If you love places where history comes to life, I think you’ll be fascinated by Montgomery. Sitting on seven hills above the Alabama River, this city played an outsized role in shaping American history—and you can feel it as you walk around. I loved strolling through the historic district, admiring the antebellum mansions, and stepping into powerful landmarks like the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once lived. It’s one thing to read about the civil rights movement, but something else entirely to stand where it happened.
Montgomery surprised me with its thriving art scene, too. You can catch a show at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (I’d go again in a heartbeat), explore the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, or enjoy an evening at the Performing Arts Center. And if you’re visiting with kids—or just need a dose of nature—you’ll find parks, trails, a zoo, and peaceful outdoor spots to recharge.
I usually plan my trips here in the spring because the weather is perfect for walking and exploring. Everything’s in bloom, and it just feels like the right time to be outside soaking it all in.
How to Get to Montgomery
If you’re driving, Montgomery’s right where I-65 and I-85 meet. It’s about 1.5 hours from Birmingham and 2.5 from Atlanta—super doable as a weekend getaway. If you’re flying, Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is only 15 minutes from downtown, which makes arrival a breeze.
Where to Stay
- Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa – I recommend this if you want to stay right on the riverfront with great amenities.
- Staybridge Suites Downtown – Perfect if you like the option to cook—these have kitchenettes and a great location.
- The Lattice Inn – A cozy option in the Garden District with charm and quiet streets.
Best Things to Do in Montgomery, Alabama
Learn About a Hero's Legacy at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum - Visiting the Rosa Parks Library and Museum left me quiet, reflective, and deeply moved. I felt history press close—powerful, raw, and unflinching.
Explore the Civil Rights Memorial Center - I stood there, humbled and inspired, reminded that justice is a ripple we help carry forward.
Visit the First White House of the Confederacy - I walked through rooms filled with ornate relics, mindful of the heavy history they represented.
Meet Wildlife at the Montgomery Zoo - At the Montgomery Zoo, I felt a sense of wonder return, like being a kid again.
Walk in the Footsteps of Dr. King at the Dexter Parsonage Museum - Standing in Dr. King’s home at the Dexter Parsonage Museum, I felt a quiet reverence settle over me.
Discover State Heritage at the Museum of Alabama - I felt the layers of the state’s story come alive around me. From ancient artifacts to civil rights milestones, each exhibit wove together pride, pain, and progress.
Tour the Alabama State Capitol - I felt the weight of history under my feet. I stood where marches ended and movements began.
Explore Masterpieces at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts - One moment I was admiring centuries-old landscapes, the next I was lost in vibrant contemporary pieces.
Dive Into Southern Literature at The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum - Walking through The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, I felt like I’d stepped into a love story laced with brilliance and heartbreak.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Learn About a Hero's Legacy at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum
- • Explore the Civil Rights Memorial Center
- • Visit the First White House of the Confederacy
- • Meet Wildlife at the Montgomery Zoo
- • Walk in the Footsteps of Dr. King at the Dexter Parsonage Museum
- • Discover State Heritage at the Museum of Alabama
- • Tour the Alabama State Capitol
- • Explore Masterpieces at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
- • Dive Into Southern Literature at The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum