alabama travel guide 2022

Alabama Travel Guide

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Just 250 miles from north to south, ALABAMA ranges from the fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and lakes of the Appalachian foothills to the bayous and white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast. Away from the water’s edge, agriculture, dominated by pecans, peaches and watermelons, flourishes on the gently sloping coastal plain. Industry is concentrated in the north, around Birmingham and Huntsville, first home of the nation’s space programme, while the farmlands of middle Alabama envelop Montgomery, the state capital. Away from the French-influenced coastal strip around the pretty little town of Mobile, fundamentalist Protestant attitudes have traditionally backed right-wing demagogues, such as George Wallace, the four-time state governor who received ten million votes in the 1968 presidential election, and, more recently Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, who in the summer of 2003 was suspended for not obeying a federal court order to remove a monument of the Ten Commandments from the rotunda of the state judicial building in Montgomery. While times have moved on since the epic civil rights struggles in Montgomery, Birmingham and Selma – monuments and civic literature celebrate the achievements of the campaigners, and even Wallace renounced his racist views – a visit to Alabama offers a crucial reminder of just how recently those struggles were fought.

Civil rights in Birmingham

Civil rights in montgomery.

In the first half of 1963, civil rights leaders chose Birmingham as the target of “Project C” (for confrontation), aiming to force businesses to integrate lunch counters and employ more blacks. Despite terrifying threats from Commissioner of Public Safety Eugene “Bull” Connor, pickets, sit-ins and marches went forward, resulting in mass arrests. More than two thousand protesters flooded the prisons; one was Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, who wrote his Letter from a Birmingham Jail after being branded an extremist by local white clergymen. Connor’s use of high-pressure fire hoses, cattleprods and dogs against demonstrators acted as a potent catalyst of support. Pictures of snarling German Shepherds sinking their teeth into the flesh of schoolkids were transmitted around the world, and led to an agreement between civil rights leaders and businesses that June. Success in Birmingham sparked demonstrations in 186 other cities, which culminated in the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibiting racial segregation. The headquarters for the campaign, the 16th Street Baptist Church, on the corner of Sixth Avenue, was the site of a sickening Klan bombing on September 15, 1963, which killed four young black girls attending a Bible class. The three murderers were eventually jailed, though it took until 2002. Across the road, Kelly Ingram Park, site of the 1960s rallies, has a Freedom Walk diagramming the events through sculptures of menacing dogs, water cannons and youthful protestors. Next door, the admirable Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St (bcri.org), is an affecting attempt to interpret the factors that led to such violence and racial hatred. Exhibits re-create life in a segregated city, complete with a burned-out bus and heart-rending videos of bus boycotts and the March on Washington.

In the 1950s, Montgomery’s bus system was a miniature model of segregated society – as was the norm in the South. The regulation ordering blacks to give up seats to whites came under repeated attack from black organizations, culminating in the call by the Women’s Political Council for a mass boycott after seamstress Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her seat, stating that she was simply too tired. Black workers were asked to walk to work, while black-owned “rolling churches” carried those who lived farther away. The protest attracted huge support and the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA), set up to coordinate activities, elected the 26-year-old pastor Dr Martin Luther King, Jr as its chief spokesperson. Despite personal hardships, bomb attacks and jailings, protestors continued to boycott the buses for eleven months, until in November 1956 the US Supreme Court declared segregation on public transport to be illegal.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

17 Best Things To Do In Alabama: The Ultimate AL Bucket List

August 19, 2022 //  by  Southern Trippers

Are you on the search for fun things to do in Alabama? We’ve got you covered!

Alabama may be infamous for its dedicated college football fans (it’s the state’s most beloved spectator sport) and the delectable Southern comfort cooking (if it’s not fried, do you really want to eat it?), but don’t let their Southern hospitality keep you in a food coma for too long.

From spots where some of the most pivotal moments of Civil Rights history went down to stunning geological formations, this list includes plenty of cool places in Alabama just waiting for you to explore them.

As the 22nd state to join the union, this state has plenty of surprises as well as history, culture, and nature to explore. You won’t run out of fun things to do in Alabama.

If you think Alabama doesn’t have the type of adventure you’re looking for, let us prove you wrong.

Here are the best places to visit in Alabama!

17 Best Things To Do In Alabama: The Ultimate AL Bucket List

Honor civil rights history in birmingham.

One of the best things to do in Alabama is to take the time to step back in time and go where history actually happened.

In 2017, officials designated the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument to honor the lives of Black women, men, and children who stood up for their Civil Rights in the 1960s.

There is too much history to cover here so we recommend taking the time to learn about it on a walk-through. Stroll through Kelly Ingram Park where history was made, stop by the A.G. Gaston Motel, and honor the lives lost at the 16th Street Baptiste Church (these sites are only a few steps away from each other).

You can also visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. With so much to see, touring the Civil Rights history sites is one of the best things to do in Birmingham .

Visit the Little River Canyon National Preserve

If anywhere you go nature always seems to beckon, then adventuring through the Southern Appalachians is one of the most fun things to do in Alabama.

Established in 1922, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers explorers over 26 miles of hiking trails in Alabama! Enjoy a serene walk through the forest or by the river. For a little added fun download their bird sighting guide to see how many friends of a feather you can spot.

Take the time to visit the state’s deepest canyon, Little River Canyon, and if you’re there at the right time you can also admire Alabama’s highest seasonal waterfall, Graces’ High Falls, which drops 133ft directly into the canyon!

Wondering when you can visit? Great news, the park is open from sunrise to sunset and operational every day including holidays! This is one of the best national parks in Alabama !

Learn at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Taking the day to explore a little-known slice of WWII history at the USS Alabama Battleship Park is one of the best things to do in Mobile .

Have you ever stepped foot on a decommissioned WWII battleship? Now’s your chance! Walk through a self-guided tour of the ship’s facilities and don’t forget to take a look through the USS Drum submarine too!

If you thought a submarine and a battleship were enough to entice a visit, you should also know the Memorial Park houses an aircraft collection, tanks and artillery, and a lovely picnic area. It might be hard not to spend the whole day there!

Explore Bankhead National Forest

There is plenty to do and lots to admire in the 181,230 acres of mixed woodland that make up this national forest known locally as “the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls.”

With hiking, horseback riding, hunting, swimming, canoeing, bird watching, waterfalls, the Sipsey Wilderness, petroglyphs, prehistoric drawings, and a Native American site thousands of years old, you might have to come back to try and explore as much as you can.

Even better stay the night at one of the campgrounds! Stargazing here is one of the best things to do in Alabama at night.

All but one of these Alabama waterfalls are active year-round and fairly easy to access. First-time visitors should try heading to Kinlock Falls, Caney Creek Falls, Turkey Foot, and Mize Mill Falls (these last two are very close to each other).

Bankhead National Forest is truly one of the most adventurous attractions in Alabama.

Take a Dolphin Cruise at Orange Beach

If you’re tired of going to Gulf Coast beaches to suntan, try taking a dolphin cruise instead! It’s one of the best things to do in Orange Beach .

Before heading to the Wharf to ride the vintage Ferris wheel or stopping at Adventure Island for some retro go-kart action, take the day to go enjoy the sun and all the beauty of the shining sea on a family-friendly dolphin cruise!

There are plenty of boat tours you can enjoy but if you’re looking for a special adventure we recommend trying a Glass Bottom Dolphin Tour! We’d never miss out on the chance to watch dolphins swim beneath the beautiful turquoise waters.

While you’re out trying to spot these friendly creatures why not multi-task and take a snorkeling adventure too? You never know what the sea has in store for you with these Alabama activities!

Enjoy Nature and a Fine Meal at Cheaha State Park

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the state, but you can’t miss out on the stunning view atop Cheaha Mountain, which is accessible all year long. Taking the time to reach the mountaintop and enjoy the surrounding Talladega National Forest is one of the best things to do in Alabama.

As the highest point in the state, the mountain’s peak is at an elevation of just a little over 2,400 feet so don’t forget to pack a snack and some water! It’s a long way up!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend taking a detour to the nearby Vista Cliffside Bistro (open Thursdays through Mondays), which is actually within the park’s bounds so you can keep enjoying the mountain view but with a full stomach this time.

This state park has been open since 1933 and has been welcoming visitors ever since. Don’t miss out on one of the prettiest places to go in Alabama!

Celebrate a Legacy at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Step into the shoes of one of the heroes of the Civil Rights movement. Honoring Rosa Parks’ bravery is one of the best things to do in Montgomery .

As part of the United States Civil Rights Trail, the Rosa Parks Museum is a must-see for anyone stopping in the city. Visitors can see the very spot where she refused to give up her seat and instead got arrested for standing up for her rights.

Along with other artifacts, the museum offers patrons the chance to experience “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a permanent exhibit featuring a restored bus made to look like the ones in 1955 when the Montgomery Bus Boycott would have happened.

Stop by the museum, take a seat, and learn about one of the women who changed this country’s history forever.

Make sure to check out our list of the best cities and small towns in Alabama for inspiration on where to visit next!

Wonder at the McWane Science Center

Do you love dinosaurs? Who doesn’t?! If you do, then you definitely need to visit the McWane Science Center! It’s one of the best things to do in Birmingham!

If you thought dinosaurs didn’t make it all the way to Alabama, you were dead wrong (no extinction pun intended)! There’s a whole exhibit about these extinct creatures found all around the state.

The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday. With three different floors to explore you’re sure to spend a good afternoon full of learning! From their Weather Lab to their Shark and Ray Touch Tank, everyone is sure to have all their senses engaged.

And don’t worry– touching is encouraged! Let your kid’s (and your own) curiosity go wild. There is no need to worry about ruining the valuable art at this museum. This is one of the cool things to do in Alabama.

Take a Walk Around the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama campus ranks among one of the most beautiful in the country so why not stop by and check out one of the best things to do in Tuscaloosa ?

The charms of the south are undeniable at the University of Alabama’s campus. If you’re visiting in the spring you’ll be greeted by white tulips while the Alabama fall will paint the campus in deep oranges and yellows.

While you’re there why not stop at some of the museums on campus? At the Alabama Museum of Natural History, visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the state.

The University offers visitors the chance to walk around campus and see what a student’s life looks like. You can find a campus map available on their website.

Marvel at the Weirdness of Bamahenge

If what you’re looking for is a weird roadside attraction, Alabama has that too. There really is no shortage of what to do in Alabama. The exhibit was built by Virginia artist, Mark Cline, at the request of Alabama billionaire, George Barber.

Although this version wasn’t built by Druids, and it’s made out of fiberglass instead of stone, the sight is no less impressive to behold. It is also a few thousand years younger than its inspiration.

He also commissioned the artist to build a brontosaurus, a T. rex, a stegosaurus, and a triceratops near Bamahenge so when you’re done admiring the work of non-druids you can go on a little car hunt to find the four giant fiberglass creatures!

Since there is no admission to see the dinos and wacky fiberglass recreation this is one of the best free things to do in Alabama! Just make sure to follow your GPS to Barber Marina and when you see the sign head in and stop when you see the giant stones!

Camp at Monte Sano State Park

You won’t run out of gorgeous scenery and sublime nature to enjoy while visiting Alabama. In addition to the other parks we’ve mentioned, we’d recommend staying the night at Monte Sano State Park! It’s one of the best things to do in Huntsville .

The park has 21 primitive camping (aka just a tent) campgrounds, 59 water and electric sites, and 15 full-hook-up sites so no matter what kind of camping you’re looking to do, you can do it here.

If you’re staying the night you won’t have to rush through exploring Monte Sano’s 340 acres, 14 rustic cottages, hiking areas, planetarium, and an outdoor amphitheater.

For an entrance fee, you can feel like you’ve visited Japan when you step into the park’s hidden Japanese Garden!

Tour the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Dexter Parsonage Museum

As another stop on the US Civil Rights Trail, you really shouldn’t miss out on taking on more chances to see some of this country’s past. Seeing the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Dexter Parsonage Museum are some of the best things to do in Montgomery.

The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 because of its importance in the Civil Rights Movement. It was here that Martin Luther King Jr. has his pastorage during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, now holding a permanent exhibit so visitors can see where Dr. King and his family lived between 1954-1960, is just a few blocks away.

The home has been renovated after it was bombed on January 30 in 1956 while his family was still inside. Luckily no one was harmed in the attack, and visitors can experience its original charm.

Check Out the Moundville Archaeological Park

People have lived in Alabama for much longer than you might think! Learning about the prehistoric Mississippian people who lived in the ancient site of the Moundville Archaeological Park is one of the best things to do in Alabama.

The site is a little bit of a mystery! Scholars don’t know how to explain the rise and fall of this small town or how the population interacted with Native American tribes.

The park is made up of 326 acres and 29 flat top mounds where the ancient Mississippian people would hold civic and ceremonial occasions.

Make sure to visit the museum after exploring the ancient monuments that have stood there for over 800 years. This is one of the best things to do in Alabama for adults interested in history.

Visit the Mobile Carnival Museum

For a quirky and unexpected experience, make sure to stop by the quaint Mobile Carnival Museum. It’s one of the best things to do in Mobile!

You may assume Mardi Gras is only celebrated in New Orleans, but Alabama also has a rich history of celebrating this ostentatious holiday, and they have the museum to prove it.

The beautiful southern mansion displays the opulent jewelry, costumes, and even parts of floats that have been part of the Mobile Mardi Gras celebrations of the past.

Don’t let them hear you say that New Orleans was the birthplace of Mardi Gras or you might get a history lecture you didn’t expect!

Enjoy a Beach Day at the Gulf Shores

Alabama does not have a long coastline, but there is still a great beach opportunity at Gulf Shores, Alabama. This is one of the best beach towns in the South and holds so much fun for the family!

One of the best things to do in Gulf Shores is a relaxing trip to the Gulf Shores Public Beach. You will be mesmerized by the white sand and pretty, blue water. This is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. You’ll find this is one of the best beaches in Alabama .

For more beach and nature fun, visit Gulf State Park. This is one of the best Alabama state parks for a family beach vacation. There are two miles of sandy beaches. Spend time swimming, parasailing, kayaking, and surfing. Hiking and camping are popular activities here too.

Learn at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville is one of the best Alabama attractions for anyone interested in NASA and space exploration.

A visit to this amazing place will make you feel like an astronaut! Head into the sky with the Flight Simulator Experience, feel the power of gravity with the G-Force Accelerator, or walk in space with Apollo 11 Virtual Reality. This place is one of the fun things to do in Alabama with kids!

There is also a state-of-the-art Planetarium with shows that will leave you awed! A ride on the Moon Soot will lift you 140 feet up in the air in just 2.5 seconds!

Grab a bite to eat at the Mars Grill. The center also hosts launch parties and other cool events throughout the year. There is so much to see and do here, so make sure to add it to your Alabama bucket list!

Go Underground at Cathedral Caverns State Park

There are many cool caves in Alabama and one of the best is found at Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville. This cave system is 1.3 miles. The impressive entrance is 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, one of the largest in the world

Take a guided tour to experience the beauty of this cave. You will be able to see a 45-foot stalagmite known as Goliath. With a circumference of 243 feet, it is one of the largest rock formations of its kind in the world.

Gemstone mining and hiking can also be enjoyed at this state park. It is one of the most interesting places in Alabama.

Hopefully, you found some of the best activities in Alabama for your next trip! Alabama has so much to offer visitors from historic locations to beautiful nature. It is time to plan a fun weekend getaway in Alabama !

Our Fave Weekend Getaway : Foley, Alabama

Alabama Visitors’ Guide

Looking to explore the rich history of Alabama or enjoy a relaxing beach vacation? This Alabama Visitors’ Guide has you covered with everything you need to know about the best places to stay, eat, and play in the Yellowhammer State.

From fascinating museums to exciting Mardi Gras celebrations, there’s something for everyone in beautiful Alabama.

Table of Contents

Alabama’s French and Spanish Heritage

Alabama is a state with a rich French and Spanish heritage. Mobile, the state’s oldest city, was founded by French colonists in 1702. The city was later ruled by Spain for nearly 40 years. Today, Mobile is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.

French and Spanish influences can also be seen in the architecture of many of Alabama’s historic buildings. The city’s unique history and culture have left their mark on its buildings. From the grandiose Cathedral to the pretty pastel Victorian houses, Alabama has a rich architectural heritage.

Native American Influence

Alabama is also home to a number of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek. Visitors can learn about the state’s Native American history at the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission or the Moundville Archaeological Site.

Moundville is home to a number of ancient Native American mounds, and it was once the largest city in North America. Today, visitors can explore the mounds, visit a museum, and take part in educational programs.

Black History

Alabama has a long and rich history of African-American culture. Visitors can learn about this history at a number of sites, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.

The state is also home to a number of famous African-American figures, including civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and musician Nat King Cole. Visitors can learn about their lives and contributions at the various museums and historical sites dedicated to them.

There is also a number of festivals and events that celebrate black culture, including the Alabama Black Heritage Festival, the Gospel Music Workshop of America, and the National Black Arts Festival.

A Vacation Guide to Alabama for Every Type of Traveler

Places to stay:.

When visiting Alabama, there are many great places to stay. In the heart of the state is Montgomery, the capital, which offers a variety of hotels and bed and breakfasts.

For a more laid-back experience, consider staying in one of the state’s coastal towns, such as Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. These towns are known for their beautiful beaches, restaurants, and shops.

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, there are also several campgrounds located throughout Alabama. 

Places to eat:

In Alabama, be sure to check out these great places to eat!

In Birmingham, you can’t go wrong with the barbecue at Dreamland or the Southern cooking at Miss Myra’s. For a casual bite, try the burgers at Jack Brown’s or the pizzas at Fleetwood’s. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss the pies at Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen.

Down in Mobile, you’ll find excellent seafood at Wintzell’s Oyster House and superb steaks at Spot of Dinner.

On the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast, be sure to visit The Hangout for lively fun and amazing seafood.

Things to do:

The state has a rich French and Spanish heritage, as well as a long history of Native and African-American culture. You can learn about these cultures at various museums and historical sites throughout the state.

Obviously, we can’t pack everything into this one post! So, pick your city and get to exploring!

Choose a Town or City to Visit:

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a relaxing vacation, Alabama has something to offer everyone. So come on down and experience all that the Yellowhammer State has to offer!

• Downtown Mobile, AL

Have you visited Alabama? What are some of your favorite things to do in this state?

Let us know in the comments below!

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alabama

Written by Lana Law and Lura Seavey Updated Sep 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Alabama is home to a range of tourist attractions and things to do for all ages and interests. Brush up on your history at several Alabama cities, where you'll find some of the most important Civil Rights monuments , museums, and historic sites. This includes the Civil Rights Institute and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Montgomery's Civil Rights Monument and National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Selma's Voting Rights Museum.

Alabama is also a culturally rich region. You can see the birthplace and former creative workspace of musician W.C. Handy, admire architecture and design at the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House Museum, and view impressive collections at major art museums in both Montgomery and Birmingham .

Alabama is also full of beautiful natural attractions, especially along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Mobile Bay , where tourists will find state parks, nature reserves, and gorgeous sandy beaches . In addition to history and nature, the curious can explore science at the family-friendly McWane Science Center, or behold some of the world's most advanced technology at Huntsville's U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Find the best places to visit in the state with our list of the top tourist attractions in Alabama.

1. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Civil Rights Historic District

2. uss alabama battleship memorial park, 3. gulf state park, 4. civil rights memorials of montgomery, 5. u.s. space and rocket center, 6. montgomery civil rights landmarks, 7. mcwane science center, 8. mobile bay, 9. frank lloyd wright rosenbaum house museum, 10. w.c. handy home and museum, 11. national voting rights museum and institute, 12. barber vintage motorsports museum, 13. birmingham museum of art, 14. montgomery museum of fine art, 15. university of alabama, 16. cheaha state park, 17. alabama gulf coast zoo.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute provides an in-depth look at the events of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s in both Birmingham and the United States, as well as continuing issues that African Americans have faced since. The galleries feature permanent and temporary exhibits on a variety of topics from violent conflict to segregation.

The struggle that began here in Birmingham was part of a larger social movement that eventually led to changes, and a defining moment was the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963. This bombing, orchestrated by the Klu Klux Klan, killed four girls and was a tragic catalyst for change, adding urgency to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute sits at the corner of Sixteenth Street and Sixth Avenue North, forming the cornerstone of Birmingham's Civil Rights District , which covers a six-block area. Additional landmarks include Kelly Ingram Park , the Fourth Avenue Business District , and Carver Theater .

Address: 520 16th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama

Official site: www.bcri.org

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Birmingham

The star attraction of the Memorial Park in Mobile is the 1942 USS Alabama Battleship docked along the waterfront. This BB-60 battleship is nicknamed "the Mighty A," and was decommissioned after the end of WWII. You can tour many parts of the ship, including the captain's cabin, bridge, mess hall, and turrets.

The park is also home to the USS Drum , a submarine used during the second World War, which can be toured as well.

Also on-site are a variety of aircraft, including a B-52 bomber and an A-12 Black Bird spy plane, as well as military equipment from various conflicts, including tanks and weapons. The park is a memorial to all those who served in WWII, as well as more recent operations.

Address: 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, Alabama

Official site: www.ussalabama.com

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mobile

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is popular with both campers and day-trippers, offering a wide variety of facilities and more than two miles of white, sandy beaches.

The Nature Center provides free classes and activities, including guided nature walks, animal encounters, fishing lessons, and other fun and educational programs led by naturalists and rangers. Recreational facilities include volleyball, tennis courts, horseshoes, and a swimming pool with a splash pad, as well as bicycle, kayak, and paddle-board rentals and guided Segway tours.

The park also features 25 miles of paved walking trails, also open to bicyclists, and a championship golf course. Tourists making a day trip to Gulf State Park can enjoy all of these amenities for a very low vehicle entrance fee.

The campground, which has nearly 500 full-hookup sites for RVs, is a favorite family vacation spot thanks to its many amenities and things to do.

If you're not interested in camping, more luxurious options are available at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel . The property has recently been completely reconstructed and occupies a premier beachfront location.

Address: 20115 Alabama 135, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Official site: www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Gulf Shores

The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery features an exquisite black granite sculpture commemorating those killed during the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. The memorial stands in a square next to the Civil Rights Memorial Center, where tourists will find educational displays and exhibits, including the Wall of Tolerance.

Another Montgomery landmark is the National Memorial for Peace and Justice , a six-acre space dedicated to African Americans who were victims of lynching and other forms of racial injustice. The memorial includes artwork, sculptures, and monuments, which honor various figures in the Civil Rights movement, as well as a field of 800 monuments each representing a county where lynchings took place.

Address: Civil Rights Memorial, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montgomery

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville is an exciting attraction for all ages, providing exhibits, interactive experiences, presentations, and one of the world's largest collections of spacecraft on display. A Smithsonian affiliate, the center's exhibits provide visitors with information on everything from the history of the space race and NASA's growth since then to the International Space Station and beyond.

Tourists can experience multimedia presentations at the National Geographic Theater or the Spacedome IMAX, and explore a model of the International Space Station. Visitors also have the chance to see Rocket Park, where 27 rockets and missiles are on display, as well as the gigantic launch vehicles that propel the rockets into space.

Perhaps the most popular things to do at the Space Center, however, are taking turns in one of the museum's simulators. There are two launch simulators, one of which allows the astronaut-in-training to experience 4 Gs of force, a few seconds of weightlessness, and then a free-fall. The kids' version of this gives young astronauts a less intense version, then "lands" on the surface of the moon.

The Hyper Ship simulator uses motion and immersive media to provide a variety of rides, and visitors can also get active on the Mars Climbing Wall. There are also interactive areas for younger kids, where they can explore the surface of Mars and crawl through the space station. The center also offers week-long and single-day camps for kids.

Address: One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama

Official site: www.rocketcenter.com

Montgomery is home to several important Civil Rights landmarks, which commemorate places and events that were instrumental in the movement. The most famous of these is the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church , which was the meeting place of early Civil Rights activists and once the parish of a young Martin Luther King, Jr., who lived with his family in the parsonage from 1954-1960. Today, it has been restored to display a great deal of their original belongings, and is open to the public as the Dexter Parsonage Museum .

The Rosa Parks Library and Museum is located near the site of Parks' arrest in downtown Montgomery. It contains exhibits that tell her story and outline the public transportation boycott that resulted from her brave act of defiance. Artifacts on display include her original fingerprints from her arrest records, court documents, photographs, and a 1955 Montgomery City Bus, as well as one of the station wagons used during the boycott to transport protesters.

Another important historic site is the Freedom Rides Museum , located in the former Montgomery Greyhound station, which was the site of the 1961 attack on the Freedom Riders who were continuing the movement that Parks began.

Birmingham's McWane Science Center is home to a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences, which encourage both kids and adults to learn through hands-on activities. This popular family tourist attraction explores topics from the natural sciences to the latest technology and allows visitors to participate in their own experiments.

One of the most popular areas of the museum is its aquarium, which is home to many species of ocean and freshwater life, especially those native to the region. This section also looks at the importance of water and water-related science like erosion.

Other museum exhibits include an exploration of the ways that art and technology intersect, as well as a variety of rotating and traveling exhibits. The museum also has an IMAX theater, which offers screenings of various films each day.

Address: 200 19th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama

Official site: www.mcwane.org

Set along the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay is a scenic area of Alabama's coastline. The area has beaches and historic areas, which attract both locals and tourists year-round.

Dauphin Island , located in the Bay, is a barrier island with a small town, which is also called Dauphin Island. This island has several things to see and do, including the historic Fort Gaines, which was established in the early 1800s and became an important outpost during the Battle of Mobile Bay. The island is also home to a freshwater lake, which is popular with swimmers, as well as an Audubon bird sanctuary .

The town of Fairhope is another tourist destination along Mobile Bay, located along its eastern shore. Fairhope Pier is popular for fishing, and the town has many outdoor recreational activities, including golf, tennis, and bicycling.

Nearby, the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provides amateur naturalists with the opportunity to explore diverse habitats. Elevated boardwalks and trails can be explored with a guide or independently.

Along the southeastern shores of Mobile Bay lie Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores is a top Alabama resort destination, home to plentiful activities for couples, families, and independent travelers.

Rosenbaum House was built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939 for newlyweds Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum. Located in Florence, the house is the only structure in Alabama designed by Wright. It is constructed of cypress, glass, and brick. The Usonian design features a flat, multi-level roof, and board and batten walls.

The house has its original Wright-designed furniture. The Rosenbaums were the only owners and occupants of Rosenbaum house until 1999, when it was purchased by the City of Florence and restored. It is the only house of Wright's in the southeast that is open to the public.

Address: 601 Riverview Drive, Florence, Alabama

Official site: http://wrightinalabama.com/

Located in Florence, the W.C. Handy Home and Museum is housed in the log cabin where this iconic musician was born and lived. Known as the " father of the blues ," Handy lived here when he wrote several of his most famous songs, including Beale Street Blues and Memphis Blues .

Visitors are able to see original sheet music hand-written by the artist, as well as other personal papers and artifacts. Collections on display also include several musical instruments, including his trumpet and piano, which he used while writing these songs.

Official site: https://www.wchandymuseum.org

Address: 620 West College Street, Florence, Alabama

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, located in Selma, explores the struggle for voting rights for American citizens, namely women and African-Americans. The museum is located at the site of the tragic 1965 "Bloody Sunday" attack on protesters who were marching from Selma to Montgomery.

Exhibits highlighting the lives and accomplishments of important African-American political and social figures are featured throughout the museum, including Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Jesse Jackson, and President Barack Obama. Additional exhibits focus on specific locations where monumental vote-related Civil Rights events occurred, like Albany, GA; Greenwood, MS; and Selma.

There are also displays that take a closer look at more general issues and events, including women's suffrage, non-violent protest, and extremist organizations like the KKK.

Address: 6 US Highway 80 East, Selma, Alabama

Official site: http://nvrmi.com/

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is home to a collection of more than 1,400 motorcycles, from some of the earliest and rarest models to modern machines. Around half of the collection is on display in the museum, and it is regularly rotated, so true aficionados will want to consider a repeat visit.

The collection, formed by former race car driver George Barber, gained notoriety shortly after the museum's opening in 1995, when several bikes were loaned to the Guggenheim Museum in New York for their exhibit, "Art of the Motorcycle."

A car lover as well, Barber's collection includes rare and coveted vehicles, including several models of Lotus. In addition to the museum itself, the grounds are home to a 930-acre park, which features a proving ground and 2.38-mile race track open to the public. Here, tourists can watch major auto manufacturers test new vehicles or even film a product reveal video.

Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama

Official site: www.barbermuseum.org

Regarded as the finest art museum in Alabama, The Birmingham Museum of Art features an extensive permanent collection, as well as changing exhibits. Among the permanent collection are examples of ancient and international folk art and fine art, including decorative arts.

The African gallery contains a variety of historic and contemporary work, ranging from traditional figures and ritual headdresses to fine beadwork and batik. The Asian gallery includes some of the museum's oldest artifacts, including bronzes and ancient earthenware.

The largest part of the permanent collection is European art, including fine art by artists like Pissarro and van Rijn and a huge selection of decorative arts, including silverwork, furniture, and porcelain.

The museum also hosts multiple temporary exhibits, which feature various themes, media, or artists and change regularly. The tiered grounds feature the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden and botanical displays.

Address: 2000 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama

Official site: www.artsbma.org

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Art is home to a large permanent collection, which focuses on American art. Among its most prized works are examples of etchings, watercolors, drawings, engravings, and woodcuts, which are remarkable for their preservation, a difficult task for paper-based media.

Prominent American artists like John Marin and Winslow Homer are featured, and there is an extensive exhibit dedicated to regional art and folk artists, with examples ranging from crafts to paintings.

Other areas of note include the African art collection, examples of fine porcelain in the decorative arts gallery, and a display of glassworks by leaders in the craft. The museum also hosts educational programs for both adults and children, as well as traveling exhibits from other museums.

Address: One Museum Drive, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: http://mmfa.org/

The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa began in 1827 and by 1831 had seven buildings on campus. Today, the campus is home to an art gallery; 50-acre arboretum; pre-Civil War classroom; two museums; and the Gorgas House, which now serves as a museum.

The Gorgas House , named for a former university president, General Josiah Gorgas, was built in 1829 as the first structure completed on the campus by renowned architect William Nichols. It is also one of only four structures that survived the burning of the university during the Civil War. Today, the house serves as a museum with collections of antiques and Gorgas family memorabilia.

The Alabama Museum of Natural History is located on campus in Smith Hall. Exhibits include displays from the Age of Dinosaurs, the Coal Age, and Ice Age. Visitors can also view the Hodges meteorite, the only meteorite known to have struck a human.

The Paul W. Bryant Museum traces the history of the University of Alabama football tradition back to its beginning in 1892. The collections highlight other sports played by university athletes as well.

Official site: www.ua.edu

Most people think of the Gulf of Mexico and beaches when they think of recreational opportunities in Alabama, but the inland areas and their unique ecosystems are well worth a look. Cheaha State park, Alabama's oldest park, is a wonderful place to visit to experience the hill country of Alabama.

Home to the state's highest peak, Cheaha Mountain (2,407 feet), this nearly 2,800-acre area is full of recreational opportunities. Camping, RVing, hiking, biking, and ATVing all top the list of things to do in the park.

Cheaha State Park is also chock-full of waterfalls just waiting to be explored on a steamy summer afternoon. The park is adjacent to the 392,567-acre Talladega National Forest, and several major trails traverse both areas.

The park makes a great weekend getaway from Birmingham or Atlanta. Accommodation for those not interested in camping can be found in historic lodges, A-frame chalets, and cabins.

Official site: https://www.alapark.com/parks/cheaha-state-park

This small zoo is home to over a hundred species, and is emerging as a respected safe-haven for endangered and threatened species. The residents here represent a surprisingly diverse population of mammals, birds, and reptiles, many of which were once abandoned animals who needed a second chance.

The primate exhibit is a top attraction, featuring more than 50 animals including spider, squirrel, and Capuchin monkeys, as well as Hamadryas baboons and marmosets. There are also several big cats including two Bengal tigers, a black leopard, and an African lion among others. Other mammals include an American black bear, an American alligator, a Eurasian lynx, and camels.

The zoo is also home to a selection of birds, from species like the umbrella cockatoo and Australian kookaburra, to flamboyant peacocks. Reptiles include tortoises, snakes, lizards, and iguanas.

Among the zoo's most popular programs are its Animal Adventure experiences, which give visitors the opportunity to get up close to some of the zoo's most popular residents. Ages three and older are welcome to sign up to meet kangaroos, lemurs, and two-toed sloths. Guests opting for the lemur adventure can even cuddle with the friendly critters – that is, if they aren't using you as a jungle gym!

There is also a petting zoo, where even the youngest visitors can meet and feed the gentlest of the animals, including sheep, deer, and goats.

Official site: http://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/

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Civil Rights in the South: Tourists can also find several historic sites in the neighboring states of Georgia and Mississippi , which each have many landmarks found on the Civil Rights Trail. Among the top tourist attractions in Atlanta, Georgia are the King Center, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Jackson, Mississippi is also home to several major attractions , like the Medgar Evers Home Museum, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and important sites along the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

The Gulf Coast: You may not immediately think of white-sand beaches when you think of Alabama, but the southern coast is home to some of the best resorts in the state. Many of these can be found in the vacation paradise of the Gulf Shores, where families and couples alike can find a wide range of things to see and do, including boat tours in the Gulf of Mexico. Beach lovers can also explore the sandy shores and attractions in Pensacola, Florida, where tourists flock for both day trips and ocean-side vacations.

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The Best Alabama Road Trip Itinerary for Your Next Adventure

January 19, 2022

Are you ready to learn the truth about the most misunderstood state in the US? This Alabama road trip itinerary will open your eyes, melt your heart and, quite possibly, change your life. 

Too much to promise for a simple driving itinerary? Allow me to explain…

See also 101 interesting facts about Alabama

Table of Contents

Your Perfect Alabama Road Trip Itinerary

Disclosure  – This project took place through a partnership with Alabama Tourism Department and America As You Like It. As ever, as always, we kept the right to write what we like. There’s really no point otherwise! Also, we use some affiliate links. That means that if you book or buy through some of these links then we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We still only recommend products and services we use ourselves. Again, no point otherwise!

Alabama Road Trip Map

White sands at sunset, dolphins in waves.

Space rocket launches and cavernous caves.

Mountains with lookouts, long trails of tears. 

Carnival, Mardi Gras, parties with cheers.

Writerly stories that reach through the age.

From Gatsby to Mockingbird, turning the page. 

Then footsteps and missteps, bombing and rage.

Forgiveness. 

Non-violence. A bus stop. A change?

Drive Alabama, a culture exchange.

Alabama’s beautiful beaches…

Why You Should Visit Alabama

Alabama isn’t one of those states that people know well. Even among friends and fellow travel writers, I heard question after incredulous question. Why are you going to Alabama? What is there to do in Alabama? And even, more than once, is it worth going to Alabama?!

Well, where should I start? With the white sand beaches, award-wining eco credentials and dolphins dipping at sunset? The rust and russet rolling peaks of the Appalachian mountains? The heartbreaking and heart-fixing stories of the civil rights movement through household names like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King?

Perhaps we’ll curl up with a good book? Choose from Truman Capote, Fiztgerald and Gatsby and Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Or party all year in Mobile, home to the oldest Mardi Gras in America.

Would the world’s biggest space museum blast your interest? Or how about some shrimp & grits, ribs in smoky barbecue sauce and a slice of pecan pie?

Yes, this Alabama road trip will sweep you through the Yellowhammer State in either seven, ten or fourteen days. But leave your prejudices at home.

Above all else, Alabama invites you to explore with an open mind.

Feeling overwhelmed with your travel plans? Check out our Travel Toolbox ©  and Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©.  They contain all the resources you need to get everything done, easily and with a side of sass.

Waking up excited every day!

How to Use This Alabama Road Trip Itinerary

There are many ways, obviously, to plan a road trip through Alabama but the highlights remain the same. This loop runs from New Orleans to New Orleans but other good ideas for Alabama road trips involve either driving in a loop from Atlanta, Georgia, or driving south to north from New Orleans to Tennessee. For international visitors, it’s easier to fly into one of the other states and then cross the state line.

7, 10 or 14 Nights in Alabama?

If you stay one night in each of the main places here, that makes a 7 day Alabama road trip itinerary. However, to do it this way, you have to move and pack fast. I would strongly recommend expanding it to make a 10 day road trip itinerary, and I’ve indicated in each section where and why you should spend extra time in a place. To craft a full 14 day or two week Alabama road trip itinerary, I would take your time with this one, then stop off in Monroeville for the night and make excursions to Selma and the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Muscle Shoals too.

Facing the Past

A road trip through Alabama brings up some big topics amid the great hospitality and sense of joy and fun, which is why it’s such a powerful thing to do. Alabama is not alone with this, at all, but the iconic moments relating to genocide, slavery, racism and colonialism that took place here leave Alabama with a unique historical footprint. It’s hard to serve the topics well within the framework of a travel itinerary, so please rest assured that I will be back with more in-depth articles and context through individual articles later.

Sorting out Logistics

Each section has an introduction as to why you should visit that part of Alabama followed by a fact box that details things like drive times, where to stay, where to sleep and so on. If ever you get lost, head to the table of contents or Alabama road trip map here.  

And don’t forget the Road Trip Planner & Toolkit© to help you plan an amazing trip!

Alabama Itinerary Overview

Here are the key stops on a 7 day Alabama road trip itinerary. The pace is pretty full on, so if you can, I’d suggest you extend this to either 10 days or two weeks to really make the most of things. I’ve added in where and how I would make those changes in the sections below.

• New Orleans
• Appalachian Mountains
• Monroeville

Gulf Shores

Carnival in Mobile: the longest running one in the US

The first thing to know about Mobile is how to pronounce it. Mo-beeeeel. Not Mo-baisle as in crocodile.

With that out of the way, you’re ready to enjoy one of the most colourful cities in the world: Mobile.

Often described as New Orleans’ little sister, on account of its wrought iron railings and love for carnival, Mobile, while smaller, actually came first. Named the capital of French Louisiana in 1702, a full fifteen years before New Orleans came into being, today’s Mobile oozes charm and speakeasy atmosphere on Dauphin Street, a mix of theatre, restaurants and bars beneath wrought iron railings and pastel painted facades.

Honestly, I’d recommend a visit for that street alone but Mobile has other tricks up its golden beaded sleeve.

Exploring a submarine in Alabama…

History in Mobile

The History Museum of Mobile gives a good introduction to the state’s history, including the often overlooked Native American struggles, along with some harrowing depictions of the realities of the slave trade. The sections are short but powerful and manageable for young children.

Just a short drive from speakeasy Downtown, you’ll find a mighty contrast at the Battleship Memorial Park. Enthusiasts could spend an entire day here, exploring the depths of a retired submarine, staring at the wings of a B-52 and then scaling the ladders of the Battleship USS Alabama. Retired service personnel offer anecdotes about living on top of a nuclear warhead deep below the sea for 90 days at a time and the entire setup gives an insight into the reality behind the most powerful military in the world.

Carnival in Mobile

Finally, we can’t talk about Mobile without talking about Carnival and the mystic societies. To say that Mardi Gras here is a big deal is to massively underplay the concept of big deals. It’s huge. Ginormous. Gigantic. Heck, someone throw a thesaurus over here fast, we need to talk about Carnival in Mobile!

It’s the longest running Mardi Gras in America, and if you can’t make the real deal in Spring, don’t despair. The Carnival museum will welcome you with fire breathing dragon floats, jewel-studded dresses that need ball bearings to help them travel along the floor, dinner pieces that would rival royalty and a glimpse into a secret world of striped pyjamas, kings, queens and the Excelsior band.

On Dauphin Street in Mobile…

Practical Tips for Mobile

Dauphin Street is a fun street to walk along and, with the right shoes, it’s possible to walk from there to the history museum and carnival museum. In fact, the walk is half the fun.

For the Battleship Memorial Park, however, you will need to drive. Parking on site is easy once you get there. Enjoy!

Why is Alabama called the Yellowhammer State?

First of all, let me spare you some embarrassment. Yellowhammer is nothing to do with industry or communism. It’s the name of a bird. Legend has it that a group of soldiers from Huntsville wore yellow trimmed clothes during the Civil War. They were nicknamed the yellowhammers and soon the term referred to anyone from Alabama. The yellowhammer now is the official state bird.

It’s just over two hours from New Orleans to Mobile on straight, main roads.

Where to Stay

• Mobile’s Riverview Plaza lives a short and colourful walk from both the atmospheric part of Downtown and the museum district. It pierces the sky like a magnified needle, offering great sunrise views across the industrial side of Mobile and its waterway. Both self-parking and valet parking are available but don’t worry too much about breakfast. It’s only a short walk to the inimitable Mo’Bay Beignets.

How Many Nights

We squeezed by with one night but to really enjoy and appreciate the museums, it would be a gift to have more time. Probably one and a half days here is ample, which my involve two nights depending on what time you need to arrive and leave.

Where to Eat

• Wintzell’s Oyster House – a no frills, welcoming oyster bar with fried green tomatoes, crab claw baskets and award-winning seafood gumbo.
• Mo’Bay Beignets – Mobile’s favourite coffee bar, bright and white Mo’Bay serves sugar dusted beignets with signature hot sauces that include butterscotch, cinnamon and gingerbread.
• Roosters – casual spot for South American inspired food. Worth a visit to see the size of the hot sauce counter!
• Noble South – highly recommended gourmet spot for Southern food like Shrimp & Grits
• The Mobile Carnival Museum – glittering gowns, dinner invitations, floats and mystic history.
• USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – clamber among a real submarine, battleship and fighter planes and start to understand the might of America’s military.
• Dauphin Street – atmospheric architecture and ambiance.
• The History Museum of Mobile and Fort Conde – a walk through how we got to where we are.
• Beignets at Mo’Bay Beignets – sugar dusted tradition.

Inside Tips

• I’d really recommend taking a tour around the Carnival Museum if possible. It’s such a huge part of life here that it’s good to be able to ask questions and dig a little deeper into the culture and tradition surrounding these magnificent parties. 

Montgomery. Cruel history and inspiring history all in one city.

Montgomery. It’s probably not a name that many people know, yet a few square miles in this state capital contain name upon name that all the world knows. Martin Luther King. Rosa Parks. Gatsby and his greatness.

What’s even more remarkable is how close together these places are. And that they represent but a drop in the wider Montgomery ocean.

Historic Hot Dogs

Start with a slice of history by walking in the footsteps of Elvis, Martin Luther King and all the governors of Alabama at the historic, humble… Chris’ Hot Dogs store.  Founded in 1917, this low-lit, low nonsense eatery serves up a vintage idea of America, through hot dogs and hot sauce, snug booths and retro fonts and the mountains and mountains of napkins. (Trust me, you’ll need them all…)

From there, it’s a sprint up the hill to the Dexter Avenue Memorial Church, a red brick building overshadowed at first, by the view up the hill of the white dome and columns of Alabama’s State Capitol Building.

And here’s where we need a quick trip to the history books.

What You Need to Know About Alabama’s State Capitol Building

In 1861, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the first president of the Confederacy on the very steps of the capitol building. For us non-Americans, the Confederates were the side that fought against Abraham Lincoln’s northern Union states. Some say it was a fight against overtaxation and northern tyranny. More say it was a fight to keep slavery as the bedrock of the economy.

Fast forward to 1955 and a time when Alabama was among one of the most segregated states in America. A 42 year old woman, Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat for a white man, resulting in arrest, protests, the Montgomery bus boycott and the rise to prominence of a truly great spokesman, one Martin Luther King.

He was also a preacher at the Dexter Avenue Memorial Church.

Martin Luther King’s Church

Today, the place has a modified name. The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church. Painted footprints mark the spot outside, symbolising the thousands who marched from Selma to Montgomery to campaign for fair voting rights. At the time, Governor George Wallace refused to accept the petition, vowing to extend segregation forever. At the 50 year anniversary, led by then President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King’s daughter walked up the steps to the Capitol and was received by the governor with tears and open arms. The original governor, Wallace, attended the church to beg forgiveness.

Wanda, a force of nature and our guide to the church, greets us there and invites us to stand on the tarmac. To walk in the footsteps of giants. And it’s from this point on that my professional interest melts into a blend of personal hope and shame.

African-American history is so brutal, so recent and so far from over. Yet progress came through campaign after campaign of powerful non-violence. And information in Montgomery arrives with a tsunami of human connection, hope and warm southern hospitality. It’s jarring and blurring and, for me, I would say, life changing. Forgive me, dear readers, for not expanding fully here. I need another article to do the subject justice. Subscribe or simply come back and watch this space.

That the church sits so close to the main government building seems a strange quirk of fate. So, too, the proximity of the Rosa Parks Museum near the stop where she boarded and the Freedom Riders Museum, in the original bus station attacked by a mob.

Hanging out with the costumes from the Great Gatsby at the Fitz Museum in Montgomery

Another Side of Montgomery

Away from the concrete and columns of Downtown Montgomery, the Cloverdale neighbourhood houses gardens galore. In one picturesque spot lives the Fitz Museum, marking the home of Zelda and F. Scott. Fitzgerald who lived here for a stint between 1931 and 1932.

It’s also guest house, with period Zelda and Scott suites upstairs, while manuscripts, photographs, cigarette holders and perfume bottles fill the rooms on the ground floor.

Further out again, surrounded by greenery, you’ll find the Alabama Shakespeare Festival housed in the Carolyn Blount Theatre. We caught a child-friendly performance of Cinderella but the theatre hosts a wide range of performances throughout the rest of the year.

Practical Tips for Montgomery

Bring plenty of tissues! Honestly, the stories and emotions that surround the monuments and people you will meet need time and space to sink in and breathe.

Beyond that, the Capitol Building, Chris’ Hot Dogs, and Dexter Avenue Church are in easy walking distance of one another. So, too are the Rosa Parks Museum and Freedom Riders Museum.

You will need to drive out to both the Fitz Museum and Alabama Shakespeare Festival so leave yourself plenty of time for those.

Oh, yes. And accept the mountains of napkins you will be given at Chris’s Hot Dogs. Believe me.

From Mobile to Montgomery, it’s a straightforward 2.5 hours on the road.

• Springhill Suites in Downtown Montgomery may win the prize for being the hotel I have spent the least actual time in, with our late night and early start. As with the other Springhill Suites, you’ll find parking, a grab and go breakfast buffet, shared laundry facilities and a convenient location.

Definitely more than one! Montgomery is a powerful, powerful place with many stories to tell. I believe you’d benefit from more time to put things into context and reflect, spacing out the time in each place mentioned. You could also consider visiting the new Legacy Museum: From Slavery to Incarceration and National Memorial for Peace and Justice.  This came highly recommended for adults but with question marks about its suitability for very young children.

• Chris’s Hot Dogs  – founded in 1917, this is the oldest family run restaurant in Alabama and has dished up hot dogs to Martin Luther King, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams and every Alabama governor since it opened.
• Dreamland BBQ  – this Alabama franchise began life in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1958, after Big Daddy Bishop received a visitation from God. Try out their signature BBQ sauce and hickory-fired ribs.
• The Alabama State Capitol Building – where so many poignant events took place.
• The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church – where Dr Martin Luther King Jr preached, just steps from the State Capitol Building.
• The Rosa Parks Museum and the section of road where she was arrested.
• The Freedom Riders Museum – in the bus station where people continued non violent protest against segregation.
• The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum – former home to the author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott. Fitzgerald.
• The Alabama Shakespeare Festival – impressive and active theatre amid great greenery and grounds
• Check out the events schedule at the Freedom Riders Museum. People who took part in the civil rights struggle at the time sometimes attend to speak about their experiences.

Why is Alabama Called the Heart of Dixie?

So, there are a few layers to this. Alabama sits at the heart of a number of southern States who go (or used to go) by the name of Dixie. This dates back to the time when Louisiana printed bank notes with the French word for ten: dix. Dix (pronounced deece) became dixie as a general term for the southern states and an active PR campaign in the 1940s and 50s sought to make it Alabama’s official nickname.

So, what’s the problem? Well, those southern States largely formed the Confederacy, the losing side of the American Civil War, and the side that fought to continue the slave trade. Plus, the term Dixie was made popular through blackface minstrel shows.

As a result, it’s a term that some feel evokes a romantic idea of an era in which racism and slavery were celebrated.

Not everyone feels this way but it’s good to be aware of the controversy before you go.

Walking in Little River Canyon in the Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains

Nothing takes you right back to the present like nature. And somehow, she also manages to spirt you to the past and future as well.

The Appalachian Mountains may start life as far north as Newfoundland in Canada, but they tumble into Alabama with a soothing rise and fall that undulates with deep green in the summer and orange needled tapestries in autumn.

The Trail of Tears

But for all the beauty, there’s heartache to find here too. Look out for a series of landmarks that commemorate the lives lost between 1830 – 1850 when the US government forcibly removed Native Americans from Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee to land west of the Mississippi in Oklahoma. Thousands died through starvation and exposure along the route which the Cherokee refer to as “the trail of tears.”

Little River Canyon National Preserve sits on the aptly named Lookout Mountain near the quirky town of Fort Payne and DeSoto State Park. It’s so hard to imagine today, but in 1838, US soldiers and local militia rounded up approximately 1100 Cherokee men, women and children, placed them in stockades and then marched them for 798 miles without adequate food and supplies.

Look out for the small plaques which invite you to reflect on this history.

Hiking & Driving Little River Canyon

In today’s world, though, friendly Park Rangers and a well stocked visitor’s centre make it an easy outdoor space to explore. Walking trails pass by landmarks like Little River Falls and, if you have the nerve, the skill and the right weather conditions, you can take to the rapids yourself.

A beautiful drive wiggles and weaves along the rim of the canyon , or so I’m reliably told. We arrived amid the twilight mist so rather than elegant hiking and staring out to the flame edged horizon, I yelped in and out of the car at each lookout point in a race against the darkness clouding the sky. Crow point overlook. Wolf creek overlook. I stood on each point in the shadows, wondering what lay below. Go, voyage during daylight and let me know what I missed!

Cathedral Caverns: one of the biggest cave systems in the world

Cathedral Caverns

Under normal circumstances, I’m not much of a cave person. Too many bad experiences with too much darkness and too many banged heads (or is that one head banged several times – Ed?)

But Cathedral Caverns really did live up to its name. It’s cavernous, possibly the third largest cave of its kind in the world, and the melting, melding display of stalactites and stalagmites in one section of the cavern really does resemble a cathedral (and in another beautiful moment, our tour guide was called Kavan. Seriously. Say it out loud…)

And for the first time in forever, as they say in Disney, it recalibrated my discomfort with darkness. Forty minutes into the cavern on well lit pathways and our Kavan switched off the lights. Complete, total darkness. Darkness I’ve not found anywhere else. At first fear, panic, dizziness, and a primitive need to protect baby Lab. Then, a kind of peace, a requirement to relinquish control, to stand in the moment, to trust a virtual stranger that everything would be fine.

When studded fairy lights punctured the darkness, the display was honestly magical.

Practical Tips for Exploring the Appalachian Mountains in Alabama

First of all, check out hiking checklist here.

Second of all, make a stop into one of the visitor centres or arrange to meet up with a Park Ranger. These are American parks so, in general, paths are well maintained and well signposted but they can still be dangerous.

Never assume that it’s safe to swim or dive in the water and learn about what to do if you see a bear.

You’ll find the small towns, like Mentone and Fort Payne, reasonably well stocked and beautifully quirky places to visit but if you need any specialist equipment or medication, make sure you have it before you set off.

In Little River Canyon, the walk past Little River Falls and back in a loop is easily manageable with young children. Enjoy!

Montgomery to Fort Payne is three hours but this can easily be longer. In good weather, you’ll likely want to stop and take photos through the scenic drive in Talladega National Forest. In bad weather, visibility will be lower and you’ll need to go slow on the fairly winding roads.

• Winston Place B&B l ooks like a museum from Gone with the Wind, set in an antebellum neoclassical mansion in the small town of Mentone. It’s no surprise that it’s on the National Register of Historic Places, with its white columns, spacious verandah and grand lawn out front. Inside, rooms keep the historic ambiance, with fireplaces, floral furniture, lace edged tablecloths and more. Yet you get all the modern comforts you’d expect, plus access to a washing machine. Breakfast is a full southern experience, with everything from pancakes to grits with fresh coffee.

If the weather is good and you love to hike, then you could spend days on end here. If you would just like a taste of the place and are likely to hit bad weather, then one night will work nicely.

• Vintage 1889 in Fort Payne – lunch on raspberry chicken and flatbread tomato pie in this quirky 125 year old historic Big Mill. Kids will love the life size fire engine that sticks out of the wall. Adults will love the antique trinkets, posters and memorabilia.
• Elevation Bistro in Mentone – chic and candlelit, Elevation Bistro serves top quality fare with locally sourced ingredients taking on far off dishes like French onion soup and sundried tomato and mozzarella balls.
• Hiking through forests and waterfalls in Little River Canyon.
• Touring one of the largest underground cave systems in the world at Cathedral Caverns State Park.
• Pausing at the Trail of Tears in remembrance of the Native Americans forced from this land.
• Driving along the edge of a canyon and perching on rocky outcrops on part of the Lookout Mountain Parkway.

Look out for Park Rangers in the beautiful State Parks. They are on duty to help out and are incredibly knowledgable about the local area. Look out for Kaleb, in particular, say hi from this article and check that he took the chair back to Winston Place B&B. He’ll know what it means ;-)

Looking at rockets in the Huntsville Space Center

Huntsville: Rocket City

Rocket City wants you to have a blast. Yes, it’s the city of dad jokes and home to the largest space museum on earth. If driving along Clinton Avenue and seeing the tip of a 36 storey Saturn V moon rocket rising into the sky like a spire doesn’t shiver your space timbers, then it’s quite possible that you have timbers that cannot be shivered.

As the site of America’s first ever satellite launch, Huntsville has quite the reputation as the tech powerhouse of Alabama. The city itself is expanding faster than expected and you’ll find over 100 different languages and dialects within the city limits.

Yet Huntsville also has time to slow down and play. Its 112 acres of Botanical Gardens offer nature’s answer to tech: transformed over Christmas into a Galaxy of Lights.

And if you haven’t yet had your fill of neoclassical southern mansions yet, then a ride through Huntsville’s historical district will give another glimpse into the architecture of another age.

Most of all, though, make sure you leave enough time to fully explore the space museum. Even if a tip like that is not really rocket science (boom!) it is out of this world (double boom!)

Practical Tips for Huntsville

Around a third of the exhibits at the space museum are outside, and some of the rides will be awkward if you’re wearing a skirt. Plan for that with your packing and when you get dressed in the morning!

From Mentone in the Appalachian Mountains to Huntsville is around one hour and a half, one of the shortest drives on this trip.

• The Springhill Suites from Marriott in Downtown Huntsville form a convenient base for catching your breath in between the Space Center and the next stop in Birmingham. Parking is on site, breakfast is a quick grab and go and you’ll find a self-operated laundry to catch up with what you need to do on your road trip.

Space enthusiasts should leave a whole day to explore US Space and Rocket Center, meaning that you need two nights if you want to see anything else.

• Rhythm on Monroe – a fun place to pick up a Honky Tonk Whiskey Woman cocktail, some stylish shrimp & grits or biscuits and gravy and a grilled cheese sandwich for the little ones.
• Stovehouse – a former factory now converted into a cool urban leisure area, with outdoor dining from a range of eateries, a children’s play area and music drifting into the night. Follow the sign that says no firearms and only moderate, not excessive, horsejackery.
• The US Space and Rocket Center with its moondust, real relics, interactive exhibits and gravity defying rides.
• Historic Huntsville – stroll or drive through this beautiful neighbourhood of period properties or else attend an event run by the Historic Huntsville Foundation.
• Huntsville Botanical Gardens   – 112 acres of earth education and greenery. We were in town for the festive extravaganza, the Galaxy of Lights night show.
• Leave yourself plenty of time for the US Space and Rocket Center. It’s the largest place of its kind on earth, and you’ll need at least half a day if not more.

Pit Stop in Decatur: Natural History and Big Bob’s BBQ

For another taste of life in Albama, make a stop in Decatur, just south of Huntsville.

A Local Landmark: Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ

Where to Eat: Big Bob’s

Big Bob Gibson’s is the only name in town, with a big smokehouse out back ready to barbecue just about any kind of meat. We arrived at lunchtime, amid a working, check-shirted crowd, with barely a table free.

Big Bob’s is famous for a number of things, most notably their white barbecue sauce, a mayonnaise based tangy sauce with paprika, mustard and a dash of garlic.

What to See: Alabama’s Biodiversity

The Cook Museum of Natural Science is an absolute must see for the kids but if you’re new to Alabama, I’d recommend a visit for adults as well. Through fresh and imaginative interactive exhibits, you can not only get up to speed with tides, gemstones and the latest on the solar system, but you get an appreciation of Alabama’s biodiversity as well.

For, somewhat surprisingly, Alabama is America’s Amazon , an area with more species than anywhere else in the country.

Get up close with turtles and alligators, learn more about Alabama’s complex cave systems and stand eye to eye with the local black bears (yes, bears!)

Finally, leave inspired by both the story and the mission of the place. The Cook began life as a collection of bugs in a pest control company. The owner used his collection to train new recruits. Over time, staff brought their children to see the collections and from there, the spark of an idea for a museum was born.

The museum has an ethos as well: life is amazing. The first gallery prompts you to “look closer” and it’s another way for Alabama to invite you to think a little deeper, reach higher and get more out of each and every single day.

Don’t miss the pecan pie at Big Bob’s.

Birmingham by name, Birmingham by nature. Unlike so many cities in the world, Birmingham was built by design and built without basing itself around a river. Instead, in the mid 19th century, a group of industrialists decided to create an industrial city in the middle of Alabama, using the railroad instead of the waterways to connect it to the world. And so they did.

The Vulcan Centre, high on a vertiginous plain that overlooks the city, offers an appropriately severe introduction to the city. First, there is the giant himself, Vulcan. Bare bottomed and wielding tools that use fire to bend metal, his presence is a cross between a threat and a welcome to residents and visitors alike.

Then, there is the Vulcan Center, an introduction to the place as much as the man, charting the arrival of workers, from the recently emancipated plantation workers to Italian and Jewish immigrants desperate to start a new life. The museum covers the construction of this behemoth sculpture (the foot stands taller than a man) and the uniting force of Baseball.

But it is for civil rights that most people know the name Birmingham, Alabama, and not, it is fair to say, for all the best reasons.

Birmingham Civil Rights Monuments

Clustered together, just half a mile from the historic Tutwiler hotel, lie a trinity of core Civil Rights landmarks. The erudite Birmingham Civil Rights Institute , the evocative Kelly Ingram Park and the heartbreaking story of the 16th Street Baptist Church.

It was within these walls on 15th September 1963 when four girls were preparing for Sunday school, that Ku Klux Klan terrorists bombed the church and stole their lives. The scripture they were studying at the time was this:

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44.

Practical Tips for Birmingham

In practical terms, Birmingham is an emotionally tough though important place to visit. The three core places are close together so it is just about possible to visit all three in one morning, as we did, but I would recommend you leave yourself more time.

The tour through the 16th Street Baptist church is incredibly powerful and it feels rude to rush it. The BCRI is self-guided and the amount of time you will need depends on how much of the history you already know.

While in theory, you can walk around the Kelly Ingram park in minutes, the reality is that I needed time with those sculptures to try to sift through my heavy thoughts and emotions. It’s not a place to rush through, any more than a war or holocaust memorial.

On that note, look out for graphic depictions of lynchings in the BCRI and a graphic description of the bombing in the 16th Street Baptist Church. It’s a personal parental choice but I feel that both could be absolutely terrifying for very young children. I distracted Rosa through the audiovisual parts so that she has an overview of that history but doesn’t suffer from nightmares from something she cannot unsee.

As with so many parts of this Alabama road trip itinerary, I will be writing more about these topics in separate articles. Stay tuned and watch this space.

It’s another short drive of only around 90 minutes from Huntsville to Birmingham, a little longer if you take the detour to Decatur.

• A designated National Historic Landmark, the grand Tutwiler Hotel is now owned and run as part of the Hampton Inn & Suites under the Hilton umbrella. It’s only a 4 minute drive from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and has valet parking on site. It also has a waffle maker on the breakfast buffet options…

One is possible, two is ideal, since you won’t want to rush through the 16th Street Baptist Church and BCRI.

• Blueprint on 3rd – absolutely gorgeous Brasserie with historical Sloss Furnaces as a backdrop, industrial Art Deco decor and a fabulous fresh cocktail list.
• Pizitz Food Hall – something of a local landmark within reach of the BCRI with black and white floor tiles and a range of modern global food stalls.
• The Vulcan Statue that towers over the city and the museum that tells its story.
• The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – an interpretive museum and research centre.
• Kelly Ingram Park – an outdoor park on the Civil Rights Trail with emotive sculptures.
• 16th Street Baptist Church – the site of an attack by the KKK which killed four young girls at Sunday school.

Try to time your visit to the Vulcan Center to align with sunset. It’s mesmerising to watch all the lights flicker into life across this impressive industrial city.

Monroe County Museum in Alabama

Monroeville and the Mockingbird

Between Birmingham and the coast lies a beautiful small town that seems somehow familiar. The layout of the streets. The shape of the courthouse. The song of the mockingbird?

Could this, could this just be Maycomb, Alabama, the fictional town from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird?

Why yes, Miss Maudie, it is.

Welcome to Monroeville, a small village and home to childhood friends Harper Lee and Truman Capote. And you can visit Monroe County Museum to learn more about them both.

The museum itself contains Capote’s blue glass souvenirs and crazy quilt coat, as well as a 1930s lawyer’s office, a home for Atticus Finch. But it’s the courtroom that stands out, as the original inspiration for both the book and the 1962 movie with Gregory Peck.

Practical Tips for Monroeville

The museum is small and you can easily zip in and out in between Birmingham and Gulf Shores on this Alabama Road Trip itinerary. But I really wish we’d stayed at least overnight.

Monroeville Main Street oozes with small town southern charm and you can follow a Mockingbird trail to piece together the likely Boo Radley house and school.

It’s a great place to visit with young children to introduce the concept of the justice system and with older ones to help them gain a deeper appreciation of the Mockingbird text.

• Read more about the town that inspired Maycomb here.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach bring a sense of lightness and hope to this Alabama Road Trip itinerary. Not just becuase days seem better at the beach and sunshine makes everyone feel better.

But because the place has managed to turn an environmental disaster into a success.

From Oil Disaster to Eco Success

In 2010, the largest marine oil spill in history took place as Deepwater Horizon slicked five million barrels of oil along the Gulf Coast after 11 people lost their lives on the rig. Traced back to reckless conduct on behalf of BP, the courts ordered the company to pay compensation to the tune of around 20 billion dollars.

When a slice of those funds arrived in Gulf Shores, a decision had to be made. Rebuild as normal? Or use the funds to truly rebuild better?

Landmark Eco Development

Gulf Shores decided to be bold and the result is one of the most genuinely eco-friendly resorts in the world. The Lodge by Hilton may not look as eco-pretty as you might expect but the credentials are sound. LEED Gold, SITES Platinum and FORTIFIED Commercial TM certification put the paperwork in order, making it the first building in the world to achieve that status.

Beyond that, the resort generates 110% of its electricity, meaning that it sells some back to the grid. It reuses water from air conditioning units, installed solar panels for power, made its windows bird strike friendly and developed amber lights that don’t disturb turtles. And more. The ins and outs of how this has been achieved deserves an article in its own right and believe me, I’ll be writing more about this.

Looking at Lake Shelby

Eco Pretty Eagle Cottages

And if you do want eco pretty, then Gulf Shores has that for you as well. We stayed in the stunning Eagle Cottages in Gulf State Park, overlooking the lapping shores of Lake Shelby. You’ll still see high rises if you lean forward and crane your neck. But sit back or cycle along the path and you could be miles from anywhere.

Eagle Cottages also have sustainability at the forefront of their mission, partnering with National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World initiative when it was in operation. From the cottages, you can attend lectures in the Learning Center and join a sustainability tour, as well as the more conventional hiking trips to learn about local plants and berries and track down bald eagles nesting.

Family friendly nature activities in Gulf State Park

Practical Tips for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

When we visited in December, it was easy to get around and warm enough to eat outside or stroll around on the dunes without jackets. However, no one was in the sea and you wouldn’t want to lie around sunbathing.

On the flip side, apparently when the sunshine comes, so do the crowds and then you need to plan a little more strategically.

The Wharf in Orange Beach is a good place for restaurants and shops, while Gulf State Park is a great place to connect with nature.

From Birmingham to Gulf Shores is five hours on the road, longer if you take the detour to Monroeville for To Kill a Mockingbird. The drive is beautiful by day but tougher going by night, with risks of deer collisions as well. Consider yourself advised!

• The gorgeous Eagle Cottages in Gulf State Park. These stand-alone villas have views across the water, bicycles to ride around the park and a delicious welcoming basket of cheese, cured meats and honey. They’re part of a bigger eco project in Gulf Shores and provide a sense of getting away from it all. More about them later!

With white sand beaches and the lapping shores of Lake Shelby from Eagle Cottages, you could easily spend a week here to relax and recharge. Sit on the verandah for bird watching. Cycle through Gulf Shores State Park. Scrunch your toes on the sand and swim if it’s warm enough… But if you only have time for one night, then don’t skip this place. Head there and embrace the time you have!

• Villaggio Grille on The Wharf in Orange Beach brings a quality touch to modern dining, with a range of Italian dishes.
• Foodcraft at The Lodge in Gulf State Park features traditional American dishes like shrimp & grits with locally sourced ingredients and a calming sea and sand view.
• The white sand, sea views and dolphins at sunset.
• Lake Shelby views from Eagle Cottages.
• Bald eagles nesting in Gulf State Park.
• Forward thinking eco credentials.
• Leisure activities at The Wharf, Orange Beach.
• Take a nature trail from Eagle Cottages and look out for nesting bald eagles.

Self-drive and DIY or use a tour operator?

To be honest, either would work when planning a road trip through Alabama. The roads are easy, the language is easy, the booking systems are easy. You can definitely plan the components by yourself based on this itinerary and take care of the whole thing.

That said, tour operators do offer certain advantages. First of all, they can access cheaper deals, particularly with flights and car hire. And second of all, they keep up to date with the travel news while you are away.

For this trip, America As You Like It managed to find cheaper flights and car hire than I did (and I am a pro at finding deals after a decade of professional travel.) They also followed the changes in Covid restrictions while we were away, which was a huge relief and freed me up from spending hours squinting at my phone and making sure that I was up to date.

So, particularly in Covid times, I would recommend using a tour operator. Check out the Alabama itineraries from America As You Like It here.

Top: Shrimp & Grits. Bottom: Biscuits & Gravy

What to Eat in Alabama

An entire article awaits, but for now, here are the highlights:

• Shrimp & grits
• Beignets in Mobile
• White BBQ Sauce at Big Bob Gibson’s Barbecue
• Biscuits and gravy
• Fried green tomatoes
• Make your own waffles at a breakfast station
• Chicory coffee

Meeting Dorothy from the Freedom Riders Museum. People risked their lives to make travel through Alabama safe… Her message now is to come!

When to Visit Alabama

There’s never a bad time to visit Alabama but as the state has different regions (the tech north, cotton middle and swampy south) the best time of year depends on what you want to do. To help get your bearings, Alabama borders Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi. The highest point is Cheaha Mountain in Cheaha State Park.

The beaches in the south are hottest (and busiest) during June to September but pleasant to visit in December, though outdoor pools and a swim in the sea is pretty much out. The Appalachian mountains can be enjoyed year round with few extremes, but check the details if you wish to go rafting or spot certain wildlife. Lookout mountain looks stunning with autumn foliage.

For the civil rights sightseeing, both spring and autumn work well and winter is possible with a warm coat, hat and gloves.

Flights to Alabama

Alabama has a number of airports but the big international hubs lie just outside the state. We travelled in and out of New Orleans (MSY), driving a loop through the state of Alabama. You can follow the same approach from Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) or Nashville, Tennessee (BNA.)

A fun route for an Alabama Road Trip looks to be from New Orleans to Nashville or vice versa. However, bear in mind that you will have to pay a supplementary fee if you do not return your hire car to the same place you picked it up.

I’d always recommend looking for flights and routes on Skyscanner and also checking with a tour operator as they can sometimes access deals that consumers can’t. In our case, we used America As You Like It as a partner of this project.

Safety While Driving in Alabama

It’s pretty safe to drive in Alabama. Roads are in excellent condition, well signposted and with frequent fuel stations and rest breaks. Parking is easy since most places have their own car parks and even the winding roads in the mountains are missing some of the tight and fright-filled hairpin turns you’ll find in older European villages.

You do have to be careful driving at night away from the main roads, though, as deer can cause considerable damage on impact. We were generally advised to drive by day for this reason.  Plus, it’s more fun to see the landscapes change as you drive on by.

Is Alabama Safe for People of Colour?

Given Alabama’s prominent and painful very recent past, I was asked this question several times both before I set off and while we were on the road. Since the three of us all have pale skin, we can’t answer that question from a personal perspective.

But I did ask people we met along the way, which obviously is a limited sample. Everyone I spoke to, whether Black or White, seemed horrified by the question and confident that people of colour would receive just as warm a welcome as those with white skin.

No one said it was perfect, though. “No different to anywhere else in America,” was the general gist. “We can do better,” was the other.

To get some modern context, Alabama’s population currently stands at around 74% White & 24% Black, with the remaining 1-2% consisting of American Indian and Asian according to the 2010 Alabama census.

If you are worried about this, it may be worth you reading this article from the Yellowhammer news.

You can wear almost anything you like in Alabama…

What to Wear in Alabama

In general, Alabama has a fairly relaxed dress code for its residents and visitors, unless you’re talking about Mardi Gras when costumes matter a lot. The weather varies enormously, though, both throughout the year and throughout the state.

The south is sticky and tropical for most of the year, cooling off a little in December – February. Whereas, Birmingham and further north can get bitingly cold in winter, as can the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. But you won’t find yourself hemmed in with snow as in Alaska.

Overall, I’d recommend packing a pair of long jeans and trousers, a combination of long and short sleeved tops, a sweater, blazer or jacket, hiking shoes and going out shoes and one or two dresses if that’s your thing.

What to Pack for Alabama

Whenever you travel anywhere, check out our Travel Toolbox © and ultimate travel packing list. And for an Alabama Road Trip, of course it makes sense to consult our list of road trip essentials here.  Beyond that, I’ll highlight the following:

• Reusable water bottle and travel cutlery to cut down on plastic.
• A travel adapter like this if your appliances are not from the US. 
• Sat Nav or an in car phone holder if you plan on using your phone for navigation. 
• Some plastic bags for rubbish. 
• Some road trip snacks (although food is very easy to come by on the road.)
• Comfy shoes for making the most of the important museums, trails and Downtown areas. 
• An open mind. Cheesy but true ;-)
• And, erm, stretchy waistbands. Food is tasty, plentiful and not all that light!

More on Travel in the United States

We love a good road trip through America. It’s such a fascinating country to drive through with so many different landscapes, stories, peoples and cultures.

Check out our American road trip itineraries:

• Your two week road trip from New Orleans
• A fly-drive itinerary for the west coast in Florida
• Driving Massachusetts: road trips from Boston
• Your perfect road trip through Alabama

Read more about Alabama here:

• Meet the real Maycomb from Harper Lee’s Mockingbird
• 101 Interesting facts about Alabama
• The beach in Alabama that is changing the world. Seriously.

And our useful prep guides here:

• The Travel Toolbox ©
• The international travel checklist you can print and download
• Your printable road trip checklist  PDF
• Our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©

Bookmark this road trip Alabama itinerary on Pinterest for later… 

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