Top 10 Resort Towns In Alabama, USA - Updated 2024

Kriselle
Kriselle  
Updated
| 5 min read

Alabama is one of the southern states in the US that is known for its great outdoors, rich history, and warm hospitality. Tourists go here to explore the natural wonders, including the beaches along the Gulf or Mexico, Mount Cheaha, Talladega National Forest, and Dismals Canyon. Adrenaline-rushing adventures await when people visit the state parks that have everything from towering waterfalls to caverns. There’s also no shortage of historical sites here. So, if you want to learn about the state’s colorful past, visit Bragg-Mitchell Mansion and Richards-DAR House Museum. Your vacation is going to be filled with fun. But what makes it worthwhile is the friendliness of the locals. Planning a trip anytime soon? Here’s our pick of the top resort towns in Alabama, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.

1. Mobile (from USD 140)

Mobile, AL
Source: Photo by Flickr user James Willamor used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Mobile is a city on the Gulf Coast that offers visitors a variety of ways to learn and love its rich culture. Families will surely have a lot of fun indulging in different activities at the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Cooper Riverside Park, and Chickasabogue Park. If you are visiting in February and March, you must attend the annual Mardi Gras festival to watch the bright and colorful floats in the parades.

Located on the historic Mobile Bay, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is where you will find the USS Drum, the oldest submarine, boats, and tanks on display. While you are here, try different aquatic activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing, or join a guided cruise.

Stayed at this property?

Holiday Inn Mobile-Dwtn/Hist. District, an IHG Hotel

Address: 301 Government St, Mobile, AL, USA, 36602
249.86 km (155.3 mi) from Riverfront Park

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The Admiral

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 251 Government Street
249.76 km (155.2 mi) from Riverfront Park

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was super comfortable but the air was loud
Cleanliness:
its an old hotel but so clean beds were so soft
Host:
absolutely wonderful the staff were very friendly
friendly staff needs covered walkway from parking
no more restaurant only thing every else amazing great staff and clean we stay there all the time in mobile
Read more reviews
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Mobile, Alabama, United States
249.51 km (155.1 mi) from Riverfront Park
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
Apartment 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this studio apt was nicer than the photos depicted
the king bed is very comfortable
the king bed was heavenly and was almost impossible to leave to get back on the highway
Cleanliness:
everything was clean the neighborhood was quiet
this property was clean and well appointed
the room was very clean and decorated beautifully
very clean and decorated very nicely the smooth jazz playing as we entered was a nice touch also
really enjoyed our stay here clean convenient and comfy
Host:
owner was extremely friendly and gracious would love to visit again
it is in a great location and the owner was very friendly
Location:
excellent place and great location
cute place with lovely grounds
enjoyed staying downtown and being able to walk to get food and coffee
the garden is a whimsical treat and you are within walking distance from shops restaurants bars etc
Read more reviews
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2. Gulf Shores (from USD 631)

Gulf Shores Alabama Sunset
Source: Photo by Flickr user John Tuggle used under CC BY 2.0

It takes about an hour’s drive from Mobile Bay to get to Gulf Shores. This breathtaking city is situated along the Gulf of Mexico, making it a favorite destination for beach-goers. It is also a great place for fishing, dolphin-watching, and other water activities.

Besides the public beaches, Gulf Shores also has amusement parks and museums that kids and adults will like. These include Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Jurassic Golf, and Coastal Segway Adventures. Interested in seeing the city from above? Try scenic helicopter tours!

Stayed at this property?

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 21196 East Beach Blvd
269.66 km (167.6 mi) from Riverfront Park

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace


Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park

Address: 536 East Beach Blvd
270.11 km (167.9 mi) from Riverfront Park

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
hotel was very clean
good beds very clean
Host:
the staff was very helpful and polite
friendly staff and very comfortable beds
Location:
close enough to everything we needed included a easy walk to the beach
very easy access to walk across
Read more reviews
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Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States
273.1 km (169.7 mi) from Riverfront Park
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 12 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
they house had plenty of space and beds to be very comfortable
they house had plenty of space and beds to be very comfortable
Location:
loved the location on the beach
loved the location on the beach
very close to the beach love it
great location and right on the beach
Read more reviews
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3. Birmingham (from USD 90)

Birmingham, Alabama Skyline
Source: Photo by Flickr user James Willamor used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Birmingham is the place to be if you love hiking and trekking. The Oak Mountain State Park, Moss Rock Preserve, and Rotary Trail are some of the most scenic trails for serious and casual hikers. These places also have kid-friendly trails and areas where they can play. But if you are looking for activities tailored for them, visit the McWane Science Center, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the Birmingham Zoo.

Interested in history, arts, and sports? Don’t miss the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum, and Birmingham Museum of Art.

Stayed at this property?

Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 250 18th Street South
133.41 km (82.9 mi) from Riverfront Park

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the hotel is nice clean and well kept up
Host:
the staff was very efficient and helpful
staff is very helpful and nice
seems very family-friendly here and the pool was lovely
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Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott

Address: 1928 1st Ave N
134.0 km (83.3 mi) from Riverfront Park

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Birmingham, Alabama, United States
133.22 km (82.8 mi) from Riverfront Park
Apartment 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the unit was extremely clean and stocked with everything you need to have a good stay
i loved the property it was nicely decorated extremely clean and conveniently located
her place was just like the pictures spacious and clean
Host:
kristen was so nice and accommodating
Location:
nice place close to uab medical campus
Read more reviews
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4. Huntsville (from USD 200)

U.S Space and Rocket Center
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bryce Edwards used under CC BY 2.0

Also known as Rocket City, Huntsville has the biggest space museum in the globe — the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Here, you can enjoy a close-up view of an enormous full-stack space shuttle and the Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever flown. To further satisfy your curious mind, visit Von Braun Astronomical Society Planetarium in Monte Sano State Park. While you are there, go for a hike or cycle around the park, which covers around 2,140 ac (866.02 ha) of natural beauty.

Besides space rockets and nature, the city also has a fascination with arts and music, evidenced by the number of art museums, theater performances, and live entertainment happening everywhere. The Huntsville Museum of Art, Broadway Theatre League, and Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment are some of the places that must be on your itinerary.

Stayed at this property?

Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville Downtown, Al

Wifi Available

Address: 313 Clinton Avenue W
262.14 km (162.9 mi) from Riverfront Park

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre


106 Jefferson Huntsville, Curio Collection by Hilton

Address: 106 Jefferson Street
262.43 km (163.1 mi) from Riverfront Park

Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Business centre Laundry Dry cleaning

Huntsville, Alabama, United States
263.77 km (163.9 mi) from Riverfront Park
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
excellent kitchen and nice sized bedrooms and baths -- all updated
Cleanliness:
very clean with plenty of room would definitely stay again
Host:
i contacted the owner and he responded quickly and contacted the power company to resolve
owner very responsive to needs
communication with the property manager was pleasant helpful and they were very responsive to our questions
Location:
the location is perfect everywhere we went was within 2-10 minutes and easy to get to
this place is beautiful couldn’t of found a better place to stay for a work trip
Read more reviews
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5. Montgomery (from USD 98)

Montgomery, AL
Source: Photo by Flickr user James Willamor used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Besides being the capital city of Alabama, Montgomery is also known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. This is why most visitors go to the Civil Rights Memorial Center, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Freedom Rides Museum, and other landmarks important to the movement.

If you are outdoorsy, going for a picnic or a scenic tour around Riverfront Park and Blount Cultural Park with your family or friends is a great idea. For creatives, musicians, and those who enjoy museums, you are sure to love the collection of paintings and sculptures at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the artifacts at Hank Williams Museum.

Stayed at this property?

Embassy Suites Montgomery - Hotel & Conference Center

Address: 300 Tallapoosa Street
352 meters (0.3 ft) from Riverfront Park

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

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Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown

4.15 User Rating

Address: 100 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL, USA, 36104
447 meters (0.3 ft) from Riverfront Park

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Montgomery, Alabama, United States
525 meters (0.4 ft) from Riverfront Park
Apartment 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the unit was clean and in great condition
clean clean clean walking distance to everything downtown
unit was exactly like the photo bright spacious and clean
Location:
building is secure and quiet
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6. Florence (from USD 78)

W. C. Handy's Birthplace
Source: Photo by Flickr user David Brossard used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Florence is a small town situated in Alabama’s northwestern corner. Despite that, it offers all kinds of activities and destinations for all tastes, including charming historic sites, scenic camping sites, hiking trails, family-friendly events, and world-class cuisine.

If you are into jazz, classical and pop music, you’ll be glad to visit W.C. Handy Home and Museum and Vinyl Junkie Record Lounge. Interested in arts and culture? Go to Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts and the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House. The McFarland Park Campground, Wildwood Park, and Shoal Creek Preserve are perfect spots for nature lovers and adventurers.

Stayed at this property?

Hampton Inn & Suites Florence-Downtown

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 505 S Court St
296.47 km (184.3 mi) from Riverfront Park

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the room was very clean and quiet
our room was very clean and quiet
very clean and easy and great breakfast
Host:
staff was very friendly and helpful
staff was very helpful and friendly
staff was professional and friendly property was clean and location was perfect for our stay
this was a clean hotel with a well designed layout a good staff and in a good place
Location:
overall very happy with our four night stay and would use this location again
Read more reviews
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The Stricklin Hotel

Address: 317 N Court St
297.25 km (184.8 mi) from Riverfront Park

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it is very clean and well appointed
Location:
property was in a great area close to restaurants and entertainment
Read more reviews
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Florence, Alabama, United States
297.42 km (184.9 mi) from Riverfront Park
cottage 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were very nice and the kitchen items were above average quality
Cleanliness:
very clean great communication from owner
this was very clean safe quiet and comfortable
Host:
the best host with the best stay will definitely be back
the hosts were great at communicating with us before during and after the trip
Read more reviews
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7. Gadsden (from USD 170)

Nocalula Falls
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tennessee Wanderer used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Gadsden is a great place for those who love nature, adventures, history, and art. From mountain scenery and waterfalls to museums and historical sites, this city has no shortage of amazing spots to discover throughout the year.

While here, make sure to visit Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park & Etowah County War Memorial, Emma Sansom Monument, and Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. Outdoor lovers should also explore the Noccalula Falls and James D. Martin Wildlife Park, an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Stayed at this property?

Hampton Inn Gadsden/Attalla I-59

4.85 User Rating

Address: 206 Walker St, Attalla, AL, USA, 35904
180.84 km (112.4 mi) from Riverfront Park

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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden

4.45 User Rating

Address: 116 Walker Street, Attalla, AL, USA, 35904
180.84 km (112.4 mi) from Riverfront Park

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Gadsden, Alabama, United States
186.14 km (115.7 mi) from Riverfront Park
cabin 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cabin well equipped and very comfortable
Cleanliness:
super clean and comfy
cabin was very clean and well maintained
the cabin was clean and kitchen was well stocked
it was a very comfortable and clean cabin for me and my sisters
love my cabin i didn't want to leave so quiet and peaceful and very clean
Host:
everyone was so friendly
Location:
very nice cabin and park
one of the most exciting and interesting places
Read more reviews
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8. Auburn (from USD 75)

Alabama
Source: Photo by Flickr user GPA Photo Archive used under CC BY 2.0

With its beautiful architecture and outdoor parks, Auburn surely lives up to its nickname, “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.” Some of the places you should not miss visiting if you want to see historic buildings and explore the local art scene are the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Pebble Hill, Nunn Winston House, and Auburn University Historic District.

You can play a round of golf at Indian Pines Golf Course and even watch sporting events. Of course, you must also go to Chewacla State Park and Kiesel Park, with several walking trails, green spaces for relaxing, and waterfalls.

Stayed at this property?

The Hotel At Auburn University

Address: 241 S College St
81.73 km (50.8 mi) from Riverfront Park

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Courtyard by Marriott Auburn

Address: 2420 W Pace Blvd, Auburn, AL, USA, 36830
78.22 km (48.7 mi) from Riverfront Park

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Auburn, Alabama, United States
81.96 km (51.0 mi) from Riverfront Park
Apartment 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the mattress was comfortable
Cleanliness:
i used their washcloth to clean it (i had my own)
Host:
the host was very nice
the host has kindly provided a sound machine
Location:
great location in the heart of downtown auburn
the location is perfect and the studio apartment is welcoming
the location was great with lots of dining options and right by auburn universities campus
location was great overall enjoyed my stay would stay again
short walks to the best restaurants in auburn and right across from the campus
Read more reviews
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9. Decatur (from USD 173)

Railroad Bridge across the TN River
Source: Photo by Flickr user Shannon McGee used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you plan to explore the nearby towns of Huntsville, you should go to Decatur, which is only a 30-minute drive away. The city also offers a lot of fun activities for kids and adults alike. At Point Mallard Park, you can indulge in golfing, swimming, camping, and hiking.

Want to learn about the town’s past? You can start your historic walking tour from Bank Street, dotted with renowned buildings, including Simp McGhee’s and Hargrove & Murdock Grocery Store. Other spots worth adding to your itinerary are the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts and the Depot & Railroad Museum.

Stayed at this property?

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Decatur Riverfront

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 1101 6th Ave NE
255.31 km (158.7 mi) from Riverfront Park

Top guest reviews
Host:
the front desk staff was very friendly and helpful
the staff was friendly the rooms were nice up to date and clean the pool and fitness area was nice
Location:
this was a good central location and not far from the airport
Read more reviews
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Decatur Ingalls Harbor

Address: 807 Island Way NW, Decatur, AL, USA, 35601
256.87 km (159.7 mi) from Riverfront Park

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Decatur, Alabama, United States
254.46 km (158.2 mi) from Riverfront Park
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
smelled good and was very clean there was even toys for the kiddos which my son loved
Host:
the hosts were very helpful also
property manager is super friendly and very responsive with any questions i had prior to our arrival
Location:
the parking was perfect the neighborhood was good and seemed quiet
Read more reviews
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10. Foley (from USD 150)

100s W Laurel Ave Foley Sept 2012 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris Pruitt used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you feel like slowing down and savoring every moment of your vacation, visit Foley. This coastal community in Baldwin County has a variety of attractions to enjoy nature, art, history, music, and food. Whether you have kids or a kid at heart, you will love visiting the Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit.

If you are into watersports, you should go on a kayak excursion at Graham Creek Nature Preserve. For camping and hiking, head to Melvin Roberts Cedar Street Park and Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail.

Stayed at this property?

Comfort Suites Foley - North Gulf Shores

Address: 150 West Riviera Boulevard
258.12 km (160.4 mi) from Riverfront Park

Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry Facilities for disabled guests Lift Heating

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Home2 Suites by Hilton Foley

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 2750 South McKenzie Street
258.51 km (160.7 mi) from Riverfront Park

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
wonderful spacious and clean great amenities
this hotel was great nice clean & convenient to to foley sports complex
always clean and the staff is friendly
Host:
friendly and responsive staff
Read more reviews
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Foley, Alabama, United States
257.02 km (159.8 mi) from Riverfront Park
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
other than that very clean
our stay was amazing the house was clean and beautiful we loved the fenced in backyard
it was clean and great location to everything
Host:
the owners were very accommodating and kind
the owner was very kind and accommodating when asking to check in early
Location:
the location was perfect
it was a good location for what we needed
Read more reviews
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Experience a home away from home in Alabama

The state of Alabama is known for many things - its natural beauty and rich civil war history. You are sure to appreciate them all as you visit the mountains, falls, parks, and historic places. But another thing that you will love throughout the trip is the locals. Visiting the resort towns is like returning home to your family and friends because of the warmth and hospitality of the locals here.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Meet Kriselle, an experienced content writer for about a decade who's a fur mom of three active dogs. She's a passionate travel enthusiast who loves exploring the Philippines with her family and...Read more

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