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17 Best Things To Do In Alabama: The Ultimate AL Bucket List

August 19, 2022 //  by  Southern Trippers

Are you on the search for fun things to do in Alabama? We’ve got you covered!

Alabama may be infamous for its dedicated college football fans (it’s the state’s most beloved spectator sport) and the delectable Southern comfort cooking (if it’s not fried, do you really want to eat it?), but don’t let their Southern hospitality keep you in a food coma for too long.

From spots where some of the most pivotal moments of Civil Rights history went down to stunning geological formations, this list includes plenty of cool places in Alabama just waiting for you to explore them.

As the 22nd state to join the union, this state has plenty of surprises as well as history, culture, and nature to explore. You won’t run out of fun things to do in Alabama.

If you think Alabama doesn’t have the type of adventure you’re looking for, let us prove you wrong.

Here are the best places to visit in Alabama!

17 Best Things To Do In Alabama: The Ultimate AL Bucket List

Honor civil rights history in birmingham.

One of the best things to do in Alabama is to take the time to step back in time and go where history actually happened.

In 2017, officials designated the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument to honor the lives of Black women, men, and children who stood up for their Civil Rights in the 1960s.

There is too much history to cover here so we recommend taking the time to learn about it on a walk-through. Stroll through Kelly Ingram Park where history was made, stop by the A.G. Gaston Motel, and honor the lives lost at the 16th Street Baptiste Church (these sites are only a few steps away from each other).

You can also visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. With so much to see, touring the Civil Rights history sites is one of the best things to do in Birmingham .

Visit the Little River Canyon National Preserve

If anywhere you go nature always seems to beckon, then adventuring through the Southern Appalachians is one of the most fun things to do in Alabama.

Established in 1922, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers explorers over 26 miles of hiking trails in Alabama! Enjoy a serene walk through the forest or by the river. For a little added fun download their bird sighting guide to see how many friends of a feather you can spot.

Take the time to visit the state’s deepest canyon, Little River Canyon, and if you’re there at the right time you can also admire Alabama’s highest seasonal waterfall, Graces’ High Falls, which drops 133ft directly into the canyon!

Wondering when you can visit? Great news, the park is open from sunrise to sunset and operational every day including holidays! This is one of the best national parks in Alabama !

Learn at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Taking the day to explore a little-known slice of WWII history at the USS Alabama Battleship Park is one of the best things to do in Mobile .

Have you ever stepped foot on a decommissioned WWII battleship? Now’s your chance! Walk through a self-guided tour of the ship’s facilities and don’t forget to take a look through the USS Drum submarine too!

If you thought a submarine and a battleship were enough to entice a visit, you should also know the Memorial Park houses an aircraft collection, tanks and artillery, and a lovely picnic area. It might be hard not to spend the whole day there!

Explore Bankhead National Forest

There is plenty to do and lots to admire in the 181,230 acres of mixed woodland that make up this national forest known locally as “the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls.”

With hiking, horseback riding, hunting, swimming, canoeing, bird watching, waterfalls, the Sipsey Wilderness, petroglyphs, prehistoric drawings, and a Native American site thousands of years old, you might have to come back to try and explore as much as you can.

Even better stay the night at one of the campgrounds! Stargazing here is one of the best things to do in Alabama at night.

All but one of these Alabama waterfalls are active year-round and fairly easy to access. First-time visitors should try heading to Kinlock Falls, Caney Creek Falls, Turkey Foot, and Mize Mill Falls (these last two are very close to each other).

Bankhead National Forest is truly one of the most adventurous attractions in Alabama.

Take a Dolphin Cruise at Orange Beach

If you’re tired of going to Gulf Coast beaches to suntan, try taking a dolphin cruise instead! It’s one of the best things to do in Orange Beach .

Before heading to the Wharf to ride the vintage Ferris wheel or stopping at Adventure Island for some retro go-kart action, take the day to go enjoy the sun and all the beauty of the shining sea on a family-friendly dolphin cruise!

There are plenty of boat tours you can enjoy but if you’re looking for a special adventure we recommend trying a Glass Bottom Dolphin Tour! We’d never miss out on the chance to watch dolphins swim beneath the beautiful turquoise waters.

While you’re out trying to spot these friendly creatures why not multi-task and take a snorkeling adventure too? You never know what the sea has in store for you with these Alabama activities!

Enjoy Nature and a Fine Meal at Cheaha State Park

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the state, but you can’t miss out on the stunning view atop Cheaha Mountain, which is accessible all year long. Taking the time to reach the mountaintop and enjoy the surrounding Talladega National Forest is one of the best things to do in Alabama.

As the highest point in the state, the mountain’s peak is at an elevation of just a little over 2,400 feet so don’t forget to pack a snack and some water! It’s a long way up!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend taking a detour to the nearby Vista Cliffside Bistro (open Thursdays through Mondays), which is actually within the park’s bounds so you can keep enjoying the mountain view but with a full stomach this time.

This state park has been open since 1933 and has been welcoming visitors ever since. Don’t miss out on one of the prettiest places to go in Alabama!

Celebrate a Legacy at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Step into the shoes of one of the heroes of the Civil Rights movement. Honoring Rosa Parks’ bravery is one of the best things to do in Montgomery .

As part of the United States Civil Rights Trail, the Rosa Parks Museum is a must-see for anyone stopping in the city. Visitors can see the very spot where she refused to give up her seat and instead got arrested for standing up for her rights.

Along with other artifacts, the museum offers patrons the chance to experience “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a permanent exhibit featuring a restored bus made to look like the ones in 1955 when the Montgomery Bus Boycott would have happened.

Stop by the museum, take a seat, and learn about one of the women who changed this country’s history forever.

Make sure to check out our list of the best cities and small towns in Alabama for inspiration on where to visit next!

Wonder at the McWane Science Center

Do you love dinosaurs? Who doesn’t?! If you do, then you definitely need to visit the McWane Science Center! It’s one of the best things to do in Birmingham!

If you thought dinosaurs didn’t make it all the way to Alabama, you were dead wrong (no extinction pun intended)! There’s a whole exhibit about these extinct creatures found all around the state.

The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday. With three different floors to explore you’re sure to spend a good afternoon full of learning! From their Weather Lab to their Shark and Ray Touch Tank, everyone is sure to have all their senses engaged.

And don’t worry– touching is encouraged! Let your kid’s (and your own) curiosity go wild. There is no need to worry about ruining the valuable art at this museum. This is one of the cool things to do in Alabama.

Take a Walk Around the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama campus ranks among one of the most beautiful in the country so why not stop by and check out one of the best things to do in Tuscaloosa ?

The charms of the south are undeniable at the University of Alabama’s campus. If you’re visiting in the spring you’ll be greeted by white tulips while the Alabama fall will paint the campus in deep oranges and yellows.

While you’re there why not stop at some of the museums on campus? At the Alabama Museum of Natural History, visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the state.

The University offers visitors the chance to walk around campus and see what a student’s life looks like. You can find a campus map available on their website.

Marvel at the Weirdness of Bamahenge

If what you’re looking for is a weird roadside attraction, Alabama has that too. There really is no shortage of what to do in Alabama. The exhibit was built by Virginia artist, Mark Cline, at the request of Alabama billionaire, George Barber.

Although this version wasn’t built by Druids, and it’s made out of fiberglass instead of stone, the sight is no less impressive to behold. It is also a few thousand years younger than its inspiration.

He also commissioned the artist to build a brontosaurus, a T. rex, a stegosaurus, and a triceratops near Bamahenge so when you’re done admiring the work of non-druids you can go on a little car hunt to find the four giant fiberglass creatures!

Since there is no admission to see the dinos and wacky fiberglass recreation this is one of the best free things to do in Alabama! Just make sure to follow your GPS to Barber Marina and when you see the sign head in and stop when you see the giant stones!

Camp at Monte Sano State Park

You won’t run out of gorgeous scenery and sublime nature to enjoy while visiting Alabama. In addition to the other parks we’ve mentioned, we’d recommend staying the night at Monte Sano State Park! It’s one of the best things to do in Huntsville .

The park has 21 primitive camping (aka just a tent) campgrounds, 59 water and electric sites, and 15 full-hook-up sites so no matter what kind of camping you’re looking to do, you can do it here.

If you’re staying the night you won’t have to rush through exploring Monte Sano’s 340 acres, 14 rustic cottages, hiking areas, planetarium, and an outdoor amphitheater.

For an entrance fee, you can feel like you’ve visited Japan when you step into the park’s hidden Japanese Garden!

Tour the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Dexter Parsonage Museum

As another stop on the US Civil Rights Trail, you really shouldn’t miss out on taking on more chances to see some of this country’s past. Seeing the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Dexter Parsonage Museum are some of the best things to do in Montgomery.

The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 because of its importance in the Civil Rights Movement. It was here that Martin Luther King Jr. has his pastorage during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, now holding a permanent exhibit so visitors can see where Dr. King and his family lived between 1954-1960, is just a few blocks away.

The home has been renovated after it was bombed on January 30 in 1956 while his family was still inside. Luckily no one was harmed in the attack, and visitors can experience its original charm.

Check Out the Moundville Archaeological Park

People have lived in Alabama for much longer than you might think! Learning about the prehistoric Mississippian people who lived in the ancient site of the Moundville Archaeological Park is one of the best things to do in Alabama.

The site is a little bit of a mystery! Scholars don’t know how to explain the rise and fall of this small town or how the population interacted with Native American tribes.

The park is made up of 326 acres and 29 flat top mounds where the ancient Mississippian people would hold civic and ceremonial occasions.

Make sure to visit the museum after exploring the ancient monuments that have stood there for over 800 years. This is one of the best things to do in Alabama for adults interested in history.

Visit the Mobile Carnival Museum

For a quirky and unexpected experience, make sure to stop by the quaint Mobile Carnival Museum. It’s one of the best things to do in Mobile!

You may assume Mardi Gras is only celebrated in New Orleans, but Alabama also has a rich history of celebrating this ostentatious holiday, and they have the museum to prove it.

The beautiful southern mansion displays the opulent jewelry, costumes, and even parts of floats that have been part of the Mobile Mardi Gras celebrations of the past.

Don’t let them hear you say that New Orleans was the birthplace of Mardi Gras or you might get a history lecture you didn’t expect!

Enjoy a Beach Day at the Gulf Shores

Alabama does not have a long coastline, but there is still a great beach opportunity at Gulf Shores, Alabama. This is one of the best beach towns in the South and holds so much fun for the family!

One of the best things to do in Gulf Shores is a relaxing trip to the Gulf Shores Public Beach. You will be mesmerized by the white sand and pretty, blue water. This is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. You’ll find this is one of the best beaches in Alabama .

For more beach and nature fun, visit Gulf State Park. This is one of the best Alabama state parks for a family beach vacation. There are two miles of sandy beaches. Spend time swimming, parasailing, kayaking, and surfing. Hiking and camping are popular activities here too.

Learn at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville is one of the best Alabama attractions for anyone interested in NASA and space exploration.

A visit to this amazing place will make you feel like an astronaut! Head into the sky with the Flight Simulator Experience, feel the power of gravity with the G-Force Accelerator, or walk in space with Apollo 11 Virtual Reality. This place is one of the fun things to do in Alabama with kids!

There is also a state-of-the-art Planetarium with shows that will leave you awed! A ride on the Moon Soot will lift you 140 feet up in the air in just 2.5 seconds!

Grab a bite to eat at the Mars Grill. The center also hosts launch parties and other cool events throughout the year. There is so much to see and do here, so make sure to add it to your Alabama bucket list!

Go Underground at Cathedral Caverns State Park

There are many cool caves in Alabama and one of the best is found at Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville. This cave system is 1.3 miles. The impressive entrance is 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, one of the largest in the world

Take a guided tour to experience the beauty of this cave. You will be able to see a 45-foot stalagmite known as Goliath. With a circumference of 243 feet, it is one of the largest rock formations of its kind in the world.

Gemstone mining and hiking can also be enjoyed at this state park. It is one of the most interesting places in Alabama.

Hopefully, you found some of the best activities in Alabama for your next trip! Alabama has so much to offer visitors from historic locations to beautiful nature. It is time to plan a fun weekend getaway in Alabama !

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Alabama

By Carl Austin · Last updated on February 5, 2024

Alabama is a state of many names: Yellowhammer State after the state bird, the Cotton State and the Heart of Dixie. Though Spanish explorers passed through the state in 1540, it was the French who settled the area, founding Mobile in 1702. Because it’s located on the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a good place to indulge in water activities.

The 22nd state also enjoys a vibrant arts, culture and entertainment scene. You may want to consult the weatherman before visiting, however, since the state is vulnerable to hurricanes.

Map of Places to Visit in Alabama

Hurricanes aside, Alabama is a wonderful place where you can kayak a wild river or learn more about our nation’s space program. It’s no wonder this southern state is a popular tourist destination. Here’s an overview of the best places to visit in Alabama:

10. Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island, off the coast of Mobile, is a rest stop on the way from South America if you’re a migratory bird. The island is often the first land birds see as they journey north. There are several bird sanctuaries on the island, but the main one is Audubon Bird Sanctuary.

Named for the Dauphin of France, great-grandson of Louis XIV, island beaches feature spectacular sunsets. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” it originated here with Admiral Farragut during the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. The historic walled Fort Gaines once stood guard per the bay’s entrance.

9. Noccalula Falls Park

Romantic tragedy lurks beneath the waters of Noccalula Falls Park. According to legend, rather than marry the rich chief her father wanted her, Noccalula chose to jump over the 90-foot falls on her wedding day. You’ll see a nine-foot tall statue of her at the falls that drop into the Black Creek ravine.

But where there is sadness, there is also beauty, the 25,000 azalea plants in this Gadsden park. While camping here, you can stroll the park’s paved hiking trail, let your kids play at the petting zoo and visit Pioneer Village to learn about the past.

8. Montgomery

Alabama’s capital, Montgomery, has a notable history, but it was Rosa Parks who really made it famous. The African-American woman name civil rights history in 1965 when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. In an ironic twist of history, Montgomery was where the Confederacy was formed in 1861.

Today, this city on the Alabama River is noted for its numerous arks, skyscrapers and one of the best art scenes for cities its size in the United States. Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents the Bard’s work throughout the year at its Blount Park theatre.

7. Cheaha State Park

Cheaha Mountain is the highest point in Alabama. The 2,413-foot (735-meter) high mountain can be found in the state park named for a Cree Indian word. Located inside Talladega National Forest, Cheaha State Park has good hiking with access to the Appalachian Trail as well as other trails.

There’s even a trail for ATV riders if you’d rather ride than hike through nature. Accommodations range from camping to a luxury lodge. If a pretty outdoor setting in your venue of choice, park staff can help you arrange your wedding. The park also is popular with day users.

Mobile, located at the head of Mobile Bay, is Alabama’s only saltwater port. Alabama’s third largest city is also the largest on the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and St. Petersburg in Florida . It is a cultural center on the sea, with museums, art galleries, and professional symphony, ballet and opera.

In early spring the city is ablaze with azaleas, while in February it hosts the oldest organized Carnival in the United States; their carnival dates back to the early 1700s when it was organized by French Catholic settlers. Mobile is famous for its antebellum architecture, a blend of several styles found throughout nine major historic districts.

5. Orange Beach

Orange Beach is a resort city of 5,500 residents on Alabama’s Gulf Coast border with Florida. It’s one of the best places to visit in Alabama if you want to chill out, perhaps staying in beachfront housing and playing a little basketball or tennis at a rec center if you get tired of water activities.

Orange Beach also is a good place to do dolphin spotting, or you can do what the locals do for entertainment: visit the Orange Beach Islands. The four islands are located in Perdido Pass and are accessible by watercraft. The islands are popular with water sports enthusiasts and also are a good place to see seabirds and marine mammals.

4. Little River Canyon National Preserve

The Little River Canyon is a special place, frequently described with superlatives, such as the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi River. The Little River, which starts in northwest Georgia, is believed to be the longest river in the United States that runs atop a mountain, in this case, Little Top Mountain.

Though it’s only about 600 feet at its deepest, it’s considered a spectacular landform in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The Little River is a Wild and Scenic River. The nature preserve that surrounds it is home to many protected species of plants and animals.

3. Huntsville

Huntsville is known as Rocket City because of its association with the U.S. space program. Chemical munitions facilities built during World War II were converted to space exploration use following the war; the United States launched its first satellite here in 1958. Today, NASA’s Manned Space Flight Center is located in Huntsville.

The city has a number of historic homes, some constructed in the early 1800s. Museums include Space Camp, Alabama Constitution Village with its reconstructed Federal style buildings, Clay House with its collection of Noritake porcelain and Veterans Memorial Museum with its collection of military vehicles.

2. Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is a popular tourist destination on the Gulf of Mexico. Just 54 miles (87 km) from Mobile, it’s a good place to go ocean fishing, play golf at two top courses or go dolphin watching. Besides the usual beach activities, you can also take a sunset cruise on the Gulf or take the whole family to a water/amusement park.

If you’re a party animal, then late April is the time to visit. That’s when what’s billed as the world’s greatest beach party takes place. Join in the fun as you toss a dead mullet over the state line with Florida.

1. Birmingham

The city named after Birmingham, England, was founded during Civil War Reconstruction. Today, it is Alabama’s largest city. Because it was once the south’s main industrial area, it was given the nickname of “the Pittsburgh of the South.” Birmingham is the cultural capital of Alabama, with the largest art museum (Birmingham Museum of Art) in the southeastern United States.

You’ll also find ballet, symphony and opera companies here as well as several theaters for the performing arts. Birmingham is host to several music and film festivals, including the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival that draws filmmakers from around the world.

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Reader interactions.

June 22, 2020 at 1:09 pm

Gotta love the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida! Having been born in Mobile, Alabama makes me love the Coast. I love the smell of the ocean and when I get near its a real pleasure to smell the salty ocean on the breeze of the Gulf Coast! Such a welcome! I love watching the sea birds, dolphins, sailboats, shrimp boats and people enjoying the beaches! Gotta get some Gumbo!

January 11, 2019 at 10:00 am

The Southeastern United States has more to offer than any other part of the country.

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42 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Alabama

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: November 20, 2020  - Last updated: April 30, 2024

Alabama, known also as The Cotton State and the Heart of Dixie, is a beautiful place with delicious food, delightful natural landscapes, deep historic roots, and of course, football galore!

It’s packed with lots of options for what to see, no matter what you’re interested in, so there is a lot to add to your vacation ideas.

How can you decide what tourist hotspots you’ll want to check out when you arrive?

To help you out, here is our travel guide for 42 things to do and places to visit in Alabama that you should add to your bucket list.

Table of Contents

1. U.S. Space & Rocket Center

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a unique museum that should be among any space-lovers’ list of where to visit in the state of Alabama.

Located in Huntsville , this museum showcases the history of the space program of the United States through information and artifacts.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is both a Marshall Space Flight Center for NASA and a Smithsonian Affiliate, and it’s also considered one of the largest space museums on the planet.

More than 1,500 different artifacts are on display and it boasts one of the biggest collections of its kind.

Among the most exhibits at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center are memorabilia and items from Army rocketry and aircraft, the Apollo program, the International Space Station, and the Space Shuttle program.

It can tell you all about the Space Race and the evolution of space exploration.

Some of the best things you need to check out are the genuine Apollo 16 capsule, a Skylab solar array, capsule trainers, and space travel simulators.

A number of traveling exhibits occasionally stop by here, and two camp programs are held at the museum.

There are also movies shown every day at the National Geographic Theater and the IMAX Theater, and you can tour the grounds with a bus tour.

All in all, this is one of the most fun things to do in Alabama.

Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States

2. Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House Museum

Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House Museum

The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House Museum is one of the key architectural points of interest in Alabama.

It’s one of the most beautiful buildings that the great Frank Llyod Wright created in America and the only one by him at all in the state.

In 1940, the Rosenbaum house was created for one family: Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum.

Until 1999. Mildred would continue to live here, and then the house was entirely donated to the city of Florence.

It stands now as a prime example of the Usonian style of Wright, an aesthetic that only arose following the Great Depression.

“Usonian” is a bit of an acronym, basically meaning “United States of North American”, and the buildings in this style were designed to be affordable, functional, and well-blended with the world around them.

This meant natural materials with lots of horizontal lines, glass windows, and cantilevered roofs.

Wright had this down to a T, with a large open living space, cozy appearance, and even an added extension that fit perfectly when the Rosenbaum family grew to include four sons.

In 1948, more sleeping room was added as well as a Japanese garden, and Wright was extremely happy with this – it was a sign of practicality that the building could be so easily changed and extended.

While not the most fun design of Wright’s homes, a trip here will give you a new appreciation for the architect’s genius.

It definitely should be on your list of places to go!

Address: 601 Riverview Dr, Florence, AL 35630, United States

3. Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is a beautiful destination to head to this weekend as one of the best beach locations in Alabama.

It’s packed with different options for what to do, no matter what kind of trip you’re seeking.

32 miles of white-sand beaches cover the area.

Local attractions cover things like museums, shopping, art, and golf.

Naturally, there are also plenty of water activities to enjoy, like parasailing, boating, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing, paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and cruises.

You can also simply lounge on the beach and relax, or work on a tan!

4. Huntsville Botanical Garden

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Termed as one of the most popular vacation spots , the Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Alabama and also one of its top attractions, welcoming about 308,000 visitors on an annual basis.

It’s open all throughout the year, no matter the season, so it’s a great, reliable option.

One of the most loved spots within the Huntsville Botanical Garden is the Nature Center and Children’s Garden, which is the home of the biggest seasonal butterfly house in America.

It’s also specially designed just for kids, with themed spaces like a space garden, dinosaur garden, and storybook garden.

There are also many other gardens for people of all ages, such as the biblical garden, fern glade, daylily garden, and herb garden, and there’s also a cool nature trail to check out.

Seasonal events are often held during the year, such as the Scarecrow Trail, Huntsville Blooms, Galaxy of Lights, and Beaks and Barks.

Check the Huntsville Botanical Garden calendar to see if you’ll be in town at the right time to catch something exciting!

Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States

If you’re looking for places to vacation by the sea, or just want a place with a lot of historical activities, you’ll do well with Mobile , a port city with a rich past.

It sits on Alabama Gulf Coast, providing visitors with southern hospitality, fun attractions, and lots of historic districts to take a look at.

In Mobile, you’ll have your fill of art museums, performance art, and coastal wonder.

Check out the 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, wander the beaches for some relaxation, or check out the carnival.

There’s enough to do to keep you busy this weekend!

6. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is where you’ll find the USS Alabama, a ship that began construction on the 1st of February in 1940.

It was completed two years later and showed off in an elaborate ceremony.

Captain George B. Wilson became its commander that year on the 16th of August, and about a year later, it would have its first military engagement.

In 1962, the ship was ordered to be scrapped, and it remained unused for the most part until the Battleship Memorial Park was set up in 1977.

Today, the battleship holds status as a national historic landmark and stands alongside many other historic vessels, including fellow national historic landmark USS Drum, which is a submarine.

Both of the aforementioned ships are vessels from World War II.

The Battleship Memorial Park also has some other interesting features, like a patrol boat used during the Vietnam War, military equipment, fighter and bomber planes, and Vietnam War and Korean War Memorials.

It’s no surprise that this location is one of the most rewarding spots for history buffs, and it’s certainly among the state’s top 10 attractions!

Address: 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36603, United States

7. McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center is a fun and exciting spot that is one of the main places to see in the state for families with children.

It opened its doors in 1998 and has been thrilling children with informational but entertaining science ever since.

Measuring over 9,000 square feet in total, it is packed with interactive exhibits, a Challenger Learning Center, and an IMAX Dome theater.

Over 500,000 different artifacts are on display here, covering a wide range of different scientific topics.

This includes precious minerals, Native American artifacts, and fossils, like an 80-foot whale fossil that is the official state fossil.

Permanent exhibits are diverse, with favorites like the World of Water Aquarium, Explore! Collections Center, the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, Alabama Dinosaurs, Itty Bitty Magic City, Sea Monsters, the Fox 6 Weather Lab, Science on a Sphere, NatureScope, and High Cycle.

Each one is full of interactive activities that make for a fantastic learning experience.

Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States

8. Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park

The Cheaha State Park is the oldest state park in Alabama, opened in 1933 and boasting about 2,800 acres of land in Northern Clay and Cleburne.

It’s one of the best places to spend time in for all the park activities you can think of: sightseeing, hiking, camping, water sports – you name it!

At the Cheaha State Park, you can head to the camp sites, outfitted with modern amenities, or go to the Cheaha Lodge that boasts a swimming pool and 30 hotel rooms.

If you’re not looking to stay long, head to bodies of water for fishing, swimming, or boat launches.

You can also just go hiking to all the different scenic spots with gorgeous views, following loved paths like the Chinnabee Silent Trail, the Pinhoti Trail, and the Odum Scout Trail.

Aside from the usual park amenities, the Cheaha State Park also has a restaurant and general store.

In other words, this is one of the most well-outfitted Alabama attractions for visitors who want a lot of options!

Address: 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, United States

9. Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

The Bellingrath Gardens and Home are truly historic and worth the trip for sightseeing purposes alone.

The grounds cover 900 beautiful acres with the Gardens being the main attraction in this large space in Theodore.

With numerous fun features that make this one of the state’s most delightful tourist attractions, the Bellingrath Gardens and Home provides plenty to do and enjoy.

The great lawn, bridal garden, and conservatory are among top picks on this garden property.

You can also enter the home, which measures 10,500 square feet and dates back to 1935.

It was built by Mobile native and architect George B. Rogers with handmade brick.

Ironwork comes from the Southern Hotel and the entire building gives off a vibe that can only be likened to the Gulf Coast.

It’s also an interesting way of looking at the architectural history of the general area.

The Bellingrath Gardens and Home have 65 acres dedicated to non-stop color through flowers, no matter what time of year it is.

Azaleas brighten the spring.

Tropical plants, roses, and hydrangeas bloom in the summer.

Chrysanthemums take over in the fall.

And, finally, camellias – 400 kinds of them! – cover the grounds in winter.

Take a self-guided tour through the stunning land and feast your eyes on the flora!

Address: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582, United States

10. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute should be on the bucket list of any American history buff.

Civil rights activists were highly active in Alabama in the 1950s and 1960s, and as such, it makes sense that Birmingham in the state is the site of one of the best places to learn about this powerful movement.

In 1992, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opened its doors for the first time, welcoming 25,000 guests in its first week alone.

It tells the story of the development of civil rights, the actions of those who fought for it, and the struggle that still continues to this day for equal treatment.

The things to see within the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute are explorable independently through self-guided walks.

As you pass through the exhibits, you’ll follow the journey of the movement and end on a positive note, as the institute hopes to light a spark of hope for the future through its message.

Address: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States

11. Florence

Florence is one of the most famous Alabama vacation spots, home to a wide range of scenic, educational, and fun attractions.

Located in Alabama’s northwestern side, it is full of outdoor activities, historical locations, and kid-friendly spots for the whole family.

Only 40,000 people live in Florence, and as a small town, it’s a pretty famous tourist location.

It hosts quaint and delightful events, like the W C Handy Music Festival, and provides vibrancy and life to an already bright state.

12. Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is set within the Gulf of Mexico’s lush waters.

It is a barrier island, across Alabama Port, and accessible through a bridge spanning three miles from the mainland.

As a getaway, it is nothing short of serene – trails for walking are teeming with greenery, beaches glisten with white sand and blue surf, and rare birds fly about, waiting for bird-watchers to spot them.

If you’re keen to explore Dauphin Island, then renting a bike is a must do.

With a bike, you’ll be able to more easily visit the many unique spots on the island, including historic parks, lovely parks, and tropical delights.

It’s known as the Sunset Capital of Alabama for its gorgeous vistas of the horizon, too.

No wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Alabama and one of the most beautiful places to go in the US !

13. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Rosa Parks Library and Museum

You’re likely familiar with the inspiring but harrowing story of Rosa Parks, an African-American woman who, in 1955, refused to give her seat to a white man on the bus.

Her brave action sparked the beginning of an uptick in civil rights activism and led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

In the Rosa Parks Library and Museum , her legacy is honored today.

You’ll find the Rosa Parks Library and Museum in Montgomery , where its doors are open five days a week.

The museum has an online virtual tour but is certainly worth an in-person trip.

Housed in the former Empire Theatre building, it is split into six different areas that each tell a unique part of Rosa Parks’ story.

Popular exhibits here include a replica of the bus where the inciting incident occurred, a station wagon restored from 1955, and some original documents relating to this historic event.

Other features include an auditorium, “time machine”, conference room, classrooms, and archives.

A children’s wing is available onsite to allow children to learn about Rosa Parks in age-friendly and educational ways.

History buffs should definitely have this museum on their list of what to do in Alabama.

Address: 251 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

14. Alligator Alley

Alligator Alley

No trip to Alabama is complete without a stop at Alligator Alley .

Located in Summerdale, this alligator farm is a haven for lovers of the reptile and for anyone who is interested in learning more about them.

It’s one of the state’s cool things to do, packed with fun, excitement, and plenty of activities.

Alligator Alley was set up in 2004 in Alabama as a farm with a natural environment for these many-toothed reptiles.

The alligators here have come from all sorts of bad situations, rescued from dangerous environments, and brought here to live a healthier life in a better home.

There are also some other animals that have been taken in, either – you can find bullfrogs, owls, ospreys, and turkeys in different areas of the grounds.

A guided adventure takes you through Alligator Alley, beginning at the impressive viewing platform elevated above the ground.

Through it, you can see more than a whopping 450 alligators of all different ages engaging in their daily lives: sunbathing, nesting, courting, and relaxing!

Once the tour is done, you’ll get to head to the gator station, where you’ll be able to hold an adorable baby alligator.

Don’t forget to stick around for the feedings, which happen three times daily; you might even get to participate!

Address: 19950 Co Rd 71, Summerdale, AL 36580, United States

15. Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines is an excellent option among Alabama destinations for a sightseeing stop.

Located on Dauphin Island, it provides all-around views of the beautiful sand and surf, and its wealth of history makes it one of the best places to stop by when you’re on the Gulf Coast this weekend.

The Fort has been around for over 150 years and has been kept surprisingly well-preserved, remaining on the “entrance” to the stunning Mobile Bay.

It boasts its original canons and kitchen to this very day, as well as a blacksmith’s shop.

There is also a museum and gift shop on the premises, and guided tours are conducted by staff in period costumes who take you through the many interesting tunnels.

You’ll get to watch the art of smithing and even see a cannon fire!

Fort Gaines is considered one of America’s most endangered historic locations, which makes it a rare find in Alabama but also one of the most melancholy.

It was once a key factor in the Battle of Mobile Bay and is the site of the famous “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” order from Admiral Farragut.

If you do plan to go to this location, be aware of the erosion on the shoreline.

Address: 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States

16. Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo is a zoological part that covers 122 acres of its titular town.

More than 470,000 visitors head here on a yearly basis, and there are lots of activities held throughout the year that make it worth a trip while you’re in Alabama.

It opened in 1955 with only a handful of animals in a firehouse and has since grown to accommodate over 800 individual animals from 200 different species.

Some of the most fun attractions around the Birmingham Zoo are the Kangaroo Kountry, Predator Building, Flamingo Lagoon, Primate Building, and Alligator Swamp.

If you’re looking for more stuff to do, keep an eye out for camel rides, available seasonally, and the Sea Lions Splash Show.

There is also the delightful Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary, which charges a small fee to let you interact with and feed birds!

Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States

17. Ave Maria Grotto

Ave Maria Grotto

The Ave Maria Grotto in Benedictine Abbey is an impressive work of art that makes it one of the best places to visit of religious and general artistic significance.

It comprises more than 125 different little miniature reproductions of buildings, shrines, and churches across the planet.

The Ave Maria Grotto was built by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Brother of the Order who resided in St. Bernard Abbey.

He was born in Bavaria but arrived here in 1892.

In his time here, he began work on the Grotto, which was actually just a project he did as a hobby.

He used recycled materials and the Grotto soon grew into a famous feature of the Abbey.

For three acres, the grotto will transport you away from Alabama and onto the streets of many beautiful locations in different parts of the world.

It is even commonly called “Jerusalem in Miniature”, and it’s an apt name for such a masterpiece.

Address: 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, United States

18. Birmingham Museum of Art

Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the must do Alabama attractions for art aficionados.

It is considered among the finest art collections in Alabama, and perhaps even in the Southeast of the country.

It opened its doors in 1951, has the support of an education program, and is home to more than 25,000 exhibits.

Multiple cultures are well-represented at the Birmingham Museum of Art through decorative works, paintings, and sculptures.

You’ll find work from Africa, Asia, America, and Europe, and from Native American and Pre-Columbian cultures.

The museum also has amazing Renaissance, Wedgwood, and Baroque art collections, and the Vietnamese ceramics collection is to die for!

Noted artists with works here are Carrie Hill, a landscape artist, and Hannah Elliot, a miniaturist.

Address: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States

19. Cathedral Caverns State Park

Diegoandrade , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Cathedral Caverns State Park can be found in Marshall County, just southeast of Alabama’s Woodville.

The state park is named after a stunning cavern within it that is known as one of the best tourist attractions in the area.

The magnificent Cathedral Caverns were once simply known as the Bat Cave, but it completely naturally looks like a cathedral, earning in its current title.

The Cathedral Caverns are always 60 degrees in temperature, and they greet you with a giant entrance measuring 25 feet in height and 126 feet in width.

11,000 feet have been traversed, but 2,700 feet more of the Caverns are still closed as they have not yet been surveyed.

Gem mining, cave tours, camping, and picnics can all be done here.

The most stunning of the Cathedral Caverns’ sights is Goliath, which might be the largest natural column in the world.

The stalagmite has a 3-inch diameter, a 243-foot circumference, and a height of 45 feet.

It reaches the ceiling, 25 feet above, at an angle that makes room for it.

It’s the centerpiece of the state park and a masterwork of nature!

Address: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, United States

20. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is situated on 740 acres of ground in Birmingham.

It is the home of the world’s most comprehensive and fine collections of vintage automobiles and motorcycles.

It was created by George Barber, who has a private collection of vintage motorcycles thanks to his interest in them.

He used his collection to open the museum in 1988.

Barber was more than just a collector, though.

He had 63 first-place wins from racing Porches and was advised by his friend, Dave Hooper, to focus on motorcycles due to the common collections of cars already existing.

Barber listened and began gathering what is now the biggest collection of motorcycles in the world.

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum now has more than 1,450 motorcycles that span over a century of production from 20 different countries.

Famous bikes onsite include everything from common brands like Honda and Harley-Davidson to rarer ones like Cagiva and DSK.

Aside from motorcycles, the museum is also home to a fun collection of Lotus racecars – the biggest of its kind worldwide!

There’s no denying that the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is one of the state’s things to see that shouldn’t be missed for motorcycle enthusiasts!

Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, United States

21. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum ( Heather Cowper / flickr )

The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is situated in Montgomery, and as the sole museum exclusive to its subject, is one of the top points of interest for renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald in the world.

The Fitzgeralds came to live in the house in 1931, at the same time that the writer was working on screenwriting Red-Headed Woman and authoring the novel Tender Is The Night.

Only a year later, a mental breakdown would see his wife, Zelda, admitted to a clinic in Baltimore.

That April, Fitzgerald would vacate the home with his child.

The house was set up to be knocked down in 1986, but two people rallied to save it: Julian and Leslie McPhillips.

They also set up the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Association and the house was officially opened as a museum the following year.

It is now the last house ever lived in by either Fitzgerald or his wife that remains standing now in Montgomery.

The house itself is interesting to explore.

Its foyer leads to a number of different directions, with the museum being situated on the first floor and apartments located above.

The apartments are now actually used as the Zelda and Scott Suites, which are an AirBnB location.

If you book a room for the night, museum entry is complimentary, so it could be among the free things to do if you decide to stay here!

A tour of the museum starts with a video that dates back to the 1980s.

It is 30 minutes long and tells the tale of the Fitzgeralds and their home.

The rest of the museum is backed with personal items, photos, letters, and books relating to the author and his family.

Address: 919 Felder Ave # 919, Montgomery, AL 36106, United States

22. Unclaimed Baggage Center

Unclaimed Baggage Center

The Unclaimed Baggage Center is one of the best cool places that you can check out in Alabama.

It is in Scottsboro and is one of the many places that unclaimed baggage may end up in order to find new homes somewhere.

Many airlines provide reimbursements to customers whose luggage or cargo is lost, and then the eventually located luggage may then be sold.

The Unclaimed Baggage Center, which opened in 1970, is one of the businesses that purchase such lost items.

They first opened as a part-time business in 1970 before a full expansion in 1995 that led to it reaching the size of a city block!

Over 7,000 new items are brought in daily, so the selection is wide-ranging and interesting.

At the Unclaimed Baggage Center, you’ll find a large amount of clothing predominantly, but there are many other items as well.

Electronics, books, jewelry, sporting goods, cameras, and actual luggage are also common finds.

There are also rarer and more unique items occasionally; some that have been reported over the years are a parachute, a suit of armor, a fighter jet system, gemstones, and a whole live rattlesnake!

The rarest items can be viewed in the museum on site.

This includes artifacts from Egypt, Hoggle from Labyrinth by Jim Hensen, and even a 1700s violin.

There’s a reason over a million people come to check this place out annually – it’s just cool!

Address: 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, United States

23. Little River Canyon

Little River Canyon

The Little River Canyon is a national reserve that can be found close to Fort Payne, on Alabama’s Lookout Mountain.

It is the site of America’s longest mountaintop river, and it’s truly one of the most beautiful places to go in the state.

The canyon is often considered the deepest of its kind east of the Mississippi River and was originally called May’s Gulf.

There are a number of fun ways to keep yourself occupied if you visit Little River Canyon.

Backcountry camping is possible in Hartline’s Ford, Billy’s Ford, and Slant Rock.

Fishing and hunting can be performed with a license, too.

If you prefer, you can also just drive along the edge of the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway to get a 23-mile gorgeous view around the rim of the canyon.

Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

24. Fairhope

Fairhope is a lovely, picturesque location that has a small-town vibe, which makes it one of many more laid-back vacation ideas in Alabama.

Perfect for exploring the shores and cliffs of Mobile Bay this weekend through the delightful, whimsical locations it has to offer.

Among Fairhope’s most famed places to visit is Fairhope Avenue, which has plenty of unique and interesting shops, eateries, and galleries, as well as storybook-like lights at night.

There is also the Fairhope Pier, the rose garden, tours through horseback and boat, and more.

25. Mobile Carnival Museum

Mobile Carnival Museum

The Mobile Carnival Museum is the best way to get a glimpse into Mardi Gras history in Alabama.

This is because Mobile was the location of the very first Mardi Gras (or Carnival) in the New World of French Louisiana in 1703.

The Mobile Carnival Museum tells its tales through photographs, costumes, floats, gowns, jewels, and posters, all dating as far back as 1886 and as current as the modern day.

As one of the most fun things to do in Alabama, it showcases all the unique and fascinating parts of Mardi Gras and Carnival evolution over the decades.

Address: 355 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602, United States

26. Bryant Denny Stadium

Bryant Denny Stadium

The Bryant Denny Stadium rests on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

It’s one of the key places of interest for sports fans and was set up in 1929.

At first, it only has 18,000 or so seats, but it has since grown to be capable of accommodating more than 100,000 people!

Over the years, the Bryant Denny Stadium has become one of the country’s main venues for college football.

If you love sports as entertainment, you’ll likely be able to watch a game if you catch tickets on time.

If not, book a tour of the stadium in advance in order to go on one of the daily tours, which caps at 25 people.

If you’re a die-hard sports fan, you’ll also probably want to catch the Iron Bowl, which takes place here in even-numbered years!

It’s a fun mashup between the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide, which are the state’s two biggest rivals in the sport of college football.

Address: 920 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, United States

27. Dismals Canyon

Dismals Canyon

The Dismals Canyon comes alive when night falls.

Dismalites!

Dismalites are a kind of gnat larvae, commonly called “glowworms”, which doesn’t sound very appealing, but they’re a must see if you’re in Alabama thanks to their rarity alone.

Dismalites, officially called the North American Orfelia fultoni, can only survive in specific habitats when they are still larvae, so they can only be found in very few locations.

They need hanging surfaces to build webs on, humidity to keep them moist, darkness so its lights can show, and still air in order to keep web lines steady.

Alongside Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains, Dismals Canyon is one of the places to see that has this habitat!

The canyons, covered in moss, are often so full of them that it’s tough to differentiate between them and the sky above!

The Dismals Canyon is also home to one of the world’s biggest Canadian Hemlock trees, known also as Tsuga canadensis.

It towers at 138 feet in height and nearly 9 inches around.

Its crown spreads across 50 feet and it has an impressive age of 360 years.

Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, United States

28. Moundville Archaeological Park

Moundville Archaeological Park

Travel back in time to a pre-Columbian world at the Moundville Archaeological Park near Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

For more than a millennium, these earthworks have gazed over the Black Warrior River on a bluff, boasting 29 mounts built by the Mississippians, a Native American society.

The civilization of Mississippians was made up of chiefdoms that lived in a long rush of land from the coast of the Atlantic to the western Plains.

Chiefdoms were autonomous but connected by conflicts, trades, or other arrangements.

The culture also discovered techniques for sustainable agriculture, unlike many hunter-gatherer societies, which is why permanent settlements were possible for them.

Ruling religious and political figures were the head of their complex civilizations, and these elites were responsible for the supervision of the construction of the mounds you see now.

These mounds were the basis for houses, temples, and buildings of council and required heavy labor.

The ones at the Moundville Archaeological Park were built between 1000 and 1450 CE and had more than one thousand residents.

The larger the mound, the more elite the individual residing within it.

The largest one at the Moundville Archaeological Park measures 60 feet in height.

This place was abandoned around 1500 CE and it wasn’t excavated properly until the 20th century as part of New Deal job creation.

It spans 185 acres and is one of the best Alabama attractions you can find, as well as one of the most unique.

Address: 634 Mound State Parkway, Moundville, AL 35474, United States

29. Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway

If you’re looking for fun tourist attractions, the Talladega Superspeedway is an amazing way to get your taste of races and entertainment in Alabama.

Measuring 2.66 miles, it is the fastest and longest of NASCAR’s tracks.

It originally opened as the Alabama International Motor Speedway in 1969 and it earned a reputation for being cursed due to its location atop burial grounds of ancient communities.

The Talladega Superspeedway is unique because it offers a fascinating way to spend weekends when races are scheduled: with the option for free camping on the grounds.

You can avail of infield RV tent camping, RV camping, and outdoor camping as well.

There is also the new addition of the Party Patio, which lets you take a look at the whole track as you rest and await races.

Address: 3366 Speedway Blvd, Lincoln, AL 35096, United States

30. Tinglewood Carvings

Tinglewood Carvings ( Angie Flowers / flickr )

The Tinglewood Carvings can be found in Orr Park of Montevallo, Alabama.

The park itself is lovely, with eight sports fields, two playgrounds, a walking trail, a creek, and several picnic shelters.

But the best things to see at Orr Park aren’t these facilities, but the carvings made in many of its trees.

When a storm swept the area in 1993, many of the older trees wound up being destroyed.

They were originally meant to be simply chopped down, but one Mr. Tingle decided not to allow that!

He arrived and began carving into them, a mix of whimsical and comedic that add to Orr Park’s beauty.

Living trees are left untouched, but dead ones are game for whatever carvings he wants to add!

Alligators, squirrels, men, silly faces, and a dragon are among the different designs of the Tinglewood Carvings.

They’ve become so famous that the Montevallo City Hall has a book that details all of them!

Address: Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115, United States

31. Alabama Wildlife Center

Alabama Wildlife Center ( Ralph Daily / flickr )

The Alabama Wildlife Center is the biggest facility for wildlife rehabilitation.

Created in 1977, it’s also the oldest, beginning as a small volunteer organization.

For the most part, the wildlife center focuses on being a rehabilitation clinic for native wild birds, providing a wildlife helpline, and offering fun educational programs.

More than 50,000 wild animals have been helped by the wildlife center, the facility continues to provide medical and rehabilitative aid to the animals that they can help.

More than 100 species of wild birds are cared for here annually – over 2,000 individual animals!

Address: 100 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, United States

32. Alabama Theater

Alabama Theater

In 1927, the Alabama Theater was opened in Birmingham to be a premier movie theater for America’s southeast.

It was among the very first buildings to boast air-conditioning and, in the 1930s, was home to the activities of the Mickey Mouse Club.

In the beginning, the theater could only play silent films with the aid of a Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

It is this organ that eventually saved the theater from its eventual slating for demolition.

Now, the Alabama Theater is a nonprofit that still offers frequent entertainment.

Seating 2,500 people, it has come a long way since it was a mere vessel for vaudeville and performance arts.

As the only district theater in the state still operating, it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Alabama.

Address: 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States

33. Town of Spectre

Town of Spectre ( Jason Biro / flickr )

The Town of Spectre is a fictional town that you may recognize from Big Fish, a film from 2003.

In the movie, the main character visits Spectre multiple times, going as a child to find it beautiful and bright, and arriving later to find it dilapidated.

The lead then works to fix it and, the final time he visits it, it’s all fixed up and good as new.

It’s whimsical and melancholy – even more so when you consider the current state of the set of Spectre.

Spectre was built along the Alabama River, on a private island.

Its facades were left to stand there when filming was over, along with all the other dressings of the set.

The reason it looks so run-down is because that version of Spectre was the last to be filmed, so it already looked intentionally bad when filming wrapped.

Some of the buildings have begun to collapse over time, and one of them led to a fire when debris collapsed and the owners attempted to save it.

Sparks burned and most of the commercial part of Spectre was destroyed.

A river house was also demolished due to flooding that damaged it.

Spectre is still a fun option for what to do, but much smaller now.

Only six homes, two trees, a church, and columns from an important building remain.

If you loved the film, you can leave your shoes at the long line already existing here, left behind by visitors.

Address: Dirt road near, Cypress Ln, Millbrook, AL 36054, United States

34. Civil Rights Memorial

Civil Rights Memorial

The Civil Rights Memorial of Alabama is located across the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Despite being harrowing in nature, it is one of the best places to visit to feel the symbolic gravity of the movement for civil rights.

It bears the names of 40 individuals who died between the years 1954 and 1968 in their fight for equality.

The years were chosen because the former is when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against racial segregation in schools and the latter is when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

The memorial is always watched by a guard in order to prevent vandalism.

It was designed by Vietnam Veterans Memorial designer Maya Lin and was dedicated in the year 1989.

The design of the memorial is water-themed and is meant to appear healing and relaxing.

It is a nod to King’s own words from his famous speech: “…we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream”.

Address: 400 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

35. Orange Beach

Orange Beach

Orange Beach is one of the famous places in Alabama because it’s one of the few beach getaways that offers sand and surf fun.

It rests along the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline and spans 32 miles.

Orange Beach has golf courses, fishing events, nature preserves, and plenty of white sand to enjoy.

You can rent a boat, bask in the sun, go for a cruise, partake in fishing, or even look for dolphins!

36. GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is one of the best ways to get a true look into the Gulf of Mexico.

As the only maritime museum dedicated to its subject on the planet, it’s paramount of the list of where to go for education about this gulf at the end of Alabama.

Situated on the Mobile River, the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is an interactive location, making it one of the only interactive museums of this theme in the United States.

It is built inside the container ship of the SS McLean as a symbol of the 1950s concept of containerization.

Address: 155 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602, United States

Auburn is a college town, through and through.

You won’t find another place that is more quintessential to the concept of Alabama colleges.

It’s home to the famous football team, the Auburn Tigers, and the school pride is evident virtually in all the places to visit you’ll encounter.

There are plenty of fun spots throughout Auburn worth visiting.

Whether you’re looking for art, good food, nature, shopping, or sports, you’re sure to find something here that will entice you.

Experience a slice of the world of university life and feel young again – or feel like you’re all grown up!

38. Hank Williams’s Gravesite

Hank Williams’s Gravesite

More than 25,000 individuals take a trip to Hank Williams’s Gravesite annually, which makes it a surprising addition to the top list of Alabama attractions.

It is located in Montgomery, Alabama in the Oakwood Cemetery Annex.

Williams’ enjoyed a short career in music, but it was nothing if not memorable.

Superfans of Williams have plucked the grass from around his grave so much that it was eventually replaced completely with Astroturf, which makes the grave – and the grave of Williams’ wife, Audrey, stand out significantly.

The artificial bright green contrasts with the natural hues of every place around it.

Address: 1269-1399 Upper Wetumpka Rd, Montgomery, AL, United States

39. Neversink Pit

Neversink Pit ( Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr )

The Neversink Pit is one of Alabama’s more unique tourist attractions.

It is located in the north of the state and is a bit of a cross between a cave and a sinkhole.

It’s a majestic sight to behold, which is probably why it’s not just a hotspot for climbers, but for photographers as well.

The Neversink Pit is a magnificent geological marvel.

It measures 40 feet in width at its peak entrance and drops by a whopping 162 feet to a floor nearly 80 feet in width.

Many people aim to climb it, and they’re greeted by different vistas each season.

In the spring, ribbons of water fall after the rain.

In the summer, rare species of ferns drape over the sides.

In the winter, ice sheets make things extra chilly. It’s equal parts fun, intimidating, and breathtaking.

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy spent years trying to keep the Neversink Pit pristine before purchasing the property entirely with donations in 1995.

The organization now maintains watch over the pit’s ecology and overseas guest activity.

This is especially important because of the endangered plants growing in the Neversink Pit and the vulnerable “community” of bats that calls this cave home.

Address: Unnamed Road, Fackler, AL 35746, United States

40. Sloss Furnaces

Sloss Furnaces

The Sloss Furnaces is an incredibly national historic landmark and one of the most unique things to do in Birmingham, Alabama .

In 1882, the furnaces began their function as a blast furnace for pig-iron.

In 1971, the Sloss Furnaces site was shut down, and it was then preserved as one of the things to see for the public.

The fascinating structures were named after Colonel James Withers Sloss, one of Birmingham’s founders who promoted the development of railroads.

He built this company on land spanning 50 acres, which was donated for the purposes of industrial growth.

Only two furnaces could be built even on that huge amount of space.

Each furnace is 60 feet in height and 18 feet in width, and they are surrounded by the items, machines, and tools used in the pig-iron production process.

Sloss eventually sold his company when he wanted to retire.

The park then expanded, accommodating new boilers, and they soon grew to be one of the world’s biggest industry players.

Cottages were set up for workers to live in and improvements were made repeatedly throughout the years.

They were shut down after the passing of the US Clean Air Act.

The Alabama State Fair Authority then received them as a donation and preservationists made sure the site was saved instead of demolished.

The Sloss Furnaces now function as an industrial museum, providing a globally renowned metal arts program and teaching visitors an interpretive history of the industry.

It is also often used as a venue for concerts and festivals, and there’s no entry fee, so it’s one of the few free things to do in the state.

Address: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States

41. Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is one of the must see points of interest in Alabama.

It is surrounded by unbelievably lush foliage as well as delightful and awe-inspiring rock formations, but the uniqueness of this bridge, made of iron ore and sandstone, outshines them all.

Over 200 million years ago, this bridge was slowly being formed outside what is now known as the William Bankhead National Forest.

It spans the area of a cave and measures 148 feet in length and 50 feet in height.

Native Americans have lived here for centuries, and it became a national park in 1954.

You cannot walk over the bridge now due to safety, but it’s amazing enough to walk through and take photos.

If you walk a little farther, you’ll find a mysterious Native American head carving believed to depict a former chief.

Address: County RD 314, Natural Bridge, AL 35577, United States

42. Southeastern Raptor Center

Southeastern Raptor Center ( Josh Hallett / flickr )

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Alabama, you can’t go wrong with the Southeastern Raptor Center .

Founded in the mid-1970s, it was created after Dr. Milton received requests to help injured birds that had been taken to the College of Veterinary Medicine and Auburn University.

Eventually, donations and volunteer work allowed for the creation of the raptor barn, followed by a housing area.

The Southeastern Raptor Center has since helped thousands of birds of prey, treating them and releasing them into the wild as one of the top specialists for this field in Alabama.

As such, the center is an amazing option among places to visit in the state, especially for bird enthusiasts.

Address: 1350 Pratt-Carden Dr, Auburn, AL 36849, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Alabama

Alabama’s places to visit are fun, exciting, and unique.

Whether you’ve got a huge budget or want something free, there are sure to be Alabama vacation spots that fit your idea of the perfect holiday.

Hopefully, this travel guide has helped you determine your own picks for the top things to do in Alabama!

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25 Best Places to Visit in Alabama

Last Updated By VI on June 6, 2024

Dauphin Island

Muscle shoals, alabama, florence, alabama.

• Complete List & Map

One of the best ways to explore Dauphin Island is on two wheels – you can rent a bike from Dauphin Island Bike and Kayak Rentals – and set off to admire historic Fort Gaines , pristine beaches and panoramic island landscapes. There are plenty of accommodation options on the island and you will easily find the ideal base for your vacation.

More ideas: Day Trips in Alabama

Nature lovers will enjoy visiting Weeks Bay Reserve while beer lovers should not miss a tasting at the Fairhope Brewing Company.

For family fun you can head to the Children’s Museum, the Sky Zone Trampoline Park and the Killen Time Mini Golf and Adventure Park.

Gadsden, Alabama

Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts – the center is home to the Etowah Youth Orchestra, the Downtown Dance Conservatory and Imagination Place Children’s Museum.

Gulf Shores

Back on land you can explore various hiking and biking trails, or re-live history by following the Mobile Bay Civil War Trail to see Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines and much more.

In addition, there are no less than eight beautiful Historic Districts to explore. The city’s coastal location means that there is a plethora of maritime activities available as well as easy access to some of the best beaches on the Gulf .

There is also a treat in store for foodies who can visit several farmer’s markets, wineries, berry farms and tempting farm-to-fork restaurants.

Cheaha State Park, Alabama

Cheaha State Park, 19644 Hwy 281, Delta, AL 36258, Phone: 800-610-5801 , ( website link )

Take the family to Cook’s Natural Science Museum. Art lovers can feast their eyes at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center or catch a show at the Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Families visiting Dothan will enjoy stepping back in time at Landmark Park (a “living” farming museum), having outdoor fun at Advertureland Theme Park or making a splash at Water World.

Shopaholics will enjoy exploring the Bargain Hunter’s Thrift Trail and Tanger Outlets while foodies head to the Coastal Alabama Farmer’s and Fishermen’s Market.

Gulf State Park, Alabama

Gulf State Park, 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Guntersville, Alabama

You can spend your time playing golf, hiking, biking, bird watching or fishing. For a change of pace you can visit the near-by Cathedral Caverns to see an astonishing frozen waterfall, a stalagmite forest and many other breathtaking cave formations.

Some of the most popular near-by family attractions include the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum and the Aldrich Coal Mine Museum.

For a complete change of pace you can visit the Huntsville Botanical Garden (young visitors love the night firefly hikes) or spend a few hours at the Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment center to see local artists in action.

Monte Sano State Park

When you need a brief break from nature you can visit some of the interesting museums in Huntsville.

Montgomery, Alabama

Art enthusiasts can feast their eyes on the collections at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts before catching a show at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Children will love the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum and the Montgomery Zoo.

Other city highlights include the Ancient Africa, Enslavement and Civil War Museum and the National Voting Rights Museum, Historic Water Avenue, the Jackson Home Historic Site and the Old Depot Museum.

There are also many historic sites to admire including the Silk Stocking District where you will find 113 acres showcasing various historic architectural styles.

There are many historic sites to visit including several interesting museums, the Black Warrior Model Railroad, the Battle-Friedman historic house and the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park. In addition you can take a (free) tour of the Mercedes Benz Visitor’s Center, take the kids to the Children’s Hands-On Museum.

Orange Beach

Save some time for family fun at Adventure Island and shopping at The Wharf.

Birmingham, Alabama

However, Birmingham is by no means all about history – the city offers excellent shopping, dining, golf and nightlife as well as great activities for younger visitors including the Alabama Splash Adventure water park.

• 1. Dauphin Island
• 2. Muscle Shoals, Alabama
• 3. Fairhope
• 4. Florence, Alabama
• 5. Gadsden, Alabama
• 6. Gulf Shores
• 9. Cheaha State Park, Alabama
• 10. Decatur
• 13. Gulf State Park, Alabama
• 14. Guntersville, Alabama
• 16. Huntsville
• 17. Monte Sano State Park
• 18. Montgomery, Alabama
• 20. Talladega
• 21. Tuscaloosa
• 22. Orange Beach
• 23. Birmingham, Alabama

More Alabama Getaways:

Resources: Alabama Travel , Alabama.gov , Gulf Shores , Huntsville , Horseshoe Bend

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Alabama (AL) » 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Alabama

30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Alabama

Dubbed as the Yellowhammer State after the state bird, Alabama is located in the south-eastern part of the United States of America. While Montgomery stands as the state capital, Mobile is the oldest city in Alabama, which as per records was founded in 1702 as the capital of French Louisiana by French colonists.

With approximately 1,500 miles of inland waterways, which is 3.2% of the total state area, Alabama has the second-largest inland waterway system in the country. It is also the 24th most populous state and the 30th largest by area in the United States.

Named after the Native American Alabama Tribe, the state is famous for its picturesque landscapes and brilliant outdoors. Alabama is divided into four sections – the metropolitan centers, the mountains, the inland waterways, and the Gulf Coast.

Neighbored by Tennessee to its north, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to its south, Georgia to its east, and Mississippi to its west, the state is famous for its southern hospitality. Along with hospitality and genial behavior, Alabama is also home to several secret treasures that are longing to be discovered.

Let us discover the many hidden gems in Alabama and indulge into the many wonders of the Cotton State.

1. Spectre Set Ruins, Millbrook

Outside Millbrook, Alabama, Jackson Lake Island on Alabama River stands the dilapidated remnants of Spectre, a fictional town which was built as a set for Tim Burton’s fantasy movie, Big Fish (2003).

Edward Bloom, the lead character in the movie, visits Spectre a few times in his life – once as a kid and the second time when the town is almost in ruins. Bloom visits the town one final time to find it restored.

When the shooting of the film ended, Spectre was left abandoned with the movie set and Styrofoam trees. Unfortunately, after a few years from when the filming wrapped, some of the structures collapsed.

As of present, Spectre has left six homes, a church, two trees from the forest, and the columns from Jenny, the mayor’s daughter’s home. Add your shoes to the collection of several others hanging in line.

2. Alabama’s Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge

Outside the William Bankhead national Forest lays the 148-feet-long and 60-feet-high curved rock formation that stands as one of the most exquisite forms of natural geological formation in the state – the Natural Bridge.

The area was listed as a National Park in 1954, however, history shows that the bridge and the surrounding area has been used by the Native Americans for hundreds of years. A few steps ahead from the Natural Bridge is a strange, inexplicable carving of an Indian Head that looks almost similar to that of a buffalo nickel.

Claims have been made that the carving depicts a chief from the Native American tribes that resided here but no proofs have been found, yet.

Unfortunately, to safeguard the safety of visitors (you can’t really trust a 200-million-year old bridge to withstand hundreds of visitors) and the ancient natural asset, walking on the bridge is prohibited. However, you can stroll around the bridge and the park as much as you want.

3. The Museum of Wonder, Seale

A ten-year-old boy’s obsession with collecting junk and other discarded items turned into a full-fledged hobby when he accidentally sold a painting of a turnip.

Butch Anthony, an Alabama artist and a former taxidermist, realized the potential of revenue generation from his scrap collection that he has been compiling as a young boy.

To materialize on the thought, he transformed his taxidermy store into an exhibition of strange objects – animal bones, jars full of dead critters, weird paintings, lost-and-found objects, and just about any piece of rubbish you could imagine.

In almost no time, Anthony’s 500-square-foot cabin in the rural town of Seale turned into an extraordinary collection and gave rise to the Museum of Wonder.

Among many other items on display are a few signature-style creations of the artist – impressionistic skeletons traced over vintage portraits with added illustrations.

4. The Grave of Miss Baker, Huntsville

Among the many “test subjects” that America tossed into space since first starting experimenting with space travel in 1948 is Miss Baker – the first primate that made it back safely after a sub-orbital space flight.

The space program had some success with fruit flies, but, the higher the primates the tougher it became for the Americans to ensure their safe return. Most fell prey to exploding rockets while others lost their lives in violent impacts or got lost in space along with their capsule.

Miss Baker and Miss Able, the only two squirrel monkeys who had survived the initial screenings were sent to space in a Jupiter Rock. While Miss Able passed away four days after their arrival, Miss Baker lived until the age of 27, married Big George, breathed an illustrious life, and died of kidney failure in 1984.

Her remains are buried at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama, next to her beloved husband, and has a nice headstone.

5. Dismals Canyon, Phil Campbell

This Alabama Canyon located in Phil Campbell comes alive every day at dark as thousands of miniature bio-luminescent creatures taxonomically called the “North American Orfelia Fultoni,” and popularly known as “Dismalities,” come alive with their natural glow.

A type of gnat larva, the Dismalities are extremely rare, so much so that they are only found in the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau. The bright bluish-green light that they emit is their way of attracting insects so they can feed on them for survival.

Dismals Canyon, as they are called after the habitat living in them, provide the specific ambiance that these larvae need to survive in their larval stage – humidity to build web so they can trap insects for food, enough insects, darkness to allow them to glow, and a still atmosphere that would prevent their webs from tangling.

The Canyon is home to two more significant features – one of the surviving twin Canadian Hemlocks, which at 138 feet tall, is considered to be the largest of its kind in the state, and the world’s largest Deumaria vine.

Best way to spot the mesmerizing phenomenon is at night.

6. Neversink Pit, Fackler

A sinkhole? A cave? Though the geological name of the structure isn’t certain, the Neversink Pit in Fackler, Alabama is a dramatic 162-feet deep sinkhole with a 40-feet wide opening. It is among the most photographed sinkholes in the United States of America, if not the world.

The interiors inside the pit, as viewed by abseilers, change dramatically with season – ferns in the summer, ribbony waterfalls in the spring, and ice sheets in the winter.

Belonging to the Southeastern Cave Conservancy since 1995, entry into the pit and rappelling below to the floor is only allowed for expert climbers and requires a permit.

7. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Montgomery

Plenty of museums and other attractions have been erected all over the world to honor F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned novelist and author, but, here in Montgomery, Alabama is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to the story writer and his wife, Zelda.

The Fitzgerald’s, along with their daughter Scottie, moved into the then-house-now museum in 1931. Unfortunately, however, Zelda had a mental collapse and was moved to a clinic in Baltimore. The father and daughter duo continued to stay at the house until April that year.

In 1986, Julie and Leslie McPhillips saved the iconic structure from being torn down and transformed it into the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum instead.

8. Cheaha Mountain, Delta

The highest point in the state of Alabama, Cheaha Mountain rises above Talladega National Forest and is 2,407 feet above sea level. Regarded as one of the most picturesque spots in the state, the Mountain was once almost deforested until President Roosevelt crafted the National Forest in 1936!

Befittingly named after a Creek Indian word which means “high place”, Cheaha was once extremely rugged. The logged and vacated farmland around the tall peak was anything but attractive.

However, the expansive regrowth, thanks to the park system, covered the area with greenery and a gorgeous view.

Bunker Tower, constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps sits on the mountaintop and acts as a visitor center with the most spectacular view of the mountains.

9. Alabama Booksmith, Homewood

Originally a tiny shop in the lanes of Homewood, Alabama, that sold used and rare books, the Alabama Booksmith may be the only of its kind that exist in the world today.

Located behind a vet clinic, the one-of-a-kind bookstore is owned and managed by Jacob Reiss, who only houses books that are signed copies! Yes, you read it right. Every single book in his collection is signed by the author.

While operating his former old books’ store, Reiss realized that the dough lays in selling signed books rather than the usual ones as not only did they sell faster but they also generated a better member loyalty. All the books at the store (except for a few rare ones) are sold at the cover price!

10. Dead Children’s Playground, Huntsville

Burial grounds, death, and any such negativities are kept far away from children. But, that’s not the case at the oldest and the largest cemetery in Alabama. Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville has a small playground on the same grounds as that of the century-old burial ground.

Though it sees more ghost chasers and teenagers than children (for obvious reasons), the simple playground has a few swings and a modern-day jungle gym. Named aptly as the Dead Children’s Playground, the small site for children was once almost lost when the city officials decided that there isn’t enough room for graves.

Of course, there is barely a graveyard that is not associated with (alleged) ghost sightings. Rumors of swings swaying by themselves and floating ghost lights have been reported quite a few times.

Care to take your toddler for a day out in the sun here?

11. Goldie 1971 – The Fallen Robot, Tuscaloosa

Sloss Blast Furnaces was one of the leading manufacturers of Pig Iron during Birmingham’s industrial era. When the business closed in 1971, a former graduate of the University of Alabama, Joe McCreary, used the celebrated past of the company as an inspiration to create “Goldie 1971.”

Today, Goldie rests peacefully at the sculpture garden at the University which bought the rusting giant in 2010 and installed it as a permanent collection.

While Sloss Blast Furnaces opened as a museum and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1981, Goldie remains at the Woods Quad Sculpture Garden serving as a reminder to the hundreds of students that art can be used to express all their stories.

12. Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman

A hunchbacked, poor man, Brother Joseph Zoettl lived a hard life – due to his living conditions and of course, his physical limitations. At the age of 14, he signed up with St. Bernard Abbey in the hopes of escaping his tough life.

Nothing much changed for Brother Joseph. He spent 17 hours everyday for almost 30 years working at Abbey’s pump house. Consequently, the same routine became boring but he didn’t have a choice so he started his own private amusement project – he began constructing miniature grottoes. Soon, tens became hundreds and hundreds became thousands.

Brother Joseph kept the larger models at the Abbey and sold the miniature ones to others. And, soon, it became the Ave Maria Grotto aka Jerusalem in Miniature – a four-acre mini-town that was filled with almost 125 famous and religious locations.

His last creation, Basilica in Lourdes, was built in 1958 when Brother Joseph was 80.

13. Frank Lloyd Wright-Rosenbaum House, Florence

Frank Lloyd Wright has been mentioned in the American architectural history several times for his flawless designs and striking creations. However, the Rosenbaum House in Florence, Alabama, as architect critic Peter Blake mentioned, is by far considered one of the most stunning constructions to date.

Constructed in 1940 for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, the structure was donated in 1990 to the City of Florence. Often regarded to depict the purest version of Wright’s Usonian style, the home was not just functional but in sync with the natural surroundings.

Plenty of glass windows, cantilevered roofs, and a carport are some of the significant characteristics of Wright’s Usonian masterpiece.

14. Tinglewood Carvings, Montevallo

Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama is an amazing place for a family picnic. Everything about the park calls for a day out in the sun, amidst nature – six baseball-come-softball fields, a soccer field, a football field, a walking trail, two playgrounds, and a creek apt enough for wading.

However, the most attractive feature on the park grounds is a bunch of dead trees that were destroyed in a storm in 1993. What’s so amazing about dead trees, you ask?

Mr. Tingle, a resident in the area, in an attempt to save the dead but old trees, started carving them.

As a result, today, over 30 carved alligators, squirrels, men, and even an alligator not only coexist peacefully with the visitors at the park but they also add an air of mystique around the area.

15. Africatown, Mobile

The slave trade in America was legally prohibited by 1808, however, Timothy Meaher, a wealthy businessman, challenged the law in his own way and set out to bring a “shipment” of 32 African slaves in the country in 1860.

His attempts were put to an end by the authorities who caught wind of Meaher’s illicit attempts and the group of slaves were given a small piece of his land to live at in the town. This is how the little village of Africatown came about in the history of Alabama.

The African community built houses in the area and appointed a chief and a medicine man, when former slaves were added to the new community.

With time, the first settlers of the town died off and their successors implanted themselves in the American culture, leaving Africatown abandoned.

A small history museum at Mobile’s Count Training School still exists.

16. The Drive-Thru Museum, Seale

The world’s first drive-thru museum is in Seale, Alabama, and it is the creation of the same ten-year-old boy, Butch Anthony, who grew up to be an artist, a taxidermist, a collector and creator (of the weirdest things in the world), and the founder of Museum of Wonder.

Created as a relief to the overflow of tourists at his other museum, the Drive-Thru Museum is constructed out of old shipping containers. Windows have been cut off from the container walls to allow insights into the strange collection of items either collected or crafted by Anthony.

Among other things is a large gallstone attached to poems, the two-headed ducklings, and Anthony’s signature style – skeletons imposed on old portraits.

17. Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham

As Alexander Graham Bell once said, “When one door closes another door opens”, Sloss Furnaces, a pig-iron producing giant that served the country for nine decades and was shut down for business in 1971, was listed a National Historic Landmark in the city of Birmingham, Alabama in 1981 – after a decade of it closing down.

Today, the blast furnace site functions as an interpretive museum and conducts several metal arts courses that are acknowledged universally. Additionally, it is perhaps one of the most unusual locations where festivals and concert venues are hosted.

Coined after one of the founding fathers of Birmingham, Colonel James Withers Sloss, the two furnaces were constructed on 50 acres of land and stand 60 feet tall. Known as one of the largest in the world at the time, the Sloss Furnaces are still being preserved to date.

18. Hank Williams’ Death Car, Montgomery

Hiram “Hank” Williams, more popularly known as Hank Williams, was among the most substantial and effective American songwriter and singers of the 20th century. The musician recorded 35 singles, of which 5 were released after he passed away. What’s most intriguing about his life though is how it ended.

Williams, along with Charles Carr, a college freshman he hired to drive him around in his 1952 Cadillac, was on a tour through Ohio and West Virginia. Soon after the car passed the West Virginia State Line, Carr stopped at a gas station for refilling when he noticed that Williams laid unconscious in the back seat. When he checked up on him, Williams seemed unresponsive and his body was becoming rigid.

As his doctor reported, Williams drank often and had just asked him to give him a Morphine shot to get rid of the back pain. Though a lot has been blamed on his habits, what killed the musical superstar at a tender age of 29 still remains a mystery.

Even though the true cause of Hank Williams’ death remains unknown, the Cadillac, where he apparently breathed the last time, remains the centerpiece at the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

19. Bamahenge, Elberta

America certainly has a weird obsession with Stonehenge, but, one person in particular, Mark Cline, of the Enchanted Castle Studios, is the man behind creating two of the existing Stonehenge replicas in the country – the Foamhenge in Virginia (2004) and the Bamahenge in Elberta, Alabama (sometime in the spring of 2013).

Cline, a brilliant architect, is known for his larger-than-life creations, and so, when George Barber, an Alabama millionaire, wanted a few dinosaurs to be built for himself, he hired Cline to do the job. The result – a T-Rex, a triceratops, a brontosaurus, and a stegosaurus stand at the edge of Barber Marina.

Extremely impressed with the installations, Barber commissioned Cline to build him a fiberglass replica of Stonehenge.

Though Bamahenge stands tall and proud at the Marina, Foamhenge may be in danger as the land it stands on is reportedly going to be a part of the Virginia State Park. Maybe, Foamhenge can join his cousins over at the Marine, eh?

20. Moundville Archaeological Site, Moundville

Not so distant from Tuscaloosa, in the town of Moundville, Alabama, are massive earthworks that transport you to another time – to the pre-Columbian culture!

Known as the Moundville Archaeological Site, the area comprises 29 mounds that were created over a thousand years ago by the Mississippian culture, a Native American Society at the time. The culture was divided into several chiefdoms, each of which functioned as per their own religious beliefs.

These chiefdoms were each headed by an appointed figure who was of religious and political significance to the community they represented. Supervised by these ruling members, these mounds were created to serve as foundations of housing properties, temples, and council buildings.

The second largest of its type, the mounds were abandoned by 1500 B.C. and proper excavation began in the early 20th century.

21. Berman Museum of World History, Anniston

What happens when an American GI weds a French Spy? Simple. It gives birth to one of the most thought-provoking museums in the world!

Farley Berman and his wife established the Berman Museum of World History while they were stationed in North Africa. The husband-wife duo traveled all over the world for 40 years and collected as many oddities, antiques, and weapons as one possibly could.

Berman never confirmed how they managed to get hold of some of the more intriguing items in the collection but he joked that they may have accidentally come with their bedroll after World War II; the rest, he unapologetically claimed, appeared out of magic.

Well, magic or not, someone please tell us exactly how did the couple manage to get Hitler’s tea service?

22. Civil Rights Memorial, Montgomery

The American Civil Rights movement from 1954 to 1968 included several social movements and strategies that were being pushed forward to end racial discrimination against African-Americans in the country. However, it wasn’t just strategies and movements. For a “movement” that went on for 15 years, many lost their lives fighting for equal rights along with Martin Luther King, Jr. – one of the most significant personalities of the Civil Rights Movement and a Nobel Peace Prize awardee!

A proud commemoration of the lives lost and wars won, Civil Rights Memorial, standing across the Southern Poverty Law Center, is a dedication to the 40 people who sacrificed their lives so the rest of country could live in harmony.

A hub for hundreds of civil right workers around the globe, the Law Centre sponsored the memorial and Maya Lin designed and created it. A guard stands alert by the architecture to prevent any vandalism.

The memorial is visited by several tourists every day, yet not enough as compared to the history it holds.

23. Holmes Medical Museum, Foley

Holmes Medical Museum may not be the most intriguing medical museum in the world (and, it definitely doesn’t have anything to do with Sherlock Holmes), but, it is a celebration of the sterile, vaguely terrifying past of the obsolete tools that have been used in the history of medical science.

Situated within the walls of Foley’s first hospital, which treated patients from 1936 to 1958, the Medical Museum allows you to walk through the old operating theatre of this tiny, four-bed former hospital. You could also stroll through some of the patient rooms and observe the strange, almost-brutal looking tools kept in the glass cases around the museum.

Apart from the frightening display of tools that looked more torturous than healing, you could also see the birth certificates of some of the children born here along with information on the hospital’s past.

24. African Village in America, Birmingham

Not the same as Africatown (which was actually built by Africans and later abandoned by their descendants), African Village was established by Joe Minter, who draws inspiration from his love for God, and believes that God wouldn’t want anything to be thrown away to waste; instead He would rather that his humans created something out of all that is thrown away or discarded.

As if to reflect his ideas and theme, African Village has been created using all types of junk and scrap material – toys, utensils, lawn decorations, old sporting gears, satellite dishes! Five of these huge dishes adorn the back of his property and spell J-E-S-U-S in big, bold letters. African masks and feathered headdresses can also be found lying around in the village.

Minter has an open-gate policy and you are welcome to come in free and stroll around whenever you want. You could also buy DVDs or other such items at the village.

As Minter still continues to build, he has earned himself the title of “African Warrior” for his thoughtful creation.

25. Anniston Museum, Anniston

Also known as Anniston Museum of Natural History, the museum was founded in 1930 and houses seven permanent displays – the Dynamic Earth, the Alabama Sand to Cedars, the Attack and Defense, the Environments of Africa, the Ancient Egypt, the Nature Discovery Room, and the Bird of the Americas – the last being the base for Anniston Museum’s original collection.

Home to one of the oldest taxidermy collections in the country, the Bird of the Americas was collected and established by William H. Werner in the 19th century, but, the compilation was purchased and brought to Anniston upon Werner’s death by H. Severn Regan. The display contains over 1,000 dioramas of birds, eggs, and bird nests.

Over 400 species of birds can be found at the display including the passenger pigeons, who were once commonly found around North America but are now extinct due to hunting and deforestation. It is believed that these migratory birds gathered in flocks of billions and covered the sky a mile wide and about 300 miles long, resulting in dark skies for days at a time!

26. Tolstoy Park, the Unusual Home of Henry Stuart, Fairhope

In 1923, Henry Stuart, a resident of Idaho, was diagnosed with tuberculosis aka “consumption”. The typical medical advice to the illness was a change of weather. With only a few months to live (as confirmed by the doctors), Stuart bought an unseen ten-acres of land in Alabama and moved 2,500 miles at the age of 65.

To spend his “remaining days” in peace, he built himself a circular, hurricane-resistant little hut which was only 14 feet in diameter. Within a couple of years, Stuart named his little abode “Tolstoy Park” after Leo Tolstoy and went on to live another 22 years.

Though Stuart lived mostly in isolation, visitors started frequenting the unusual house (1,200 as per his visitor’s log).

The “home” is now listed on the National Register for Historic Places and the owner of this strange residence has been immortalized in Sonny Brewer’s “The Poet of Tolstoy Park.”

27. Henry Wells’ Lightning Portrait, Carrollton

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Established in 1820, the Pickens County Courthouse, named after General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina, has been burnt down twice – once in April 1865 by troops of Union General John T. Croxton, and the second time (presumably) by Henry Wells, a former slave who was apprehended and locked inside the courthouse garrett.

As the story goes, Wells was kept there to be protected from citizens who could have hurt him. However, it didn’t stop the residents forming a mob and protesting outside the Courthouse for days.

Apparently, one of those days, a terrified Wells stood by the courthouse window as the mob screamed and chanted when a sudden bolt of lightning struck the same window, and indelibly etched his face on the glass!

Astonishingly, it is the only glass that has never been destroyed in the last century or so that the courthouse has been in existence.

28. The Hodges Meteorite, Tuscaloosa

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The Hodges Meteorite isn’t remarkably big or beautiful or exquisite, but, it is one of the only fragments of a meteorite that has made its way to earth “alive”, and, also one of the very few that has hit a human!

Named after the woman it bruised, the Meteorite made its way to Ann Hodges rental home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on the afternoon of November 30th, 1954, when Ann laid on her couch, taking a short nap.

The meteorite first crashed into her radio cabinet, and then bounced to her side, bruising her a little in the process. But, it was the least of her concern.

As the rule goes, considered pretty much space gold, the ownership of an object, such as a meteorite, rests on the person who finds it. However, since it was a rental house, the owner felt otherwise since it was his property and filed a legal battle.

Of course, Hodges won it, but, in order to avoid the unwanted limelight, she decided to donate the piece to the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

29. Peanuts on Parade, Dothan

Dothan, with a 100-mile radius of peanut farming, is not only where half of America’s peanuts are grown but it is also regarded as the “Peanut Capital of the World.”

Each Fall, the community comes together to celebrate the National Peanut Festival, dedicated to the town’s history with peanuts, the harvest season, and the farmers. The two-week carnival hosts a Peanut Parade and offers livestock shows, rides, agricultural exhibitions, and of course, a lot of peanut-this and peanut-that to munch on.

Don’t worry even if you missed the festival, for Dothan pretty much celebrates its peanut-rich history throughout the year. Originally a public art project to beautify the town and attract tourists, “Peanut Around Town” has peppered the city streets with various painted peanut statues – fireman peanut, doctor peanut, military peanut, a boiled-peanut selling peanut, a breast cancer awareness peanut, and even a Dalmatian cuddling with his favorite fire hydrant peanut!

Now known as “Peanut on Parade”, the public art project has resulted in over 60 painted peanut statues around Dothan.

Take a brochure from the Visitor Center for the exact locations of all the sites and have a nutty day ahead!

30. Little Nadine Earles Doll House Grave, Lanett

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVaD7TUgqqn/?tagged=nadineearles

Nadine Earles, the beloved daughter of Julian and Alma, was not even 4 when she passed away in 1933. It was the month of December and the little girl’s only wish was a dollhouse. Before her father could build the dream dollhouse, she was taken away from them, but, that didn’t stop Julian and Alma to continue working on the project.

The Doll House was completed and kept next to little Nadine’s grave at the Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett, Alabama. A replica of an actual house, Nadine’s dollhouse was equipped with a front porch, a mailbox, striped awnings, flower boxes during the summer, and Christmas Lights and an evergreen wreath in the winter.

The parents further decorated the house with toys, dolls, a high chair, a baby buggy, and a little bed – all kept ready for Nadine’s playtime in her afterlife.

Now, managed by the city of Lanett, the Doll House is still maintained and kept ready-to-play for “Little Nadine.”

30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Alabama:

• Spectre Set Ruins, Millbrook
• Alabama's Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge
• The Museum of Wonder, Seale
• The Grave of Miss Baker, Huntsville
• Dismals Canyon, Phil Campbell
• Neversink Pit, Fackler
• F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Montgomery
• Cheaha Mountain, Delta
• Alabama Booksmith, Homewood
• Dead Children's Playground, Huntsville
• Goldie 1971 - The Fallen Robot, Tuscaloosa
• Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman
• Frank Lloyd Wright-Rosenbaum House, Florence
• Tinglewood Carvings, Montevallo
• Africatown, Mobile
• The Drive-Thru Museum, Seale
• Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham
• Hank Williams' Death Car, Montgomery
• Bamahenge, Elberta
• Moundville Archaeological Site, Moundville
• Berman Museum of World History, Anniston
• Civil Rights Memorial, Montgomery
• Holmes Medical Museum, Foley
• African Village in America, Birmingham
• Anniston Museum, Anniston
• Tolstoy Park, the Unusual Home of Henry Stuart, Fairhope
• Henry Wells' Lightning Portrait, Carrollton
• The Hodges Meteorite, Tuscaloosa
• Peanuts on Parade, Dothan
• Little Nadine Earles Doll House Grave, Lanett

15 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Montgomery, AL

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Montgomery, capital of Alabama, lies in the center of the state on the east bank of the Alabama River. There are a wide range of things to see, including family attractions like the Montgomery Zoo and the unique cow-themed MOOseum. Montgomery's history is one of its most remarkable features, however, and should not be missed whether you are looking for things to do this weekend or planning a vacation itinerary in Montgomery.

Considered by many as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery's historic attractions can be found throughout the city. From 1954 through 1960, a young Martin Luther King, Jr. served as pastor for a Baptist Church on Dexter Avenue, a building which became the gathering place for early civil rights activists.

In 1955, Rosa Parks started a nationwide movement when she sat in the whites-only section of a segregated Montgomery public bus, and in 1961, the Freedom Riders made history at the city's Greyhound bus station. In addition to having several landmarks on the Civil Rights Trail,

Montgomery is home to multiple memorials and museums that examine the area's own past, as well as the Civil Rights Movement on a national scale. Learn more about the city's history and find the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Montgomery.

See also: Where to Stay in Montgomery

1. Visit the Civil Rights Memorial

2. walk in dr. king's footsteps at the dexter avenue king memorial baptist church and the dexter parsonage museum, 3. montgomery museum of fine arts, 4. rosa parks library and museum, 5. hank williams museum, 6. visit the montgomery zoo, 7. explore old alabama town, 8. the mooseum, 9. freedom rides museum, 10. tour the alabama state capitol, 11. alabama state archives and history museum, 12. visit the national memorial for peace and justice, 13. the legacy museum, 14. relax at riverfront park, 15. alabama safari park, where to stay in montgomery for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in montgomery, al, montgomery, al - climate chart.

The Civil Rights Memorial sits across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center offices, commemorating those who died during the Civil Rights Movement. The memorial is surrounded by a curving black granite wall with the words "until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream" scrolled across.

Below the wall is a black granite disc with water flowing over the surface, which is engraved with the names of those who lost their lives in the fight for civil rights. The memorial is located in an open area next to the Civil Rights Memorial Center .

Here, tourists will find a variety of exhibits and educational displays, as well as the Wall of Tolerance, which displays the names of visitors who have pledged to work toward tolerance and justice. Visitors may add their own names to the list, which is displayed digitally on the wall of the memorial center.

Address: 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.splcenter.org/civil-rights-memorial

The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church was founded in 1877 on the site of a slave trader's pen. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr served as pastor here from 1954 through 1960, and a mural inside the church features Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's journey from Montgomery to Memphis.

King and his family lived in the church's nine-room parsonage during his tenure, and it now houses the Dexter Parsonage Museum. The home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been restored to what it was like during the Kings' residence, including a significant amount of the original furnishings.

The museum also houses an interpretive center with photographs, exhibits, and timelines, which discuss the civil rights movement in Montgomery and the involvement of the church ministers and members. Behind the museum sits the King-Johns Garden for Reflection , a space set aside for meditation and reflection.

Address: 454 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.dexterkingmemorial.org/tours/parsonage-museum

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts has a permanent collection of more than 4,000 works, the majority of which are examples of American art from the 1700s through the present. Among these, there is an extensive collection of fragile paper-based artwork including drawings, watercolors, etchings, woodcuts, and engravings by prominent American artists like Winslow Homer and John Marin.

Also within the American art collection is an exhibit of regional art, focusing on folk artists and self-taught artists, incuding paintings, drawings, and crafts, with a large quilt collection. In addition to the American art, the museum houses various examples of European art, as well as a collection of African art, which includes sculpture, furniture, textiles, and masks.

Another highlight of the museum is its decorative arts gallery, with several examples of domestic and imported porcelain, and the Weil Atrium Gallery, which houses glassworks from various celebrated glassblowers including Dale Chihuly and Tiffany Studios. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions and educational programs.

Address: One Museum Drive, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: http://mmfa.org/

The Rosa Parks Library and Museum is located in downtown Montgomery near the site of her arrest after her legendary stand against segregation. Among the historic artifacts on display are a 1955 Montgomery city bus and one of the station wagons used by the boycotters during their movement to end segregation on public transportation.

Other exhibits include photographs, court documents, and even Rosa's original fingerprint record from her arrest. Visitors will learn about the social and political climate of 1950s Montgomery and will be moved as they hear the personal stories of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and other important moments in Civil Rights history. The museum also hosts special events, educational programs, and traveling exhibits throughout the year.

Address: 252 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.troy.edu/rosaparks

The Hank Williams Museum in downtown Montgomery commemorates one of country music's most famous stars. Visitors can view the museum's extensive collection of Hank's personal belongings, including his powder-blue 1952 Cadillac; a Steinway piano; two Gibson guitars; and a large collection of his clothing, from his first childhood cowboy boots to his stage attire.

Other personal items include artwork from his home, musical instruments, and everyday items like his shaving kit and shoe-shine kit. Memorabilia includes a variety of awards, including Platinum Records, as well as sheet music, autographed vinyl records, and photographs.

Also in Montgomery, the Hank Williams Memorial at Oakwood Annex Cemetery is the singer's final resting place, along with his wife and other family members. The grave site is located on Commerce Street and is a popular tourist destination for country music fans.

Address: 118 Commerce Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: http://thehankwilliamsmuseum.net/

Montgomery Zoo is a particularly popular Montgomery attraction for families, full of a wide variety of animals from all over the world. The Australian habitat is home to some of the continent's most famous residents, including kangaroos and wallabies. Visitors will find several African animals as well, including cheetahs, elephants, hippos, and giraffes, while Asian residents include the endangered Sumatran tiger and Indian rhino.

The South American exhibit includes the emerald tree boa, Chilean flamingo, a wide variety of frogs, and the endangered golden lion tamarin. There is also a North American area with bald eagles, bison, and black bear, as well as a petting zoo where kids can feed the African pygmy goats.

There are several opportunities to get up close to the animals, the most popular being the giraffe exhibit, where you can get face-to-face with these graceful giants and hand feed them. Visitors can also watch zookeepers conduct a lion training session, get to know the zoo's three African elephants at the elephant keeper talk, and walk among birds in Parakeet Cove and the South American Flight Aviary.

Those who don't mind taxidermy will also be interested in the Mann Wildlife and Learning Museum , which has lifelike displays depicting a variety of animals in their natural habitats.

Address: 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.montgomeryzoo.com

Old Alabama Town is a series of more than 50 historic homes and buildings in historic downtown Montgomery, which have been restored to their original state and are open to the public for touring. Each property has been authentically furnished and outfitted to represent life in 19th- and early 20th-century Alabama, and interpreters are available throughout the neighborhood to answer questions.

The centerpiece of the buildings is the Ordeman House , and admission includes a guided tour of this home, as well as a map and guide to the remaining properties. Among other remarkable buildings are the 1895 Adams Chapel School; the 1892 Corner Grocery Store; and the stunning Ware-Farley-Hood House, which was built around 1850.

Address: 301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, Alabama

A visit to the MOOseum is one of the more unique things to do in Montgomery, especially popular with younger children. Here, visitors will learn all about Alabama's cattle industry, from its start in 1495 to the present-day, through timelines, history exhibits, and video presentations.

You can learn all about cows, from their breeds and complex digestive system to the food and products they produce. Kids can dress up as cowboys and cowgirls in the play arena and learn about beef and food safety in Slim's Kitchen. Another highlight is the "Beef Wagon," a popular place for family photo-ops.

Address: 201 South Bainbridge Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.bamabeef.org/p/about/273

The Freedom Rides Museum is located at the former Montgomery Greyhound station, where history was made as the Freedom Riders got off their bus on May 20th, 1961. The station has been restored to appear as it was in 1961 and houses a modest collection of exhibits about the movement that eventually succeeded in ending segregation on public transportation.

Exhibits include photographs, documents, and biographies of each of the brave young men and women who were part of the momentous statement. The museum is an official stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

Address: 210 South Court Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: ahc.alabama.gov/properties/freedomrides/freedomrides.aspx

The State Capitol building in Montgomery was rebuilt in Greek Revival style after the original was destroyed by a fire in 1850. This historic building served as both the state Capitol and the Capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War and was later the backdrop for one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous speeches, delivered at the end of the Selma to Montgomery March for voting rights.

Both a National Historic Landmark and a U.S. Civil Rights Trail destination, the capitol building is now a working museum. Visitors can tour the Senate and Old Supreme Court Chambers, the House of Representatives, and the Rotunda. Highlights include historic murals in the Rotunda and trompe l'oeil paintings on the ceiling of the Senate Chamber, as well as the gardens and statues that adorn the five-acre grounds.

Address: 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: https://ahc.alabama.gov/alabama-state-capitol.aspx

The State Archives and History Museum explores the history of Alabama through artifacts and historic documents. Artifacts include Native American and pioneer artifacts, as well as a selection of Civil War items, including regimental flags and portrait galleries. In addition, multimedia presentations expand on various moments in Alabama history and explore broader topics like the cotton industry and civil rights.

The State Archives in Montgomery was founded in 1901 as the first state archival agency in the nation. This turn-of-the-century building features marble walls and staircases of Tennessee gray marble and Alabama white marble. The second floor of the archives is a room dedicated to former Vice President William Rufus King. The room displays King's personal furniture, silver, china, and some of this clothing. Documents on display allow visitors a glimpse of this fascinating man and the period in which he lived.

Address: 624 Washington Ave, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: http://archives.state.al.us/

About a 15-minute walk from the Legacy Museum is the newly unveiled National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the first memorial in the nation to be made in memory of the African Americans who were affected by slavery, lynchings, and racial injustice. This memorial, covering a total of six acres, includes sculptures, monuments, and artwork, which honor major figures in the Civil Rights movement.

Perhaps the most impactful statement is the field of 800 monuments, each representing a county where lynchings occurred, and each engraved with the names of the known victims. These monuments are waiting to be claimed by their respective counties in hopes that acknowledgement of a dark past will lead to a brighter future.

Address: 417 Caroline Street, Montgomery, Alabama

The Legacy Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of racial injustice and bringing its many aspects into the public awareness. The museum is located on the spot where thousands of slaves were once warehoused while awaiting their unknown fates, within walking distance of the city's former slave auction site and the rail station that supported the slave trade.

The museum utilizes a variety of media to discuss how slavery, segregation, lynching, and modern issues of racial profiling and mass incarceration have shaped the nation's history and present. Among its most compelling exhibits are the personal narratives of African Americans who have been subjected to injustice, and the hundreds of sculptures depicting their struggles. There are also major exhibits dedicated to specific issues, including the economics of slavery, life in the Jim Crow south, voting rights, and other topics.

The museum is fully accessible to those with mobility issues.

Address: 400 North Court Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: museumandmemorial.eji.org

Montgomery's Riverfront Park is an excellent place to find entertainment and activities for the entire family. One of the most popular activities here is a ride on the Harriott II Riverboat , a 19 th -century passenger boat that provides scenic cruises, as well as dinner cruises featuring live music and dancing.

The riverboat is docked next to the Riverfront Amphitheater , a lovely open-air venue that overlooks the water and hosts a variety of free entertainment, including musical and theatrical performances. Next to the amphitheater is a good-sized Splashpad where kids (and anyone else) can cool off on a hot Alabama day.

Also part of the park is Riverwalk Stadium , a baseball park that is home to the Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League. Parts of the structure incorporate buildings from the former historic train station, and there is also a children's playground on-site.

Address: 355 Commerce Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.funinmontgomery.com

Located about 20 minutes from the city, this 350-acre park provides a unique experience for all ages. Visitors can explore the park from the comfort of their own vehicle, traveling over three miles of road to see wildlife roaming free in their own environment. Guests are permitted to feed the animals using the park's special dietary grains.

Among the park's residents are a variety of large mammals and birds from around the world, including many native to Africa. Exotic residents include zebras, camels, gazelles, water buffalo, Watusi cattle, and emus. The park is also home to deer, llamas, and other domestic wildlife.

A highlight of the park is the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes lettuce leaves, getting up-close to the animals. Guests can also hand-feed the birds in the park's free flight aviary, a unique opportunity to interact with hundreds of friendly budgies. There is also a petting area where kids can feed and pet goats and pigs.

Admission fees are used not only for the park but to help expand public education, fund habitat preservation, and assist captive breeding programs that help sustain populations of rare and endangered animals.

Address: 1664 Venable Road, Hope Hull, Alabama

Official site: www.alabamasafaripark.com

We recommend these convenient hotels in Montgomery with easy access to the city's most popular museums and memorials:

• The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center offers mid-range pricing, river views, and a rooftop pool; it's located in Montgomery's entertainment district.
• Near many shops and restaurants, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Montgomery EastChase is a 3-star hotel with complimentary evening reception and laundry services, as well as recreational facilities, including an outdoor pool and multi-sports court.
• The Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown has affordable rates in a great location in the heart of downtown, offering free hot breakfast, bicycle rental, and private on-site parking.
• An excellent budget choice is Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Montgomery located within a short drive of downtown. This pet-friendly hotel offers free breakfast and amenities including self-serve laundry, baggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.

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Exploring Alabama: Montgomery is home to some of Alabama's top tourist attractions , but there is plenty more to see in this southern state. Just an hour-and-a-half drive to the north, Birmingham has a variety of popular attractions , from important civil rights landmarks like the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to family favorites like the McWane Science Center. Tourists will also find plenty to see and do in Mobile , Alabama's largest coastal city. Mobile is known for its maritime history and lively cultural scene, home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the nation.

Civil Rights Landmarks and Attractions: Alabama is home to several stops on the Civil Rights Trail, as are its neighboring states. Tourists can take an easy day trip from Montgomery to see the sites of Atlanta including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home and National Historic Park, the King Center, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

A longer drive from Montgomery but a straight shot on the highway, Jackson, Mississippi offers the chance to see several more historic civil rights sites. Among Jackson's many popular attractions, tourists will find the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Medgar Evers Home Museum, and the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

More on Alabama

Birmingham   Travel Guide

Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto | Getty Images

11 Best Things To Do in Birmingham

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

Once an industrial hub of the South and ground zero for the civil rights movement, Birmingham is now a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known for its wide array of outdoor spaces and golf courses. Catch a bird's-eye view of the city from the iconic Vu

• All Things To Do

Civil Rights District Civil Rights District free

To learn more about Birmingham's role in the civil rights movement, plan a visit to the Civil Rights District. This six-block area in downtown Birmingham encompasses several historic sites, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the A.G. Gaston Gardens and the Fourth Avenue Business District, among other points of interest.

Perhaps the most significant site is Kelly Ingram Park, which played host to civil rights rallies, demonstrations and confrontations in the 1960s, including the Children's Crusade. You can take a self-led walking tour through the park to learn about the notable protesters and the significant incidents of this turbulent time in the city's history, detailed by markers along the Freedom Walk route. The park is also home to the Four Spirits statues, which honor the four African American girls killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. To fully experience the walk, you can access a free audio tour from your cell phone by calling 205-307-5455.

Birmingham Railroad Park Birmingham Railroad Park free

Known as "Birmingham's Living Room," the 19-acre Railroad Park is where locals gather for recreational activities, concerts and special events. The park features a lake, jogging trails, skate bowls, an outdoor gym, playgrounds and the partially covered 17th Street Plaza, which offers restrooms and the Railroad Park Dining Car.

Recent travelers said this local favorite is a gorgeous green space. Reviewers commented on the clean restrooms, beautiful gardens, picnic facilities and scenic trails. Parents noted that their kids loved watching the trains go by at the adjacent railroad yard. 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens free

Spanning more than 65 acres, these gorgeous gardens are known for their diverse plant collections. In fact, there are 30 thematic gardens divided into three categories: Gardens of Collections, Gardens of Nature and Gardens of Culture. You'll also find the only public horticultural library in the United States here. What's more, programs and workshops are available for both children and adults, and the Bruno Vegetable Garden provides food for Birmingham's needy. The gardens also feature several paths for walking and jogging, making it a great spot for both recreation and relaxation.

Recent visitors said a visit to the botanical gardens is a fun and inexpensive way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Many commented on the variety of birds, as well as the diverse landscapes, from Japanese gardens to native woodlands. All agreed that the facility is well-maintained and appreciated its many amenities, including a restaurant, lots of outdoor seating and a gift shop.

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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute presents the moving story of the city's role in the civil rights movement, focusing not just on the past, but also on the continuing international struggle for human rights through permanent and temporary galleries. Exhibits detail some of the most significant events in Birmingham's history, including the tragic loss of life at the 16th Street Baptist Church during a bombing orchestrated by the Ku Klux Klan.

Most visitors call this museum a moving experience and a wonderful way to learn about the civil rights movement and its impact on our nation. Although the museum is family-friendly, some say the Confrontation Gallery (where visitors hear recorded voices of children and adults – both black and white – sharing sentiments they would only say behind closed doors) is disturbing and very emotional. Many recommend combining a visit to the institute with a walking tour of the downtown Civil Rights District.

Birmingham Museum of Art Birmingham Museum of Art free

Despite its small size, this art museum houses a notable and eclectic collection of Asian, European, Native American and African art, not to mention one of the best collections of Wedgwood in the country (in fact, it houses the most Wedgwood outside of England).

Recent visitors were impressed with the museum's noteworthy collection of Wedgwood, along with the Samuel Kress collection of European art and its Remington works. Reviewers also appreciated the free admission and free parking, and praised the museum's other facilities, including its on-site eatery and gift shop. However, a few noted that the outdoor art installation is somewhat overgrown and neglected.

Red Mountain Park Red Mountain Park free

There's something for everyone at Red Mountain Park, where miners once toiled to extract iron ore from the red soil. The 1,500-acre park features more than 15 miles of trails, two scenic overlooks, three treehouses, an off-leash dog park and adventures from zip lining and climbing to a ropes course.

Many visitors loved the zip line and ropes courses, but bemoaned the poorly marked and confusing trail signs and the lack of proper restrooms (the park does offer portable toilets). Most said the trails – not particularly long or challenging – are more for walkers than hikers, including families with strollers and small children. Pet owners also appreciated the dog park, as well as the plentiful free parking. 

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge

One of the largest golf course construction projects ever attempted, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail showcases a collection of public courses throughout the state of Alabama, including two courses in the Birmingham area, all designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Oxmoor Valley offers three courses: the Ridge with heavy tree cover and big elevation changes, the Valley with scenic lakes throughout and the Short course, which features 18 one-shot holes. The other local course, Ross Bridge, is one of the longest in the world and features two large lakes connected by a stunning waterfall.

Visiting golfers love both Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge, although many note that Ross Bridge is not only visually stunning, but also more challenging. Most reviewers complimented the excellent service at both courses and noted that one of the benefits of playing on RTJ courses is that the tee boxes vary to accommodate players from novice to expert. Experienced golfers preferred the diversity at the Ross Bridge course and said that it's in great shape, while some described the Oxmoor Valley course as "tired." Many golfers loved playing in November, when the weather is still fairly warm. 

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

If you're a gearhead, you won't want to miss George Barber's collection of motorcycles – the largest in the world, according to Guinness – featuring more than 1,400 bikes from 200 different manufacturers. The museum also houses an extensive selection of Lotus Cars, if you prefer four wheels to two.

Recent visitors called this museum a "world-class facility" and said that even if you're not into motorcycles, this collection is worth seeing. Other reviewers praised the assortment of Lotus Cars and the outdoor track, which hosts the Porsche Sport Driving School. The only gripe among recent visitors concerned the museum's facilities, or lack thereof: museumgoers said they would love to see a cafe or eatery added to the grounds.

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Vulcan Park and Museum Vulcan Park and Museum

Overlooking the city of Birmingham is a bearded man that pays homage to Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge. The largest cast iron statue in the world, Vulcan is a reminder of the city's iron mining roots. Visitors can ascend the Vulcan tower for spectacular, open-air city views or explore the ground-level museum to learn more about Birmingham's history. The park is also home to the city's official visitor center.

Recent visitors enjoyed the local legend surrounding the statue and said the trip up the tower is well worth the ticket. Some reviewers do caution, though, that the open grated floor on the observation deck may be a problem for those with a fear of heights. Most agreed that the museum is interesting, and noted this is a good attraction to visit on Sunday mornings, when most other attractions are closed.

McWane Science Center McWane Science Center

Kids of all ages will enjoy the interactive McWane Science Center. An integral part of the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, the center is located in the historic Loveman's department store building. Hands-on exhibits include the Fox 6 Weather Lab, the High Cycle (a high-wire bicycle that teaches visitors about the laws of gravity), the Itty Bitty Magic City and the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. The center also boasts an Imax theater.

Both parents and grandparents say McWane is a "super fun" place to spend a day with the kids, especially since the center appeals to a variety of age groups. Families that visited said they appreciated the option to purchase Imax theater admission separately and enjoyed the convenience of the on-site food court. However, some reviewers said the exhibits need to be updated more often.

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

The art deco Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is located in the Carver Theatre in the heart of the Civil Rights District. Exhibits honor Alabama jazz greats, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. Beyond its collection of memorabilia and personal effects, the theater also presents shows by local jazz artists and comedians. The theater itself also plays a significant role in the city's civil rights history: it was one of several theaters offering first-run movies to African Americans.

Recent visitors called this small museum "a hidden jewel" and a must-see for jazz fans. However, some were disappointed with its petite size (it spans more than 2,200 square feet). But with an entrance fee of just $2, most travelers say it's an enjoyable stop to see memorabilia, ranging from Ray Charles' piano to Ella Fitzgerald's Neiman Marcus credit card. 

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in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

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In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the name tells the story – miles of pristine white quartz sand washed by blue-green Gulf waters. Please be advised that there will be no lifeguards on duty on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public beaches from October through February. During this time, beach patrol and response will be limited. Always check the beach flags and surf conditions before entering the water, and never swim alone. Help keep Alabama's Beaches pristine by practicing responsible tourism and following beach rules & regulations . 

Parking kiosks are now in place at most beaches. You can find more information about parking in Gulf Shores and parking in Orange Beach .

Beach goers at Alabama Point East public access can borrow life jackets while enjoying their time on the beach. These life jackets are free and are available in various sizes. We encourage children and those who aren’t strong swimmers to take advantage of these vests. Remember to return them before you leave.

For those looking for wheelchair-accessible beach access points, there are three beach mats located at Gulf Place  and one located at Cotton Bayou . 

Maximize your beach time by booking a waterfront place to stay directly on our site and wake up to the sound of the waves!

• Gulf Shores (9)
• Orange Beach (3)
• Wheelchair accessible (2)

Gulf State Park Pavilion

This uncrowded, natural beach is located six miles east of Highway 59, among the sand dunes and sea oats. There...

Cotton Bayou- A Gulf State Park beach area

This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161. Nestled between some of the...

Romar Beach-A Gulf State Park beach area

This beach area is easy to get to. It's perfect for a quick beach stroll or an impromptu picnic. It's...

Gulf Shores 10th Street Public Access

This is a Beach Access only. There is parking across the street from this location. Temporary Restroom facilities are available...

Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Access

Street side parking with a dune walkover, shower and temporary restrooms. The cost is $15 all-day. Gulf Shores residents park...

Lagoon Pass Park

The Little Lagoon Pass Park is a great spot for taking in the sites and accessing the beach. The park...

Gulf Shores 5th Street Public Access

Located five blocks west of Highway 59, you can park on the north side and walk the boardwalk to the...

Branyon Beach Access

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Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Access

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Alabama Point East-A Gulf State Park beach area

Located just .3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Alabama Point East offers more than 6,000 feet of wide beach...

Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place)

If you are looking for volleyball-playing, beach-bar-hanging good times, this spot - where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf -...

Shell Beach Access

Located east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Shell Beach offers an easy access to the eastern most part of Gulf State...

Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Access

This is a pedestrian crossing beach access only, which is perfect if you're staying in a property nearby. Before you...

Beaches FAQs

Pets are not allowed on our beaches. However, our destination is home to many pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and attractions . 

Gulf temperatures vary throughout the year. Learn about average weather and water temperatures for each month.

All tents, canopies, and EZ-Ups must be placed behind the white Leave Only Footprints flags when set up on Orange Beach and Gulf Shores’ public beaches. Umbrellas are permitted anywhere along the shore.

Alabama's Instagrammable Moments

'tis the sea-sun.

Everyone loves  Gulf Place Beach . This beach features plenty of  things to do  including sandy beach bars, eateries,  beach boutique stores , pavilions, picnic areas, watersports , volleyball and  beach hotels  that let you stay and play. Highway 59 dead-ends at the main beach area, but there is public access up and down the coast. 

Gulf State Park Beach

Gulf State Park  offers a whirl of activities including  boating , paddle boarding,  fishing , from the  Gulf State Park Pier , biking,  golfing  and  camping . There’s even a play area just for  dogs  located at  Lake Shelby  on the park’s western end. From the main entrance at the Beach Pavilion in Gulf Shores, there are access points along Orange Beach (including  Alabama Point East ).

Orange Beach & Cotton Bayou

Cotton Bayou  is set at the intersection of Highways 182 and 161 in Orange Beach and also part of Gulf State Park. Cotton Bayou is small in size but big on amenities, including outdoor showers and ample free parking. This beach is located within convenient walking distance of the primary  Orange Beach condominiums .

Shore Excursions

Some beach goers plant their towels, open a good book and start working on the ultimate tan. Others like to stir things up with  parasailing ,  kayaking  and excursions to nearby islands. If you’re staying close to shore, a flood of  beach equipment rentals  will be on hand –  beach bikes , buggies, beach wheelchairs,  paddle boards , surf and skim boards and all kinds of flotation devices. Many companies offer delivery and pick-up service.

Beach Safety 

When visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it is important to remember beach safety and to be respectful of animal's natural habitats. Don’t forget the sunscreen before venturing out in the warm Alabama sunshine. Take care when exploring the sand. You might happen upon a sea turtle nest or a tiny bird’s nest. Please keep off the sand dunes. They preserve natural habitats. Take nothing but pictures and  leave only footprints . Observe and obey the beach flag warning system. Check our Beach Safety Page for daily updates. 

For Your Beach Vacation 

Fishing Trips on Alabama Beaches Forever Etched in My Memory

Best Gulf Fish to Catch & Eat on Alabama Beaches

Jack Crevalle Fishing on Alabama Beaches

Things to Do in August on Alabama Beaches

White Trout Fishing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

From Toddler to Teen: How We Keep Them All Entertained 

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Fun Things to Do in Fort Morgan, Alabama

F ort Morgan, Alabama, is a great place that often falls under the radar when discussing Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Nestled along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, just a short drive from Gulf Shores, this quaint town is a perfect place for those seeking a quieter yet equally captivating beach vacation experience. It offers a prime location with a rich history and an array of fun and educational activities for visitors of all ages. If you’re contemplating this wonderful location for your next trip, let me tell you some fun things to do in Fort Morgan, Alabama . 

This post is brought to you in partnership with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism . However, all thoughts are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Is Fort Morgan fun to visit?

Fort Morgan can be a fun and rewarding destination to visit, but whether it’s enjoyable for you depends on your interests and what you’re looking for in a vacation. My family enjoys off-the-beaten-path destinations, so Fort Morgan is always a treat for us. 

Let’s talk about some factors to consider when deciding if Fort Morgan is fun to visit. 

History Comes Alive at Fort Morgan Historic Site

One of the best things about visiting Fort Morgan is the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich history. Fort Morgan played a significant role during the Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Today, it stands as a national historic landmark, offering self-guided tours that provide insights into the area’s past. The onsite gift shop and picnic area make it a great spot for family activities and special events.

Explore Nature at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re a nature enthusiast, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination near Fort Morgan. This beautiful refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and migratory birds. The miles of nature trails offer a chance to explore the key habitats of coastal Alabama while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Family Fun at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Amusement Parks

For a day of family activities, head over to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or visit nearby amusement parks like Waterville USA. These attractions promise good times for visitors of all ages, from young children to adults. Experience wildlife up close and enjoy thrilling rides and water slides, making it a perfect beach day alternative or a rainy day option.

Outdoor Adventures Galore

Fort Morgan’s prime location along the Gulf Shores means it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The area boasts white sand beaches that are perfect for sandcastle building, sunbathing, and swimming. You can also enjoy a day of fishing, with some of the best fishing spots in the region. Kiva Dunes, a Golf Digest-rated golf course, is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and pine forests of Fort Morgan.

Savor the Flavors of Fort Morgan

No trip to Fort Morgan would be complete without indulging in fresh seafood. Local restaurants offer good food and great deals, making it a unique place to savor the Gulf Coast’s culinary delights. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan: A favorite among locals and visitors, Tacky Jacks offers a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy fresh seafood, burgers, and cocktails while taking in scenic views of Mobile Bay.
• Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill: Located at the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill offers a diverse menu with options ranging from seafood and steaks to sandwiches and salads. The golf course views add to the ambiance.
• The Kiva Grill: Situated at Kiva Dunes Golf Course, The Kiva Grill provides an upscale dining experience featuring seafood and Southern cuisine. The picturesque setting is perfect for a special evening.

A Beach Club Resort Experience

If you’re looking for a relaxing and unique place to stay, consider vacation rentals at The Beach Club Resort. With its prime location, it offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and easy access to the beach. The resort boasts a fitness center, snack bar, and recreational activities, making it perfect for visitors of all ages.

Don’t Miss Fort Morgan Road Trail and Jeff Friend Trail

Nature lovers will appreciate the Fort Morgan Road Trail and the Jeff Friend Trail. These trails offer miles of nature exploration, showcasing the area’s diverse ecosystems, including its beautiful barrier islands.

Where should I stay in the Fort Morgan area?

Fort Morgan offers a range of accommodations for visitors looking to enjoy its natural beauty, history, and tranquility. Whether you prefer vacation rentals, condos, or campgrounds, you’ll find options to suit your preferences. Here are some places to stay in Fort Morgan:

Beachfront Vacation Rentals

Many vacation rental agencies and property management companies offer beachfront homes and condos for rent in Fort Morgan. These rentals often provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and can range from cozy cottages to spacious beachfront mansions.

The Beach Club Resort

The Beach Club Resort is a popular choice for those seeking a full-service resort experience. It offers vacation rentals and amenities such as pools, a fitness center, on-site dining options, and easy access to the beach.

Fort Morgan RV Park

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, consider camping at the Fort Morgan RV Park. It’s a great option for RV and tent camping, offering basic amenities and a historic ambiance.

Gulf State Park Cabins

Just a short drive away from Fort Morgan, Gulf State Park offers cozy cabins for rent. These cabins provide a more secluded and natural setting while still being within reach of Fort Morgan’s attractions.

Private Vacation Homes

Many homeowners in Fort Morgan rent out their private homes to vacationers. These homes often provide a homely atmosphere and may include amenities like private pools and beachfront access.

Local Condo Complexes

 Fort Morgan has several condo complexes that offer short-term rentals. These complexes often feature communal amenities like pools, grilling areas, and beach access.

Camping at Gulf Shores State Park

While not in Fort Morgan itself, Gulf Shores State Park offers camping facilities and is a short drive away. It’s an excellent option for nature enthusiasts who want to be close to both the beach and natural trails.

When booking accommodations in Fort Morgan, be sure to consider factors such as your group size, budget, and preferred location. Make reservations well in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred lodging.

And don’t forget to check the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism website for season deals and specials!

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Fort Morgan, Alabama, along with brief answers to each:

1. Where is Fort Morgan located?

 Fort Morgan is located at the western tip of the Fort Morgan Peninsula on the Gulf Coast of Alabama , approximately 22 miles west of Gulf Shores.

2. What is the historical significance of Fort Morgan?

Fort Morgan played a significant role in the American Civil War and is best known for participating in the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.

3. Can I visit Fort Morgan State Historic Site?

Yes, it is open to the public. Visitors can explore the historic fort, museum, and grounds, and enjoy educational exhibits.

4. What are some activities at Fort Morgan?

Activities at Fort Morgan include exploring the historic fort, picnicking, birdwatching, hiking the nature trails, and enjoying the nearby white sand beaches.

5. Is Fort Morgan a good place for birdwatching?

Yes. The area, including the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, are known for excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration seasons.

6. Are there camping facilities near Fort Morgan?

Yes, there is a campground at the Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Additionally, Gulf State Park, located nearby, offers camping facilities, including cabins and RV sites.

7. What is the nearest beach to Fort Morgan?

Fort Morgan is situated along the Gulf of Mexico, so you can access white sand beaches right on the peninsula.

8. Are there restaurants in Fort Morgan?

While there aren’t as many dining options in Fort Morgan as in nearby towns, you can find restaurants serving seafood and Southern cuisine, as well as some grilling and picnic options.

9. What are some nearby attractions to Fort Morgan?

Nearby attractions include Gulf Shores, Orange Beach , the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf State Park, and Dauphin Island, all offering a variety of activities and experiences.

10. Is Fort Morgan a good place for a family vacation?

Yes, Fort Morgan can be an excellent destination for a family vacation , offering historical and educational experiences, outdoor activities, and a quieter beach atmosphere.

11. What is the best time to visit Fort Morgan?

The best time to visit Fort Morgan is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the area is less crowded. However, it can also be enjoyable year-round.

12. Can I tour Fort Morgan on my own, or are guided tours available?

You can explore Fort Morgan on your own with self-guided tours. Additionally, guided tours may be available seasonally, so it’s a good idea to check with the fort’s visitor center for current offerings.

The post Fun Things to Do in Fort Morgan, Alabama appeared first on WhatCherithInks .

The 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025

These cities offer the best combination of jobs, desirability, cost of living, quality of life and more.

The 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S.

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To determine the Best Places to Live rankings, U.S. News analyzes data on 150 major U.S. cities, including housing affordability, household income, quality of education, access to health care, crime rates, commute times, air quality and more.

The Best Places to Live in 2024-2025

From tiny towns to bustling burgs, every city in America generates a sense of hometown pride. But for people who are looking for a new place to put down roots, some cities stand apart from the rest.

To determine the Best Places to Live rankings, U.S. News analyzes data on 150 major U.S. cities, including housing affordability, household income, quality of education, access to health care, crime rates, commute times, air quality and more. A shift from metro-based data, used in previous editions of the rankings, to city-based data this year resulted in many new appearances in the top 25 from places located in the Midwest and South.

The data is weighted based on the factors people consider most important, as determined by a survey of more than 3,000 people throughout the U.S. that asks what matters most to them when picking their next place to live. This year's survey found an increased interest in cost of living, with greater emphasis placed on the job market and value categories. Read on for the 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025.

25. South Bend, Indiana

24. lincoln, nebraska, 23. greensboro, north carolina, 22. san francisco, 21. fayetteville, arkansas.

• 20. Fort Wayne, Indiana

19. Ann Arbor, Michigan

18. omaha, nebraska, 17. asheville, north carolina, 16. oklahoma city.

• 15. Lexington, Kentucky
• 14. Madison, Wisconsin
• 13. Charleston, South Carolina
• 12. Green Bay, Wisconsin
• 11. Sarasota, Florida
• 10. Boulder, Colorado
• 9. Austin, Texas
• 8. Virginia Beach, Virginia
• 7. Huntsville, Alabama
• 6. Raleigh, North Carolina
• 5. Charlotte, North Carolina
• 4. Greenville, South Carolina
• 3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
• 2. Boise, Idaho
• 1. Naples, Florida

Population: 119,280 Median Home Price: $133,774 Median Household Income: $56,890

South Bend is known for being home to the University of Notre Dame , but it's more than just a college town. The Midwestern city began as a fur trading post thanks in part to its convenient seat on the St. Joseph River. Today, the river offers ample opportunities, like kayaking and whitewater rafting, for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy right through the heart of downtown. The Bend, as it's known to locals, stands out thanks to high rankings for quality of life (No. 19) and value (No. 18), with affordable housing costs relative to income. South Bend is the third-safest place to live in our analysis, with the least property crime of any other ranked city.

Learn more about South Bend .

Population: 297,005 Median Home Price: $234,589 Median Household Income: $77,421

Lincoln is the capital of the Cornhusker State and home to the University of Nebraska . As both the seat of state government and the epicenter of higher education in Nebraska, Lincoln has an outsized advantage when it comes to employment opportunities. Additionally, several prominent insurance companies, including Assurity and Ameritas, are headquartered in Lincoln, helping the city earn high marks in the job market category of our analysis, ranking No. 25. Your salary will take you far in Lincoln, which scored No. 15 for value, including housing affordability and price parity – how the cost of goods and services compares across metro areas.

Learn more about Lincoln .

Population: 317,834 Median Home Price: $213,643 Median Household Income: $65,849

Greensboro has all the hallmarks of a midsized Southern city: affordability, economic growth and historical significance. The 1960 Greensboro sit-in to end segregation was a watershed moment for the civil rights movement – one that's now immortalized in the city's International Civil Rights Center & Museum. One thing that sets Greensboro apart from other similar-sized cities in the South is its highly rated public school system, which earns it the No. 7 rank for college readiness. All told, Greensboro strikes a balance between quality of life (No. 27) and value (No. 30), solidifying its status as one of the Best Places to Live.

Learn more about Greensboro .

Population: 876,910 Median Home Price: $1,381,264 Median Household Income: $145,255

In San Francisco, Old World charm collides with Big Tech innovation. The Bay Area is home to many of the world's largest technology companies and the six-figure salaries their workforces command, which is one reason why San Francisco has the No. 1 job market of any city we analyzed. San Francisco also excels in desirability, ranking No. 13 in the country thanks in part to a pleasant climate (No. 4) and a high concentration of restaurants and bars per capita (No. 8). However, San Francisco underperformed in the value category, ranking No. 139. That said, modern-day prospectors who can strike gold with a lucrative career in IT may be able to afford the cost of living.

Learn more about San Francisco .

Population: 113,010 Median Home Price: $281,646 Median Household Income: $70,165

Nestled within the Ozarks is a flourishing mountain town that comes alive during college football season: Fayetteville, home to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. But Fayetteville isn't just an academic center for undergrads – it's also the No. 1 city in the country for college readiness among high school students, based on data from the U.S. News Best High Schools rankings. Overall, Fayetteville earned high marks for both quality of life (No. 15) and net migration (No. 14), carefully balancing rapid growth with quality social services like education and health care.

Learn more about Fayetteville .

20. Fort Wayne , Indiana

Population: 324,953 Median Home Price: $169,485 Median Household Income: $71,507

Like many midsized Midwestern cities, Fort Wayne is an affordable, safe, family-friendly place to put down roots. Fort Wayne ranks No. 1 in the country for value: Its residents spend less than a fifth of their income on housing costs, making it the most budget-friendly city we analyzed based on our cost of living index. Additionally, Fort Wayne has low instances of violent crime, per our analysis of FBI data, coming in at No. 33 in terms of crime rates (with No. 1 being the safest rank).

Learn more about Fort Wayne .

Getty Images | iStockphoto

Population: 125,664 Median Home Price: $456,578 Median Household Income: $86,628

Ann Arbor is the No. 1 city in the U.S. for quality of life, earning high marks across subcategories that span education, health care and public safety. Ann Arbor residents report high levels of well-being and are generally happy with their day-to-day lives, ranking No. 9 per data from Sharecare’s Community Well-Being Index . As home of the University of Michigan , Ann Arbor has no shortage of employment opportunities – both within higher education and through the school's sprawling health care network. Ann Arbor has the No. 8 job market in the nation, with an active and well-compensated labor force.

Learn more about Ann Arbor .

Population: 544,284 Median Home Price: $232,816 Median Household Income: $85,942

Situated along the banks of the Missouri River, Omaha has long been a central artery that connects America's Heartland. Omaha earns its status as a Midwestern business hub, boasting a low unemployment rate and outsized salaries compared with the area's low cost of living. Despite being the largest city in the state of Nebraska – and home to Berkshire Hathaway , one of the nation's most lucrative companies, and Warren Buffett, one of the nation's wealthiest people – Omaha ranks No. 13 in the country for value and No. 6 for housing affordability.

Learn more about Omaha .

Population: 113,353 Median Home Price: $400,587 Median Household Income: $69,429

Asheville may be a cultural mecca of independent breweries, art studios and five-star restaurants, but it never lets you forget where you really are: deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Residents enjoy the perks of civilization amid remote natural beauty, helping to secure Asheville as the No. 10 city in the U.S. for quality of life. Asheville also has one of the shortest commute times of any city in the country at 22 minutes (it doesn't hurt that commuters can get around via the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway) and ranks No. 8 for air quality – so roll down your windows and enjoy that fresh mountain air.

Learn more about Asheville .

Population: 681,446 Median Home Price: $199,303 Median Household Income: $74,604

Oklahoma City may have its roots in cowboy culture, but this bustling metropolis has a little bit of something for everyone, from diehard sports fans to young professionals. For its size, Oklahoma City gives residents a lot of bang for their buck: OKC ranks No. 9 for housing affordability and No. 10 for overall value. The city's low price tag attracts droves of new residents who are fleeing more expensive areas – notably Texas and California – and contributing to the Sooner State's outsized growth. In fact, Oklahoma City ranked No. 20 in the U.S. for net migration, a testament to the area's careful balance of affordability, desirability and job opportunities.

Learn more about Oklahoma City .

15. Lexington , Kentucky

Population: 328,225 Median Home Price: $268,163 Median Household Income: $76,765

Lexington is known for college basketball, bourbon, bluegrass – and of course horse racing. As the Horse Capital of the World, the Lexington area boasts hundreds of thoroughbred farms that draw in equine-obsessed tourists and stimulate the local economy. Lexington fared well across our rankings for quality of life (No. 29) and job market (No. 41), but what really propelled Lexington to the top of our rankings was value (No. 11). Being a college town, home to the University of Kentucky , Lexington has a lot of renters who pay relatively low living costs, contributing to a ranking of No. 13 for housing affordability.

Learn more about Lexington .

14. Madison , Wisconsin

Population: 269,692 Median Home Price: $367,653 Median Household Income: $79,166

Although locals can't seem to settle on the moniker MadCity or MadTown, there's one thing many can agree on: Madison is a great place to live. Madison has a sense of hometown pride that's genuine but never cheesy – even in the capital of America's Dairyland. Madison ranks No. 6 for quality of life and No. 10 for job market, recording the lowest unemployment rate of any city in the country at 2.71%. As the home of the University of Wisconsin main campus, Madison has abundant employment opportunities in education, health care and technology – in addition to corporate offices for major retailers like John Deere, Trek Bicycle Corp. and Lands' End.

Learn more about Madison .

13. Charleston , South Carolina

Population: 175,795 Median Home Price: $510,515 Median Household Income: $92,032

As a temperate coastal city teeming with historical significance and contemporary culture, it's probably no surprise that Charleston has popular appeal, coming in at No. 14 in the desirability category. But it might surprise you that Charleston also has the No. 5 job market in the country, with robust employment opportunities and competitive salaries to match the city's relatively high cost of living. And while you might guess that most of those jobs are in tourism, that's not the only job sector in Charleston – some of the largest employers in the area are manufacturing facilities for global companies, including Boeing and Volvo.

Learn more about Charleston .

12. Green Bay , Wisconsin

Population: 111,006 Median Home Price: $180,066 Median Household Income: $63,931

Green Bay is a small city that's filled with big-city amenities – art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and of course, a renowned NFL franchise. Like many Midwestern cities, Green Bay has a low cost of living relative to cities in other regions of the country. It ranks No. 8 for value and is the fifth-highest ranking state when it comes to housing affordability, with a median home price of around $180,000, much lower than the national average of $282,000. Green Bay also ranks well for quality of life (No. 25), with short commute times, healthy air quality and low crime.

Learn more about Green Bay .

11. Sarasota , Florida

Population: 82,472 Median Home Price: $430,652 Median Household Income: $80,922

The Gulf Coast of Florida is a popular destination for retirees, families and young professionals because it has a little bit of something for everyone, no matter what stage they find themselves in life. In addition to Florida's largest industry – tourism – Sarasota has an abundance of career opportunities in health care due in part to the city's elderly population, helping to solidify its status as the No. 4 job market in our rankings. Sarasota also ranks No. 7 for desirability, boosted by pleasant weather and the second-highest concentration of restaurants and bars per capita of any city in the country. People of all walks of life are drawn to Sarasota, as evidenced by its rapid population growth of 3.96% between 2021 and 2022, making it the 10th-highest ranking city for net migration.

Learn more about Sarasota .

10. Boulder , Colorado

Population: 122,362 Median Home Price: $854,424 Median Household Income: $97,017

Coming in at No. 10, Boulder has all the perks of a college town and so much more. Boulder Valley's location, situated where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, makes it a destination for hikers, bikers and climbers. Additionally, academics, scientists and researchers are drawn in by the University of Colorado campus. Boulder earned the No. 2 spot for quality of life, ranking eighth for residents' overall well-being and second for college readiness – a testament to the area's first-rate public schools. Additionally, Boulder ranked well for job market (No. 14), mostly driven by its high salaries, and desirability (No. 18), with pleasant weather and an abundance of establishments like restaurants and breweries.

Learn more about Boulder .

9. Austin , Texas

Population: 1,002,397 Median Home Price: $487,981 Median Household Income: $98,483

Everything's bigger in Texas, and Austin is no exception – it's the largest city in our Top 25 Best Places to Live rankings by population, with over 1 million Austinites calling this Lone Star city home. In recent years, young professionals have flocked to Austin in droves thanks to its status as a hub for large tech companies and plucky startups alike, earning Austin the No. 9 rank in the job market category and No. 19 for net migration. With a vibrant live music scene and diehard college football culture thanks to the University of Texas (Hook 'em, Horns!), respondents ranked Austin No. 17 in our Desirability Survey.

Learn more about Austin .

8. Virginia Beach , Virginia

Population: 460,069 Median Home Price: $358,477 Median Household Income: $96,805

Virginia Beach may be a popular vacation spot among East Coast residents, but as the largest city in the Old Dominion, countless families have decided to settle in and make Virginia Beach their permanent home. Virginia Beach ranks eighth in the country when it comes to quality of life, with one of the lowest crime rates for a city of its size, per FBI data. The Virginia Beach area is home to major military bases across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, which attracts a diverse network of service members from every corner of the world. The area's large military presence is interwoven with the local economy, with major military contractors like Lockheed Martin and Huntington Ingalls Industries among the largest employers in Virginia Beach, helping the city secure the No. 19 rank in the job market category.

Learn more about Virginia Beach .

7. Huntsville , Alabama

Population: 237,887 Median Home Price: $245,381 Median Household Income: $83,856

Huntsville began its meteoric rise during the Space Race of the 1960s when the U.S. government chose it as the home of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The aptly named Rocket City has been growing at a steady clip every decade since, currently ranking at No. 16 for net migration. To this day, many of the area's largest employers are in the aerospace industry, contributing to the relatively small city's standing as the No. 27 job market in the country. But even with its consistent growth and access to high-paying careers, Huntsville is still the second-most affordable place to live in our analysis. So if you're a rocket scientist in Rocket City, your salary will take you far.

Learn more about Huntsville .

6. Raleigh , North Carolina

Population: 469,960 Median Home Price: $382,677 Median Household Income: $87,708

Raleigh is the largest city in North Carolina's research triangle – where three of the country's most esteemed public and private universities converge within a stone's throw of each other. Being an epicenter of higher education is part of what makes Raleigh the No. 5 city in the nation for quality of life, since the nearby universities elevate the access to top-tier health care and public high schools. Duke University and North Carolina State University are among the largest employers in the area, but Raleigh is also a tech hub and, of course, a state capital, propelling its local job market to No. 21 in the country.

Learn more about Raleigh .

5. Charlotte , North Carolina

Population: 862,609 Median Home Price: $359,446 Median Household Income: $88,791

"Charlotte's Got a Lot," according to the city's tourism slogan. And the data backs that up. Charlotte has a healthy balance of impressive scores across all our ranking categories: job market (No. 22), desirability (No. 26), quality of life (No. 34) and value (No. 43). Just 10 or 15 years ago, you might be hard-pressed to meet a true Charlotte native. But thanks to its consistently positive net migration since then, there's a new generation of born-and-bred Charlotteans, ready to carry on the city's royal legacy.

Learn more about Charlotte .

4. Greenville , South Carolina

Population: 77,387 Median Home Price: $393,809 Median Household Income: $76,193

With waterfalls running through the heart of downtown and friendly faces strolling down a tree-lined main street, Greenville can seem like the setting of a Hallmark movie. The city's center finds harmony between nature and civilization, boasting the third-highest concentration of restaurants and bars per capita in our analysis, which is impressive considering that it beat out tourism hotspots like San Francisco and Asheville. This Southern charmer earned top scores across the board, but it really shines for its No. 12 job market – it's the headquarters of the tire manufacturer Michelin – as well as overall quality of life, ranking No. 12 for college readiness and No. 16 for commute.

Learn more about Greenville .

3. Colorado Springs , Colorado

Population: 527,657 Median Home Price: $394,553 Median Household Income: $89,313

Something's in the water in Colorado Springs. The scenic mountain town was voted the No. 1 most desirable city among respondents in a poll of more than 3,000 Americans when asked in which of the ranked cities they would most like to live. For those who have been fortunate enough to visit the Springs, it's not hard to imagine why so many people would dream to call it home. Colorado Springs is set against a breathtaking backdrop of snowcapped peaks, giving residents endless opportunities for outdoor adventure within a stone's throw from the city's center. And despite being a sought-after city that's situated in a relatively pricey state, Colorado Springs ranks quite well for housing affordability, at No. 35.

Learn more about Colorado Springs .

2. Boise , Idaho

Population: 277,498 Median Home Price: $422,080 Median Household Income: $85,886

Known unofficially as the City of Trees, Boise earned its official name from pioneering fur trappers – "les bois" translates to "the woods" in French. The area's natural diversity of forests, canyons, mountains, deserts, rivers and lakes gives residents plenty of options for outdoor recreation during the 230 days of sunshine seen in the city per year. Boise ranks No. 3 for quality of life, led by high scores in college readiness (No. 9), limited crime (No. 14) and low risk to natural hazards (No. 20). It also has the No. 16 job market in the country, including the second-lowest unemployment rate of any city in our analysis. For all it offers, Boise is a tremendous value, ranking No. 7 in the nation for housing affordability.

Learn more about Boise .

1. Naples , Florida

Population: 122,578 Median Home Price: $577,796 Median Household Income: $98,120

This year's Best Place to Live is Naples, a sunny resort city situated on Florida's Paradise Coast. Tourists may visit Naples for its miles of white-sand shorelines and breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, but residents make Naples their permanent home for its high standard of living. Naples ranked No. 4 for desirability and No. 3 for job market, aided by the city's 3.57% unemployment rate (the fourth-lowest in our analysis) and nearly six-figure household incomes. Naples residents enjoy a high quality of life – the city ranks No. 4 for college readiness and No. 12 for crime – which could explain why so many Americans are eager to relocate to Southwest Florida. In fact, seven out of the top 10 fastest-growing cities are located in the Sunshine State.

Learn more about Naples .

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Alabama Natural Wonders

The Top 20 list of  Alabama Natural Wonders

From towering mountain ranges to pristine beaches, natural wonders abound here in Alabama. The state’s navigable rivers and beautiful landscapes are home to a variety of flora and fauna that make it one of the most bio-diverse states in the nation. Although we could go on and on about all of the natural wonders you could find in Alabama, here are 20 to inspire your next trip. So when the time is right, grab your favorite travel buddy and embark on a journey through Sweet Home Alabama.

Gulf Coast Beaches

Walk on some of the most beautiful, sugar-white beaches in the world, created from centuries of white quartz crystal washed down from the Appalachian Mountains and ground into soft, fine, white sand by the Gulf of Mexico.

Mount Cheaha

Looking for a spectacular view? At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Mount Cheaha, in Cleburne County, is Alabama’s highest natural point at 2,407 feet above sea level.

Cathedral Caverns

See one of the largest stalagmite columns in the world. The appropriately named 45-foot tall, 243-foot wide Goliath at Cathedral Caverns State Park in Marshall County, is just one of the cavern’s many fascinating formations. Check out others too: the “frozen waterfall," the “pipe organ” and the “cave bacon.”

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta

Explore America’s Amazon. One of the largest river delta and wetlands in the country and the Mobile River basin, which flows through it, form one of the richest regions in the world for a number of species and habitats. It contains about one-third more than any other state of all the country’s known freshwater fish species as well as more species of mussels, snails, turtles and crawfish.

Dismals Canyon

Besides seeing its countless rock formations such as natural bridges and a 16-inch-wide squeeze known as “Fat Man’s Misery,” on nights in May and June in this Franklin County canyon, you can see dismalites, the only bioluminescent insect in North America.

Natural Bridge

Just outside William Bankhead National Forest in Winston County, you can see the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains, a rock arch 148-feet across and 60-feet high.

Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

Whether you are a serious birder or a novice, you will enjoy these six birding loops in Baldwin and Mobile counties. The trails, which cover more than 200 miles, wind along the main bird migration corridor that attracts more than four hundred different species of birds.

Cahaba Lilies

These flowers, which bloom in May and June along the Cahaba River, the Tallapoosa River and Hatchet Creek, are found in only three states – Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

Majestic Caverns

The main room of these Talladega County caverns is longer than a football field, more than 10-stories high and has one of the world’s largest continuing accumulations of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites. It’s also filled with history from when Hernando de Soto met Native Americans outside the caverns in 1540 to when the cave was an illegal speakeasy in the 1920s during prohibition.

Pinhoti Trail

Ready for the longest hike in Alabama? The Pinhoti Trail runs through Alabama and Georgia before connecting with the Appalachian Trail. The total Pinhoti Trail is about 337 miles, with 170 miles in Alabama and 166 in Georgia. It’s the longest hiking trail in either state.

Rickwood Caverns

Located in Rickwood Caverns State Park, this cave features fossilized marine animals embedded in its walls, remnants of a time 260 million years ago when it was part of a prehistoric ocean. Besides fascinating formations, such as the Frozen Castle and the Bridal Column, there is a subterranean lake featuring endangered blind cave fish.

Wetumpka Crater

See the natural wonder that had the biggest impact on Alabama. With an impact 175,000 times greater than the nuclear bomb detonated at Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, this comet created this natural wonder of Alabama 83 million years ago. It is the 11th-largest impact crater in the United States and one of only six above-ground impact crater locations in the world. You can still see remnants of what is called the Wetumpka Impact Crater just off U.S. Hwy. 231 about 12 miles northeast of Montgomery.

Little River Canyon

See one of the nation's longest mountaintop rivers. Almost the entire length of The Little River, in northeast Alabama, flows down the middle of Lookout Mountain with the river creating the spectacular DeSoto Falls and Little River Falls.

Sipsey Wilderness

The Sipsey Wilderness, 24,922 acres in the heart of the Bankhead National Forest, is a hiker’s paradise. The largest and most popular wilderness area in Alabama, the Sipsey Wilderness features 45 miles of trails that pass so many water cascades that the area is often called the “Land of 1000 Waterfalls.”

Red Mountain and Park

Even if Vulcan, the largest cast iron statue in the world, wasn't standing atop it, Red Mountain and Park would symbolize Alabama’s largest city. Iron ore not only turned this mountain red but, when mined, created growth in the area from around 3,000 residents in the 1880s to more than 210,000 residents today.

Noccalula Falls

This Gadsden site combines the romantic legend of Noccalula, the young Cherokee maiden who reputedly threw herself to her death into the falls rather than forsake the man she loved for one her father ordered her to marry, and a beautiful waterfall with a gorgeous 90-foot drop.

Walls of Jericho Trail

If you are willing to take this gorgeous and sometimes difficult 6-mile hike in northern Jackson County, you can see sinkholes, exposed limestone, a cave and waterfalls.

Bankhead National Forest

Located in northwestern Alabama near the town of Double Springs, this 181,230-acre forest contains the Sipsey Wilderness and is known as the "land of a thousand waterfalls." It also has some of the best hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and horseback riding in the state.

Cahaba River

One of the longest free-flowing rivers in the Southeast, the Cahaba River is also one of the country’s most biologically diverse with more fish species per mile than any other river in the country. The 190-mile river is home to not only the famous Cahaba Lily but an ever-expanding list of newly discovered species of plants and snails.

White Cliffs of Epes

Formed at about the same time as the famous White Cliffs of Dover,  the White Cliffs of Epes and White Bluffs in Demopolis along the Tombigbee River, are chalk cliffs: pure white limestone. The chalk cliffs are about a mile long.

List of Wonders

Everything Alabama has to offer —in one easy place!

Looking for information on state parks, hot spots to have fun in the sun, or the best places for fishing or bird-watching? How about the world’s best museums or science centers? The Alabama Vacation guide will help you discover so many new and unique experiences. No matter where you’re headed or what you feel like doing, the Alabama vacation guide will get started on the right path.

Fill out your information below to receive a printed guide and Alabama state highway map in the mail. Note: Currently we only send mail inside the United States. All fields are required unless otherwise specified.

• 1 Your Info

Primo’s Pizza And Pasta

Hours updated over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ The Baked Ziti , Pepperoni Pizza and the Chelsea Special are my favorites. ” in 2 reviews

“ Tried both dine in and take out service has always been great. ” in 2 reviews

“ Pizza was what we were craving, flavors worked together, sauce delis, crust Crisp yet had a nice chew . ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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16064 US-280

Chelsea, AL 35043

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Dairy Queen Grill & Chill

0.9 miles away from Primo’s Pizza And Pasta

Stan D. said "This location is spotless. The people that work there are friendly, helpful and eager to get your order correct and hot. They're not allowing people to dine in but you can walk in and place your order and take it to go." read more

in Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Jeremy E. said "I don't have a lot of bad things to say about this place, other than it can be insanely crowded at peak times (with a considerable wait.) That being said, everything else is pretty great. I love the decor inside, with each of the…" read more

in Tex-mex, Mexican, Bars

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• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

After 3 visits we give Primo's a 5+. 1st ordered a 14" Chelsea on line, they are still working on the website, look for it to get better. Back to the food. Pizza was what we were craving, flavors worked together, sauce delis, crust Crisp yet had a nice chew. I even ate the crust which I almost always leave. Had cold breakfast pizza the next day, so good, my favorite easy breakfast. 2nd was a dine in for lunch, had a slice of Chicken Pesto. They make them to order, not sitting under a hot lamp drying out. Again another great combination of ingredients. It's a full meal deal I had trouble finishing it. Got a Tiramisu to go. If a restaurant has it on their menu we partake. This is hands down for the price the Best in town that we have tried and we have tried a lot. 3rd was take out Lasagna, Wow they make their sauce's in house and this was so delicious a comfort food we will enjoy many more times. Out of Tiramisu so we got this our name Death by Chocolate, smooth, creamy not to sweat we savored as long as we could. They also make their desserts in house. Service has been exemplary on all visits, clean open dining room. There's a real Italian chef back there cooking down home goodness.

We had considered Primo's a few times in the past but passed it up for other options. Mostly because their online menu does not provide details about what's on the various pizzas. Sadly I wish we had chosen another option this time. We ordered a Primo's Special and one Garlic Cheese Bread with Marinara. The pizza was ok at best, but it offered nothing that makes me want to order it again. It was also very flimsy. I would even say it was maybe a little under cooked. If we had not ordered the "Garlic Cheese Bread" I might have given this 3 stars. But we paid $6 for them to slice open some French bread and slap a few pieces of sliced cheese and throw under a heat lamp for a few minutes. Very low chance we eat here again. And definitely not if I'm paying.

Another great trip to Primos! I can't get enough. This place is wonderful. Pam was so sweet and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal!

First time & will definitely be back. Forgot to get pictures. We got spaghetti & meat sauce & it came with garlic bread. So yummy. We got the pizza roll as well & it came with marinara dipping sauce. I'm leaving 4 stars because the pizza roll was dough halfway through but overall everything was amazing.

So I'm kind of a pizza snob so it takes a lot to really impress me. I thought the pizza I bought was super over priced. We decided to do the pay by the slice option and I ordered a chicken pesto pizza and it over $6 for a slice of pizza. I will say the portions are rather large so you'll definitely feel full after eating. The pizza itself was pretty soggy and the toppings just didn't taste all that flavorful together. I ordered dessert as well and got the bread pudding which also just tasted dry. Honestly don't think I'll be coming back.

Chicken pesto pizza

Bread pudding

I love their Calzones! my favorite is the veggie one, but you can't go wrong with anything you choose. And the desserts, I can't begin to tell you how good they are. I had the best tiramisu tonight. Everything is homemade and deliciou!

When first walking up to the restaurant I was confused about what kind of restaurant it was, the music suggested Mexican but the colors and signs suggested Italian. After that it was off to the races figuring out what to order. We ended up getting a few lunch specials, pizza and a calzone. Everything was impressive, the Primo special pizza was amazing, the ravioli and manicotti were delicious. Adding ricotta cheese and pepperoni to the calzone made it even more delicious. Over all great food and nice staff who works here!

This is the 3rd occasion I have ordered Chicken Alfredo and found hair in my food. And it is NOT my hair (I have blonde hair, this is short jet black hair). The first 2 times, I was disgusted, but overlooked the issue because their food is very good and I wanted to give them a chance. But 3rd time is it! Their food is already pretty expensive, so I've basically wasted close to $60 on food I can't even stomach to eat. Everytime I have ever ordered, the cooks are not wearing hair nets, and the service is very "I'll get to you when I get to you". I have picked up through the drive thru a couple of times and both times the employees were more worried about their day-to-day conversation than helping me out... I know this because they keep the window open and just go about talking and cutting up instead of helping the customer. Overall, food is very good and I hate to be this person to leave a bad review, but maybe that's what it will take for some major changes. You shouldn't have to worry about finding someone else's hair in your food everytime you order from here.

We ordered the chicken pesto Alfredo with artichokes& mushrooms. Cooked beautifully. Flavors amazing. Hubby ordered the baked Ziti w/ meatball. Sauce ok, not stellar . Meatball good! We will try the pizza next time. A bit of a drive from BHam but worth supporting.

We got the 10" chicken pesto and 10" spinach mushroom bc we couldn't decide on just one large. Both pizzas were cut into 6 small pieces. The chicken pesto was my favorite of the two. Loved the pesto sun dried tomatoes chicken and artichokes. The spinach mushroom was good, just didn't love the globs of spinach it made the crust watery. I think if the water was squeezed from it and it was spread out more than just a big clump it would of been perfect. All in all I'll be back. The crust was good, thin and crispy yet had a good chew.

Spinach mushrooms and chicken pesto

New local pizza, pasta, calzones and subs. Come try it out. Great friendly staff and delicious food. Hope to see you there

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Ann W. said "My husband and I discovered this place when we came to Birmingham for surgery the next day. The food was delicious and the servers and all the staff were welcoming and friendly. We have returned twice since mid-August and have been…" read more

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Ryan J. said "So let me start by saying, if it is out of the way and off the main path and the parking lot is full..... STOP and GO IN. That is this place. Mac and Cheese should have a warning.... and that wArning should be a picture of Oprah pre…" read more

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The Place to Be for UGA Football and Recruiting Coverage

UGA Recruiting: VISIT WATCH – Georgia is in a Massive Battle With Alabama for Five Star Who Was Just in Town

2025 5⭐️ CB Dijon Lee Jr. @Dijon_leeJr from Mission Viejo HS (Mission Viejo, CA) on his official visit to Georgia: pic.twitter.com/uTHR8xeHNo — Bulldawg Recruiting (@bulldawgrecruit) June 17, 2024

How every House member voted on the National Defense Authorization Act

The House voted to approve the annual defense funding bill on Friday morning . The $895.3 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets Pentagon policy and guides funding for the year ahead, was approved by a vote of 217 to 199, falling largely along party lines.

Vote results

Before final passage, far-right lawmakers loaded the legislation with a wish list of provisions that seek to roll back diversity protections and restrict service members and their families from accessing abortion and transgender health care.

The moves by the House GOP set up a clash — and likely a prolonged negotiation — with the Democratic-controlled Senate as the two chambers work to reconcile and merge their separate versions of the legislation in the months ahead.

See how your representative voted in the table below.

Note: There are four vacancies in the House as of Friday. Read full bill text for H.R. 8070 . Data from the U.S. House .

Abigail Hauslohner contributed to this report.