From relaxing coastal escapes and fun water parks to historic inns and B&Bs, Alabama is home to many great places to visit for a quick weekend getaway. Whether you want to get away from it all surrounded by nature or head to Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Gadsden, Florence or Mobile for shopping, art, entertainment and restaurants, there are many excellent options to choose from. We have included approximate driving times from Birmingham to help you plan your trip.
1.Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is located in the charming small beach hamlet of Point Clear, near Fairhope, Alabama. The resort offers entertainment and relaxation opportunities to guests of all ages and interests. There are two excellent golf courses, a part of the Lakewood Club, the 20,000-square-foot Grand Spa, a fantastic pool complex that kids love, ten tennis courts, and miles of white sand beaches stretched along Alabama's beautiful Gulf coast. Dining offers include the Saltwater Grill seafood restaurant and the Grand Steakhouse for meat lovers. The rooms and suites are elegant and beautifully decorated with full range of modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, a coffeemaker, a refrigerator, and a work area with an ergonomic chair. The rooms have magnificent views of Alabama's Mobile Bay or the lively marina.
1 Grand Blvd, Point Clear, AL 36564, Phone: 844-631-0595
2. Fort Conde Inn
The Fort Conde Inn is a historic inn filled with Southern hospitality and charm that gives visitors a glimpse into a bygone era with its Victorian architecture which dates back to 1836. The inn offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to their guests’ individual needs, including eight luxury guest rooms, five suites and two cottages. The rooms are decorated with Persian rugs, antique furniture and original artworks that complement the historic nature of the property.
Fort Conde Inn is located within walking distance of some of the top attractions in Mobile, including the town’s historic landmarks, excellent restaurants, the waterfront and shopping districts. In the evening you can return to the comfort of the inn and relax in your beautifully appointed room. In the morning, have a gourmet breakfast prepared by the chef. Specialties include a number of Southern dishes such as fresh blue crab, shrimp, biscuits and grits. Rooms start at $139 per night. Ask about Stay & Play packages which let you play golf on 27 championship holes at TimberCreek. Rates start at $129. Things to Do in Mobile
165 St. Emanuel Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602, Phone: 251-405-5040
3.The Hotel at Auburn University
The Hotel at Auburn University is the premiere hotel facility of Alabama's Auburn University, located on the college's campus approximately one-half mile from Jordan-Hare Stadium. The charming hotel offers sleek guest rooms and suites with top amenities for college visitors and families to enjoy, including premium linens, flat screen televisions, and walk-in rainfall showers. Upgraded rooms enjoy private living room space and wet bars, with campus views from most rooms. Onsite dining options include the upscale Mediterranean restaurant Ariccia Trattoria and the relaxing jazz cocktail lounge Piccolo. Other guest amenities include an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and the 22,000-square-foot Dixon Conference Center. Best Things to Do in Auburn
241 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830, Phone: 800-228-2876
4.Romantic getaways in Alabama: Magnolia Springs - 4 hours
Magnolia Springs offers a romantic retreat on an oak-lined avenue. The B&B offers five rooms and guest suites, all with wood panelling. Spend your days walking around the small community of Magnolia and watching the Magnolia River. There are a number of beautiful nature walks in the area. In the evening, sit on the wraparound veranda and sip a mint julep while watching the great oak trees.
There are a number of southern-style restaurants in the area offering home-style cooking and your hosts will be happy to direct you to the perfect one for your needs. In the morning, start your day with a three-course breakfast which includes a number of local specialities such as grits and fresh bay oysters. Rooms start at $179.
14469 Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, Alabama 36555, Phone: 251-965-7321
5.The Beach Club – Gulf Shores - 4 hours 20 min
The Beach Club is a luxury, family-friendly resort for those looking for a fun vacation offering one- to five-bedroom beach view condos and two- to five-bedroom village cottages. All rentals are self-catering and come with a fully equipped kitchen. The spa has four treatment rooms and a full salon to ensure that you are relaxed and looking your best. The Kids Club offers diverse activities such as movies and t-shirt making.
Play a game of beach volleyball or spend your days relaxing on the sand. The resort offers a variety of dining options: Coast Restaurant serves seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, the Village Hideaway offers grilled dishes, craft beer and entertainment; and the Gulfside Grill is a seasonal poolside eatery serving light meals. Two-bedroom condos start at $402 per night. Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores
925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542, Phone: 866-348-9112
6.Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
An elegant retreat for romantics, Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa is one of the top resorts in Alabama and an easy getaway from the city. The resort offers 259 guest rooms with private balconies and lake views. You can upgrade to a high level room that boasts scenic views and a private Jacuzzi. Keep fit on the jogging/walking trails, swim in the pool or workout at the gym. Admire scenic mountain views while you play a game of golf at the Par 72 Ross Bridge golf course.
The spa offers a wide range of treatments, and couple’s treatment rooms for a romantic massage. The resort has several dining options, including Brock’s which serves Mediterranean cuisine, the Clubhouse which is an American-style dinner and JT Lounge which serves light meals. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily in one of the venues. Rooms start at $239 per night. Keep reading for more exciting weekend getaways in Alabama for couples. Best Things to Do in Birmingham
4000 Grand Ave, Birmingham, Alabama 35226, Phone: 205-916-7677
7.Garden Path Inn
The Garden Path Inn Bed & Breakfast is located in the lovely historic 1890 Purcell-Killingsworth residence in a small town of Columbia, Alabama on the banks of the Chattahoochee River between lakes Seminole and Eufaula. The inn has four luxurious rooms and suites with beautiful, classic décor and modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, CD players, iPod docking stations, and private opulent bathrooms.
The inn has two inviting parlors for socializing, watching TV, or enjoying a quiet moment with a book. The large porch offers comfortable sitting areas with wicker chairs and classic rockers. Guests are treated in the morning with a true, hearty southern-style breakfast. More Alabama vacations
305 N Main St, Columbia, Alabama 36319, Phone: 334-696-2315
, From LA8.Romantic getaways in Alabama: River Rest Bed and Breakfast - 50 min
River Rest is a peaceful escape from busy city life and offers guests a country setting on Lake Logan Martin. The B& B offers a choice of five individually decorated rooms with private bathrooms. The rooms are all decorated in a simple country cottage style and some have views of the lake. Relax on the white sandy beach that fronts the property, under one of the colourful umbrellas. Soak in the six person hot tub with views of Lake Logan Martin.
Evenings can be spent around the fire pit, toasting marshmallows and watching the stars. The inn serves a full breakfast in the morning in the dining room or on the veranda in sunny weather. Your hosts will be happy to help you chose a place for lunch and dinner. If you are looking for affordable places to stay in Alabama, rooms at this unique getaway start at $145. Best Things to Do in Talladega
3883 Griffitt Bend Road, Talladega, Alabama 35160, Phone: 256-268-0101
9.Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast in Birmingham
Cobb Lane B & B is a romantic Victorian establishment and the only B & B in the charming city of Birmingham. The seven rooms are individually themed and decorated with items from the Victorian period. Each room has a private bath with amenities and cable television in the bedroom. Experience the old world charm of sitting on the porch and having a mint julep or sweet tea. Breakfast is served in the elegant dining room beneath a large crystal chandelier.
Your hosts will sit with you at breakfast and help you to plan your day in Birmingham. In the area you will find museums, art galleries and walking trails. The Historic Five Points area is within walking distance as is the Financial District. Just down the road you will find some of the finest restaurants in Birmingham such as the Highland Bar and Grill or Kobe, a renowned Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Rooms start at $99 per night.
1309 19th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, Phone: 205-918-9090
10.Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa - 4 hours
The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort offers luxury family accommodations on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The 405 guest suites and rooms at the hotel offer all the amenities that you will need on holiday, including private bathrooms. Choose between a view of the marina, bay or the resort gardens and pool. The 20,000 square foot spa offers a range of treatments including couples massages to ensure that you feel relaxed. Enjoy a game of golf at one of the Par 72 Lakewood Golf Club courses at the resort.
Kids can participate in arts, crafts and other organised activities at the Grand Hotel Fun Camp for 5 – 12 year olds. The resort has several dining options including, the Grand Steakhouse which offers Angus and Kobe steak, the Saltwater Grill serving seafood and the relaxed Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge offering light meals, cocktails and nightly entertainment. Rooms start at $259.
One Grand Boulevard, P.O. Box 639, Point Clear, Alabama 36564, Phone: 251-928-9201
11.Berney Fly Bed and Breakfast - 3 hours 40 min
This unique B & B features just three rooms and all guests are made to feel right at home by the on-site hosts. You can choose between a pool side room, French Art Deco room and the Spanish Bay Deluxe room. All the rooms are individually decorated with beautiful antiques and have luxurious private bathrooms. In the evenings, sit on the wraparound porch with your drink and watch the world go by. The B & B features a large swimming pool which is perfect on hot summer days.
A meet and greet with the locals is arranged on most nights next to the pool. Berney/Fly is situated in the old part of town and is within easy walking distance of a number of restaurants, shops and historic landmarks. The B & B serves a hot breakfast made to order by the owners on the porch or next to the pool. Rooms start at $89 per night.
1118 Government St, Mobile, Alabama 36604, Phone: 251-405-0949
12.Alabama vacations: Malaga Inn - 3 hours 40 min
Malaga Inn is situated in one of the historic houses in downtown Mobile and is filled with the charm of a bygone era. Choose between a suite, historic room or courtyard room. All rooms are decorated with period furnishings and features to suit this beautifully restored home. Take a historic tour of the house including the secret tunnels used by soldiers during the civil war. Swim in the pool and relax in this oasis in the heart of town.
Stroll through downtown Mobile and return to the Inn for a cocktail on the porch. A full breakfast is served in the main dining room of the house or next to the pool on sunny days. There are a number of restaurants surrounding the Inn and you are sure to find one to suit your palate for lunch and dinner. Rooms start at $115 per night.
359 Church Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602, Phone: 800-235-1586
13.Red Bluff Cottage - 1 hour 30 min
Red Bluff Cottage is a B& B built to look like a Victorian Cottage, allowing you all the modern conveniences within the feel of a historic home. The property has five rooms that are all of different sizes and styles to give guests the type of room that they desire. Some of the rooms can accommodate sofa beds for small children. Have a complimentary cup of coffee or tea and relax in the guest common room with a movie or a book.
Go for a walk around the neighbourhood or simply take in the views of the river from the veranda. A full English breakfast is served every morning in the Victorian style dining room. Have an English-style breakfast with fine china and silverware, and head to one of the local restaurants for lunch and dinner. Rooms start at $110 per night. Best Things to Do in Montgomery
551 Clay Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, Phone: 334-264-0056
14.The Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast - 1 hour 20 minutes
The Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast offers a romantic experience with a choice of five different rooms and suites with private bathrooms and Victorian-style decor. Relax while taking a stroll through the gardens, admiring a variety of flowers and birds. Sit on the wraparound veranda with a glass of sweet tea or mint julep. Historic downtown Alexander City is a few minutes’ walk from the B & B. A buffet breakfast is served every morning in the Victorian dining room of the house.
Complimentary coffee, tea and cool drinks are available throughout the day. There are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the inn. You may also enjoy the local flea market. Rooms start at $109 per night.
497 Hillabee St, Alexander City, AL 35010, Phone: 256-329-3717
Don't Miss: Celebrate with a romantic dinner at Spring House Restaurant on Lake Martin which serves delicious rustic dishes prepared in an open kitchen featuring a wood-fired oven.
15.Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Hotel Winfrey
The recently renovated Hotel Winfrey will appeal to travelers who like modern design. The hotel has 329 guest rooms, decorated in modern neutral tones. Choose between standard rooms, king size rooms, regency club rooms and suites. Relax in the luxurious Regency Club with a drink or a cup of coffee. Take a dip in the seasonal outdoor swimming pool, keep fit in the fully equipped StayFit gym or take a fitness class.
Explore the mall and gallery adjacent to the hotel. A buffet breakfast is served every morning in the main dining room. The hotel offers a choice of restaurants, including the award-winning Shula’s Steakhouse, Merk’s Tavern and Kitchen, and cocktails at the No Name Lounge. Rooms start at $127.
1000 Riverchase Galleria, Birmingham, Alabama 35244, Phone: 205-705-1234
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16.Turquoise Place - 4 hours 20 minutes
Turquoise Place is an adventure-filled, family-friendly beach resort that offers three-, four- or five-bedroom condominiums with views of the Gulf. Each unit has a private balcony with a Jacuzzi, outdoor grill, modern décor and a kitchen. The resort has five swimming pools, two of which are heated. Spend the afternoon on a tube going down the lazy river. A range of family activities are offered year round such as painting and tie-dye classes.
Relax in one of the four treatment rooms in the spa, while indulging in one of the many treatments. There are no restaurants at the resort but there are a number of kid-friendly restaurants serving a wide variety of foods. Best Things to Do in Orange Beach
26302 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561, Phone: 866-422-9836
17.Alabama vacations: Perdido Beach Resort - 4 hours 20 minutes
Perdido Beach Resort is a family-friendly resort offering 346 guest rooms with private balconies and views across the bay. The rooms are decorated in a modern beachside style. Play a game of beach volleyball, relax on the dock or workout at the fully equipped gym. Swim in the indoor/outdoor swimming pool and if you are feeling energetic try a game of tennis. The concierge can set up a wide range of activities for you, from deep sea diving to helicopter tours.
The resort has a number of dining options, including fine dining at Voyagers, casual family dining at Latitude 30, pizza at the Perdido Beach Pizza Company and poolside dining at the Splashy Bar and Grille. The resort offers a number of themed dining events throughout the summer months.
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561, Phone: 800-634-8001
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18.Lake Guntersville Bed and Breakfast
Located in a charming, historic 1910 home on the hill overlooking magnificent Lake Guntersville and shadowed by the mighty Appalachians, Guntersville Bed & Breakfast offers luxury accommodation in a convenient downtown location. Each room is unique, spacious, and beautifully appointed with high quality beds, private baths, and TVs. Most have a private entrance from the lovely wrap-around porch. The common area on the second floor has a business center and a coffee and tea station, while third floor has a media and game room where you can come to get to know your fellow travelers. You can enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the porch or in the dining room and a complementary glass of wine or beer on the porch during Happy Hour. Best Things to Do in Guntersville
2204 Scott Street, Guntersville, Alabama 35976, Phone: 256-505-0133
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19.The Original Romar House - 4 hours 20 minutes
The Original Romar House Bed and Breakfast Inn will appeal to couples looking for a romantic, peaceful getaway without children. The seven rooms are individually themed and decorated. Enjoy a swim in the pool, walk along the beach or relax with a book on the patio. In the evening, indulge in a drink or two with your fellow guests at the onsite Purple Parrot Bar. A hot tub is provided for guest use on the patio and has spectacular ocean views.
Full breakfast is served in the inn dining room or on the patio in sunny weather and includes a number of local favorites. Have lunch and dinner at any one of the many local seafood restaurants and steakhouses. The inn only allows guests over 21. Rooms start at $149.
23500 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561, Phone: 251-974-1625
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20.Alabama vacations: Gorham’s Bluff - 1 hour 50 min from Birmingham
Spectacular views of the Tennessee River and the surrounding land are offered from every room at Gorham’s Bluff. The resort has six suites, situated in the lodge and five separate cottages. Guest accommodations are decorated in an elegant country style and designed to help you relax. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area by partaking in one of the many activities offered by the resort such as hiking, boating and swimming. Spend your days relaxing on the veranda of the lodge, taking in the breathtaking views and sipping iced tea. The lodge restaurant serves a gourmet dinner every night and a full breakfast in the morning. You can get a packed lunch from the lodge to bring along on a day hike or have a romantic picnic on the lawns of the resort. Rooms start at $165 per night.
101 Gorham Drive, Pisgah, Alabama 35765, Phone: 256-451-8439
21.Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast
You can stroll to the falls or the bluff overlooking the charming Little River by following a path from the charming Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast through seven acres of lush vegetation. This rustic bed and breakfast is located in historic Mentone, Alabama on Lookout Mountain at the base of the picturesque Desoto Falls.
All rooms have a private entrance, private bath, TV with a DVD player, and even some fun movies. Each room is uniquely decorated with original arts and crafts from the area. Guests can meet in the gathering place to have a hot drink, have a chat, watch TV, or check their email. Woods around the inn offer fantastic hiking and horseback riding through the dense, rich Alabama woods.
624 Road 948, Mentone, AL 35984, 256-634-4673
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22.Alabama vacation spots: The Battle House Renaissance Hotel in Mobile
The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa offers spacious rooms with crisp linens, chairs, vanities, air conditioning, and an evening turn-down service. The rooms have private baths and some have separate living and sitting areas. The on-site spa offers a variety of services, including body scrubs, massages, manicures and pedicures and a steam room. A fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, an outdoor pool, tennis court and a driving range are available on site as well.
The Trellis Room offers fine dining and a sophisticated setting, the Royal Street Tavern offers a more casual mood with live piano music, and the Hoe Cain Cade serves handcrafted pizzas and sandwiches. Rooms start at $169 per night.
26 North Royal Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602, Phone: 251-338-2000
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23.Smith Lake Bed and Breakfast
Your suite at Smith Lake Bed & Breakfast comes with a few perks: a free paddleboard, a kayak, a dock for your boat, and direct access to the spectacularly beautiful Lewis Smith Lake where you can fish, swim, or paddle. The inn is located 50 miles from Birmingham and is surrounded by dense, mature forests perfect for hiking and exploring. Guests can choose between two lovely suites with all the comforts of home, including a private entrance from the deck overlooking the lake.
Suites have fully equipped kitchens and private bathrooms and even a barbecue on the porch. For those fond of quirky accommodation, there is a vintage "silver bullet" Airstream trailer which, after many miles on the road, now invites guests to its redecorated, comfortable, affordable lodging replete with striking 70’s decor.
994 County Road 4230, Crane Hill, Alabama 35053, Phone: 256-747-6057
25 Best Weekend Getaways in Alabama
- Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, Photo: Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
- Fort Conde Inn, Photo: Fort Conde Inn
- The Hotel at Auburn University, Photo: The Hotel at Auburn University
- Romantic getaways in Alabama: Magnolia Springs - 4 hours, Photo: Magnolia Springs
- The Beach Club – Gulf Shores - 4 hours 20 min, Photo: The Beach Club
- Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, Photo: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
- Garden Path Inn, Photo: Garden Path Inn
- Romantic getaways in Alabama: River Rest Bed and Breakfast - 50 min, Photo: River Rest Bed and Breakfast
- Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast in Birmingham, Photo: Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast
- Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa - 4 hours, Photo: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort
- Berney Fly Bed and Breakfast - 3 hours 40 min, Photo: Berney Fly Bed and Breakfast
- Alabama vacations: Malaga Inn - 3 hours 40 min, Photo: Malaga Inn
- Red Bluff Cottage - 1 hour 30 min, Photo: Red Bluff Cottage
- The Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast - 1 hour 20 minutes, Photo: The Mistletoe Bough
- Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Hotel Winfrey, Photo: Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Hotel Winfrey
- Turquoise Place - 4 hours 20 minutes, Photo: Turquoise Place
- Alabama vacations: Perdido Beach Resort - 4 hours 20 minutes, Photo: Perdido Beach Resort
- Lake Guntersville Bed and Breakfast, Photo: Lake Guntersville Bed and Breakfast
- The Original Romar House - 4 hours 20 minutes, Photo: The Original Romar House
- Alabama vacations: Gorham’s Bluff - 1 hour 50 min from Birmingham, Photo: Gorham’s Bluff
- Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast, Photo: Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Alabama vacation spots: The Battle House Renaissance Hotel in Mobile, Photo: The Battle House Renaissance Hotel
- Smith Lake Bed and Breakfast, Photo: Smith Lake Bed and Breakfast
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Lacey Newman - Fotolia.com
More Weekend Destinations: Birmingham
From the rural community where it was founded in 1871, Birmingham grew to become an iron, steel and railroading industry center of the South. Today, it is a modern, thriving city proud of its heritage, rich in culture and protective of its wonderful green spaces. See the city’s antebellum past at the elegant Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens. Hike through the lush Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, an area of iron ore mines until 1953.
Red Mountain Park, popular for its zip lining adventures organized by the Red Ore Zip Tour, is another former iron mining area. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is another reminder of the past, the only preserved blast furnace in the country. Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn about the city’s civil rights movement, or stroll through the Kelly Ingram Park, full of wonderful sculptures and monuments, once site of the large civil rights demonstration in the 1960s. A visit to the Birmingham Museum of Art is a must, with its 25,000 art objects belonging to a range of world cultures. If you are looking for unique Alabama destinations, Birmingham is a great place to visit. Leave plenty of time for sampling delicious food at Birmingham's excellent restaurants.
Romantic Gadsden
Since its incorporation in 1867, Gadsden experienced many ups and downs and was finally revived and invigorated in the 1990s with the renovation of the city’s downtown and building of the modern Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. There is always something going on at the Center, which includes kid’s museum the Imagination Place, the Etowah Youth Orchestras, the Gadsden Community School for the Arts and the Downtown Dance Conservatory.
Neely Henry Lake was created as the result of building the Neely Henry Dam. Today it is beautiful spot for a picnic and popular among fishermen. Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, with its magnificent 90 foot high waterfall, is the city’s most popular attraction. Take the kids to the Factory, a huge play center for kids of all ages, with arcades, foam pits, laser tag, batting cages and trampolines.
More Places to Visit in Alabama: Florence
Florence is a charming Southern town on the banks of the mighty Tennessee River, with a long, colorful history. Visit the Indian Mound and Museum to see the spear points, tools, jewelry, pipes and pottery that belonged to Native Americans that lived in the area more than 2000 years ago. The Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall was built as a reminder of the removal of all Indians of the Yuchi tribe from Alabama to Oklahoma as the result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
To learn about the next chapter in Florence’s history, visit Pope's Tavern Museum, the oldest house in the area. This museum was once an old inn that was used as a hospital for Confederate as well as Union forces during the American Civil War. The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts and the University of North Alabama will bring you to the 21st century Florence.
More Alabama destinations: Huntsville
A place where America's space program was born with the Redstone Rocket, and home of the NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command, Huntsville is aptly named the Rocket City. A tour of the Rocket Center is a thrill for kids big and small.
Another sky-gazing place in Huntsville is Von Braun Astronomical Society with two observatories, a library and a planetarium. For a show or a concert, check the program at the Von Braun Center or at the historic Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Learn about the history of Alabama at the EarlyWorks Family of Museums and enjoy some fresh air at the beautiful Madison County Nature Trail. Take the kids to the Harmony Park Safari where they can feed free-moving zebras and ostriches through the window of the car.
More Alabama destinations: Mobile AL
Mobile is a large port on the Gulf Coast with an interesting history that colored its present: It was occupied by France, England and Spain until it became a part of the U.S. It is a modern, vibrant city and a cultural center of the Gulf Coast. You can learn about the history of Gulf Coast at the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. The History Museum of Mobile is located in a lovely Italianate villa built in 1857 and offers permanent collections, temporary exhibits and a series of lectures and presentations.
Another mansion built in the same period, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, is an example of the city’s antebellum architecture and tells the story of life in the Old South. Mardi Gras has 300 years of history in Mobile and you can learn about its origins and heritage at the Mobile Carnival Museum. The Alabama Contemporary Art Center focuses on the art influenced by the Gulf Coast, and the University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum covers 12,000 years of the area’s history.
Driving Distances from Birmingham, AL
| Birmingham, AL To | Driving Time |
| Pisgah, Alabama | 1 hour 50 min |
| Mobile, AL | 3 hours 40 min |
| Magnolia Springs, AL | 4 hours |
| Gulf Shores, AL | 4 hours 20 min |
| Point Clear, AL | 4 hours |
| Orange Beach, AL | 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Vincent, AL | 40 minutes |
| Talladega, AL | 50 min |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 1 hour |
| Montgomery, AL | 1 hour 30 min |
| Alexander City, AL | 1 hour 20 minutes |
