Yellowhammer, Cotton State, and Heart of Dixie: these are just some of the nicknames Alabama is known for. Of course, it isn’t just its nicknames that make the state a great place for travelers. There’s a wide array of activities that will keep each visitor from getting bored! For one, there are several museums, public parks, nature trails, beaches, bars that offer happy hours, and a whole lot of barbecues. If you love exploring museums, Alabama is home quite a lot: Berman Museum, The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Rosenbaum House Museum, National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, and Birmingham Museum of Art, among others. There’s certainly plenty to do here! Read on and we’ll share with you the places where you can eat, the places where you can relax or have fun, and lots more things to do in Alabama, United States.
1. Swim the waves at Gulf State Park
When you find yourself in Gulf Shores, there’s no better way to enjoy the beach than by swimming at Gulf State Park. This public area boasts 2 miles (3.21 kilometers) of pristine sandy beaches. When you’re on a day trip, don’t miss out on having a picnic at the campground or cycling with your loved ones. There’s also a nature center where your little ones can spend an educational afternoon. For fun group activities at Gulf State Park, why not try kayaking or canoeing? While you’re in Gulf Shores, pay a visit to Fort Morgan as well.
Gulf State Park
Address: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States
Website: Gulf State Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Take a Birmingham civil rights tour (from USD 63.0)
Learning a thing or two about that new place you’re in is one of the best ways to warm up to the vibes of the destination. How about learning the history of civil rights in Birmingham? Obviously, this activity isn’t that popular among most tourists as you would expect them to go to the beaches, bars, restaurants, and other “touristy” spots. But for travelers who happen to also be history junkies, this activity might be enjoyable, too! If you join the Birmingham Civil Rights Tour, you will not only learn about Civil Rights history, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about some of the most famous and historic landmarks in the place, such as Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park.
Birmingham Civil Rights Tour- Riding & Walking
Duration: 3 hours
3. Enjoy a dolphin watching experience on a cruise in the Gulf of Mexico (from USD 25.0)
What’s the cutest animal in the oceans? We also don’t know the answer, but if you think that it is dolphins, then it is in your best interest to watch them swim around, and jump out of the water and back just to say ‘Hi!’ to you. But if you don’t want the hassle of preparing your itinerary to catch a glimpse of these marine creatures, then you might want to join the Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise Tour where you will be accompanied by experts and you will learn a lot of things about dolphins.
Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Be amazed by the various exotic animals in Birmingham Zoo
If you love animals and you happen to be in Birmingham, then you might want to pay the Birmingham Zoo a visit! You will certainly feel awe with the marvelous creatures living there, such as the pink flamingoes, cute leopards, fascinating snakes, playful monkeys, and the list could go on but there’s a limit to what we can write on this page! In addition, they also hold fun-filled and educational programs every so often, which will surely entertain both adults and kids alike.
Birmingham Zoo
Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
Website: Birmingham Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
5. Relax in the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Garden
After being amazed by the wonderful creatures at Birmingham Zoo, might we suggest a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Garden? Located in Alabama’s largest city, Huntsville, almost every spot here is picture-worthy and selfie-friendly, especially the butterfly garden! And aside from the relaxing atmosphere and the picture-perfect sceneries, Huntsville Botanical Garden also holds events for adults and kids to enjoy. In addition, the place is ideal for weddings, family reunions, and other important events.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
Website: Huntsville Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
Price: 15 USD
6. Shop at Eastdale Mall in Montgomery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Shopping is probably one of the most enjoyable activities that you can do when you’re traveling. When you’re in Montgomery, going to Eastdale Mall to shop is not a bad idea. There are several stores that sell clothes and accessories from famous brands, and there are several restaurants that sell sumptuous food inside the mall’s premises. They’re frequently on sale, too! So before entering their territory, make sure that you’ve got lots of self-control, for there are still many more places you ought to visit and you need your pocket money to travel.
Eastdale Mall in Montgomery
Address: 1000 Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, AL 36117, USA
Website: Eastdale Mall in Montgomery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
7. Have fun with your friends at Point Mallard Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Point Mallard Park on Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Rally your friends and invite them to a day full of fun and excitement! Point Mallard Park has a swimming pool where you can swim all day long, the Ice Park where you can practice your ice skating skills with your friends, a golf course, for, well, playing golf, and many more! With all the things that you can do in Point Mallard Park, there are plenty of options for the whole gang, whatever their preference may be.
Point Mallard Park
Address: 2901 Point Mallard Circle, Decatur, AL 35601, United States
Website: Point Mallad Park
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
8. Go fishing at Little River Canyon National Preserve
Whether you want to go on a picnic, boating, or you simply want to see the beauty of the river and its surroundings, Little River Canyon National Preserve is an ideal place to be with your family. It is also a great place to practice your fishing skills and compete with your family members over the title of the best fisher of the family. Aside from fishing, you may also look for interesting insects, spiders, and other interesting members of the arthropod family in the woods, if you’ve got guts, that is!
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
Website: Little River Canyon National Preserve
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
9. Visit the eighth largest stadium in the world: Bryant–Denny Stadium
One of the largest stadium in the world was situated in Alabama all along: Bryant-Denny Stadium! Who doesn’t want to take a selfie and post it on Instagram just to show your followers that you’ve been to one of the most fascinating buildings ever created by mankind? Touring the stadium isn’t that easy though, because they can only offer a single tour each day, at 11 am, on a first-come-first-served basis; strictly no walk-ins. So you may have to contact them frequently just to get a chance for a tour.
Bryant–Denny Stadium
Address: 920 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA
Website: Bryant–Denny Stadium
Opening hours: 11am (daily)
Price: 12 USD
10. Learn about the history of Mardi Gras at Mobile Carnival Museum
Learn about why we celebrate Mardi Gras, as well as the origins of the Carnival when you visit the Mobile Carnival Museum! This is yet another spot where people who love history will enjoy, the Mobile Carnival Museum. They also cater to special events such as birthday parties, reunions, and more, so if you have an important occasion coming up, why not make it happen in the Mobile Carnival Museum?
Mobile Carnival Museum
Address: 355 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602, USA
Website: Mobile Carnival Museum
Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 4pm; Wed: 9am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 4pm; (closed on Tue, Wed & Sun)
Price: 8 USD
11. Watch a fascinating movie at the Alabama Theater
Alabama Theater is one of the most famous theaters in Alabama. Established in the year 1927 by Paramount Studios, it is still standing today, entertaining the residents of Alabama through movies, theaters performances, and concerts. You’ll also have the chance to see the legendary Alabama Theatre Pipe Organ which was a Wurlitzer Opus brand, one of the most famous makers of pianos and organs in history. Alabama Theater is one of the many places where you can be entertained in the state of Alabama.
Alabama Theater
Address: 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Website: Alabama Theater
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9.30pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
Price: Varies depending on the show
12. Admire vintage vehicles at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the world’s largest motorsports museum. If you’re inclined towards all things automobile, with special interest in vintage, then this place might make you feel giddy! They’ve got one of the largest collections of automobiles from the best of the best car and bicycle manufacturers, such as Harley Davidson, Ducati, Honda, Mercedes Benz, and a whole lot more! The museum also offers tours for kids and adults alike, so if your kids are as passionate as you are when it comes to motorsports, you can definitely bring them here!
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, USA
Website: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: 15 USD
13. Admire the captivating beauty of Belingrath Gardens and Home
If you’re not much of a fan of motorcycles, and you’re more inclined towards botany, you should visit the Bellingrath Gardens and Home. They have a wide array of flowering plants for you to be fascinated by, such as Dianthus, Daffodils, Petunias, Star Flower, and many more! Aside from their plants, the place is also beautifully landscaped. In addition, they have an in-house dining place where you can fill the void in your hungry tummy and a shopping area where you can shop for jewelry, hats, gardening tools, and more.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Address: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582, USA
Website: Belingrath Gardens and Home
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: starts at 15 USD
14. Check out the structures at Ave Maria Grotto
At the heart of Alabama lies the one and only Benedictine monastery in the area - St. Bernard Abbey. And in St. Bernard Abbey lies a place worthy of lots of fascination - Ave Maria Grotto. You’ll see a total of 125 miniature replicas of several different religious buildings which are the works of art of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Bavarian monk who came to the US in 1892 and established the St. Bernard Abbey. In addition to the artworks, they also sell souvenirs such as mugs, books, and a documentary about the life of Brother Joseph on DVD.
Ave Maria Grotto
Address: 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
Website: Ave Maria Grotto
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
15. Get an amazing paranomic view from Fort Gaines
Fort Gaines is one of Alabama’s historic districts. Still standing after 150 years, it is on the list of endangered historical landmarks in the US due to shoreline erosion. However, the fort is still a source of fascination for travelers, as well as a place to appreciate the beauty of the ocean. It’s a place that’s ideal for selfies and even professional photography, due to the beauty of the scenery.
Fort Gaines
Address: 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
Website: Fort Gaines
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
16. Gain knowledge about Science and STEM education at McWane Science Center
If you have a love for learning about new things, then going to McWane Science Center would be worth it! You will be familiarized with the many scientific concepts here, including STEM research. You’ll also get the chance to see and learn about various animals, such as the Leopard Gecko, marine creatures, and many more. You can bring your kids to stimulate their natural inclination towards science. Is your child’s birthday soon? Well, the McWane Science Center happens to host children’s birthday parties and other important events!
McWane Science Center
Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Website: McWane Science Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
Price: 20 USD
17. Go to Silver Stone Salon and Spa in Hartselle for a relaxing time
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Traveling isn’t just about having fun, seeing beautiful sceneries, or visiting historical places. Sometimes, traveling also means relaxation, a break from the build-up of stress. Luckily, there’s a place where you can detoxify; to relax and not worry about a thing. Silver Stone Salon and Spa offer a wide range of relaxation services, such as hair treatment, whole-body massage, facial, haircut, waxing, and more! So if you think that you deserve to treat yourself while on a vacation in Alabama, you know where to go!
Silver Stone Salon and Spa
Address: 1505 US-31, Hartselle, AL 35640, USA
Website: Silver Stone Salon and Spa
Opening hours: Tue: 9am - 7pm; Wed: 9am - 5pm; Thu: 9am - 7pm; Fri: 9am - 5am; Sat: 9am -1pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: From 25 USD
18. Crack codes and solve puzzles with friends at Breakout Games
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking for something to do while the family is in town? Breakout is open starting at 5:00 pm on Thanksgiving day!...
Posted by Breakout Games on Monday, November 23, 2020
Do you love solving puzzles? Do you have that detective in you who needs to be released? If so, why not practice your problem-solving skills at Breakout Games? They have several themed puzzle rooms where your group’s task is to escape by solving mind-boggling puzzles before the time runs out! Put yours and your gang’s wits to the test and see if you can escape one of their rooms!
Breakout Games
Address: 2717 19th Pl S, Homewood, AL 35209, USA
Website: Breakout Games
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9.20am - 10.40pm; Sun: 12pm - 10:40pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 20 USD per person
19. Visit SAC's Gallery to admire the artwork on display
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by SAC's Gallery on Friday, July 9, 2021
Another artsy place to visit is the Society of Arts and Crafts, otherwise known as SAC’s Gallery. They not only showcase the work of Alabama’s local artists, but they also promote art to the public. They hold art classes for both the young and old, so if you feel like learning a new skill, you may want to enroll. If you want to become a member to support them as well as receive exclusive member-only perks, they only charge a small membership fee of USD 35 per year.
SAC's Gallery
Address: 529 S Perry St #14, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
Website: SAC’s Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Sat - Mon)
Price: 35 USD
20. Get a fine-dining experience at Cotton Row in Huntsville
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for a place where you can dine, one of the most famous fine-dining restaurants in Huntsville is Cotton Row. It has a combination of elegant ambiance, world-class quality American food, and top-notch customer service. The restaurant is also available for special events such as birthdays, parties, meetings, and what have you. Some of the food on their menu is Seafood Chowder, Fried Chicken, Beef Burger, and they also serve a wide selection of wines. This dining spot is located just less than 10 minutes north of US Veterans Memorial Museum and east of U.S. Space & Rocket Center where you can see permanent exhibits related to the US space program.
Cotton Row in Huntsville
Address: 100 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
Website: Cotton Row in Huntsville
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 4pm - 10pm; Wed - Fri: 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 4pm - 10pm; Sun: 10.30am - 3pm
21. Enjoy water sports at Orange Beach
Alabama is also home to several beaches with beautiful sceneries, pristine waters, and fine sand. One of the most famous beaches in Alabama is Orange Beach. There are several water sports and activities that you can enjoy here, whether you’re alone or with your family or friends. Some of the activities are jet-skiing, parasailing, boat fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more!
Orange Beach
Address: Alabama, USA
Website: Orange Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Play lazer tag at Adventure Island in Orange Beach
Are you a gamer? If so, have you ever played Space Invaders? That game is probably one of the most famous games of all time. How about playing that game in Alabama, but not the usual way? In Alabama, specifically in Adventure Island, they play the game with the use of lasers! Yes, you heard that right. Same mechanics, you shoot alien invaders, but instead of the virtual lasers, you will actually be using real laser light! Cool, right? Of course, Adventure Island offers more attractions such as its rides, mini-golf, and more! They can also cater to your child’s birthday!
Adventure Island
Address: 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA
Website: Adventure Island
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
23. Hike in the beautiful Sipsey Wilderness
Sipsey wilderness is yet another place to reconnect with nature. It has several trails that you can hike alone while having a mindful meditation, or with your friends or family members whom you’d like to share the experience with. Sipsey wilderness is also home to several species of birds, reptiles, and land animals. So, be sure to have your handy-dandy camera ready for any chance encounters with them.
Sipsey Wilderness
Address: Mt Hope, AL 35651, USA
Website: Sipsey Wilderness
Price: 5 USD
24. Play golf with friends at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Another place to spend time with your family members or maybe your partner is Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a popular golf trail made famous by their golfing scheme, the build your own package where you can custom-fit the package that is suitable for you and your golfing partners. Just contact them for assistance in creating your personalized package. Also, they sell golf accessories such as golf shirts for men and women, headwear, golf bags, and more.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Address: 100 Sunbelt Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35211, USA
Website: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 50 USD
25. Explore the beauty of Cahaba River on a canoe tour
Cahaba River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the state of Alabama. It is 312 kilometers long (about 194 miles) and is rich in biodiversity and beautiful sceneries. There are also some hiking trails in the area. The river is famous for conducting several different recreational activities such as paddling, swimming, and of course, fishing. . However, please be aware that there are some parts of the river where fish cannot be eaten due to potential mercury pollution. We recommend visiting the Cahaba River Society’s website for a more updated list of the parts of the river that aren’t safe to fish from.
Cahaba River
Address: Dummy address
Website: Cahaba River
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
26. Admire unique birds at Dauphin Island's Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Alabama has lots of places where you can appreciate the wonders and creatures of mother nature. One of these places is in Dauphin Island - The Audobon Bird Sanctuary! It is home to over 445 species of migratory birds, the feathered descendants of dinosaurs! You can certainly use a binocular to better appreciate the different types of birds’ beauty. Also, there are plenty of areas to explore in Audobon Bird Sanctuary as it is over 550,000 square meters (5920150.73 square foot) wide, blessed with forests, dunes, marshes, a lake, a beach, and a swamp that tourists cannot fully explore its entirety in just one whole day.
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Address: 211 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
Website: Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
27. Take a campus tour of the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is the state’s oldest public college and it was first established back in the 1830s. Just in case you are considering enrolling in the University, they are open for campus visits from Mondays to Fridays. If you decide to tour the university, you will be accompanied by a student guide who will also familiarize you with the university’s history, as well as what it has to offer to new and transfer students alike.
University of Alabama
Address: Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
Website: University of Alabama
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
28. Learn the art of pole dancing at Studio Steel in Montgomery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Flying free at Studio Steel
Posted by Studio Steel on Thursday, September 10, 2020
Here’s a different thing to do in Alabama; learning the art of pole dancing! While it isn’t a very “touristy” activity, it sure is something that would be unforgettable! Steel Studio promotes pole dancing, a form of exercise believed to have originated from India some 800 years ago, and they even offer a 30-minute trial session for only 15 USD, ideal for anyone who’s not yet fully decided on enrolling and would just like to “test the waters” of pole dancing. Pole dancing is said to promote good health and it is an alternative to going to the gym.
Studio Steel
Address: 1401 Montgomery Hwy #9, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, USA
Website: Studio Steel
Opening hours: Mon & Thu: 4:15pm - 9pm; Wed: 5.30pm - 9.30pm; Fri: 4.15pm - 6.30pm; Sat: 10am - 3.45pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 75 USD
29. Relish amazing cocktails at The Club at Live Bait in Orange Beach
Located next to Orange Beach is a place where people party all night long! The Club at Live Bait offers fresh seafood, quality booze, and cocktails for a good mood! Aside from being a place to eat and get tipsy, they also hold events every now and then. So, if you love to party, to eat seafood, and drink alcoholic beverages, tag your friends who also enjoy the same things, and have an unforgettable nightlife by Orange beach!
The Club at Live Bait
Address: 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA
Website: Live Bait
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9pm - 2am (closed on Mon & Tue)
30. Take a tour of Montgomery
Many of the places of interest included in the list above are within Montgomery, and there are still more to explore! Historic monuments, enthralling sceneries, restaurants that serve the best food in the state, and many more! And we’re only just talking about Montgomery, which is the capital of Alabama! There are still plenty of places worthy of exploring in this state.
Montgomery
Address: Alabama, USA
Website: Montgomery
31. Explore the historic sites in Montgomery (from USD 46.0)
If you’re eager to learn more about Alabama, then here’s another tour for you: The Civil Rights and Sacred Ground Tour! You’ll learn a lot of things about Montgomery, civil rights history, and get to tour 16 historical sites. The tour guides are experts; they are knowledgeable about Montgomery’s history, and the stories behind each and every historical site that you’ll visit with them. What’s more, the tour includes a live art and music storytelling, so if you’re into stories and music, then you have all the more reason to join.
Civil Rights / Sacred Ground Tour of Montgomery
Duration: 2 to 30 minutes
Many fascinating places to explore
A one-week vacation in this state isn’t enough because of Alabama’s many fascinating places to explore, places to get pampered, and everything else in between!
Besides the ones mentioned above, some other attractions you should experience in Alabama are Mobile Bay, Moundville Archaeological Park, Cathedral Caverns State Park, Cheaha State Park, Orr Park, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. You will certainly need plenty of time to explore and experience more things to do in Alabama, United States.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to