Best Things to Do in Alabama
Alabama has an abundance of must-see attractions, and over the years I’ve found myself returning again and again to explore more. From gorgeous gardens and quirky museums to iconic spots, there’s so much to see that it was difficult to narrow it down.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll find fun water parks and nature trails. If you’re craving beach time, Dauphin Island and the Gulf Coast deliver soft sand and coastal charm. These are some of the best things to do in Alabama, all handpicked from my personal travel notes.
1. U.S. Space and Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is as close as most of us will ever get to walking among the stars. Known as the “Earth’s largest space museum,” it’s home to rockets, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of America’s journey to the moon, and beyond. For anyone curious about exploration, engineering, or history, it’s a place that sparks wonder at every turn.
Standing beneath the towering Saturn V rocket inside the Davidson Center for Space Exploration feels awe-inspiring. Pair that with hands-on simulators, astronaut training experiences, and artifacts from the Apollo missions, and you’ve got something that feels part museum, part adventure. It’s educational but also thrilling, for both kids and adults.
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. My favorite meal was at Commerce Kitchen, where I had shrimp & grits ($24) and my partner enjoyed the fried green tomato BLT ($18). It felt like Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
What to do at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in a weekend:
- Walk beneath the massive Saturn V rocket in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration
- Explore the Shuttle Park with rockets, missiles, and the Pathfinder space shuttle display
- Try a simulator ride like the G-Force Accelerator or Mars climbing wall
- Tour the Apollo 16 capsule and real lunar artifacts
- Have lunch at the on-site Saturn V Café
- Catch a show at the INTUITIVE® Planetarium for an immersive space experience
- Stay another night and explore downtown Huntsville or nearby Monte Sano State Park
2. The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a deep dive into the seafaring history and culture of the Gulf Coast. With its interactive exhibits, ship models, and immersive theater experiences, it tells the story of how the Gulf shaped commerce, exploration, and daily life across centuries. It’s the kind of museum that feels alive — where history meets hands-on learning.
What struck me most was the diversity of exhibits: one moment you’re stepping onto a full-scale replica of a container ship bridge, the next you’re learning about hurricane tracking or watching a multimedia presentation on Mobile Bay’s rich history. It blends storytelling, technology, and tradition in a way that captures both kids’ curiosity and adults’ appreciation for maritime heritage.
We stayed at the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel, a historic landmark with modern comfort just blocks from the museum. My favorite meal was at Wintzell’s Oyster House, where I had the chargrilled oysters ($22) and my partner enjoyed the shrimp étouffée ($24). With its lively atmosphere and Southern hospitality, it felt like the perfect complement to a day on the waterfront.
What to do at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf in a weekend:
- Tour the interactive ship simulator to experience navigating a vessel
- Step into the Immersion Theater for a multimedia history of the Gulf
- Explore exhibits on Gulf Coast hurricanes, trade, and shipbuilding
- Walk along Mobile’s waterfront for views of the busy port
- Visit the nearby USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
- Have lunch at Dauphin’s for coastal cuisine with panoramic views of the bay
- Stay another night to explore Dauphin Island and its beaches, just 45 minutes away
3. Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach is Alabama’s slice of the Gulf Coast, where sugar-white sand and emerald waters stretch for miles. It’s a lively beach town that mixes laid-back coastal vibes with endless options for fun — from dolphin cruises to seafood shacks to music on the wharf. Whether you’re here for relaxation or adventure, it feels like the perfect seaside escape.
I enjoyed quiet mornings walking the shoreline, afternoons spent kayaking in back bays, and evenings with live music and Gulf-fresh oysters. The town has just the right balance of family-friendly activities and spots where adults can unwind with a cocktail as the sun sets over the water.
We stayed at the Perdido Beach Resort, right on the sand, with balconies overlooking the Gulf. My favorite meal was at Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, where I had the Gulf red snapper ($34) and my friend enjoyed the crab claws ($22). Sitting by the water with the salty breeze, it felt like quintessential coastal dining.
What to do in Orange Beach in a weekend:
- Relax on the wide, sandy shores of Orange Beach
- Take a dolphin cruise through the bay at sunset
- Explore the Backcountry Trail by bike or on foot, winding through coastal forests and wetlands
- Visit The Wharf for shopping, dining, and a ride on the Ferris wheel
- Have lunch at The Gulf, a casual waterfront spot made from repurposed shipping containers
- Try water sports — kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing — in Perdido Bay
- Stay another night to visit nearby Gulf State Park with its pier, trails, and nature center
4. Fort Morgan State Historic Site Museum
Fort Morgan, perched at the tip of Alabama’s scenic Fort Morgan Peninsula, is a striking blend of coastal beauty and Civil War history. 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. With its brick walls, arched passageways, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, it feels both atmospheric and educational.
We enjoyed wandering through the fort’s shadowy corridors, then stepping out to see dolphins cresting offshore. The museum itself provides fascinating context with artifacts, maps, and stories that bring the site’s past to life. Pairing history with the Gulf’s natural beauty, Fort Morgan is the kind of destination that appeals to both explorers and history buffs.
We stayed at a beachfront rental in Gulf Shores, just a short drive away, which made it easy to combine time at the beach with time exploring the fort. My favorite meal was at LuLu’s Gulf Shores, where I had the blackened mahi tacos ($21) and my partner loved the shrimp & grits ($24). After a day of history and sea air, it was the perfect Gulf Coast dinner.
What to do at Fort Morgan State Historic Site in a weekend:
- Tour the brick fortifications and underground tunnels of Fort Morgan
- Explore the on-site museum with Civil War artifacts and exhibits
- Walk along the fort’s seawall for panoramic views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf
- Watch for dolphins and seabirds from the tip of the peninsula
- Have lunch at Tacky Jacks for casual seafood with a view
- Take the nearby Mobile Bay Ferry across to Dauphin Island
- Stay another night in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach to enjoy the coastline
5. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 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.
We stayed at the Elyton Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel in a restored bank building downtown. My most memorable meal was at Highlands Bar & Grill, where I had the gulf fish with seasonal vegetables ($36) and my partner enjoyed the duck confit ($38). After a day at the Institute, sharing a thoughtful, slow dinner felt like a way to honor the weight of what we had experienced.
What to do at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in a weekend:
- Explore the Institute’s exhibits on segregation, protest, and the Civil Rights Movement
- Visit the historic 16th Street Baptist Church just across the street
- Walk through Kelley Ingram Park, once a gathering site for demonstrations
- Stop at the Negro Southern League Museum to learn about Black baseball history
- Have lunch at Chez Fonfon, a beloved French café by the Highlands team
- Tour the Birmingham Museum of Art for a cultural balance to your weekend
- Stay another night to explore Red Mountain Park or Vulcan Park for city views
6. Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a lush, 118-acre oasis that feels like a living celebration of the seasons. Known for its sweeping landscapes, themed gardens, and interactive children’s areas, it’s a place where you can both slow down in quiet reflection and find joy in discovery. With the mountains of northern Alabama as a backdrop, the garden feels vibrant, colorful, and welcoming year-round.
What struck me most was the diversity of spaces: one moment you’re wandering through the serenity of the Japanese Garden, the next you’re marveling at butterflies in the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. Families love the Children’s Garden with its play spaces and storybook themes, while gardeners and nature-lovers will find inspiration in every path and bloom. It’s peaceful but also alive with energy.
We stayed at the Element Huntsville, just a 10-minute drive from the garden, with modern rooms and a central location for exploring the city. My favorite meal was at Blue Plate Café, a Huntsville classic, where I had chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes ($18) while my friend enjoyed the catfish platter ($20). Hearty, Southern, and satisfying — a perfect complement to a day outdoors.
What to do at Huntsville Botanical Garden in a weekend:
- Stroll through the Nature Trails and explore the seasonal plantings
- Visit the Purdom Butterfly House, open from spring through early fall
- Relax in the Japanese Garden and the Four Seasons Garden
- Let kids explore the Children’s Garden with themed play areas
- Attend a seasonal festival like Galaxy of Lights during the holidays
- Have lunch at the on-site Garden Grille or pack a picnic
- Stay another night to pair your visit with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center nearby
7. Alabama Wildlife Center
The Alabama Wildlife Center, located inside Oak Mountain State Park, is the state’s largest and oldest wildlife rehabilitation facility. Dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured native birds, it also offers visitors a chance to learn about Alabama’s diverse wildlife in a hands-on and meaningful way. It feels both educational and inspiring, giving you a deeper connection to the natural world.
What struck me most was the intimacy: walking along shaded trails 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 makes it an easy half- or full-day trip.
We stayed in downtown Birmingham at the Valley Hotel in Homewood, a stylish and convenient base. My favorite meal was at Hot and Hot Fish Club, where I had the tomato salad ($18) and seared gulf fish ($34). It felt refined yet rooted in Alabama flavors — a perfect way to end a day immersed in nature and wildlife.
What to do at the Alabama Wildlife Center in a weekend:
- Tour the rehabilitation facilities to learn how injured birds are rescued and released
- Walk the Treetop Nature Trail to see raptors like owls, hawks, and vultures up close
- Hike the Oak Mountain State Park trails surrounding the center
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the park’s lakes
- Stop at the interpretive exhibits to learn about native species
- Have lunch in nearby Mt Laurel or Hoover for local eats
- Stay another night to enjoy more of Oak Mountain State Park, including boating, fishing, or horseback riding
8. John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
The Kennedy Space Center is one of the most inspiring places in the U.S. to visit, where space history and future innovation collide. Located on Merritt Island along Florida’s Space Coast, it’s home to NASA’s launch headquarters and a world-class visitor complex filled with rockets, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits. Walking the grounds, you feel the weight of history and the excitement of exploration all at once.
What struck me most was the sense of awe: standing beneath the massive Saturn V moon rocket, touching a piece of lunar rock, and seeing the actual Atlantis Space Shuttle up close. Beyond the exhibits, bus tours take you past launch pads still in use today, reminding you that spaceflight isn’t just history — it’s happening right now. It’s a place where curiosity, science, and imagination come alive for all ages.
We stayed at the Cape Canaveral Beachside Hotel, just a short drive away, which made it easy to pair time at the KSC with evenings by the ocean. My favorite meal was at Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, where I had the fresh catch sandwich ($22) while watching boats drift by at sunset. It was the perfect way to cap off a day filled with inspiration.
What to do at the Kennedy Space Center in a weekend:
- Tour the Rocket Garden to see historic launch vehicles up close
- Walk beneath the massive Saturn V rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center
- See the retired Space Shuttle Atlantis and learn about its missions
- Take the bus tour to active NASA and SpaceX launch sites
- Watch an IMAX film on space exploration at the KSC Visitor Complex
- Have lunch with an astronaut (a unique add-on experience)
- Stay another night to catch a live rocket launch if one is scheduled
Conclusion
From the quiet mountain towns of the Pacific Northwest to the historic shores of Alabama, and from California’s coastal escapes to the awe-inspiring halls of space exploration, each of these destinations offers something unique. Some invite you to slow down with small-town charm, others inspire with history and culture, and a few ignite your imagination with the promise of discovery.
What ties them all together is the simple joy of travel: finding beauty in new landscapes, savoring meals that capture a region’s flavor, and connecting with people and places that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer journey, these places remind us that adventure, history, and wonder are always closer than we think.
In the end, travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how each stop changes the way you see the world, and the memories you carry home with you.
Booking Checklist
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4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
