Looking for Southern charm, college town energy, and riverfront beauty? Visit Tuscaloosa! Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa offers a vibrant mix of culture, sports, music, and outdoor recreation. Whether you're cheering at a football game, strolling along the riverwalk, or enjoying soul food and blues, this city blends tradition with a fresh creative spirit.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tuscaloosa is in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and college events and football season are in full swing. Summers are hot but great for river activities and concerts, while winters are mild and uncrowded.
How to Get There
- By Car: Tuscaloosa is located along I-20/I-59, about 1 hour southwest of Birmingham and 3 hours from Atlanta or New Orleans.
- By Plane: The closest airport is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), with shuttle and rental car options to Tuscaloosa.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Crescent line stops in Tuscaloosa, connecting to New York, Atlanta, and New Orleans.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Capstone – On-campus hotel offering convenience, comfort, and a touch of Crimson Tide spirit.
- The Alamite Tuscaloosa – Stylish boutique hotel in downtown with a rooftop bar and modern Southern flair.
- Embassy Suites – Centrally located with spacious suites and easy access to the Riverwalk and amphitheater.
Top Attractions
1. Walk, Bike, or Picnic Along the Scenic Tuscaloosa Riverwalk
Tuscaloosa Riverwalk spans the length of the Black Warrior River’s southern banks throughout Tuscaloosa’s downtown region, offering a paved trail that is open for walking, running, and bicycle use.
The two-way path stretches approximately 4.5 miles throughout the city, beginning at Capitol Park and ending on the eastern side of Manderson Landing. Park areas are showcased throughout the trail, offering dog-friendly exercise areas for pets and owners, and benches and gazebos sprinkled throughout the route allow for day-use picnic sites. A playground is offered along the trail near the city’s public library, along with a splash pad located at the Bama Bell dock. Parking for the trail is available at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
2. Celebrate Crimson Tide Legacy at the Paul W. Bryant Museum
Paul W. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa honors legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, who served as the Crimson Tide’s head coach from 1958 to 1982 and led the team to a record six national championships. The museum was opened in 1988 on the university’s campus and is part of the University of Alabama Museums system, which also oversees museums such as the Alabama Museum of Natural History.
Collections and exhibits showcase the history of football in the state, with more than a third of collections dedicated to the life and career of the famed coach. Other notable coaches and players are also honored, with a focus on figures who helped lead the school to national championship titles.
Significant artifacts on display include a Waterford Crystal houndstooth hat recreating Bryant’s iconic headwear and a research room containing archival footage of more than 1,000 of the team’s games.
300 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Phone: 205-348-4668
3. Catch a Concert Under the Stars at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is located on Jack Warner Parkway near the University of Alabama campus and is the largest outdoor amphitheater in the western Alabama region, seating up to 7,470 eventgoers.
The theater was designed by Harrison Construction and opened to the public in April of 2011 with a concert performance by the Avett Brothers and Band of Horses.
Since then, it has showcased performances by major national and international recording artists such as Kenny Chesney and Patti LaBelle. Box seats are available for rental at the amphitheater for ticket upgrades, offering premium stage views and in-seat wait staff service.
2710 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Phone: 205-248-5280
If you are traveling with kids:
4. Spark Curiosity at The Children's Hands-On Museum
The Children's Hands-On Museum is an interactive children’s museum in Tuscaloosa that offers 25 unique exhibits aimed at reinforcing STEM, arts, and civics concepts for children ages 0 through 13. Unique exhibits include a replica traditional Japanese house, constructed in collaboration with the city’s sister city of Narashino, and a replica Choctaw indigenous village from the 18th century. Other play areas include a recreated miniature farmer’s market, a child-sized hospital, an arts studio, and a full-sized space station. A wide variety of public special events are held throughout the year, including Halloween-themed events and a celebration for Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play. The museum also frequently hosts school field trip groups and private reservations for birthday parties.
2213 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Phone: 205-349-4235
5. Tour Innovation at the Mercedes-Benz US International Factory and Visitor Center
Mercedes-Benz US International Visitor Center and Factory Tour is located in Vance and showcases the history of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, some of which have been produced in Alabama over the past two decades. The visitor center and museum are open Monday through Friday and offer free admission, showcasing iconic automobiles, race cars, and concept cars manufactured by the company, along with an exhibit on the company’s trademark Peerless Safety. Group tours of the adjoining Mercedes-Benz plant are also offered with advance registration, lasting approximately 90 minutes and detailing company operations. Tours are available on Monday and Wednesday mornings and afternoons and span a walking distance of approximately two miles throughout the plant.
11 Mercedes Dr, Vance, AL 35490, Phone: 205-507-2252
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
6. Explore the Ruins of Alabama's Old Capitol at Capitol Park
Capitol Park is the former site of the Alabama Capitol building, which housed the state’s seat of government between 1826 and 1846. Though the building burned to the ground in 1923, its remains still stand at the park today, including the stone foundation of its rotunda and several of its columns. The park is managed by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and preserves the state’s 19th-century history in a public setting for residents and visitors to enjoy. It serves as a popular picnic site and offers a shaded pavilion adjacent to the capitol ruins that is available to the public for day use.
2828 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Phone: 205-248-5311, Capitol Park Video
7. Feel the Game Day Energy at Bryant-Denny Stadium
Bryant-Denny Stadium was originally opened as Denny Stadium in 1929, honoring the University of Alabama’s early 20th-century president George H. Denny. Today, it serves as the home stadium of the school’s legendary Crimson Tide football team, players in the Southeastern Conference, and jointly honors the team’s longtime head coach Paul Bryant. The stadium is the eight largest football stadium in the world, holding a capacity of 101,821 seats. Its home team enjoys a record of more than 200 wins since the stadium’s opening and has hosted some of the team’s most important games throughout its tenure as the state’s premiere college football team. Since 2009, it has also been the joint home of the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Super Seven state championship along with Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.
920 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Phone: 205-348-2262
8. Step Into Antebellum Elegance at the Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion
The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is a historic home in Tuscaloosa that was designed and constructed in 1862 for local politician Robert Jemison, Jr. The 26-room Italianate-style mansion was passed through Jemison’s descendants throughout the early 20th century and was the birthplace of Robert Jemison Van de Graaf. In the mid-2oth century, the mansion was converted into a library and later used to house publishing company offices until its acquisition by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society in 1991. Today, it is open to the public as a living history museum, showcasing the home’s advanced 19th-century technology, which was considered some of the most revolutionary home technology in the state at the time of its construction. Guided tours of the home are available with reservation, and the home may be rented for private special events such as weddings and corporate events.
1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Phone: 205-758-2906
9. Admire Classical Architecture at the Tuscaloosa Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
The Tuscaloosa Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse was constructed in 2011, though its architecture is meant to evoke the Greek classical precedent of significant historical state buildings, including the city’s former 19th-century Capitol Building, which burned to the ground in 1923 and is remembered today at the city’s Capitol Park. The 127,000-square-foot building was constructed by Chicago’s HBRA Architects at a cost of $47.8 million and houses facilities for the United States District Court, Bankruptcy Court, Probation Office, Attorney’s Office, Social Security Administration, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. In addition to viewing the building’s spectacular architecture, visitors may also admire its interior design, including a series of fine art paintings depicting the city’s history.
2005 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Phone: 205-731-0135
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Alabama Museum of Natural History – Explore fossils, minerals, and state history inside Smith Hall on the UA campus.
Where to Eat
- Dreamland BBQ – A Tuscaloosa institution serving up famous ribs and Southern sides in a no-frills setting.
- Five Bar – Trendy downtown restaurant with a concise menu of quality dishes, cocktails, and Sunday brunch.
- Rama Jama’s – Diner-style eatery packed with Crimson Tide memorabilia and hearty breakfast plates.
- Chuck’s Fish – Popular spot for fresh seafood, sushi, and upscale Southern fare in a lively atmosphere.
If you are interested in local events:
- Alabama Football Game Days (Fall) – Experience SEC football at its finest with tailgating, campus spirit, and packed stadiums.
- Kentuck Festival of the Arts (October) – Regional arts and crafts festival in nearby Northport with handmade goods, music, and food.
- Live at the Plaza (Summer) – Free concert series on Friday evenings at Government Plaza, featuring local and regional bands.
- Druid City Arts Festival (Spring) – Celebrate creativity with local artists, food trucks, and family-friendly fun in downtown Tuscaloosa.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Tuscaloosa, Alabama:
- Moundville Archaeological Park (20 min) – Explore Native American history and climb ancient earthen mounds overlooking the Black Warrior River.
- Lake Lurleen State Park (30 min) – Hike, kayak, camp, or swim in this scenic park surrounded by forested hills and trails.
- Birmingham (1 hour) – Take a trip to the city for museums, breweries, the Civil Rights Institute, and vibrant dining.
- Talladega National Forest (45–60 min) – Discover hiking, waterfalls, and mountain views in a peaceful natural setting.
- Northport (10–15 min) – Browse art galleries and cafes in this charming historic town just across the river.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
What is Tuscaloosa known for?
- Tuscaloosa is western Alabama’s largest center for commerce, industry, and education, home to the University of Alabama and its legendary Crimson Tide football team.
-
What attractions can visitors explore in Tuscaloosa?
- Attractions such as the Alabama Museum of Natural History, the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art, and Lake Lurleen State Park entertain visitors attending football games and traveling to the city for family-friendly vacations.
-
What arts and cultural festivals take place in Tuscaloosa?
- Visit the Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Tuscaloosa and the Druid City Arts Festival on April 4th and 5th, 2025.
Map:
Plan Your Trip