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

1. Huntsville - 1.5 hour day trip from Birmingham, AL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Jeff/stock.adobe.com

2. Alabama Museum of Natural History - 50 min day trip from Birmingham, AL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Editorial_Use_Only_wolterke/stock.adobe.com

3. Chattanooga Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Foap.com/stock.adobe.com

4. DeSoto Caverns - 1 hour day trip from Birmingham, AL

Category: Affordable Local Attractions

5. DeSoto State Park - 2 hour day trip from Birmingham, AL

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jim Vallee/stock.adobe.com

6. Elvis Presley Birthplace

© Elvis Presley Birthplace

7. Fairhope

© petert2/stock.adobe.com

8. Georgia Aquarium

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© f11photo/stock.adobe.com

9. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

10. Lake Lurleen State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jonas/stock.adobe.com

11. Little River Canyon

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Robert Hainer/stock.adobe.com

12. Magnolia Springs

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors

13. Montgomery

© Kevin Ruck/stock.adobe.com

14. Montgomery Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© kevinbeasley/stock.adobe.com

15. Rosa Parks Museum

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors

16. Southern Museum of Flight

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Southern Museum of Flight

17. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Space & Rocket Center

18. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

19. The Cook Museum of Natural Science

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© The Cook Museum of Natural Science

20. The Incline Railway

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

21. Tuscumbia

22. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Alberto Masnovo/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Birmingham is the most populous city in Alabama and has a long history dating back to 1871 when the city was founded after the Civil War during the Reconstruction era.
  • Today, Birmingham is still one of the industrial leaders of the South and is home to some of the most famous universities and colleges in the country.
  • Because Birmingham is a hub city, taking day trips from Birmingham is easy and convenient.

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