A region rich in history, natural beauty and friendly communities, holidays to Alabama take you off the beaten track to deliver a slice of modern Americana. Discover Alabama’s natural beauty, starting at the award winning white sand beaches that line the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Laze in the sunshine with a cocktail in hand or discover the bountiful wildlife in the marshes, beaches, swamps and dunes of Dauphin Island. Follow the rivers inland and you will discover mountains, caves and adventure aplenty in the foothills of the Appalachians where kayaking, hiking, fishing and camping are all popular pastimes.
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the ultimate beach lover’s destinations. The Gulf of Mexico’s warm turquoise waters offer a host of activities including dolphins cruises, deep sea or pier fishing and parasailing, whilst those wishing to take a break from the beach can hike and bike the backcountry trail, kayak the back bays or have a round of golf. The dining options are endless here, including the freshest Gulf seafood possible. In fact, many of the restaurants will cook what you catch on your fishing excursion.
For those looking for culture, tradition, great food and festival vibes head to Mobile. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful skyline reflecting off the bay; Mobile is more than just incredibly good-looking. Mobile has one-of-a-kind museums, stunning French architecture, fresh seafood, and it knows how to throw a party. The country’s first Mardi Gras was celebrated here, and the festivities continue each year with parades all month long.
No visit to Alabama is complete without learning about the state’s dark legacy of segregation, and the important role its people and cities have played in bringing about change in the United States with the Civil Rights Movement. In Alabama you can visit the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and take the Civil Rights Trail in Montgomery. Literature lovers can also time their visit to coincide with a performance of Harper Lee’s poignant novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, which is set in Alabama.
For those in search of the perfect hub to visit Alabama’s great spots, look no further than Birmingham but don’t be fooled, the state’s largest city packs a punch too. The incredible dining scene has seen Birmingham’s very own Highlands Bar & Grill restaurant voted the most outstanding restaurant in the whole of America by the James Beard foundation. Alternatively you can catch your favourite artist at the world-famous Alabama Theater or explore the world of science and discovery at the McWane Science Center.
Huntsville is where they invented the rocket that sent us “To the Moon!”. The Rocket City, famous for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which continues to be the state’s most visited attraction, is enjoying a renaissance with restaurants, shops, craft breweries and other social hotspots popping up everywhere and thriving.
Music fans will adore Alabama, where live music has been part of the heart and soul of communities for generations. Visit the seminal music studios in Muscle Shoals, enjoy one of the many music festivals that take place through the year and catch live jazz, blues, rock and country at almost every bar and bandstand you pass. With an ever-growing farm-to-table food scene taking advantage of Alabama’s coast and farmlands, it’s no wonder that holidays to Alabama are becoming so popular with return visitors to the beautiful and diverse USA.
What you’ll love most about Alabama
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast, with soft white sands and warm turquoise waters. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, or simply stroll along the shore and watch the sunset
- Explore Alabama’s rich civil rights history along the Civil Rights Trail. Visit landmarks like the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, and learn about the struggle for equality in America
- Discover the capital city of Montgomery, known for its role in the civil rights movement and its historic landmarks. Visit the Alabama State Capitol, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the Freedom Rides Museum, and explore the vibrant downtown area
- Explore the “Rocket City” of Huntsville, home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Learn about the history of space exploration, see rockets and spacecraft up close, and enjoy hands-on exhibits and interactive displays
- Experience the port city of Mobile, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, explore the historic districts of downtown Mobile, and enjoy fresh seafood and Southern cuisine along the waterfront
- Feel the thrill of NASCAR racing at the Talladega Superspeedway, one of the largest and fastest tracks in the world. Watch high-speed races, enjoy tailgating with fellow fans, and experience the excitement of this iconic motorsports venue