Best Places to Visit in Alabama
This state has impressed my with gorgeous beaches, friendly towns and unique attractions since I moved to the South. On my four week road trip through Alabama in June, I also personally found that Alabama has something to offer to every kind of traveler, whether you are going on a family trip, romantic getaway or a solo vacation, here are the places that stood out the most...
Best Places on Alabama's Gulf Coast
If you are craving water, sunshine and rest, head to Alabama's Gulf Coast where you can spend your vacation as relaxed or as active as you like! Here are my favorite spots along the coast.
1. Mobile, Alabama
I though that this birthplace of Mardi Gras celebration in the USA was one of the most unique coastal cities in the South. Its centuries-old live oaks and water views gave it a beautiful setting that I deeply enjoyed. I kicked off my Alabama road trip here with a five day stay at the 4-star Battle House Renaissance Hotel.
I strolled along the oak-lined streets of the Historic District, with their stately antebellum homes, ducked into the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn the backstory of Mardi Gras parades, and explored the historic USS Alabama battleship at Battleship Memorial Park. Afternoons meant wandering along Dauphin Street’s artsy boutiques and cafés, and evenings ended with watching the sun sink into the horizon, followed by fresh Gulf seafood at places like Wintzell's Oyster House.
- Location: Mobile County in the Gulf Coast region of southwest Alabama
- Population: around 182,594
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: coastal, bayfront, historic downtown, oak-lined streets
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was exploring special children's exhibits with my son at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf followed by family lunch at the museum's Fresh Fruit Café, right on the waterfront!
2. Dauphin Island
I thought that Dauphin Island was just heavenly and one of the best places to visit in Alabama. Why? First off, the sugar-soft white sand beaches are gorgeous and stretch for miles. Even the most picky beach goer will be impressed!
A 40 minute day trip from Mobile (including a scenic drive across the bridge from mainland Alabama) landed me on this tranquil barrier island where you can explore Audubon Bird Sanctuary trails, climb atop historic Fort Gaines, bike to hidden beaches, and linger at the Dauphin Island Pier. Lighthouse Bakery is a super delicious spot for a treat after exploring.
- Location: Mobile County on the Gulf Coast of southwest Alabama
- Population: 1,709
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: coastal island, beaches, dunes, maritime forest, bird sanctuaries
What I loved best:
One of my favorite stops with my son was the Alabama Aquarium, a true personal highlight. Learning about the Gulf’s marine life and ecosystems made the experience even more meaningful, especially knowing how connected the island is to nature.
3. Fairhope
Fairhope charmed me right away with its storybook streets shaded by giant live oaks, and the sweeping vistas of Mobile Bay. I admired its easy blend of small-town friendliness and artistic spirit. I think that Fairhope is one of the best places to visit in Alabama. Why? With its dreamy sunsets and quirky Southern charm, this bayside town feels like a gentle pause button on the Gulf Coast.
A breezy 30 minute drive from Mobile delivered me into this creative enclave, where I lingered for two days at 4-star Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear soaking up its art-filled energy and coastal calm. I strolled along the flower-lined Fairhope Pier at sunset, browsed the town’s independent art galleries and bookstores, biked along the Eastern Shore Trail, and enjoyed lingering meals of Gulf seafood at cozy waterfront cafés.
- Location: Baldwin County on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in southwest Alabama
- Population: 23,147
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: bayfront, bluffs, parks, tree-lined streets, historic downtown
What I loved best:
The sunsets over Mobile Bay were absolutely spectacular, my personal highlight on this part of the trip. Chris and I stayed waited by the sunset each evening before heading to dinner back at the resort.
4. Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, just an hour from Mobile, wowed me with its sugar-white sands, emerald Gulf waters, and an upbeat beach-town vibe. From the moment we got there, I felt relaxed in this beach setting, with just the right dash of fun. It’s the kind of place where families build castles in the sand, anglers cast from piers, and live music drifts from open-air beach bars as the sun sinks under the horizon.
I gave myself three days at The Lodge at Gulf State Park to fully sink into the coastal rhythm. Days started with barefoot walks along the Gulf State Park Beach, followed by bike rides through its 28 miles of trails weaving past lakes and pine forests. I boarded a dolphin cruise from the marina, and sampled fresh Gulf shrimp after we got back.
- Location: Baldwin County on the Gulf Coast of southern Alabama
- Population: 16,426
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: white-sand beaches, coastal dunes, Gulf waters, wetlands
What I loved best:
I capped evenings with sunsets on the water, a personal highlight. We had seafood after at The Hangout, a cool local spot that lives up to its name with live music and a friendly community vibe.
Best Places to Visit Inland in Alabama
Inland Alabama offers so much to explore! You can enjoy diverse attractions, including the Birmingham area for its urban attractions, Huntsville provides a mix of high-tech and outdoor activities, while Montgomery is a major destination for Civil Rights history.
5. Birmingham
Birmingham immediately struck me as a city of contrasts, modern and bustling, yet deeply rooted in history that reshaped America. Known as the “Magic City” for its explosive growth in the early 20th century, today it shines as both a hub of Southern culture and a living monument to the Civil Rights Movement.
If you want to explore inland Alabama, Birmingham provides a great base for exploring other destination within a 2-hour radius. We spent two days at 4-star Redmont Hotel balancing reflection, exploration, and good eats. The most powerful stop was the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, an interactive museum that takes you through the struggles and triumphs of the 1960s — walking past jail cell replicas, freedom rider buses, and multimedia exhibits left me humbled and inspired. Across the street, I paused at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, a solemn place of remembrance that carries weight and hope.
But Birmingham isn’t only its past, it’s a vibrant present, too. We caught the Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival in June and I explored the Railroad Park green space downtown, and browsed the Market at Pepper Place for artisan finds.
- Location: Jefferson County in the north-central region of Alabama
- Population: 196,910
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: urban skyline, hills, forested parks, historic architecture
What I loved best:
Dinner at El Barrio was a highlight because I really worked up an appetite. The dishes have bold Mexican flavors with a creative Southern twist, served in a colorful, artsy space that felt as lively as the city itself.
6. Auburn
I thought that Auburn had a a mix of small-town warmth, SEC football fever, and a charming downtown that pulses with youthful energy thanks to Auburn University. Nicknamed “The Loveliest Village on the Plains,” the city feels like a perfect blend of tradition and fresh spirit, where history, sports, and Southern hospitality come together. We stayed at the 3-star Hotel at Auburn University for two days, a hotel that won the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond award so you can trust in quality there...
We drove for 2 hours from Birmingham to Auburn and I spent two days here soaking in both the campus and the town. A stroll through Auburn University was a must — from Toomer’s Corner (where fans roll the oaks after a big Tigers win) to the historic Samford Hall and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. In the afternoons, I wandered through downtown Auburn’s boutiques and cafés, and hiked a peaceful trail at Chewacla State Park.
- Location: Lee County in the east-central region of Alabama
- Population: 78,738
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: college town atmosphere, wooded landscapes, gentle hills, historic campus
What I loved best:
We capped the evening with a hearty Southern meal at Acre which was my personal highlight. It was so enjoyable to have a filling meal after a full day of activities.
7. Decatur
Decatur is a river town with a soul. Perched along the wide Tennessee River, it’s a place where Southern history, outdoor adventure, and small-town friendliness flow together seamlessly. Known as “The River City,” Decatur balances its industrial roots with charming neighborhoods, waterfront parks, and a lively calendar of festivals.
About 1 hour 30 minutes from Birmingham, I spent two days at the 3-star DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront, leaning into both nature and culture. We started our day with coffee and pastries at High Point Market (we brought some with us for a picnic late). My first stop was Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, where thousands of migratory birds (from sandhill cranes to bald eagles) create a spectacular scene in winter. Evenings were best spent strolling the Tennessee Riverwalk or catching sunset views from Rhodes Ferry Park.
- Location: Morgan County in the north-central region of Alabama along the Tennessee River
- Population: 57,938
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: riverfront, parks, historic downtown, industrial and residential mix
What I loved best:
Downtown Decatur was my personal highlight with restored 19th-century architecture, antique shops, and cozy cafés.
8. Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals is a small Alabama town with an outsized legacy, where the Tennessee River bends like a shimmering ribbon and music history hums through every brick and recording booth. Known as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World,” this is where legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd cut timeless tracks, powered by the groove of the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (“The Swampers”).
Less than an hour's drive from Decatur brought me here, and I based myself for two days to soak in the magic at GunRunner Boutique Hotel. I toured the iconic Fame Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, wandered the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and traced soulful history through the Shoals’ streets. Between the music stops, I found peaceful trails at the TVA Reservation along the river, enjoyed a lazy afternoon at McFarland Park.
- Location: Colbert County in the northwest region of Alabama along the Tennessee River
- Population: 16,670
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: riverfront, wooded areas, musical landmarks, small-town charm
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was Southern comfort food at family-run Donna and Friends that made me feel like a local.
9. Florence, Alabama
Florence, Alabama drew me in with its riverfront beauty, rich musical pulse, and blend of old-South tradition with youthful creativity. Nestled along the Tennessee River in “The Shoals,” it’s a town where historic brick streets lead to funky coffee shops, where Frank Lloyd Wright architecture sits alongside live music bars, and where the spirit of the river seems to fuel both art and life.
A short 10 minute drive across the O’Neal Bridge brought me here from our previous stop in Muscle Shoals. You can tour the Rosenbaum House (Alabama’s only Frank Lloyd Wright design), wander on the leafy University of North Alabama campus, explore quirky shops downtown, and tap your toes to live blues and soul echoing from local venues. Check prices at The Stricklin Hotel for an overnight stay.
- Location: Lauderdale County in the northwest region of Alabama along the Tennessee River
- Population: 39,319
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: riverfront, bluffs, historic districts, university setting
What I loved best:
Strolling along the Tennessee River at McFarland Park as the sun set felt like pure Shoals magic and was my personal highlight.
10. Gadsden, Alabama
Looking for natural beauty and small-town charm on the Coosa River? I always think of Gadsden. After 27 years of travel writing, I’ve found few places that mix waterfalls, riverside views, and quiet streets quite like this northeastern Alabama gem.
We drove 2 hours 20 minutes from Florence to Gadsden and I spent two days at the 3-star Hampton Inn Gadsden, balancing adventure with relaxation. My first stop was the iconic Noccalula Falls Park, where a 90-foot waterfall plunges into a lush gorge... the walking trails and botanical gardens around it made for a perfect afternoon. I kayaked along the Coosa River, browsed the antique shops downtown, and tucked into comfort food at family-owned diners that completely won me over.
- Location: Etowah County in the northeast region of Alabama along the Coosa River
- Population: 33,617
- Map & Directions
- Scenery: riverfront, mountains, waterfalls, historic downtown
What I loved best:
Evenings brought riverside strolls and that soothing sound of water everywhere, a personal highlight.
Conclusion
Here you have it, my best places to visit in Alabama! Exploring Alabama showed me just how diverse and inspiring this state truly is. From the sugar-white sands of Gulf Shores to the historic streets of Birmingham, every stop carried its own character, and I loved how each destination offered something joyful and memorable.
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.
