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Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Ultimate List of Best Things To Do and Places To Visit!

Eat first in Tuscaloosa, then plan the rest. Dreamland has been putting out ribs and sauce since 1958, the Waysider does Southern barbecue and brunch on the same premises, and Rama Jama’s sits right beside the stadium. That last detail matters a good deal more than it sounds on a football game day. The football, the mounds and the Civil Rights trail will all keep. The sandwich line will not.

Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This charming city sits in the western part of the state and is known for its long history, its live culture and its outdoor spaces. Local or visitor, Tuscaloosa always has a corner you had not noticed before.

After the pick of the things to do in Tuscaloosa? You are in luck. From the University of Alabama through to a full outdoor adventure, this city carries the lot. Take a historical journey through the city’s past, work the entertainment and nightlife, eat and drink properly, and find some fun and games. Local markets, somewhere to stay and the things that make Tuscaloosa itself are all covered too.

Key Takeaways

• Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a charming city with a rich history and beautiful outdoor spaces.
• There are plenty of fun things to do in Tuscaloosa, from exploring the University of Alabama to indulging in delicious food and drink.
• Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant city.

Exploring the University of Alabama

College football fans are in for a treat in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The University of Alabama is home to the Crimson Tide, a football team carrying 17 national championships and 31 conference titles. Even without the football, the university campus holds plenty to see and do.

Bryant-Denny Stadium

Bryant-Denny Stadium belongs first on the list. This is where the Crimson Tide play their home games, and the scale of it lands immediately. The stadium holds over 100,000 fans, and on game day it turns into a sea of crimson and white. A ticket puts you inside one of the loudest rooms in college football, and a stadium tour gets you onto the field the rest of the time.

Walk of Champions

Before each game the team buses pull up to the Walk of Champions, a brick walkway leading to the stadium. Fans line it to cheer the team through to the locker room. On a game day this is unmissable, and on any other day the statues of past coaches and players are still there for a picture.

Paul W. Bryant Museum

No visit to the University of Alabama is complete without the Paul W. Bryant Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of Bama football and its legendary coach, Paul Bear Bryant. Exhibits cover the team’s defining moments alongside memorabilia from some of the finer players ever to take the field. For a college football fan this is essential.

While you are on the University of Alabama campus, take a stroll through the university’s arboretum. This garden holds plants and trees of every sort and is a good place to slow down and enjoy nature. And for the history of the university itself, walk the campus and look at the historic buildings.

The University of Alabama earns the visit whether you love college football or simply want to see a good campus. The football history, the iconic stadium and the museums together make it essential for any sports fan.

Outdoor Adventures

Tuscaloosa is known for its outdoor spaces and the range of activity in them. A quiet hour by the river or a full day outdoors, both are covered. These are the outdoor adventures to have in Tuscaloosa:

Black Warrior Riverwalk

For a scenic stroll, the Black Warrior Riverwalk is the answer. This paved trail runs along the Black Warrior River with the water and the surrounding landscape open beside it. Walk it or bike it, and benches sit along the way for anyone who needs a break. Several playgrounds handle the kids.

Lake Lurleen State Park

For a day of fishing and picnicking, head to Lake Lurleen State Park. This 1,625-acre park carries a serene lake for fishing and boating along with plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails. Paddle boats and kayaks are available to rent. And for anyone feeling adventurous, a zip line course runs through the treetops.

Lake Nicol

Lake Nicol is the other spot for fishing and boating. This 250-acre lake is ringed by forest and rolling hills, which makes it a quiet place to spend an afternoon. Rent a boat or bring your own, and fishing spots run along the shore. A beach area handles swimming and sunbathing.

A peaceful walk along the river or an action-packed day on the lake, Tuscaloosa carries both. Pack some sunscreen and bug spray and the day handles itself.

Historical Journey

History buffs will find Tuscaloosa has plenty to work with. Here are three spots you do not want to miss.

Moundville Archaeological Park

You will feel like Indiana Jones at Moundville Archaeological Park, standing in front of the remains of a prehistoric Native American village. The park carries 26 earthen mounds, some used for burials and others for ceremonial purposes. Take a self-guided tour or join a guided one for the history of the site. The museum holds artifacts recovered there, pottery, tools and jewelry included.

Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail

Walk through history on the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail. The trail carries 18 markers covering key events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement in Tuscaloosa. The desegregation of the University of Alabama, the Freedom Rides and the Selma to Montgomery March all appear on it, among other important moments in the city’s history. It is a direct way to learn the struggles and the triumphs of the movement.

The Old Tavern Museum

Step back in time at The Old Tavern Museum, a historic building that was once a stagecoach stop and tavern. It dates back to the early 1800s and has been preserved carefully enough to show what life in Tuscaloosa looked like in the 19th century. A guided tour covers rooms restored to their original appearance, a tavern room, a parlor and a bedroom among them. Exhibits inside cover the history of Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area.

Prehistoric Native American culture, the Civil Rights Movement or the history of Tuscaloosa itself, those three spots will satisfy the curiosity. Grab your fedora and whip, or just your walking shoes, and get on with it.

Entertainment and Night Life

After some fun and excitement in Tuscaloosa once the sun goes down? The city’s entertainment and nightlife scene is the answer. These are the spots to check out:

Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is where to catch a concert or live event under the stars. With a capacity of 7,470, this outdoor venue has hosted big-name acts including The Lumineers, Chris Stapleton and John Legend. Grab your friends, pack a picnic and get on with it.

Bama Theatre

For something more cultural, head over to the historic Bama Theatre. This restored theater is home to the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and programs plays, musicals, film screenings and comedy shows across the year. Put on a good outfit and let the evening happen.

Live Music Venues

Tuscaloosa also carries a strong set of live music venues for up-and-coming artists and local favorites. The Jupiter Bar is the cozy one with a serious craft beer list. The Green Bar hosts live music every night of the week. And Druid City Brewing Company runs good beer alongside live music and other events on weekends.

A big concert, a night at the theater or live music with friends, Tuscaloosa covers all three. Pace yourself, because missing something would be a shame.

Food, Drink, and Dining

On food, Tuscaloosa is well ahead of its size. BBQ joints, local restaurants and brunch spots between them cover every appetite.

BBQ Joints

BBQ fans are in luck, because Tuscaloosa carries some of the strongest BBQ joints in Alabama. The historic Waysider Restaurant is essential for authentic Southern BBQ, with ribs that fall off the bone and pulled pork worth the drive. Dreamland BBQ is the other one, serving ribs and sauce since 1958. And no trip to Tuscaloosa is complete without Rama Jama’s, right next to the Bryant-Denny Stadium, where the BBQ sandwiches are legendary and the burgers hold their own.

Unique Local Restaurants

For something a little more unusual, Tuscaloosa carries plenty of local restaurants. Chuck’s Fish is the seafood answer, with sushi as good as any in town and a seafood gumbo worth ordering. The Avenue Pub is known for its craft beer selection and its pub fare. And for anyone feeling adventurous, The Side by Side does Korean fusion cuisine, where the kimchi fried rice changes the game.

Brunch Spots

Brunch is a serious business in Tuscaloosa and the options are plentiful. For a classic Southern brunch, The Waysider Restaurant is the address, and the biscuits and gravy are the reason. Another Broken Egg Cafe carries a longer menu across the board. And for something a little different, Bacon Burger cooks the bacon straight into the patty, which is worth trying at least once.

BBQ, seafood or brunch, Tuscaloosa handles all three. Come hungry.

The city keeps two records at once. Bryant-Denny holds over 100,000 people on a Saturday, and the museum beside it catalogs every one of the 17 national championships that filled it. A short walk away, 18 markers along the Civil Rights trail set out the desegregation of that same university. Neither account cancels the other. The town does not pretend otherwise, and both sit on the map you collect at the visitor center.

Fun and Games

After some fun and games in Tuscaloosa? You are in luck. This city carries plenty to keep you entertained. These are the options for escape rooms, tailgate parties and birthday party venues.

Escape Rooms

Escape rooms test your problem-solving skills and give a group something to argue about. Tuscaloosa carries a few good ones, including Escape Tuscaloosa and Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game. The themes and challenges vary enough that every group finds a fit.

Tailgate Parties

In Tuscaloosa during football season, a tailgate party is not optional. The atmosphere is electric and the food and drinks never stop. The strongest tailgate spots include The Quad, The Strip and The Walk of Champions. Come prepared with your crimson and white gear.

Birthday Party Venues

After a unique and fun venue for a birthday party? Tuscaloosa has options. For the little ones, Chuck E. Cheese’s or the Children’s Hands-On Museum will do it. For the adults, rent a private room at the Druid City Brewing Company or the Black Warrior Brewing Company and let the beer handle the rest.

Challenging your mind, partying through football season or celebrating a special occasion, Tuscaloosa carries the fun and games for it.

Shopping and Markets

After some unusual shopping in Tuscaloosa? You are in luck. The city carries shopping centers and markets covering everything from antiques to fresh produce. Here are two of the places to shop in Tuscaloosa:

Downtown Tuscaloosa

Downtown Tuscaloosa belongs on any list for a unique shopping experience. The downtown area holds specialty shops, boutiques and galleries carrying clothing and accessories through to home decor and gifts.

For something genuinely one-of-a-kind, catch the Tuscaloosa Art Walk on the first Thursday of every month. During the Art Walk, downtown Tuscaloosa fills with live music, street performers and local artists showing their work.

Tuscaloosa River Market

Anyone who came to eat, or who simply likes fresh produce, should head to the Tuscaloosa River Market. It sits on the banks of the Black Warrior River and carries locally grown fruits and vegetables alongside artisanal bread, cheese and other specialty foods.

Beyond the food, the Tuscaloosa River Market runs events across the year, cooking demonstrations, live music and even a farmers market yoga class among them.

Unique gifts, fresh produce or simply a good shopping afternoon, downtown Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa River Market cover it. Neither will disappoint.

Where to Stay

A day of exploring Tuscaloosa earns a decent bed at the end of it. There are plenty of options for every budget and preference. These are the places to stay in Tuscaloosa:

Hotels

For a traditional hotel experience, Tuscaloosa has plenty of options. Budget-friendly chains through to luxury accommodations, the range is wide. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, and offers stylish rooms and suites with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, the rooftop bar is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa Downtown: This all-suites hotel is located near the University of Alabama campus, and offers spacious accommodations with separate living areas and kitchenettes. Plus, the complimentary breakfast and evening reception are a nice bonus.

• Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa-University: This budget-friendly hotel is located near the University of Alabama, and offers comfortable rooms and suites with all the essentials. Plus, the complimentary breakfast and 24-hour fitness center are a nice touch.

Bed and Breakfasts

For something more unique and personalized, consider a bed and breakfast in Tuscaloosa. These charming properties run cozy accommodations with friendly hosts who know the town well. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Bama Bed and Breakfast: This historic home is located near the University of Alabama, and offers comfortable rooms and suites with antique furnishings and modern amenities. Plus, the homemade breakfast is a highlight.

• The Battle House Bed and Breakfast: This charming property is located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, and offers cozy rooms and suites with all the comforts of home. Plus, the wraparound porch is the perfect place to relax and people-watch.

• The Jack Warner at NorthRiver: This luxurious bed and breakfast is located on a golf course just outside of Tuscaloosa, and offers spacious rooms and suites with stunning views. Plus, the on-site restaurant and spa are a nice bonus.

Wherever you choose to stay in Tuscaloosa, the city does the rest of the work.

Unique Tuscaloosa

After something away from the usual list in Tuscaloosa? These unique attractions will make the trip stick.

Mercedes-Benz US International Visitor Center

Car enthusiasts should not miss the Mercedes-Benz US International Visitor Center. This state-of-the-art facility carries exhibits on the history of Mercedes-Benz alongside interactive displays covering the latest automotive engineering. A guided tour of the nearby Mercedes-Benz plant shows you how the luxury vehicles are actually built.

Kentuck Art Center

For a taste of the Tuscaloosa arts scene, head to the Kentuck Art Center. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting the work of local artists and runs exhibitions, workshops and events across the year. The annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts is the one that draws thousands of visitors from across the country.

Unique Landmarks

Tuscaloosa carries a number of unique landmarks worth the walk. Take a stroll through the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, a scenic park with walking trails, picnic tables and the Black Warrior River open alongside. Or pay your respects to legendary football player Ken Stabler at his memorial statue outside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

For something a little more unusual again, find the Five Points intersection in downtown Tuscaloosa. This quirky landmark has five streets converging at a single point, and the traffic pattern it creates takes a moment to work out.

Whatever your interests, Tuscaloosa holds a corner you have not seen before. Take the trip to West Alabama and find out for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the weirdest thing to do in Tuscaloosa?

For something a bit out of the ordinary, the Moundville Archaeological Park is the answer. It holds a huge collection of Native American artifacts along with earthen mounds that are hard to take in at first. It is not your average tourist attraction, and it earns the visit for anyone into history and archaeology.

Where’s the best place to grab a bite in Tuscaloosa?

There are plenty of good places to eat in Tuscaloosa, and for something unique the Avenue Pub is the pick. The beer selection runs long and the burgers are seriously good. The atmosphere stays chill and laid-back, which makes it a strong spot to hang out with friends.

What are some fun indoor activities in Tuscaloosa?

For something to do indoors, the Alabama Museum of Natural History is the answer. It holds a huge collection of fossils, rocks and minerals along with exhibits on Alabama’s natural history. It is also air-conditioned, which matters on a hot summer day.

What’s the length of the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk?

The Tuscaloosa Riverwalk is a good spot for a stroll and it runs about 4.5 miles. It follows the Black Warrior River with the water and the surrounding landscape open beside it. It is easy exercise and it costs nothing.

Why should I visit Tuscaloosa?

For a start, Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama, which means something is always happening. A football game, a concert or a festival, the calendar rarely goes quiet. The city also carries a long history and plenty of unique attractions, which makes it a good place to explore and learn something new.

What’s Tuscaloosa’s claim to fame?

Tuscaloosa is known above all as the home of the University of Alabama and the Crimson Tide football team. It also carries a deep history, having played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement. And the natural attractions hold up, the Black Warrior River and Lake Tuscaloosa among them. Sports, history or nature, Tuscaloosa has a version for you.

Frequently asked questions about Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Which Tuscaloosa museum is worth the time?

Three, and they are nothing alike. The Bryant Museum covers Bama football and its legendary coach, which is the one sports fans travel for, and it is genuinely thorough about it. Moundville Archaeological Park holds 26 earthen mounds plus a museum of the pottery, tools and jewelry recovered from the site itself. The natural history museum is the air-conditioned option instead of those. Pick the mounds if you have only one afternoon to spend in the city.

How long is the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk trail?

Roughly 4.5 miles of it. The Riverwalk runs the length of the Black Warrior River as a paved trail, which makes it equally usable on foot or on a bicycle. Benches sit at intervals along the whole length of the route itself. Playgrounds break the walk up for anyone who is traveling with children in tow. It is the easiest exercise anywhere in the city and it costs you nothing at all.

Which brewery in Tuscaloosa hosts live music?

Druid City, mainly. Druid City Brewing Company puts on live music and other events on weekends alongside a beer list that holds up perfectly well on its own. Black Warrior Brewing Company is the other one, and both of them rent private rooms out for birthdays. The Green Bar runs live music every single night of the week instead. The Jupiter Bar is the cozy alternative, with a serious craft beer selection behind the bar.

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