer’s Place Opelika—the best burgers and corn nuggets around
    • Hours: Monday-Tuesday 11AM-3PM | Wednesday-Thursday 11AM-8PM | Saturday 11AM-9PM Sunday 11AM-4PM
    • Menu
  • Jefferson’s Opelika—branch of an easygoing American chain specializing in chicken wings, burgers and oysters
  • Dough Pizzeria—traditional wood fired pizza and draft beer
  • The Breezeway—laid back restaurant with great appetizers, sandwiches, chicken baskets and wings
  • Cafe One Twenty Three—fine dining restaurant serving Southern American Cuisine with a classic French influence
  • Viva la Vida Opelika—Mexican cuisine
  • Twice Baked—family-owned BBQ restaurant featuring made-from-scratch staple foods (think meat, bread and potatoes)

5. Get a sweet treat

The Well Tea Party Filipino Bread
Kath’s Bakeshop makes the best Filipino bread bites (the ube ones are my favorite). (Elizabeth Hobbs / The BamaBuzz)

If your sweet tooth starts to ache or you want to bring something home to show for your day, consider bringing home a sweet treat.

6. Have a picnic in the park

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What’s not to love about a classic picnic? Grab some friends and a cute picnic setup for a tranquil visit. Whether you go all out for a birthday or holiday picnic, or you want somewhere to take your to-go lunch, the park in the heart of downtown Opelika is the perfect spot. Pro-tip: find cute glassware, bowls, baskets and picnic accessories at the thrift store for an affordable, unique setup.

7. Channel your inner gamer

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7 things to do in downtown Opelika 1

Downtown Opelika is the best spot to unleash your inner child with gaming hotspots like these: Gear Gaming, Rock ‘N Roll Pinball, and CyberZone Entertainment.

  • Rock ‘N Roll Pinball—30+ pinball machines and video arcades, Jailhouse adult beverages, family and pet friendly
    • Address: 815 S Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
    • Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11AM-9PM | Thursday 11AM-10PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-12AM | Sunday 12-5PM
    • Website | Instagram | Facebook
    • Price: $10 an hour | $20 wristband to play until close (play, leave and return) including Jailhouse access | all games set to free play—no quarters or payment at games is needed
  • CyberZone Entertainment—laser tag, virtual reality, Esports Arena and arcade video and ticket games
    • Address: 107 N 9th St, Opelika, AL 36801
    • Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-9PM | Friday 4-11PM | Saturday 12-11PM | Sunday 12-6PM
    • Website | Instagram | Facebook
    • Price: Laser Tag: $9 per game, $17 for two games | Virtual Reality: $5 King Kong Vr, $8 Hologate VR | Esports: $8 per hour, $30 day pass (visit their website for more pricing details and game requirements)
  • NERDtorch Cafe—countless video games, comics, food, weekly community game nights, tournaments and fun events

To stay updated on the latest guides and news in Alabama, follow the Bama Buzz on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok + LinkedIn. Let us know your favorite things to do in downtown Opelika!

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Elizabeth Hobbs
Elizabeth Hobbs
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