Places to Visit in Alabama

Surrounded by the brilliant azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island is a barrier island located just across the water from Alabama Port. Accessible from the mainland via a three-mile bridge, this tranquil retreat boasts white sand beaches, walking trails and excellent bird-watching (Avid twitchers should be sure to include a tour of the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Shell Mound Park during their visit).

One of the best ways to explore Dauphin Island is on two wheels – you can rent a bike 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.

Located in Colbert County the city of Muscle Shoals is a popular tourist destination in northwest Alabama. People come to Muscle Shoals for a variety of outdoor pursuits including golf (along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail) and excellent boating and fishing on Pickwick Lake, Wilson Lake and Wheeler Lake. The city hosts several annual events including the Helen Keller Festival, the Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride and the W.C. Handy Music Festival.

Picturesquely located along the cliffs and shores of Mobile Bay, the city of Fairhope has a great small-town atmosphere and enough interesting activities to warrant a visit. You could start your exploration by taking a walk down Fairhope Avenue which is lined with delightful shops, restaurants and galleries – the whole street is beautifully lit-up at night.

You can take a pleasant walk through the rose garden and out onto the Fairhope Pier, go on a scenic boat tour, join a horseback riding tour or play a round of golf. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting Weeks Bay Reserve.

Located in the northwestern corner of Alabama, the city of Florence is home to a wide variety of interesting and informative attractions for all ages. Starting with the Great Outdoors, you will find a wide choice of scenic areas for outdoor activities – Shoal Creek Preserve offers challenging hiking, biking and horse-riding trails.

There are also plenty of attractions for history enthusiasts – try the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, the Florence Indian Mound and Museum and Ivy Green, the Helen Keller birthplace. 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.

Scenically stretched along the banks of the Coosa River in Etowah County, Gadsden was once an important shipping center. Noccalula Falls Park is usually one of first attractions for visitors – you can admire a 90 foot waterfall, see some caves and take a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens. Children will enjoy riding through the park on the miniature railway. The Neely Henry Lake is very popular with Bass fishermen and offers a variety of water sports in summer.

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.

Imagine losing yourself along 32 miles of soft white-sand beaches lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf Shores offers all this and a whole lot more. Although the beaches are the main draw-card for an increasing number of vacationers, you will find plenty of other activities to keep the whole family happy. You can try your hand at a wide variety of water sports including kayaking, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing and para-sailing, as well as learning how to scuba dive or surf. 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.

Gulf Shores AL Events:
- National Shrimp Festival - Gulf Shores, October 10th through 13th, 2024
- Independence Day Celebration - Gulf Shores, 4th of July

The historic port city of Mobile lies directly on the shores of the Alabama Gulf Coast, welcoming visitors to come and sample genuine southern hospitality and a host of interesting attractions. History enthusiasts are in for a treat as they visit Battleship Memorial Park where you can take a tour of the USS Alabama before moving on to visit Fort Conde and the 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. 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.

Centrally located in Eastern Alabama, Auburn is primarily known as the home of Auburn University and the popular Auburn Tigers University Football Team. However, even if you are not a football fan you will find plenty to see and do in the city. History buffs can pay a visit to the historic Whitfield-Searcy House and the Loachapoka Historic District, while art enthusiasts will want to see the Jule Collins Smith Art Museum and visit the Telfair Peet Theatre at the Auburn University. Outdoor activities include mountain biking and the chance to play a round at six superb local golf courses.

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.

Nestled in the heart of Alabama’s Talladega National Forest, Cheaha State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The park offers access to some of the state’s most popular hiking trails including the Pinhoti Trail (which joins the Appalachian Trail), Odum Scout Trail and Chinnabee Silent Trail.

In addition to hiking, visitors can try rock climbing, swimming, picnicking, fishing and mountain-biking. You can choose from various accommodation options including lodge rooms, chalets and cabins, as well as both primitive and serviced camp sites. For special occasions families and groups can book the historic 12-bedroom Bald Rock Lodge. Other area attractions include Historic Downtown Heflin, a wine-tasting trails and the Oxford Center for the Performing Arts.

Address: Cheaha State Park, 19644 Hwy 281, Delta, AL 36258, Phone: 800-610-5801

Decatur is located along the banks of Wheeler Lake in northern Alabama and offers great attractions and activities for the entire family. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, biking and exploring through several parks including Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, the Point Mallard Park and other city parks. History buffs will enjoy a stroll through both the old and new Decatur Historic Districts where there are many beautiful buildings to admire. Take the family to the Cook Natural Science Museum. Art lovers can feast their eyes at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center or catch a show at The Princess Theatre.

Decatur, Alabama is 1 hr 16 min (86.7 miles via I-65 N) from Birmingham.