Best Things to Do in Alabama
Searching for the best things to do in Alabama? Well, you are in the right place! The Heart of Dixie has an abundance of must-see attractions, and over the years I’ve found myself returning again and again to see gorgeous gardens, quirky museums and iconic spots.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll find fun water parks and nature trails, and if you’re craving beach time, Dauphin Island and the Gulf Coast deliver the softest sand and fantastic sunsets. These are my absolute best things to do in Alabama, all handpicked from my personal travel notes, that I hope you will love too.
1. Go on a space trip at U.S. Space and Rocket Center
I thought this was the number one coolest things to do in Alabama when I moved to the South, and it's for sure as close as most of us will ever get to walking among the stars. Known as the “Earth’s largest space museum,” my husband, son and I had a chance to admire real rockets, various spacecraft, and check out interactive exhibits for hours!
I think it really this place really is the coolest things to do. Why? First off, standing beneath the towering Saturn V rocket inside the Davidson Center for Space Exploration feels extremely awe-inspiring! In addition, we enjoyed hands-on simulators, and astronaut training experiences, and what I loved best was that here you’ve got something that feels part museum, part adventure. We found it educational but also thrilling, for both kids and adults and I hope that you will too.
- Location Map
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center website ($30 admission for adults, $20 for kids)
We stayed at the Element Huntsville, just 10 minutes from the center, which made it easy to explore the museum during the day and enjoy Huntsville’s dining scene at night after. My favorite meal was at Commerce Kitchen, where I had shrimp & grits ($24). It felt like Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was tour the Apollo 16 capsule as well as real lunar artifacts.
A downside? The additional cost for Space Camp programs, simulator rides, or special exhibits can be quite expensive.
2. Enjoy hands-on learning at The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
This unique place is a deep dive into the seafaring history and culture of the Gulf Coast and it's my second favorite thing to do in Alabama. Why? First off, this museum feels alive, where history meets hands-on learning. In addition, I thought that its interactive exhibits, ship models, daily life across centuries, and immersive theater experiences are so diverse that everyone can find something they will love here!
One moment I was stepping onto a full-scale replica of a container ship bridge, and the next you’re learning about hurricane tracking or watching a multimedia presentation on Mobile Bay’s rich history. It captured my son's attention and he's a teenager which isn't always easy to do!
We stayed at the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel for three relaxing days, a historic landmark with modern comfort just blocks from the museum. We had great dinner at Wintzell’s Oyster House, where I had the chargrilled oysters ($22).
What I loved best:
Lunch at Dauphin’s after visiting the museum was my personal highlight - I loved the coastal cuisine with panoramic views of the bay!
3. Spend time relaxing in Orange Beach
This is Alabama’s slice of the Gulf Coast and I think enjoying a beach day here (or a beach morning if you are in a hurry), this is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Alabama. I loved that you can see sugar-white sand beaches stretch for miles... but the beach is also lively, mixing laid-back coastal vibes with endless options for fun, from dolphin cruises to music on the wharf, and even seafood shacks when you get hungry.
We stayed at the Perdido Beach Resort (around $155/night in low season) for a care-free week this November, right on the beach.
Mornings began at The Southern Grind Coffee House, where we were greeted with coastal décor and friendly chatter - my favorite was the caramel latte and a slice of homemade banana bread.
What I loved best:
Visiting The Wharf for shopping, dining, and we even had a ride on the Ferris wheel! My favorite meal was at Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, where I had the Gulf red snapper ($34) and my husband enjoyed the crab claws ($22).
4. Explore Fort Morgan State Historic Site Museum
This place ($8 Adult admission) was actually an easy 42-minute day trip from Orange Beach but added so much to our vacation that it's my number four favorite things to do in Alabama. We found it perched at the tip of Alabama’s scenic Fort Morgan Peninsula, and it offered us a striking blend of coastal beauty and Civil War history.
I loved learning how built in the early 1800s, the fort played a key role in the Battle of Mobile Bay and today stands as a reminder of the region’s strategic importance. We had so much fun seeing its brick walls, many passageways, the museum inside, and sweeping views of the Gulf outside...it truly is a unique place to visit.
What I loved best:
I also loved our lunch at LuLu’s Gulf Shores right after, where I had amazing mahi tacos ($21).
A downside? While exploring exterior ruins and fort walls, it got very hot in the afternoon, so I recommend an early start!
5. See the exhibits at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
I thought this is one of the most powerful and moving museums in the South. Located in the heart of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District, across from the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, it tells the story of the struggle for racial equality in America with honesty, gravity, and hope. Walking through its galleries, you feel history come alive...and its relevance today is unmistakable.
What struck me most was the experience of moving through the exhibits: standing before a segregated classroom, listening to recordings of marches and speeches, and reading the personal accounts of those who fought for justice. The museum doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, but it also highlights the resilience, courage, and progress that grew from the movement. It’s both sobering and inspiring.
What I loved best:
Afterwards, a 90 minute lunch at Chez Fonfon, a beloved French café by the Highlands team.
We stayed at the Elyton Hotel for three days, a stylish boutique hotel in a restored bank building downtown.
6. Go for a romantic stroll through Huntsville Botanical Garden
If you are a garden lover like me, you'll not want to miss this lush, 118-acre oasis that feels like a living celebration of the seasons! We adored the themed gardens (I spent over an hour with my son in interactive children’s areas) but there were so many romantic corners as well (especially in the Japanese Garden), inviting you to stroll and taking in the colors and the scents.
I recommend staying for a few days in Huntsville like we did, and combining your visit to Huntsville Botanical Garden with seeing my #1 favorite attraction, U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
What I loved best:
Seeing the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house was my personal highlight.
Lunch at the on-site Bistro was also great!
A downside? Some attractions like the butterfly house are seasonal (May through September is peak butterfly season).
7. Learn about animals and nature at the Alabama Wildlife Center
I found out that this spot, located inside Oak Mountain State Park, is the state’s largest and oldest wildlife rehabilitation facility. Trust me, it's such a unique, fascinating place that you won't be sorry you made the trip!
Dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured native birds, it also offers you a chance to learn about Alabama’s diverse wildlife in a hands-on and meaningful way. That's why I thought it's one of the best things to do in Alabama.
Chris and I loved walking along shaded trails leading to the Treetop Nature Trail, where rehabilitated raptors like hawks and owls live in spacious aviaries. The staff and volunteers bring real passion to their work, and you leave not just entertained, but more aware of the ecosystems that surround you. Pairing a visit here with the surrounding Oak Mountain hiking and lake views made it the coolest half- or full-day trip for my family.
What I loved best:
A picnic to by the park’s lake.
Conclusion
In the end I found that travel in Alabama isn’t just about where you go... it’s also about how each stop changes the way you see the world, and the memories you carry home with you.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
