Show Alabama On The Map
If you’re looking for a destination that has a little bit of everything, Alabama might just be the state for you. From vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes, there’s plenty to see and do here. In this travel guide, we’ll cover some of the top attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips to help you make the most of your trip to Alabama.
Top Attractions
There are plenty of must-see attractions in Alabama, but here are a few that should definitely be on your list:
- The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile
- The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- The Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville
- The Gulf Shores beaches
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, Alabama has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Here are a few to check out:
- The Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman
- The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro
- The Little River Canyon National Preserve
- The Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham
Food Scene
Alabama is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to try out. Some must-try dishes include:
- Fried chicken
- BBQ ribs
- Fried catfish
- Pecan pie
Some popular restaurants to check out include:
- The Bright Star in Bessemer
- The Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores
- Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa
- Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to Alabama doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few budget-friendly tips to help you save some money:
- Visit state parks and natural areas for free or low-cost outdoor activities
- Look for free or low-cost events happening in the area
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or campgrounds
- Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants and bars
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Alabama has plenty to offer. Some outdoor adventures to consider include:
- Hiking in the Bankhead National Forest
- Canoeing or kayaking on the Cahaba River
- Fishing in Lake Guntersville
- Zip-lining at Red Mountain Park
Historical Landmarks
Alabama played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, and there are plenty of historical landmarks to explore. Some to consider include:
- The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma
- The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham
- The Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery
- The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained. Some ideas include:
- Visiting the McWane Science Center in Birmingham
- Exploring the Montgomery Zoo
- Riding the Ferris wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach
- Learning about sea turtles at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider these off-the-beaten-path experiences:
- Taking a hot air balloon ride in Huntsville
- Visiting the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro
- Exploring the abandoned town of Cahaba
- Taking a ghost tour in Mobile
Natural Wonders
Alabama is home to some stunning natural wonders that are worth exploring. Some to consider include:
- The Little River Canyon National Preserve
- The Gulf Shores beaches
- The Bankhead National Forest
- The Dismals Canyon
Vibrant Nightlife
Alabama might not be the first place you think of for a night out, but there are plenty of bars and clubs to check out. Some popular nightlife spots include:
- The Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar in Perdido Key
- The Blue Monkey Lounge in Birmingham
- The Paper Moon in Huntsville
- The Haberdasher in Mobile
Local Markets
If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs or local goods, Alabama has plenty of markets to explore. Some to check out include:
- The Pepper Place Market in Birmingham
- The Mobile Mardi Gras Market
- The Downtown Gadsden Farmers Market
- The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival
Beaches and Mountains
Alabama might not be the first place you think of for beaches and mountains, but it has both. Some to check out include:
- The Gulf Shores beaches
- The Cheaha Mountain State Park
- The Lookout Mountain Parkway
- The Lake Guntersville State Park
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in learning about Alabama’s culture and history, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Some ideas include:
- Visiting the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Exploring the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery
- Taking a guided tour of the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
- Visiting the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham
Art and Music Scene
Alabama has a rich history of music and art, and there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore. Some to consider include:
- The Birmingham Museum of Art
- The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
- The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
- The Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Walking Tours
If you’re interested in exploring Alabama’s cities on foot, there are plenty of walking tours to consider. Some to check out include:
- The Birmingham Civil Rights District Walking Tour
- The Huntsville Ghost Walk
- The Mobile Walking Tour
- The Montgomery Walking Tour
Architectural Marvels
Alabama is home to some stunning architecture, both old and new. Some to check out include:
- The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House in Florence
- The Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham
- The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery
- The Auburn University Chapel
Historical Sites
Alabama has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. Some to check out include:
- The Fort Morgan State Historic Site
- The Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
- The Old Cahawba Archaeological Site
- The Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile
Biking Routes
If you’re an avid cyclist, Alabama has plenty of scenic biking routes to explore. Some to consider include:
- The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf Shores
- The Chief Ladiga Trail
- The Alabama Scenic River Trail
- The Black Warrior River Bikeway
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation, there are plenty of wellness retreats in Alabama. Some to consider include:
- The Yoga Barn in Montgomery
- The Mountain Yoga Retreat in Mentone
- The Wellness Center at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga
- The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa in Point Clear