• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bankhead National Forest ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bankhead National Forest
© Jeremy/stock.adobe.com

2. Lookout Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Lookout Mountain
© Hermosa Drones/stock.adobe.com

3. Childersburg

Childersburg
© smiltena/stock.adobe.com

4. Dauphin Island

Romantic Islands
Dauphin Island
© travelview/stock.adobe.com

5. DeSoto Caverns

Category: Attractions

6. Dismals Canyon

Dismals Canyon
© Guy Bryant/stock.adobe.com

7. Fairhope

Fairhope
© Ursula Page/stock.adobe.com

8. Florence

Florence
© James/stock.adobe.com

9. Gulf State Park

Category: Activities
Gulf State Park
© Miguel/stock.adobe.com

10. Guntersville

Guntersville
© hildeanna/stock.adobe.com

11. Huntsville

Huntsville
© Jeff/stock.adobe.com

12. Little River Canyon

Category: Activities
Little River Canyon
© Robert Hainer/stock.adobe.com

13. Cathedral Caverns State Park

Category: Activities
Cathedral Caverns State Park
© ChuckS/stock.adobe.com

14. Mobile

Mobile
© SailingAway/stock.adobe.com

15. Monte Sano State Park

Category: Activities
Monte Sano State Park
© Wirepec/stock.adobe.com

16. Mooresville

Mooresville
© knowlesgallery/stock.adobe.com

17. Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals
© James/stock.adobe.com

18. Oak Mountain State Park

Category: Activities
Oak Mountain State Park
© BJ Ray/stock.adobe.com

19. Payne Lake

Category: Activities
Payne Lake
© grejak/stock.adobe.com

20. Red Mountain Park

Category: Activities
Red Mountain Park
© Ammit/stock.adobe.com

21. Selma

Selma
© korkeakoski/stock.adobe.com

22. Talladega National Forest

Category: Activities
Talladega National Forest
© ChuckS/stock.adobe.com

23. Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa
© Thomas Braun/stock.adobe.com

24. Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia
© Tim/stock.adobe.com

25. Tuskegee

Tuskegee
© Renata/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

From historic towns to state parks, Alabama has no shortage of great options for day trips near Birmingham and other cities. Whether local residents or even visitors want to get away and escape to nature in one of the many Alabama parks, caves, forests or canyons. Or spend a day visiting towns and cities like Mobile, Montgomery and Huntsville for restaurants, entertainment, flea markets, art or shopping. There are plenty of options in Alabama to choose from for either an adventurous or completely relaxing day.

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