Last Update On: August 13, 2025
Alabama offers far more than most people expect. From mountain canyons to sandy Gulf Coast beaches, the state packs in a variety of experiences. You can stand in the middle of civil rights history, hike through untouched wilderness, or step onto a battleship that once sailed the Pacific. Food lovers will find some of the South’s best barbecue here, and outdoor enthusiasts will discover waterfalls, forests, and unique wildlife.
The Heart of Dixie mixes small-town charm with big moments from American history. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, Alabama has something for every interest. Here are nine great places worth visiting if you want to see the state at its best.
1. U.S. Space & Rocket Center: A Journey to the Stars
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Alabama’s most famous science attraction and one of the largest space museums in the world. Huntsville earned the nickname “Rocket City” for a reason; it’s where scientists and engineers helped design the rockets that took astronauts to the moon in 1969. The centerpiece of the museum is the Saturn V rocket, a massive piece of engineering history displayed inside the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.
Visitors can see real spacecraft, walk through a replica of the International Space Station, and explore exhibits about both past and future missions. Interactive attractions make the experience engaging for all ages. You can try a G-force simulator, attempt a space docking simulation, or watch an IMAX film about space exploration.
The museum also hosts the famous Space Camp, where kids and adults train like astronauts. Even if you’re not attending, you might spot a camp in progress during summer months. Guided tours are available, offering extra insight into the technology and history behind the displays.
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the exhibits before the busiest hours.
Fun Fact: Huntsville’s engineers played a direct role in the Apollo 11 mission, which landed humans on the moon.
2. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: A Coastal Escape
Location: Southern Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast delivers soft white sand and warm, gentle water. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are easy places to slow down. You can swim, build a sandcastle, or read under a beach umbrella. If you want activity, you have options. Try parasailing over the shoreline. Book a dolphin cruise and watch pods surface beside the boat. Join a charter for red snapper or king mackerel.
On land, start with Gulf State Park. It has miles of paved and natural trails. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail links beaches, dunes, and pine woods. Bikers and walkers share the paths. Keep an eye out for gators and herons in the wetlands. The park also has lakes for paddle sports and plenty of picnic spots. Families like the small nature center for its simple, hands‑on exhibits. When you need a break from the sun, explore The Wharf in Orange Beach. It offers shops, a Ferris wheel, and seasonal events.
Seafood is the star here. The Hangout is fun and casual. Lulu’s serves Gulf favorites with a view of the water. Local spots fry up hushpuppies and serve oysters on the half shell. Come in October to catch the National Shrimp Festival. Artists set up booths, bands play, and cooks compete.
Tip: Visit in spring or fall. The water is pleasant, rates drop, and traffic lightens.
Fun Fact: Much of the sand is ground quartz that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over thousands of years.
3. Little River Canyon National Preserve: Alabama’s Grand Canyon
Location: Fort Payne, Alabama
Little River Canyon National Preserve is a rugged slice of northeast Alabama known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and forested ridges. The Little River is unusual because it flows almost entirely on top of Lookout Mountain, cutting deep gorges into the rock over time. This has earned it the nickname “Alabama’s Grand Canyon.”
One of the best ways to take in the scenery is to drive the Scenic Rim Parkway. The route offers several overlooks where you can stop for photos or simply enjoy the view. Little River Falls, a 45-foot waterfall near the park entrance, is an easy walk from the parking area and is especially powerful in spring. Downstream, Martha’s Falls, known locally as Hippie Hole, is a popular summer swimming spot, reached by a short but steep trail.
Hiking opportunities range from easy paths to more challenging backcountry routes. Wildlife watchers may spot deer, wild turkey, or even bald eagles. For thrill-seekers, certain parts of the river provide whitewater rapids suitable for kayaking, especially after heavy rains. Rock climbing and rappelling are also permitted in designated areas.
The preserve is open year-round, and each season offers something different. Spring brings wildflowers, summer is perfect for swimming, fall offers vibrant foliage, and winter delivers crisp, clear views.
Tip: Visit in the fall for peak leaf color or in spring when the waterfalls are at their most impressive.
Fun Fact: The Little River is considered one of the cleanest and wildest rivers in the Southeast, making it a prime habitat for rare aquatic species.
4. Unclaimed Baggage Center: A One-of-a-Kind Shopping Experience
Location: Scottsboro, Alabama
The Unclaimed Baggage Center is not your typical store. It buys unclaimed luggage from airlines, processes the contents, and sells them to the public at discounted prices. Each item has a story, even if you never learn what it is. Browsing here feels like a mix between a department store and a treasure hunt.
You might come across designer clothes, fine jewelry, or high-end electronics for a fraction of retail cost. Shoppers have discovered everything from expensive cameras to rare collectibles. Some finds have been extraordinary, including a 1700s violin, a complete suit of armor, and an authentic Egyptian burial mask. The store cleans, repairs, or donates items before placing them on shelves, so everything is ready for use.
The layout is organized by category, making it easy to find what interests you most. Clothing racks line one section, while another holds electronics and specialty items. Seasonal gear like skis or scuba equipment often appears at the right time of year. There is also a small museum display of the most unusual things ever found in lost luggage.
Arrive early to get first pick of the day’s new arrivals. Items move quickly, and unique pieces rarely last long. The store restocks daily, so no two visits are the same.
Tip: Plan to spend a couple of hours here so you can explore each section without rushing.
Fun Fact: This is the only store in the United States that legally purchases and resells unclaimed airline luggage.
5. Bryant-Denny Stadium: Experience Alabama Football
In Alabama, football is more than a sport. It is part of the state’s identity, and Bryant-Denny Stadium is at the heart of it. Home to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, this massive venue holds over 100,000 fans. On game day, the air buzzes with energy. The marching band plays, fans chant “Roll Tide,” and the stands shake with excitement.
Attending a game here is an unforgettable experience, even for casual sports fans. The traditions, the sea of crimson, and the sheer volume of the crowd make it one of the most electric atmospheres in college sports. Tickets sell out fast, so planning ahead is essential if you want to be part of it.
If you cannot attend a game, the stadium still offers guided tours. You can walk through the locker rooms, see the press box, and step onto the field where national championships have been won. Nearby, the Paul W. Bryant Museum tells the story of legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and the university’s long football history.
Before kickoff, explore The Quad. Fans gather here hours before the game to tailgate with food, music, and friendly conversation. The sense of community is strong, and visitors are often welcomed into the celebrations.
Tip: Wear something crimson to blend in with the crowd and show your support.
Fun Fact: The Crimson Tide football program has claimed 18 national championships, making it one of the most successful in college football history.
6. Natchez Trace Parkway: A Scenic Drive Through History
Location: Northwestern Alabama
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic route that stretches from Mississippi to Tennessee, passing through a section of northwestern Alabama. It follows a historic travel corridor once used by Native Americans, traders, and explorers. Today, it is a quiet road lined with forests, meadows, and historic sites, making it ideal for a relaxed road trip.
In Alabama, the parkway’s highlights include Colbert Ferry, where a Cherokee chief once operated a ferry service in the early 1800s. Rock Spring Nature Trail is another favorite stop, offering a short, shaded walk along a clear stream bordered by cypress trees. For hikers looking for more of a challenge, Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a short drive from the Trace and has trails that lead to waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and scenic overlooks.
History enthusiasts can visit the La Grange College Site, the state’s first chartered college. It was destroyed during the Civil War, but the ruins and interpretive signs provide a glimpse into the area’s past. Wildlife sightings are common along the drive, with deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds often spotted from the road.
The parkway is most popular in fall when the foliage turns vivid shades of red, orange, and gold. Spring is also beautiful, with blooming dogwoods and wildflowers adding color to the landscape.
Tip: There are no gas stations directly on the parkway, so fill up before you start your drive.
Fun Fact: Some parts of the Natchez Trace have been in use for over 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest known travel routes in North America.
7. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: A Tribute to Military History
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park offers a powerful look at American military history. The main attraction is the USS Alabama, a World War II battleship that served in the Pacific and earned nine battle stars. Visitors can explore its decks, climb into gun turrets, and navigate narrow passageways to see where sailors lived and worked. Standing on the main deck, it is easy to imagine the roar of its massive guns during wartime.
The park also features the USS Drum, a World War II submarine that gives a close-up view of life beneath the ocean. Inside, the cramped quarters and control rooms show the challenges faced by its crew. On land, the grounds display an impressive collection of military aircraft, tanks, and vehicles. Highlights include a B-52 bomber, a Blackbird spy plane, and helicopters from various eras.
Self-guided tours allow you to explore at your own pace, but plan on spending several hours to see everything. The ship’s museum exhibits add context with photographs, uniforms, and personal stories from those who served.
This destination appeals to history buffs, veterans, and families alike. It offers both an educational experience and a chance to honor those who served in the armed forces.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be climbing ladders and walking long distances.
Fun Fact: In 1964, the people of Alabama raised over one million dollars in just three months to save the battleship from being scrapped.
8. Bankhead National Forest: Alabama’s Land of a Thousand Waterfalls
Bankhead National Forest covers more than 180,000 acres and is one of the most scenic outdoor areas in the state. It is home to the Sipsey Wilderness, a protected area filled with mossy gorges, sandstone cliffs, and countless waterfalls. The forest’s nickname, “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” is no exaggeration, especially in spring when rain swells the creeks.
Hiking is the best way to explore. Trails range from short, easy walks to full-day treks deep into the wilderness. Kinlock Falls is a favorite spot with a wide, low cascade and a natural swimming area. Turkey Foot Falls and Mize Mill Falls are other popular destinations, each tucked away in quiet forest settings. Many trails pass through dense hardwoods, past caves, and along crystal-clear streams.
Beyond hiking, the forest offers camping, fishing, and kayaking. The Clear Creek Recreation Area provides a more developed setting with picnic areas, a boat launch, and access to Lewis Smith Lake for swimming or paddling. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, wild turkey, and songbirds common throughout the year.
The scenery changes with the seasons. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls, summer offers shaded trails, fall transforms the canopy into bright colors, and winter delivers peaceful, crowd-free hikes.
Tip: Visit in spring after heavy rains to see the waterfalls at their best. Bring waterproof footwear, as some trails cross shallow streams.
Fun Fact: Some of the sandstone formations in Bankhead are over 300 million years old, making this one of the most geologically fascinating areas in Alabama.
9. Birmingham’s Food & Culture Scene: A Taste of Alabama
Birmingham has built a reputation as one of the South’s best food cities while also preserving its place in American history. Food lovers will find everything from classic barbecue to upscale dining. Saw’s BBQ is a local favorite, known for pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Alabama white sauce, a tangy mayonnaise-based creation unique to the state. For a more refined meal, visit one of the city’s James Beard Award-winning restaurants, where chefs blend Southern tradition with creative twists.
Beyond the dining scene, Birmingham offers cultural and historical landmarks worth exploring. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a powerful museum documenting the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Across the street, the 16th Street Baptist Church stands as both a place of worship and a memorial to the four girls killed in the 1963 bombing, a tragedy that helped galvanize the fight for equality.
For a change of pace, head to Railroad Park, a green space in the heart of downtown with walking paths, ponds, and skyline views. On weekends, it often hosts concerts, food festivals, and community events. Birmingham is also home to a growing craft beer scene, with breweries like Good People Brewing Company and Avondale Brewing offering laid-back places to enjoy a pint.
Tip: Jazz enthusiasts should make time for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, which celebrates musicians such as Nat King Cole, who was born in the state.
Fun Fact: Birmingham was nicknamed the Magic City because of its explosive growth during the late 1800s, fueled by the iron and steel industries.
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