With so many incredible places to visit in Alabama, you'll have to plan wisely to see them all in one trip.
About Alabama
Alabama is nicknamed "The Heart of Dixie" for good reason. The southern state is brimming with a wide variety of events and attractions that pump new life into all who travel within its borders. Alabama consistently ranks as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, thanks in large part to its rich cultural heritage, modern entertainment options and its stunning natural resources.
Top Places to Visit in Alabama
Alabama is an especially attractive vacation spot for families. The region is home to a number of indoor historical and educational attractions, which cater to kids of all ages. In addition, Alabama also boasts fabulous recreational opportunities that offer families a chance to relax and spend quality time in the great outdoors.
The following are some of the top places to visit in Alabama during your next road trip:
For History Buffs
- The National African American Archives And Museum: This must-visit site in Alabama is filled with photographs, books, furniture, decorations, and various other items that are document African American history.
- Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site: This awe-inspiring attraction is dedicated to African-American pilots who made history defending our country during wartime. Visitors are allowed to tour the actual site where the historic airmen were trained. In addition, visitors can tour exhibits that detail the milestones accomplished by these brave pilots.
- U.S.S. Alabama Battleship: This celebrated tourist attraction is filled with a litany of interesting war-related artifacts. In addition to being able to tour the historic World War II battleship and submarine, visitors also get the chance to view different airplane models and battle records.
- Helen Keller's Birthplace, Ivy Green: Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and the state has gone to great lengths to preserve her birthplace. The attraction is home to the Helen Keller festival, which is held annually during the last weekend of June. It includes arts, crafts and entertainment for the whole family.
For Science and Sports Enthusiasts
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Located in Huntsville, this structure dedicated to space exploration is one of Alabama's most visited attractions. Kids of all ages will love experiencing life as an astronaut in the center's realistic rides and space flight simulators. In addition, visitors are welcome to tour real space rockets used in several space missions, including the Saturn V and Saturn I.
- Southern Museum of Flights: No trip to Birmingham is complete without a stop at this comprehensive flight museum. In addition to getting a first-hand look at how pilots guide some of the world's largest aircraft, you can also take the controls of a flight simulator and tour a grand collection of vintage and military planes.
- International Motorsports Hall of Fame Museum: The museum, located next to the Talladega Superspeedway, is a Mecca for racecar fans. The history of motorsports is chronicled in the museum, which houses a number of exciting exhibits, including the Budweiser rocket car--the first car to break the speed of sound.
For Nature Lovers
- Russell Cave National Monument: Travel back in time during a visit to this Jackson County gem, which was once inhabited by ancient Northern Americans from as early as 6500 B.C. The cave provides a glimpse at the way the earliest humans lived.
- Chickasabogue Park: Covering more than 1000 acres in Mobile County, this massive outdoor recreation and wildlife refuge has something for everyone. Families can camp, canoe, bike, hike, picnic, swim, or stroll in the park from dawn until dusk.
- DeSoto Caverns Park: Located southeast of Birmingham, this natural treasure is one of the state's most popular outdoor attractions. The park is home to the state's biggest cave, which rises 12 stories high and encompasses more land than a football field. Don't forget to visit the burial site of Woodland Indians. Their memorial provides a glimpse of how the land's original inhabitants lived centuries ago.
