Perched strategically on the banks of the beautiful Alabama River is one of the country’s most historic cities - Selma. This hospitable and alluring city is a citadel of rich cultural heritage and historical sites. The town is famous for its role in the American Civil Rights movement, notably the ‘battle of Selma.’ Back in the 1960s, Selma was a renowned town during the fight for the African-American rights to vote. Today, this fantastic city is a beautiful place to visit to see the historical sites, stunning churches, museums, and other essential places all around the city. The rich culture of the town is not left out, too. Enjoy the fascinating tradition and culture of the people of Selma, coupled with their delicious dishes also! If you are planning a visit to this charming city, check out this list of amazing things to do in Selma, Alabama.
1. Take a walk along the Edmund Pettus Bridge
The Edmund Pettus Bridge is one of the significant landmarks of the city. Listed as a US National Historic Landmark, this iconic bridge is located in the center of the town, crossing the Alabama River. Built in 1940, the Edmund Pettus Bridge was the site of the historic “Bloody Sunday” in 1965 when local police brutally attacked people marching for voting rights. The victory came for the marchers less than a month later with equal voting rights signed into law. Relive this historical experience by taking a walk across Alabama on the Edmund Pettus.
Edmund Pettus Bridge
Address: Selma, AL 36703, USA
Website: Edmund Pettus Bridge
2. Spend some time at the New Live Oak Cemetery
Are you a fan of checking out the fantastic medieval designs of old cemeteries? Then you must visit the New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma. Initially founded in 1829, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of several vital dignitaries in the state and the country. You’d even find the resting place of a former Vice-President, William Rufus King, and thousands of American soldiers. See the Confederate Soldier monument and several cannons guiding the fallen heroes buried here. This fascinating place is made even more excitingly eerie by its huge surrounding trees covered in Spanish moss and Gothic-designed gravestones.
New Live Oak Cemetery
Address: 110 W Dallas Ave, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: New Live Oak Cemetery
3. Check out the interesting exhibits at National Voting Rights Museum
The brave, heroic, and historical acts of the African-American people to get equal voting rights were not just allowed to fade away. Instead, the National Voting Rights Museum was established to showcase the details of this historical moment to the world. Explore all the interesting artifacts, rousing speeches by leaders, fascinating aspects of the Selma-Montgomery March, pictures, clips, and many more that are on display in this home of national history. There are several other exhibits on show here, too. On top of all that, the museum is located in a historic place, right beside the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge!
National Voting Rights Museum
Address: 6 US-80 BUS, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: National Voting Rights Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 1pm (closed from Fri - Sun)
Price: 6.50 USD
4. Visit the Slavery & Civil War Museum
Next on the list of fascinating places to visit in Selma is the Slavery and Civil War Museum. If you have ever wondered how life was back then for the slaves so far away from their homes, the answer lays waiting for you at this museum. The Slavery and Civil War Museum is a remarkable place that gives you a first-class experience of what it felt like living as a slave. With stories, items, short clips, and artwork ranging from fascinating ones to those that are downright heartbreaking, this museum will leave you amazed.
Slavery & Civil War Museum
Address: 1410 Water Ave, Selma, AL 36703, USA
Website: Slavery & Civil War Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 6.50 USD
5. Read the Bible at Brown Chapel AME Church
Posted by Brown Chapel A.M.E. on Monday, 7 November 2016
Another National Historic Landmark, the Brown Chapel AME Church is a great sanctuary. This impressive twin tower structure was built in 1908 during the Romanesque Revival. But that does not give the church its landmark status. The Brown Chapel AME Church played a significant role during the famous Civil Rights Movement. It was the site of planning and preparations for the historic Selma to Montgomery march. It was also the place where the injured and weak during the journey were taken to recuperation. Nowadays, this remarkable place is a sanctuary of peace, a place to explore, understand, and experience its essential role in the history of the country.
Brown Chapel AME Church
Address: 410 Martin Luther King St, Selma, AL 36703, USA
Website: Brown Chapel AME Church
6. Admire the historic buildings at Old Town Historic District
Ancient and majestically built residential homes, charming cottages with beautiful architecture, restored 18th-century Victorian-styled grand houses, and many more magnificent buildings are what you get to see on a visit to the Old Town Historic District in Selma. Old Town is the largest historic district in Alabama with over 121.4 hectares (300 acres) covered. Just take some time out to admire the fascinating Gothic, Greek, and Italian-designed medieval houses in abundance here. You’d be glad you did.
Old Town Historic District
Address: Selma, AL 36701, USA
7. Browse through the informative artifacts at Selma Interpretive Center
Strategically located near the center of the city, the Selma Interpretive Center is the start of the National Historic Trail in the town. This impressive center is home to intriguing, informative, and educating displays on the whole fight for equal rights during the Civil Rights movement. It is a building with three floors, all filled documents, items, artifacts, videos, and images of people who lived through those trying times in Selma. It is a great place to spend the day learning more about the rich history of this city.
Selma Interpretive Center
Address: 2 Broad St, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
8. Plan a family picnic at Historic Riverfront Park
Gresham, Smith and Partners designed the master plan for the RIVERFRONT PARK located in Historic Downtown Selma . GS&P...
Posted by Humble People Triumph on Friday, 31 May 2013
How would you like to relax and enjoy a yummy picnic under the shade of a beautiful grand tree while soaking in amazing views of the city? Sounds appealing, right? Well, at the Historic Riverfront Park in Selma, you can do all these and much more. Take a walk along the grassy plains of this 4.9-hectare (12-acre) park and let the riverfront breeze blow through your hair. Situated right beside the magnificent Alabama River and overlooking the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge, it is the perfect place for a family picnic in the city.
Historic Riverfront Park
Address: 2 Green St, Selma, AL 36703, USA
Website: Historic Riverfront Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Pay a visit to Jackson Foundation and Museum
Jackson Foundation CEO Ms. Jawana Jackson accepted The Freedom and Democracy Award on behalf of her parents at the Mayor...
Posted by The Jackson Foundation and Museum on Sunday, 8 March 2015
Having served as a home to several human rights activists including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Jackson home has now been converted to a foundation and museum of American Civil Rights History. This museum is a fantastic place where the main events during the move for equal voting rights in America are shared freely for public viewing. Although a lot of tourists tend to overlook this quaint home, it boasts of having original items used by the foremost activists back then. So take a visit to this serene place and engage your imagination; imagine the ground-breaking discussions and thoughts that must have started in this house! Amazing!
Jackson Foundation and Museum
Address: 1416 Lapsley Ave., Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Jackson Foundation and Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
10. Have a look inside the Dallas County Courthouse
Vaughan-Smitherman Museum at Selma, AL (built 1847) This Greek Revival building is one of Selma’s most historic. It was...
Posted by Welcome To Rural SW Alabama on Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Now known as the Joseph T. Smitherman Building, the Dallas County Courthouse is one of the city’s numerous historical treasures. Built in 1847, this Greek Revival-styled building has been used for several important roles since it was built. The building was formerly used as the Vaughan Memorial Hospital, but now, it is a haven for exhibiting the rich history of Selma. Enjoy the views of the grand architecture while exploring the fantastic displays of antique furniture, artifacts on Native American lifestyle, memorabilia from the civil war and even heart-wrenching shows of the slavery era.
Dallas County Courthouse
Address: 105 Lauderdale St, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Dallas County Courthouse
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30am (closed on Sat & Sun)
11. Browse through antique items at Junebugg's Flea & Antique Mall
Looking for a place to get the most beautiful vintage pieces as a souvenir of your trip to Selma? Look no further than Junebugg’s Flea and Antique Mall. This incredible indoor mall is filled with several unique items. Find the best quality things you need, ranging from everyday items to collectibles, furniture, home décor items, clothes, electronics, and of course, antiques, as well as several others too numerous to name. Junebugg’s is open every day of the week, and it is located in a great place in the city. So check it out today and purchase your every want, even old video games!
Junebugg's Flea & Antique Mall
Address: 1302 E Highland Ave, Selma, AL 36703, USA
Website: Junebugg’s Flea & Antique Mall
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 6pm; Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm
12. Relish delicious steaks at the famous Tally-Ho Restaurant
Looking for where to get the best authentic Southern dishes in the city? Tally-Ho is where you should head to. This renowned restaurant doesn’t just offer you the most exceptional Southern dining experience but also mixes different delicious international flavors and cooking styles to give you an unbeatable time dining out. Located in a 60-year-old building with a relaxing ambiance, the food here is fantastic. You can’t miss trying out their seafood gumbo or the delicious traditional fried green tomatoes with sautéed crab. The steaks here are amazing, too.
Tally-Ho Restaurant
Address: 509 Mangum Ave, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Tally-Ho Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
13. Have a few drinks at Michael's Pub
Michael’s Pub is a great place to grab a drink in town while listening to some good live music. This serene place gives you excellent experience in front of some outstanding performers. It has an exceptional customer service with a friendly general feel around the site. With security to protect against ruffians and drunken misbehavior, you are sure to have an uninterrupted and splendid time here.
Michael's Pub
Address: 3548 US-80, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Michael’s Pub
Opening hours: Thu, Sat: 8pm - 2am; Fri: 8pm - 3am (closed from Sun - Wed)
14. Get your nails done at Happy Nails Spa
Without a doubt, the best place to get your nails done in Selma is at Happy Nails Spa. As one of the several outlets of a reputable, nationwide-known spa saloon, the Happy Nails Spa in Selma offers you the highest quality manicure and pedicure services. With a very polite, professional, and friendly staff, get ready to enjoy the very best nail curing service in your life! To top it off, the spa is fitted with free WiFi and free drinks so waiting time flies by without you knowing. So if you want your nails to look fabulous while in the city, you should stop by at this beautiful and clean spa.
Happy Nails Spa
Address: 2803 Citizens Pkwy, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Happy Nails Spa
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 6pm; Mon - Sat: 9am - 7:30pm
Price: 16 - 48 USD
15. Shop until your feet hurt at Selma Mall
Everyone wants to go shopping when on vacation. And if you are in Selma, then put on your shopping shoes and head straight to Selma Mall. This beautiful and majestic building was opened in 1971, and since then, it has grown to become the number one shopping destination in the whole district. With several stores and window shops, this mall is filled with unique items to buy. Located in downtown Selma, you can browse through the wide variety of trending fashion items, accessories, and gifts on display here.
Selma Mall
Address: 1391 E Highland Ave # 1391, Selma, AL 36703, USA
Website: Selma Mall
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm
16. Tee off with friends at Craig Golf Course
Posted by Craig Golf Course on Friday, 3 August 2018
Nothing is more relaxing than spending time playing golf with friends. Golf is an incredibly entertaining and relaxing game appreciated all over the world. And if you are a lover of the sport in Selma, then you are in luck. Selma is home to one of the most beautiful golf courses in the region - Craig Golf Course. This nine-hole course is a great place to tee off with friends, enjoy the game, and relax during your time off in the city.
Craig Golf Course
Address: 262 Craig Industrial Park, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Craig Golf Course
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
17. Watch a movie at the Walton Theater Selma
Posted by Walton Theater Selma on Monday, 5 March 2018
You can’t go on vacation and not see the movies! The Walton Theater is the only movie theater in the city. And it’s a great one, too. This movie theater was originally opened in 1910 but has gone through several renovations since then to make it the fantastic place it is today. With its friendly atmosphere, good food, and excellent customer service, you are bound to have an enjoyable experience here.
Walton Theater Selma
Address: 1000 Selma Ave, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Walton Theater Selma
Opening hours: Sat: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 7pm; Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri: 9am - 9:45pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
18. Catch a live performance at Selma Performing Arts Center
Enjoy incredible live music, stage plays, or art performances at a culturally rich and diverse center in the city. The Selma Performing Arts Center is a theater for musical, visual, literary, and dramatic arts. It is an excellent place where you get the most fabulous live performance experience in the city. If you love art, you should not miss visiting this center.
Selma Performing Arts Center
Address: 1000 Selma Ave Selma, AL 36701
Website: Selma Performing Arts Center
19. Watch a baseball game at Bloch Park
Historic and beautiful, Bloch Park is one of the attractions in the city. This park has played host to professional baseball players and teams since the 1940s. It is made up of a small grandstand that is fully covered and can seat as much as 1,500 spectators at a time. Bloch Park currently hosts several baseball tournaments and softball events. Make sure you put it on your to-do list to catch one on your visit to the city.
Bloch Park
Address: 108 Dallas Ave, Selma, AL 36701, USA
Website: Bloch Park
Experience History and Culture in Selma
The southern city of Selma is one whose history is rich and very significant in the way the country is today. Home to numerous National Historic Landmarks, there is no shortage of places to visit and things to do in Selma, Alabama. The city is also blessed with a diverse and luxurious culture, mixed with the very best modern day lifestyle. Come, experience the awesomeness of this city. Explore its rich heritage and enjoy an unbeatable time away from home.
History
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