Planning a group getaway is easier when the destination offers variety, walkability, and a strong sense of place. In Auburn-Opelika, groups can spend a weekend enjoying small-town charm, memorable meals, and the kind of local experiences that make a trip feel personal. For reunion groups, organized tours, and weekend travelers, here is a two-day itinerary that makes the most of a Friday-through-Sunday visit.

Friday Morning in Opelika

AO Experience

Stop by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce to experience the AO Experience exhibit, a great introduction to the stories, people, and places that make Auburn-Opelika special.

Auburn-Opelika Experience

Explore Downtown Opelika

From there, take time to explore historic downtown Opelika. The district is lined with local boutiques, inviting storefronts, and beautifully preserved architecture that gives the area its distinct character.

downtown

Spend the Afternoon in Waverly

After a relaxed morning, make the short drive to Waverly, where the slower rhythm and creative spirit offer a different kind of charm. Browse the local shops, then settle in for lunch at The Waverly Local, a favorite for groups looking for a meal that feels both thoughtful and rooted in place.

Dinner in Opelika

After some downtime at the hotel, Friday evening can unfold in several directions. Dinner at Zazu or Dough offers a lively start to the night.

Zazu Gastropub

Make your way to downtown Opelika for brunch at Zazu Gastropub on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Set across five levels of historic architecture, this striking space with wide-plank flooring and gas lanterns sets the scene. The brunch menu brings savory choices like steak & eggs or a breakfast enchilada, and a brioche French toast with berry compote for sweet lovers. Don't forget about the iconic pimento cheese burger!

zazu

Dough Pizzeria

Dough Pizzeria creates authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas in Historic Downtown Opelkia. Their laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to relive your run weekend with friends over a great pizza made with fresh ingredients.

Dough Pizza Oven

An Evening in Opelika

Spots like John Emerald Distilling Company, Sante, and The Green Room are ideal for drinks and conversation. For groups that enjoy live music and craft beer, Resting Pulse and Whistle Stop are great options. Rock ’N Roll Pinball adds a fun twist for groups looking for something playful and unexpected.

Saturday Morning Breakfast

Saturday belongs to Auburn. Begin with breakfast at Byron’s Smokehouse, a longtime local favorite, or Stacks Kitchen, before heading toward Auburn University’s campus.

Bryon's Smokehouse

Follow the smell of slow-smoked barbecue to Byron’s Smokehouse, a longtime local favorite known for its Southern comfort food and welcoming atmosphere. For both breakfast and lunch, it’s a delicious stop to add to your summer plans.

Byron's

Staks Pancake Kitchen

Staks Auburn, located in downtown, brings creative breakfast and brunch to the table with full-menu service all day from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You’ll find signature pancake stacks (e.g., lemon-blueberry, cinnamon roll), sweet French toast, southern biscuits & gravy, and lighter options like vegan skillets and egg-white omelets. The airy, bright space with locally-sourced ingredients gives it a modern yet homey brunch feel.

Staks

Morning Activities

Just steps from downtown, the campus offers a classic college-town backdrop for a morning walk. From there, groups can browse downtown Auburn’s shops and make the essential stop for Toomer’s Lemonade.

Spend the Afternoon Exploring

In the afternoon, Auburn offers plenty of ways to tailor the experience. Groups can catch a performance at the Gogue Performing Arts Center, explore the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art or check the local event calendar for seasonal happenings.

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Discover Auburn-Opelika Art Showcase

Discover the creativity that makes Auburn-Opelika unique by exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene. Auburn-Opelika Tourism holds a local gallery with rotating exhibits that highlight talented local artists and offer a fun way to experience the community's culture, creativity, and character.

Auburn-Opelika Art Showcase Office

Dinner Spots in Auburn

Dinner can be as casual or elevated as the group prefers, from Draft House to The Hound, Acre or 1856.

Saturday Night Wind Down

Afterward, wind down with cocktails at Session, the intimate atmosphere of Avondale, or rooftop views at The Graduate Hotel before heading home Sunday with a weekend full of food, culture, and local flavor.