Local Attractions

Alabama and the Birmingham area are full of of things to see and do. We’ve put together a short list of attractions covering a variety of ages and interests that will hopefully appeal to you and/or your family. We’d love for you to take a couple extra days and spend some time getting to know our beautiful state.

For folks driving in:

On I-65 you might want to check out the Huntsville U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Historic Downtown Huntsville or visit Rickwood Caverns.

On I-59 from Chattanooga you can stop off at Fort Payne and visit Desoto State Park or Little River Canyon National Preserve.

On I-20 you might want to stretch your legs at Cheaha State Park or take a breather at the Anniston Museum of Natural History. Adventurous souls can spend a couple days exploring Talladega National Forest and theSipsey Wilderness.

On 20/59 you may like to take a break at the Moundville Archeological Siteor explore the Tuscaloosa riverwalk.

On I-10, you could plan a day or two exploring the newly built National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico and the historic city of Mobile.Birmingham area attractions: (Please note that Birmingham doesn’t have a very good suburban public transit system, so you’ll need to buddy up with a local or plan alternate transportation.)

Parks and outdoor attractions:

Ruffner Mountain (free)
Birmingham Botanical Gardens (free)
Birmingham Zoo

Oak Mountain State Park

Pepper Place Market (free)
Sloss Furnace (free)
Tannehill Ironworks State Park
Moss Rock Preserve (free)
American Village

Vulcan Park and Museum
Red Mountain Park (free/fee based on activities desired)
Hoover area parks and playgrounds
Pelham area parks and playgrounds

 

Museums and exhibits:
American Village
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Barber Motorsports Museum

Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham Museum of Art

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (free museum/fee for train rides)

McWane Science Center

Vulcan Park and Museum
Entertainment:

Alabama Theater
Airwalk
Bumpernets (arcade)
Let’s Play indoor play center

McWane Science Center