Skip to content
Home » North America » USA » Alabama » 51 reasons why you must visit Alabama in your lifetime

51 reasons why you must visit Alabama in your lifetime

The idyllic Gulf Coast beaches of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores – Famous for their sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a plethora of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and boat trips, these beaches are the epitome of coastal bliss.

Birmingham and its Civil Rights Movement heritage – Birmingham was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and as such, the city is home to numerous landmarks and institutions linked to this important chapter in history, such as the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail – A series of golf courses dotted across Alabama, designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. These courses are renowned for their challenging designs and stunning scenery, making them a golfer’s paradise.

The Little River Canyon National Preserve – This rugged, natural preserve, located in northeast Alabama, is a veritable outdoor playground, with ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and rock climbing.

Alabama’s famous southern cuisine and barbeque – Alabama is renowned for its southern cuisine, particularly its barbeque. From smoke-filled joints to traditional sides, this state is a meat lover’s dream come true.

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile – A military history museum located on the banks of Mobile Bay, featuring the USS Alabama, a World War II battleship, and various other military aircraft and vehicles.

The annual Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery – One of the world’s largest Shakespeare festivals, held annually in the city of Montgomery, featuring productions of Shakespeare’s plays and other classical and contemporary works.

The scenic Lookout Mountain Parkway drive – This breathtaking drive offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, taking you on a journey of natural beauty.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium – A marine education and research center located on Dauphin Island, with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays about the Gulf of Mexico’s marine life and ecosystems.

The World Famous Flora-Bama Lounge in Orange Beach – A relaxed beach bar and live music venue, known for its chilled-out atmosphere, cold drinks, and fresh Gulf Coast seafood.

The delightful high streets of Auburn and Tuscaloosa – Auburn and Tuscaloosa are graced with charming high streets, brimming with a variety of shops, eateries, and cultural hotspots.

The Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden – A delightful park, featuring a breathtaking 90-foot waterfall, invigorating hiking trails, and a smorgasbord of recreational activities.

The Alabama Wildlife Center in Pelham – A sanctuary for our feathered and furry friends, where injured and orphaned native wildlife are given a second chance before being set free once more into the wild.

The Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega – One of the most celebrated NASCAR racetracks in the world, renowned for its breakneck speeds and nail-biting finishes.

The Auburn University Arboretum in Auburn – A picturesque arboretum on the Auburn University campus, featuring a delightful array of trees, plants, and blooms from around the globe.

The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro – A quirky emporium where airline lost luggage is sold to the public, offering a variety of items at bargain prices.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia – Celebrating musicians and industry professionals who have made an impact on Alabama’s musical heritage.

The Birmingham Museum of Art – A museum with a diverse collection of American and European art, and an eclectic mix of Asian, African, and Pre-Columbian artworks.

The Huntsville Space and Rocket Center – A museum and educational hub that takes us on a journey through the history of space exploration and the advancement of rocket technology.

The Alabama National Fair in Montgomery – An annual shindig held in Montgomery, featuring a carnival of attractions such as thrill rides, live music, food vendors, and agricultural exhibitions.

The Cheaha State Park in Delta – Nestled within the Talladega National Forest, this state park is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and invigorating hiking trails.

The Cheerful Birmingham Menagerie – A delightful collection of creatures big and small, including magnificent elephants, regal lions, towering giraffes, and many more marvellous beasts.

The Splendid Montgomery Gallery of Fine Arts – A grand exhibition hall showcasing a diverse assemblage of American and European masterpieces, as well as Asian, African, and Pre-Columbian works of art.

The Tuscaloosa Open-Air Amphitheater – A bustling outdoor concert arena, hosting a diverse line-up of musical acts throughout the year.

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham – A most impressive collection of motorcycles from around the world, showcasing both vintage and modern wonders on two wheels.

The Mobile Mardi Gras Museum in Mobile – A fascinating look into the rich history and culture of Mardi Gras in Mobile, one of the oldest and most renowned celebrations of its kind in the United States.

The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery – The grand and stately capitol building of the state of Alabama, open to the public for a guided tour.

The Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery – A poignant memorial, paying homage to the brave souls who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement, specifically during the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956.

The DeSoto Caverns in Childersburg – A wondrous network of limestone caves, once used by the indigenous tribes and early settlers of Alabama, now open for visitors to explore.

The Auburn Historic District – A picturesque and historic neighbourhood, featuring a delightful mix of architectural styles, including the charming Victorian and Greek Revival styles.

The Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham – A jolly good state park offering a smorgasbord of outdoor japery, such as hiking, cycling and fishing.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores – A menagerie of exotic creatures including ferocious felines, simian sensations, and avian wonders.

The Anniston Museum of Natural History – A repository of knowledge about the natural world, featuring fossils, minerals and live creatures, who are all ever so slightly bemused to be there.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens – A verdant paradise teeming with a cornucopia of flora from across the globe, including educational jamborees and events.

The Mobile Bay Ferry – A nautical adventure offering breathtaking views of the city and the coast, perfect for a spot of sight-seeing.

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in Birmingham – A shrine to athletic prowess, honoring sporting greats who’ve made a significant impact on Alabama’s sports scene.

The Fort Morgan Historic Site in Gulf Shores – A bastion of bravery, which played a key role in the Civil War, now open for tours and live history demonstrations.

The Tuscumbia Railway Museum – A journey through the annals of Alabama’s rail history, with exhibits and artefacts aplenty.

The Alabama Theatre in Birmingham – A grand old dame of a theater, hosting a bevy of live performances, from musical merrymaking to dramatic duels.

The Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham – A blast from the past, this historic iron-producing furnace is now a museum that tells the tale of Birmingham and the South’s industrial heritage.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden – A charming botanical garden that boasts a profusion of plant species from far-flung corners of the globe, complete with enlightening educational programs and jolly events.

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in Birmingham – An institution that pays homage to accomplished athletes and coaches who’ve made a significant impact on the sports scene in Alabama.

The Alabama Theatre in Birmingham – A quaint historic theater that plays host to a smorgasbord of live performances, including toe-tapping music, graceful dance, and dramatic theater.

The Mobile Carnival Museum in Mobile – A museum that delves into the history and culture of Mardi Gras in Mobile, one of the oldest and most renowned Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – A museum and cultural center that recounts the story of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham and the South with wit and verve.

The Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores – A state park that provides a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing with a side of fun.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham – One of the state’s premier orchestras, renowned for their top-notch performances and creative programming.

he Alabama Ballet in Birmingham – A professional ballet company that presents a variety of productions, including classic and contemporary works.

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts – A museum that showcases a diverse collection of American and European art and art from Asia, Africa, and the Pre-Columbian era.

The Birmingham Art Walk – A monthly gathering in the heart of the city’s downtown area, displaying the works of local artists and artisans with flair.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery – One of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world, held annually in Montgomery, featuring productions of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as other classical and contemporary works, with a touch of humor.