Opelika, AL

Opelika grew up around the railroad in the 1850s, and the tracks still run through the middle of its historic downtown. Railroad Avenue and the surrounding blocks are lined with restored brick storefronts, and the courthouse square makes downtown easy to explore on foot. The town shares a metro area with Auburn, but it has a slower pace and a strong local identity, with a downtown that draws people from across the region. Opelika is also the Lee County seat, and the historic residential streets just north of downtown, lined with Victorian homes, are worth a slow drive.

The Museum of East Alabama covers the area’s history, and Spring Villa Park has 350 acres of trails, disc golf and camping. Golfers come for Grand National, a 54-hole stop on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail set around Lake Saugahatchee. The Opelika Songwriters Festival fills downtown venues with live music each year. Spend an afternoon browsing antique and vintage shops and gift stores, then find Southern cooking, a brewery or a bakery along the downtown blocks.

Opelika questions, answered

What is Opelika known for?

Opelika is known for its historic railroad downtown, the Grand National courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and a busy calendar of local events, including the Opelika Songwriters Festival. It is also known for its parks and sports facilities, including Spring Villa Park, the Opelika SportsPlex and a large public pickleball complex.

How do I get to Opelika?

Columbus Airport (CSG) in Georgia is about 40 to 45 minutes away, and Montgomery Regional (MGM) is about an hour. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is roughly an hour and 40 minutes northeast on I-85 and has the most flights. Opelika sits on I-85, with US 280 and US 431 also passing through, and Auburn is about 10 minutes away.

Is Opelika a good place to stay for Auburn games?

Yes. Opelika is only a short drive from Jordan-Hare Stadium, and hotels here are often easier to book and less expensive than those near campus. On home game weekends, everything in the area fills up, so book early. Browse local places to stay for inns and smaller hotels.

Is downtown Opelika walkable?

Very. The historic district along Railroad Avenue and around the courthouse covers a few compact blocks, so it is easy to park once and spend an afternoon walking between shops, restaurants and the railroad tracks. Many downtown events, including the songwriters festival, are spread across venues within walking distance.