Tuscaloosa is a city in West Alabama that is rich in history, art, and tradition. When visiting, you will find a plethora of outdoor opportunities, walkable downtown, restaurants for every palate, historic offerings, and the esteemed University of Alabama. Here are 9 fun things to do in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, lovingly referred to as T-Town.
1. Shop Downtown Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa has an adorable downtown area full of local restaurants, boutique stores, breweries, and government buildings.
Some stores to stop in are The Shirt Shop (men’s clothing), Pants Store (a little bit of everything), Lou and Company (home decor and gifts), Pause (women’s clothing), Cravings (specialty food and drinks), and The Supe Store (all things University of Alabama related).
2. Get Outdoors At The Riverwalk
Tuscaloosa is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. One great place to get outside is the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. This 4.2 mile paved trail runs along the Black Warrior River, and has plenty of benches, gazebos, and hammock friendly trees along the way.
Pro Tip: The Riverwalk has a playground and splash pad for kids.
3. Tour The University Of Alabama Campus
The University of Alabama is synonymous with Tuscaloosa, so you should definitely tour the college campus while in town.
Walk along University Boulevard to see landmarks like The Walk of Fame, Denny Chimes (115-foot tall campanile tower), the Quad (22-acre greenspace), and massive sorority and fraternity houses. Campus is also home to three museums: Gorgas House, Paul W Bryant Museum, and the Alabama Natural History Museum. You’re guaranteed to see beautiful architecture as you explore the oldest public university in the state.
4. Attend A Crimson Tide Football Game
Take your University of Alabama experience one step further by attending one of their football games.
The Crimson Tide is an SEC powerhouse team, and game days at Bryant-Denny Stadium are unlike anywhere else in college football. Make the most of your time at an Alabama game with our Alabama football gameday guide.
5. Have Brunch
Tuscaloosa is full of local restaurants, and one meal many showcase is brunch. Whether you’re visiting T-Town for a football game, parents weekend, or as a weekend road trip spot, take advantage of this yummy offering.
FIVE Bar hosts a weekend jazz brunch, featuring a Bloody Mary bar and $3 mimosas. Choose from chicken and waffles, breakfast cheeseburger (pictured), crab cake Benedict, shrimp ‘n’ grits, or the FIVE burrito.
6. Visit The Children’s Hands-On Museum
If you’re coming to town with children, a visit to the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa is a must. The museum inspires learning and growth through the power of play, and is full of exciting interactive exhibits.
Some of the fun things you can do here are learn about river transportation from the wheelhouse of a towboat, shop at a farmer’s market, explore a traditional Japanese home, and travel back in time dressing in clothing from the 1800’s.
Note: This is my daughter’s favorite on our list of fun things to do in Tuscaloosa!
7. Play At Randall Family Park
Another fun thing to do with kids in Tuscaloosa is go to the Randall Family Park and Trailhead. This beautiful spot includes a very nice playground, recreational path, clean bathrooms, pavilion with several seating arrangement, and trailhead. There’s plenty of space for kids to just run around, too.
Pro Tip: The park is dog friendly.
8. See The Moundville Archaeological Park
Learn about the past and stand amid an ancient mystery at the Moundville Archaeological Park. Here, 21st century technology, scholarly research, and Native American craftsmanship bring to life the complex society that once dominated the South.
Through the park’s 29 platform mounds and archaeological museum, you can explore one of the nation’s premier Native American heritage sites.
9. See A Concert At The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater sits beautifully on the banks of the Black Warrior River. It is the largest outdoor theater in West Alabama, and a premier location for arts and entertainment.
Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, The Black Crowes, Whiskey Myers, The Avett Brothers, Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, and HER have all performed at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, just to name a few.
Need A Hotel Recommendation?
The Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown is in a perfect spot to explore all that Tuscaloosa has to offer. It’s minutes away from the city’s major attractions, and within walking distance of Downtown Tuscaloosa’s shopping and restaurants. Hotel amenities include daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor heated pool, and fitness center.
Pro Tip: There are electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot.
After checking out these fun things to do in Tuscaloosa, here are some more Alabama activity suggestions: