24 Best & Fun Things to Do in Oxford (AL)

Oxford is a city in Talladega, Calhoun, and Cleburne counties in Alabama, United States.

The city founded in the early 1850s was the first city in Calhoun County incorporated in 1852.

The name “Oxford” resulted from a narrow crossing of Choccolocco Creek that permitted ford cattle from one side of the creek to the other.

This small city stretches between Calhoun and Talladega Counties, encircled by tranquil lakes, mountainous hiking trails, and lush forests.

Oxford is home to museums, galleries, performing arts centers, and outdoor activities that match those found in bigger cities, such as hiking, golfing, river rafting, mountain biking, and lots more.

Looking for what to do in Oxford, AL? Here are some of the best things to do in Oxford, AL.

Things to Do in Oxford, AL

1. Go on a shopping spree at Quintard Mall

The Quintard Mall, developed by James A. Grimmer, is an enclosed shopping mall in Oxford, AL. One of the fun things to do in Oxford, AL, is to shop at Quintard Mall.

The Mall opened in 1970 and expanded in 2000, featuring 720,000 square feet of retail space.

If you desire new clothes or need to do some shopping, Quintard Mall has the perfect indoor stuff to do when it is cold or raining. 

Go shopping with your loved ones and enjoy your preferred brands. 

This Mall has nearly everything you are looking for, from smaller to luxury brands.

Quintard Mall also has a cinema where you can see a movie before or after shopping.

Address: 700 S Quintard Ave, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

2. Take your family to Choccolocco Park

One of the best places to visit in Oxford, AL, is Choccolocco Park. It has been inhabited for approximately 12,000 years.

This historic park has an interpretive trail that narrates the tales of early settlers throughout many challenging periods.

Choccolocco Park is also a recreation space for locals and a destination for guests from all over the region, state, and country. It hosts athletic events of varying types, sizes, and levels.

In addition to the excellent recreation aspects of the complex, it also features an educational component linked to the site’s history, making it a unique destination.

With its cutting-edge amenities and facilities, Choccolocco Park is a place for everyone.

Address: 954 Leon Smith Pkwy, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

3. Spend a day at Oxford Lake Park

One of the best things to do in Oxford, AL, is to spend a few hours at Oxford Lake Park.

Oxford Lake Park has been locals’ civic activity hub for decades, featuring many amenities. 

There is a paved and gravel track around the lake that is ideal for exercise, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a baseball complex, an adventure park playground, indoor basketball courts, and more. 

Many pavilions on the ground provide picnic tables and shade from the sizzling summer heat.

Oxford Lake Park also houses one of the state’s oldest surviving covered bridges. 

Whether you are hunting for a place for sporting activities or just a place to enjoy a picnic with your family and buddies, this park is undoubtedly a fantastic choice.

Address: 330 Park Pl, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

4. Catch a show at Oxford Performing Arts Center

Among the top things to do in Oxford, AL, is to see a show at Oxford Performing Art Center.

The Oxford Performing Arts Center is the city’s leading arts and entertainment venue in downtown Oxford, AL. The venue has a 1,200-seat main theatre, two art galleries, and a 200-seat studio theatre.

The Oxford Performing Arts Center opened in 2013 as the city’s primary performance venue after renovating a historic building in downtown Oxford, AL. 

Focusing on educational, performance, and community programs, the center serves as a regional model for a sustainable art center. 

Oxford Performing Arts Center presents over 130 yearly performances at budget-friendly prices while delivering exceptional local, national, and international talent.

It enriches public education by bringing over 14,000 schoolchildren to the theater every year to see free dance, theatre, and music performances.

The center also gives out its facilities to the Oxford City School System at a small cost or for free.

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

5. Purchase food items at The Main Olive

The Main Olive is an exceptionally inexpensive gourmet food store in downtown Oxford, AL. It is also an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room with over 40 flavors to sample.

The store offers several varieties of natural and flavor-infused olive oils, pasta, vinegar, spices, local honey, jams, jellies, salsa, BBQ sauce, and more.

The Main Olive also sells kitchen accessories, locally made art, and gift baskets that can be ideal gifts for loved ones.

Additionally, they provide seminars and educational information about the health benefits and use of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Address: 508 Main St, Oxford, AL, United States

6. Eat a few slices of pizza at Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom, founded in 1974, is a bright, art-filled chain pizzeria serving calzones, craft beer, and creative stone-baked pizzas.

The pizza restaurant, with its tasty artisan pizza and other Italian mainstays, is among the finest and best-rated restaurants in Oxford.

Besides the fantastic pizza, which can be prepared vegan or gluten-free, they also serve burgers, salads, calzones, handcrafted drinks, and 32-draft beer.

Taste their creamy Great White Pizza, an olive oil and garlic base heaped with provolone, mozzarella, seasoned ricotta, crumbled authentic sheep’s milk feta cheese, roasted tomatoes, sweet onions, chopped fresh basil, and fresh Roma tomatoes.

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

7. Check out the Coldwater Covered Bridge 

Covered Bridges are unique structures quite famous in the South, particularly in Alabama. 

Around 1,000 covered bridges are still standing in America today, and only 11 of those covered bridges are in the state of Alabama, including the Coldwater Covered Bridge.

The Coldwater Covered Bridge in Oxford Lake Park is among Alabama’s most beautiful covered bridges and a well-known tourist stop.

Coldwater Covered Bridge, also referred to as Hughes Mill Covered Bridge, was constructed circa 1850, making it the state’s oldest covered bridge today.

This covered bridge was occasionally called a “kissing bridge” because it offered couples a brief moment of privacy as they walked through it.

The Coldwater Covered Bridge, spanning the outflow of Calhoun County’s Oxford Lake, measures 63 feet long. On April 11, 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

From the outside, the structure of the bridge is quite outstanding. When you get inside, you will agree that the lattice detail is pretty incredible, too. It is safe to say that no detail was left out during the building of the Coldwater Covered Bridge.

When you visit Oxford, AL, drop by Oxford Lake Park to see the Coldwater Covered Bridge. You will undoubtedly appreciate its history and beauty when you see it in person. 

Address: 1 Recreation Dr. Oxford Lake Park, Oxford, AL, United States

8. Go golfing at Cider Ridge Golf Club

Cider Ridge Golf Club, situated at the base of Mt. Cheaha, features a remarkable 18-hole public golf course bordering the Talladega Mountains and the Talladega National Forest. 

The front nine at this golf course plays along tree-lined fairways, magnificent oaks, and winding streams. At the same time, the back nine provides some exciting holes with dramatic elevation changes and beautiful scenery. 

The practice area includes a large driving range, putting green, and chipping green area close to the clubhouse.

The clubhouse at Cider Ridge houses a full-stocked golf shop with clubs, balls, apparel, rental clubs, accessories, golf-related services, and simple dining at The Cider Ridge Grill. 

The Grill is available to the public daily and serves freshly-made burgers, sandwiches, salads, cold beer, soft drinks, and other light beverages and bites.

Beginner golf clinics, private golf instructions, junior golf camps, and fast golf clinics are provided all year round; yearly memberships are also available. 

Throughout the years, Cider Ridge has been unfailingly voted” No. 1 Course in Calhoun County,” named to Golf Advisor’s “Top 10 Courses to Play in Alabama,” and called “Top-Rated Outdoor Activity in Oxford, AL” by Trip Advisor.

Address 200 Apple Blossom Way, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

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9. Buy antiques at Cotton Antiques

Cotton Antiques is a local antique store that was established in 1948. If you have a talent for picking out antiques and second-hand goods, this store is the right place.

Looking through fascinating vintage trinkets is among the fun things to do in Oxford, AL, a place overflowing with great people and rich history. 

Check out Cotton Antiques’s retail sale of second-hand goods, antiques, and many other retail trades.

Address: 518 Main St, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

10. Enjoy a Mexican cuisine at El Agave Grill & Bar

If you are yearning for a Mexican dish, El Agave Grill & Bar is one of the best places to visit in Oxford, AL.

This Mexican restaurant is famous for its original Mexican dishes, each cooked with the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Try their tilapia fillets, chimichangas, and shrimp soup.

The relaxed dining atmosphere and mouth-watering meals make this restaurant a family-friendly dining spot.

El Agave Grill & Bar is also known for its various drinks and cocktails, each designed to suit multiple occasions. 

Take your family to El Agave Grill & Bar for a delicious meal.

Address: 5156 US-78 Suite 4, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

11. Pamper yourself at Relax Spa

Relax Spa offers traditional Asian massage and several other massage modalities in a peaceful, relaxing environment.

This massage place incorporates both original Asian massage and modern massage therapy. You will enjoy this massage center, where the staff enjoy caring for their clients. 

Relax’s Spa’s highly trained Asian massage therapists will aid you in untangling those stubborn knots on your body and help you relax and relieve stress.

You can book your appointment by phone or walk in when you feel like it.

Address: 661 Snow St, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

12. Search for the Freedom Riders National Monument

The Freedom Riders National Monument is one of the highlights to uncover in the city. It is a national park located between Gurnee Avenue and East Eleventh Street.

The monument celebrates the Freedom Rider’s history during the Civil Rights Movement and contains various sites to explore.

Freedom Riders Monument has two historical sites: the Greyhouse Bus Station and the Bus Burning Site.

The Greyhouse Bus Station is where a bus conveying White Freedom Riders and Americans was attacked on May 14, 1961.

The old bus station is not always available to the public.

However, you can see the educational panels and murals in the adjacent building at the site, which contain information about the attack.

As for the Bus Burning Site, it is outside the city area, along the Old Birmingham Highway.

If you want to see the other sites involved in the Freedom Riders Movement, you can check out the Anniston Civil Rights and Heritage Trail.

Address: 1031 Gurnee Ave, Anniston, AL 36201, United States

13. See the famous Hell’s Gate Bridge

Hell’s Gate Bridge is a deserted bridge that has become a legend in Oxford. According to many locals, in the 1950s, a young couple drove off this bridge and into the water.

It’s been rumored that if you stop on this bridge and switch your light off, the young couple will enter your car and leave a damp spot behind on the seat. Based on reports, this has happened to plenty of people.

In late 2005 and early 2006, the bridge was officially sealed to traffic. Cement blocks were installed to block off the bridge so individuals wouldn’t be tempted to drive across it.

Individuals still visit Hell’s Gate Bridge on foot, but it is not advised due to its condition. “No Trespassing” signs have also been placed around.

Nobody knows if the rumor behind Hell’s Gate Bride is 100% factual. However, numerous locals and visitors have had spooky experiences at this bridge.

Address: Oxford, AL 36203, United States

14. Laugh out loud and dine at the Happy Hour Comedy Club

Head to Happy Hour Comedy Club if you feel like laughing throughout the night.

The comedy club primarily opens at the end of the week but features various performers. Happy Hour Comedy Club also doubles as a restaurant.

Enjoy dishes ranging from chicken wings to tacos and combo meals while the performance continues.

Aside from featuring live shows and dinners, the comedy club provides areas for a pool and darts.

Happy Hour Comedy Club also offers karaoke and open mic nights for visitors interested in testing their comedy skills.

If you are searching for a fun night or want a nice meal, check out this place.

Address: 1021 US Hwy 431 North, Anniston, AL 36206, United States

15. Try Italian pasta at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is a vibrant, family-friendly establishment serving Italian cuisines, including salads and pasta.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, a popular restaurant seen all over the United States, is among Oxford’s most incredible restaurants.

Its crowd-pleasing menu for lunch and supper makes it a reliable eatery, making it an ideal venue for any time, occasion, and Italian craving.

For a simple lunch, order their Grilled Steak and portobello Panini, comprising of grilled sliced steak with portobello mushrooms, balsamic onions, and asiago cheese with a sun-dried tomato and herb spread.

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

Are you considering more exploration of Alabama? Here is our list of  things to do in Prattville, and Restaurants in Alabaster,  for a fun vacation.

16. Play arcade games at Time Out

Time Out, powered by Pac-Man Entertainment and situated in Quintard Mall, is an exceptional arcade center.

This arcade center features a bowling alley, an expansive gaming room, and a museum dedicated to Pac-Man.

Time Out also had different high-energy arcade games designed for kids and adults. 

There is even a café serving delicious treats and juicy burgers if you want to re-energize for another round of fun in the arcade.

Address: 700 S Quintard Ave, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

17. View different exhibits at the Berman Museum

The Berman Museum, part of the Anniston Museums, is a history museum that contains a range of periods and different types of artifacts. 

There are approximately 6,000 pieces to see in this museum, several of which come from different parts of the world. These artifacts include antique pieces, various art pieces, and ancient weaponry.

Among the numerous pieces you can browse at the Berman Museum, there are more than a thousand Asian pieces to marvel at.

Whether you want to check out art or history, the Berman Museum has more than enough pieces to browse.

Berman Museum is in Anniston, AL, 9 minutes from Oxford, AL. 

Address: 840 Museum Dr, Anniston, AL 36206, United States

18. Satisfy your Asian craving at Yume Japanese & Asian Restaurant

Yume Japanese & Asian Restaurant offers Asian cuisines, such as sushi, hibachi, Thai Food, Korean BBQ, and a full bar.

Yume Japanese & Asian Restaurant blends all the best Asian fares in a casual, family-friendly establishment.

Serving as a melting pot for Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai cuisines, this restaurant has become a well-known place to eat in the city.

If you are yearning for seafood, order their Soft Shell Crab with Asparagus sauce, which consists of two soft shell crab served with a particular Thai shrimp and asparagus curry sauce.

Address: 301 Colonial Dr, Oxford, AL 36203, United States

19. Travel the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail

The Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail is among the longest trails you can cycle or hike through the area, and the most convenient way to access the entrance is around Coldwater Road.

The trail is approximately 35 to 40 miles long and extends through different landscapes. These landscapes include a watershed, forested areas, and a dirt road.

The Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail may particularly appeal to hikers and cyclists.

Address: Cold Water Mountain Bike Trail, Anniston, AL 36201, United States

20. Stop by the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Preserve

The Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Preserve is an excellent spot to see local wildlife and explore landscapes.

This wildlife refuge, spanning 7,759 acres, lies on an old military base of Fort McClellan.

The refuge primarily protects a mountain longleaf pine ecosystem but has numerous sights to uncover.

Depending on the season, you can photograph or hunt various types of wildlife. 

Some wildlife species in the refuge include many bird species and small mammals like deer, foxes, and raccoons.

In addition to the various wildlife and landscapes, you can explore plenty of trails in the refuge.

There are numerous trail sights and wildlife species to find when walking around the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Preserve.

Address: 407 Bains Gap Rd, Anniston, AL 36201, United States

21. Go camping at Camp Lee

If you want to enjoy various recreational activities in Anniston, then book Camp Lee.

Camp Lee is a local summer camp and retreat center featuring numerous outdoor fun facilities.

Some of the facilities at this camp include climbing walls, a low-rope course, and zip lines.

You can use the camp’s sports courts or test their frisbee golf course. You can also explore the natural trails available if you are looking for more activities.

To crown everything, you can also check out Camp Lee’s diverse camping experiences.

For anyone who isn’t sure about the camp space, there is also the choice to book a tour of Camp Lee.

Address: 70 Hidden Valley Rd, Anniston, AL 36207, United States

22. Walk around the Longleaf Botanical Gardens

Anniston has numerous places to walk around nature, but if you like flowers rather than extensive forests, check out the Longleaf Botanical Gardens.

The Longleaf Botanical Gardens is among the several places to explore nature and history.

There are about 125 acres of land you can explore with various sights and landscapes, including different flora and fauna. 

While plenty of the gardens have different plants, there are several other features to explore. Their features include many nature trails that lead through various plants and numerous types of local wildlife.

If you favor simpler spots, you can visit the nearby Koi ponds and courtyard or view the flower collection.

If you are a plant lover, the Longleaf Botanical Garden is a place you must visit.

Address: 920 Museum Dr, Anniston, AL 36206, United States

23. Walk the Michael Tucker Park & Chief Ladiga Trail

The Michael Tucker Park & Chief Ladiga Trail is among the numerous parks in the city, but it is one park that is also used as a campground.

This park, located in a pecan grove, features its share of outdoor facilities for a delightful day.

If you would like to use the camping facilities available in the area, there are 16 primitive campsites ready for use.

Aside from the diverse campsites and park facilities, you can check out the 33-mile trail, Alabama’s first extended rails-to-rails project. 

When traversing through the trail, you can see different sights, including streams, a forest, and streams, to mention a few.

Among the various parks in Anniston, Michael Tucker Park & Chief Ladiga Trail is one place where you can enjoy park amenities and more. 

Address: 6514 Weaver Rd, Anniston, AL 36206, United States

24. Schedule a Visit to the Southern Oak Wines

Do you love wines? If yes, visit Southern Oak Wines to taste some of their finest wines.

You can discover the vineyard around Dry Hollow Roads and browse their selection of wines, including a list of fruit and dry wines.

In addition to sampling the wines, you can tour the vineyard and learn about its procedures and other products, such as gift products. 

Some things you will discover at Southern Oak Wines include a collection of azaleas and blackberry sections.

You can witness the azaleas bloom during the summer while nursing a glass of wine.

Address: 1484 Dry Hollow Rd, Anniston, AL, United States 

Check out more cities in Alabama. Here is a guide on things to do in Hoover, things to do in Dauphin Island, and fun things to in do Daphne for a fun time.

Plan Your Trip to Oxford

Oxford is a lovely city in eastern Alabama, United States. The city known for its warm hospitality, rich history, and natural beauty offers a unique combination of Southern charm and the comforts of today. 

Whether you are an outdoor lover, a shopaholic, or a history buff, Oxford has something for everybody. With our well-curated list of top things to do in Oxford, AL, you won’t be wondering what to do in Oxford, AL, whenever you visit.

Start planning your visit to Oxford, AL, today.