With busy cities and calm country areas along with a bunch of things people can enjoy, Alabama has a multitude of enchanting experiences awaiting you.
Explore famous places to learn about Alabama's rich culture or rest on the clean Gulf Coast beaches, this city caters to everyone's preference. Grab a chance for adventure in the Appalachian sites or taste Southern cuisine in a warm, friendly atmosphere. No matter what, these things to do in Alabama promise a great experience.
The Civil Rights District is a must-visit for anyone interested in Civil Rights history. It's home to key sites like the Rosa Parks Museum, Freedom Riders Museum, and more. Visitors can spend several days exploring these attractions or take a unique package tour to see them all in a day.
A 3-day pass is available for those wanting to see all Montgomery has to offer, including the Alabama State Capitol and the Montgomery Zoo.
Hiking and camping in Talladega National Forest is a budget-friendly adventure that offers a variety of outdoor activities. From mountain biking to fishing in lakes and ponds, there's something for everyone. Campgrounds like Hunter Camps and private sites are available for camping enthusiasts.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the forest's natural beauty and enjoy outdoor adventures all year round, which makes visiting this place one of the best things to do in Alabama.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is a modern museum linked to the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. It showcases key sites of the Civil Rights Movement, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s jail cell door.
Additionally, the institute hosts traveling exhibitions and annual events like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month celebrations. The BCRI offers a valuable educational experience for visitors which makes it an inspirational attraction in Alabama.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a peaceful spot for a stroll. Visitors can wander along miles of paths through unique garden areas, soaking in the natural beauty and serenity. The gardens also boast a 2-mile walking/jogging trail that showcases the highlights of the botanical gardens, ideal for a scenic outing.
Seasonal walks, like spring, summer, autumn, and winter walks, offer opportunities to appreciate the evolving landscape year-round. It's a wonderful place to connect with nature and enjoy the surroundings.
Dolphin cruises are a hit in Dauphin Island, attracting many visitors. Options like sunset, lighthouse, shrimping, and regular dolphin tours are available. Guests get to soak in the island's natural beauty while spotting dolphins in their habitat.
Besides dolphin cruises, there's inshore fishing, bay fishing, and various water sports to enjoy. West End Beach is another popular spot with live music on weekends and a stunning sunset view to enjoy a dolphin cruise.
The zoo in Montgomery, one of the best places to visit provides an opportunity to explore a range of wildlife throughout the week. It hosts events like the Mann Museum Flashlight Tour, Family Fun Night Event, and Zoo Weekend with extra attractions.
Moreover, visitors can also enjoy animal encounters such as keeper talks and insightful experiences with different animals. The zoo also offers an educational and entertaining experience for individuals and families, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Exploring Little River Canyon in Alabama offers diverse outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty atop Lookout Mountain. Highlights include Little River Falls and activities like hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining at Little River Canyon National Preserve.
With over 26 miles of trails and scenic drives along Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, it's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Accessible from Atlanta, Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Huntsville, it's a convenient destination.
DeSoto Caverns Park in Childersburg offers a special and historic experience. Featuring Alabama's Big Cave, over ten stories high and larger than a football field, the park also includes attractions like live entertainment, craft artisan demonstrations, and a playground.
Open select days, visitors can enjoy guided tours, gemstone panning, and family-friendly activities. With camping facilities available, it's perfect for extended stays.
Visiting Neversink Pit in Fackler is a breathtaking experience and a must-visit place in Alabama. This 162-foot open-air pit is known for its rare flora and stunning waterfalls. Managed by the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, access to the bottom requires rappelling skills.
Moreover, it's a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. However, all visitors must follow guidelines to protect the environment, especially the bat population and endangered plants.
Taking a boat tour in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a must for nature lovers keen to explore diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. As one of the largest and most wildlife-rich deltas in the U.S., it offers a unique chance to discover hidden natural wonders.
Various guided tours, including wildlife eco-boat, swamp, and airboat tours, give a close-up view of the delta's ecosystem and wildlife. Visitors can spot rare species and learn about the area's history and significance from knowledgeable guides.
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, one of the cheap places to visit provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors. It showcases the USS Alabama, USS Drum, and the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion, all accessible through self-guided tours.
The park also features tanks, guns, airplanes, and war memorials like the Fallen Heroes 9/11 Memorial. With its rich historical significance and diverse attractions, the park offers a comprehensive look into military history.
Visiting Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham offers a unique educational experience. As a National Historic Landmark, it provides insight into the region's industrial history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved factories on self-guided tours or join special events and historic night tours led by knowledgeable guides.
Sloss Furnaces also hosts hands-on workshops and events, making it an engaging destination for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. Visiting this place is one of the fun things to do Alabama has to offer.
A visit to Huntsville Botanical Garden offers activities for all tastes and ages. Open year-round, its 118 acres contain diverse ecosystems.
Visitors can stroll nature trails, view native plant collections, play in the Wicks Family Garden, and enjoy the Purdy Butterfly House. With a 2-mile walking/jogging trail, it's perfect for scenic walks or jogs, and a great place to enjoy nature's beauty and more.
The Unclaimed Baggage Center is a unique store that sells items from unclaimed luggage. Bags from around the country arrive after a three-month search for their owners. The store unpacks and sorts the items, including clothing, electronics, and jewelry.
Visitors can find a wide variety of items, including unique finds like suits of armor and rare musical instruments. With over a million visitors annually, the store offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience full of lost treasures.
Exploring Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur offers diverse nature activities. Established in 1938, it's a winter haven for waterfowl, including endangered whooping cranes. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and outdoor recreation with trails and an interpretive center.
Managed for wildlife protection, it's a peaceful spot for families and friends to connect with nature. With five nature trails, it's an ideal destination to experience and explore Alabama's natural beauty.
Situated on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey, this four-acre park hosts 125 miniature replicas of historic buildings and shrines, known as "Jerusalem in Miniature," created by Benedictine monk Brother Joseph Zoettl.
Visitors can admire replicas of famous structures like Montserrat and St. Peter's Basilica. The place also hosts special events which makes it a delightful and enriching experience, offering insight into Brother Joseph Zoettl's dedication and artistry.
Alabama's state parks offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Top spots include Conecuh National Forest, Moundville Archeological Park, Monte Sano State Park's Von Braun Observatory, Oak Mountain State Park, Cheaha Mountain, Gulf State Park, Wind Creek State Park, and Bluff Park.
Visitors can join guided tours or explore on their own, enjoying the beauty of the night sky. Dark sky parks like Cheaha State Park offer ideal conditions for stargazing.
The Sipsey Wilderness in Bankhead National Forest offers a range of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and canoeing amidst scenic waterfalls, cliffs, gorges, trees, wildflowers, and wildlife.
The Sipsey Fork River is perfect for float trips and canoeing. Recreational areas with camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and swimming facilities cater to nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville offers a unique underground adventure with one of the largest show caves in the U.S. Visitors can explore 1.3 miles of cave passages, marveling at its massive opening and various geological formations.
The park also features scenic hiking trails, perfect for experiencing the area's natural beauty. Cathedral Caverns is a must-visit and its proximity to other north Alabama attractions makes it a convenient stop for regional exploration.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail offers visually stunning golf courses, crafted from the state's natural landscapes. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the courses aim to challenge top golfers while providing enjoyment for all skill levels. The trail provides excellent conditions and beautiful settings, offering great value.
It's an incredible golfing experience for everyone and a dream destination for golfers worldwide. If you're planning a golf trip, this golf trail is a must-visit.
