• Q: What makes Birmingham, Alabama, a great destination?
    A: The largest city in Alabama, Birmingham is a beautiful historic destination offering an array of exciting things to see and do, from museums and historic landmarks to sports, theater, and great restaurants.

  • Q: What are some must-visit museums in Birmingham?
    A: Visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, explore the Birmingham Museum of Art, and take a self-guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

  • Q: What are the best attractions to visit in Birmingham?
    A: Best things to do include the McWane Science Center, Vulcan Park and Museum, Sloss Furnaces, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the Birmingham Zoo.

Things to Do:

1. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
© Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

2. Birmingham Museum of Art

Birmingham Museum of Art
© Birmingham Museum of Art

3. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
© Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

4. McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center
© McWane Science Center

5. Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan Park and Museum
© Courtesy of mnapoli 501 - Fotolia.com

6. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
© Courtesy of speedrealm - Fotolia.com

7. Alabama Theatre, Birmingham

Alabama Theatre, Birmingham
© Courtesy of ugljesaras - Fotolia.com

8. Pepper Place Saturday Market

Pepper Place Saturday Market
© Courtesy of Malcolm Practice - Fotolia.com

9. Rickwood Field

Rickwood Field
© Courtesy of steven hendricks - Fotolia.com

10. The Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo
© Courtesy of sims7501986 - Fotolia.com

11. Kelly Ingram Park

Kelly Ingram Park
© Courtesy of Tim - Fotolia.com

12. Railroad Park

Railroad Park
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

13. Southern Museum of Flight

Southern Museum of Flight
© Courtesy of jon manjeot - Fotolia.com

14. Birmingham Children's Theatre

Birmingham Children's Theatre
© Courtesy of lapandr - Fotolia.com

15. Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park
© Courtesy of pantkmutt - Fotolia.com

16. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

17. Avondale Brewing Company

Avondale Brewing Company
© Avondale Brewing Company

18. Hot and Hot Fish Club

Hot and Hot Fish Club
© Lucinda/stock.adobe.com

19. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
© Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

20. Virginia Samford Theatre

Virginia Samford Theatre
© Courtesy of koldunova - Fotolia.com

21. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

22. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens
© Courtesy of William C. Bunce - Fotolia.com

23. Trim Tab Brewing

Trim Tab Brewing
© Trim Tab Brewing

24. Good People Brewing Company

Good People Brewing Company
© Good People Brewing Company

25. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
© Courtesy of Miravision - Fotolia.com


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The Elyton Hotel – A historic, upscale hotel in downtown Birmingham. Visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens – Enjoy vibrant spring blooms and serene walking trails.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for indoor attractions. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook – A luxurious boutique stay near the city’s best shopping. Explore the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – Learn about the city’s rich history and cultural significance.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. Valley Hotel Homewood – A stylish and modern hotel in a charming neighborhood. Hike at Ruffner Mountain – Enjoy stunning views and crisp fall air.
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures with festive holiday events. Redmont Hotel Birmingham – A cozy, historic hotel with rooftop views. Visit the Birmingham Zoo’s ZooLight Safari – Experience dazzling holiday lights and festive displays.


Birmingham events:
- Fiesta BHAM
- Sidewalk Film Festival - August
- Magic City Classic
- Birmingham ArtWalk - Every September

Map:


Pros and Cons of Visiting Birmingham, AL
Pros Cons
Rich history and culture. Hot and humid summers.
World-class museums. Traffic can be heavy during events.
Great dining and restaurants. Limited public transportation options.
Beautiful parks and landmarks. Some attractions have entry fees.
Friendly and welcoming locals. Can get crowded during peak seasons.

Plan Your Trip