Best Things to Do in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Football fan or not, anyone can enjoy the spectacle of a home game. The football program always looms over the city, but on home game Saturdays in the fall, football floods every corner of Tuscaloosa. The city essentially shuts down as Crimson Tide fans, and a fair share of opponents’ fans, descend upon the University of Alabama. The stadium holds over 100,000 people, but many more thousands remain outside soaking up the game-day buzz, some good burgers and barbecue and an abundance of alcohol. Tailgates are omnipresent across campus and the surrounding neighborhoods. They range from the college kids playing drinking games to grand setups with multiple TVs and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Take a walk across the Quad by Denny Chimes on campus to see the best of the best that tailgating has to offer.

Located in quaint Historic Downtown Northport, this artistic haven believes art should be accessible for everyone. It consists of studios where artists of multiple disciplines demonstrate and sell their crafts. The center has various exhibits that allow visitors to see the studios and artists up close as well as constant events and programming. Scott McQueen’s folk art is a highlight of this experience.

Take in the vistas of the Black Warrior River, which was the lifeblood of Tuscaloosa’s past. The River Walk is about 4.5 miles and accommodates cyclists, walkers, joggers and pets. Make sure to stop by the Park at Manderson Landing and check out the city’s bicentennial sculpture and time capsule. It has a set of stepping stones that match the flow of the Black Warrior River and tell the rich history of the city.

Nature lovers rejoice! This tranquil park just north of the city possesses a 23-mile-long trail system with every variation of hiking difficulty. If you want something more relaxing than a hike, there are plenty of activities at the 250-acre Lake Lurleen to choose from. Rent a boat or fish off of the piers in the lake waters stocked with bass, brim and catfish. Campsites are available, too.

Before there was Nick Saban, there was Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was known not just as the greatest Alabama football coach, but as the greatest coach in the sport’s history until Saban arrived on the college football scene. This museum is filled with exhibits and photo galleries celebrating the highlights of his career and mapping the trajectory of the program during his tenure.

Harking back to Tuscaloosa’s Native American roots, this heritage site displays the remains of what was the largest city north of Mexico 800 years ago. It has 29 elevated flattened mounds (thus the name “Moundville”) that were used for civic purposes as well as for homes of nobles. The park staff calls them the “Big Apple of the 14th Century.” An onsite museum houses artifacts unearthed from the area.

Tuscaloosa has a bounty of barbecue options, but this one has risen to almost legendary status. Once a local secret, college football media and fans spread the word of its excellence. The fame hasn’t gotten to this joint’s head: it still has its down-home feel. 

The original Chuck’s opened in 2009 in Tuscaloosa as a smash success. It now has six locations, all offering the restaurant’s delicious sushi, fantastic wine and fish straight from the Gulf of Mexico. If you plan on eating at the downtown location, make a reservation ahead of time. It’s one of the hardest tables to get in the city.

In the South, many of the best things are a drive away. Nick’s is one of those things. More commonly known by its nickname “Nick’s in the Sticks,” this old-fashioned steakhouse is far from the bustle of downtown, or, as we say in Alabama, “in the sticks.” However, if you make the trek out here, you will be rewarded with succulent bacon-wrapped filets, baked potatoes, catfish and giant onion rings. If imbibing, try their house specialty, the Nicodemus, which is always served in a styrofoam cup. Its exact ingredients remain a mystery, but we do know that it comes with a bit more of Bacardi than their other drinks.

In Historic Downtown Northport and in operation since 1931, this is a local favorite for breakfast or lunch. The breakfast menu has about any type of biscuit you could imagine, and the lunch menu varies daily, with choices of meats and vegetables. This little cafe opens at 4 a.m.; perfect for early risers.

Close to campus and with an affordable menu, this is a popular destination among students. They love its wide beer selection and award-winning wings, as do many of the non-collegiate locals. On sunny days take advantage of their patio, which faces the “strip” of downtown and is great for people-watching.

When I say college football, you say…Italian food? Yes, I know, you may not expect a Southern, college-football-obsessed city to excel in classic Italian food, but this establishment in the western part of downton does exactly that. Plan your trip here carefully: DePalma’s does not take reservations and operates on a first come, first serve basis. When you do get a table, ask about their lasagna of the day.

This craft brewery takes its name from the river that birthed the community, and its beers are delicious. Come in and grab a flight of their homemade beers while you enjoy one of their old-school board games like Chutes and Ladders or Connect 4.

This is the ultimate college bar experience. Named for the pattern Bear Bryant made famous, patrons come to this sports bar to play darts, shoot pool or watch a game on one of their many TVs. It will bring back memories of your youthful college days, no matter how long ago they were. If you are brave enough to try this spot on game day, expect cover charges and a packed crowd.

This is a relatively new bar to the Tuscaloosa scene, but it is replacing — and using the same building as — a longstanding, popular counterculture bar named Egan’s. The new owners have embraced the traditions of the building’s previous life, creating a space for students, artists and locals to come together for affordable drinks.

The first thing that catches your attention when you walk into the establishment is the fine chalk artwork behind the bar which is ever changing on its subject matter. It is a staple of Tuscaloosa’s first craft brewery. Here, colorful regulars and video game tournaments using outdated gaming systems (think Nintendo 64 and regular Nintendo) accompany the tasty drinks. If you are wondering about the name, it comes from one of Tuscaloosa’s nicknames. It got the moniker Druid City from the water oak trees that lined the banks of the Black Warrior River. Apparently, the Druids worshiped these types of trees. Seems like a stretch for a nickname, but it does sound cool.

This is a tiny bar that packs a big punch. It’s known for strong drinks and as the locals’ favorite for live music, local artists and comedy. It has a speakeasy vibe. There is no large sign outside promoting its location just off the main strip. Alcove is within the Tuscaloosa Entertainment District, so you can always take your beer to go and find adventure.

This modern hotel is perfectly located on the waterfront of the Black Warrior River and is within walking distance of downtown. Enjoy the views of the river from the rooftop bar or borrow a bike from the hotel to ride along the River Walk. The Kentuck Art Center operates an extension gallery here.

This very traditional bed and breakfast features five uniquely themed rooms filled with Alabama memorabilia. It is close enough to campus and downtown to be convenient, yet far enough away to enjoy the tranquility of the property. The room themes vary from classic Southern traditional looks to football fanatic stylings. Breakfast and dinner are served at a formal dining table setting.

Located on the actual campus of the University of Alabama and next to the Paul W. Bryant Museum, this hotel gets you as close to the middle of the game-day action as possible. It also gives guests easy access to the university campus itself. The room choices vary in size from standard rooms for convenience to full-out suites with living rooms.