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 October 30, 2025.
1. Mobile
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.
The Admiral
Address: 251 Government Street
249.76 km (155.2 mi) from Riverfront Park
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
Mobile, Alabama, United States
249.51 km (155.1 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
owner was extremely friendly and gracious would love to visit againit is in a great location and the owner was very friendlyLocation:
excellent place and great locationcute place with lovely groundsenjoyed staying downtown and being able to walk to get food and coffeethe garden is a whimsical treat and you are within walking distance from shops restaurants bars etcCleanliness:
everything was clean the neighborhood was quietthis property was clean and well appointedthe room was very clean and decorated beautifullyvery clean and decorated very nicely the smooth jazz playing as we entered was a nice touch alsoreally enjoyed our stay here clean convenient and comfyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
this studio apt was nicer than the photos depictedthe king bed is very comfortablethe king bed was heavenly and was almost impossible to leave to get back on the highway
2. Gulf Shores
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!
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Address: 21196 East Beach Blvd
269.66 km (167.6 mi) from Riverfront Park
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
Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States
273.1 km (169.7 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Location:
loved the location on the beachloved the location on the beachvery close to the beach love itgreat location and right on the beachRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
they house had plenty of space and beds to be very comfortablethey house had plenty of space and beds to be very comfortable
3. Birmingham
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.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown
Address: 250 18th Street South
133.41 km (82.9 mi) from Riverfront Park
Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott
Address: 1928 1st Ave N
134.0 km (83.3 mi) from Riverfront Park
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
133.22 km (82.8 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
kristen was so nice and accommodatingLocation:
nice place close to uab medical campusRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the unit was extremely clean and stocked with everything you need to have a good stayi loved the property it was nicely decorated extremely clean and conveniently locatedher place was just like the pictures spacious and clean
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Huntsville
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.
106 Jefferson Huntsville, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 106 Jefferson Street
262.43 km (163.1 mi) from Riverfront Park
Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville Downtown, Al
Address: 313 Clinton Avenue W
262.14 km (162.9 mi) from Riverfront Park
Huntsville, Alabama, United States
263.77 km (163.9 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
i contacted the owner and he responded quickly and contacted the power company to resolveowner very responsive to needscommunication with the property manager was pleasant helpful and they were very responsive to our questionsLocation:
the location is perfect everywhere we went was within 2-10 minutes and easy to get tothis place is beautiful couldn’t of found a better place to stay for a work tripCleanliness:
very clean with plenty of room would definitely stay againRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
excellent kitchen and nice sized bedrooms and baths -- all updated
5. Montgomery
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.
Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown
Address: 100 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL, USA, 36104
447 meters (0.3 ft) from Riverfront Park
Embassy Suites Montgomery - Hotel & Conference Center
Address: 300 Tallapoosa Street
352 meters (0.3 ft) from Riverfront Park
Montgomery, Alabama, United States
525 meters (0.4 ft) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Location:
building is secure and quietRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the unit was clean and in great conditionclean clean clean walking distance to everything downtownunit was exactly like the photo bright spacious and clean
6. Florence
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.
Hampton Inn & Suites Florence-Downtown
Address: 505 S Court St
296.47 km (184.3 mi) from Riverfront Park
The Stricklin Hotel
Address: 317 N Court St
297.25 km (184.8 mi) from Riverfront Park
Florence, Alabama, United States
297.42 km (184.9 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
the best host with the best stay will definitely be backthe hosts were great at communicating with us before during and after the tripCleanliness:
very clean great communication from ownerthis was very clean safe quiet and comfortableRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the beds were very nice and the kitchen items were above average quality
7. Gadsden
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.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden
Address: 116 Walker Street, Attalla, AL, USA, 35904
180.84 km (112.4 mi) from Riverfront Park
Hampton Inn Gadsden/Attalla I-59
Address: 206 Walker St, Attalla, AL, USA, 35904
180.84 km (112.4 mi) from Riverfront Park
Gadsden, Alabama, United States
186.55 km (116.0 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
everyone was so friendlyCleanliness:
super clean and comfycabin was very clean and well maintainedthe cabin was clean and kitchen was well stockedit was a very comfortable and clean cabin for me and my sisterslove my cabin i didn't want to leave so quiet and peaceful and very cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
cabin well equipped and very comfortable
8. Auburn
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.
The Hotel At Auburn University
Address: 241 S College St
81.73 km (50.8 mi) from Riverfront Park
Courtyard by Marriott Auburn
Address: 2420 W Pace Blvd, Auburn, AL, USA, 36830
78.22 km (48.7 mi) from Riverfront Park
Auburn, Alabama, United States
81.96 km (51.0 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Location:
great location in the heart of downtown auburnthe location is perfect and the studio apartment is welcomingthe location was great with lots of dining options and right by auburn universities campuslocation was great overall enjoyed my stay would stay againshort walks to the best restaurants in auburn and right across from the campusCleanliness:
i used their washcloth to clean it (i had my own)Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the mattress was comfortable
9. Decatur
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.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Decatur Riverfront
Address: 1101 6th Ave NE
255.31 km (158.7 mi) from Riverfront Park
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
Decatur, Alabama, United States
254.46 km (158.2 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts were very helpful alsoproperty manager is super friendly and very responsive with any questions i had prior to our arrivalLocation:
the parking was perfect the neighborhood was good and seemed quietRead more reviewsCleanliness:
smelled good and was very clean there was even toys for the kiddos which my son loved
10. Foley
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.
Comfort Suites Foley - North Gulf Shores
Address: 150 West Riviera Boulevard
258.12 km (160.4 mi) from Riverfront Park
Home2 Suites by Hilton Foley
Address: 2750 South McKenzie Street
258.51 km (160.7 mi) from Riverfront Park
Foley, Alabama, United States
257.02 km (159.8 mi) from Riverfront Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owners were very accommodating and kindthe owner was very kind and accommodating when asking to check in earlyRead more reviewsCleanliness:
other than that very cleanour stay was amazing the house was clean and beautiful we loved the fenced in backyardit was clean and great location to everything
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.
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