Alabama

Travel Guide

Mobile showing heritage architecture and a garden
Mobile which includes a high rise building
Barber Motorsports Park
Gulf State Park which includes a coastal town, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Huntsville Botanical Garden featuring a park and a fountain
In the heartland of the southern U.S. is a state known for its complex, fascinating history, storied cities and legendary musical legacy.

Alabama is a microcosm of America’s Deep South. The state offers everything associated with popular images of Dixie, including atmospheric countryside lined with moss-draped trees, historical sites from the civil rights movement and a music scene that combines jazz, soul and country. Hit the streets of famous cities such as Montgomery and Birmingham, wander through the state’s colorful landscapes or relax on the laid-back southern coastline.

The 22nd state joined the union in 1819, yet American Indians lived here for almost 10,000 years before it was settled by Europeans. Visit Alabama’s numerous historical sites to gain a sense of the state’s layered history. Head to Mooresville for pioneering, Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham for industry and the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery for stories from the 20th century.

Travel across the length of the state to explore different musical attractions. In North Alabama, discover the history of soul in the town of Florence. Visit the FAME Recording Studios and the W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library to learn about the “Father of the Blues.” Central Alabama offers the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame while in Lower Alabama you can enjoy the Hank Williams Museum, dedicated to the country and western legend.

Leave the cities of Alabama behind and explore its scenic countryside. In the north, several hiking trails leave Huntsville and wind into the southwestern tip of the Appalachian Mountains. Climb Cheaha Mountain to reach the highest natural point in the whole state, at an elevation of 2,407 feet (734 meters).

Spend a day on the beach in Lower Alabama, relaxing in Gulf State Park or enjoying watersports on the ocean. The nearby city of Mobile features the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which features several authentic naval crafts from different eras of the state’s military history.

Alabama is accessible via multiple airports across the state, including transport hubs in Montgomery and Birmingham. The state remains hot throughout the year. Visit in fall for colorful scenery and less humid days.

Where to stay in Alabama

On a small walk way, at Alabama state beach park. Located in gulf shores, Alabama. Great location to get away from the crowds and catch some massive waves. #localsecrets

Orange Beach East

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

While visiting Orange Beach East, you might make a stop by sights like Ono Island and Orange Beach Beaches.

Orange Beach East
Birmingham showing a statue or sculpture and interior views

Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to McWane Science Center and Regions Field while you're in town.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Located in southeastern Jefferson County, Homewood boasts the Hollywood Historic District, known for its Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Home to Samford University, it's a charming suburb near Birmingham.

Homewood
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Surf Side Shores

While Surf Side Shores isn't home to many top sights, Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Surf Side Shores
Visit Frugal Family Travelers blog to learn more about this great location, to receive the travel itinerary and to discover more great places like this:

Boulder Hills Natural Area

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Vestavia Hills

Visitors to Vestavia Hills enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Birmingham Ballet is worth a stop.

Vestavia Hills
Whenever I’m back home in the “HAM” I always  try and make time to stroll around BBG and relax. It’s awesome here no matter the season.

Mountain Brook

Boasting three picturesque "villages" and a high tree cover ratio, this suburban area offers a forest-like setting with charming residential sections and a network of bridle paths for recreation.

Mountain Brook
The Admiral, Downtown Historic District
The Admiral, Downtown Historic District
4 out of 5
251 Government Street, Mobile, AL
The price is $144 per night from May 5 to May 6
$144
includes taxes & fees
$126 per night
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Mobile. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (527 reviews)
"Very fancy!"

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

The Admiral, Downtown Historic District
Beachside Resort Hotel
Beachside Resort Hotel
2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is $107 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
$107
includes taxes & fees
$92 per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,392 reviews)
"The pool was beautiful and clean like the facility. For the price!."

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Beachside Resort Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG
3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
Fully refundable
The price is $122 per night from May 14 to May 15
$122
includes taxes & fees
$101 per night
May 14 - May 15
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,289 reviews)
"I came to bham to pick up my fiancé from the airport"

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
3.5 out of 5
533 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (659 reviews)
Definitely will return
"This stay was amazing. The condo was everything we needed. Staff was exceedingly friendly, the condo was clean and a great location and our stay was perfect. It was just me and my three girls and I felt very safe. The beach was ideal and not a far walk from the condo thankfully. The pool was also ..."

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites
Phoenix All Suites
3.5 out of 5
201 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (340 reviews)
"Polite and friendly staff, informed us of all stores/restaurant's/dining/deliveries. This was our first time at Gulf Shores and we will definitely return."

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Phoenix All Suites
stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
4 out of 5
26800 Success Dr SW, Madison, AL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Wheeler National ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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