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The Dinner Table of the South

Fast becoming the premiere destination for foodies across the southeast, we have something for every palate. Come eat and drink in Birmingham - Your taste buds will thank you.

Where to Stay

The hotels in and around Birmingham are more than simply a place to lay your head overnight. From location and amenities options to reputation and price, the right accommodations can play a critical role in your overall experience. Find a place that’s right for you.

Why Birmingham?

Your Guide to the Best Dining in Greater Birmingham.

Specialized, curated itineraries designed to appeal to specific tastes and individual interests while showcasing the best Birmingham has to offer.

Check out an exhaustive guide to all of the great breweries in Greater Birmingham!

From award-winning Robert Trent Jones at Ross Bridge to Highland Park in the heart of downtown, one of the surrounding...

Birmingham is the rare culinary destination that blends groundbreaking creativity with a warm, unpretentious welcome.

Whether you have a free day in Birmingham, are planning a three day weekend away, or have a week to...

Birmingham is a city with lots of fun things to do for all ages---and some things you must ought to...

Get up, get out and get ready to be amazed at what you’ll experience on our trails, waterways, and green...

Naturally, we have college football here. But IndyCar racing? Professional Soccer? Championship baseball? Yep, we have all that, too. Plus...

Whether you’re looking for some live tunes or maybe even a livelier bar scene, what you’ll find here is a...

Hit your clubs in the morning. Then hit our clubs at night.

Stop by our Visitor Information Centers conveniently located in and around Birmingham

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Welcome to Our City!

The best way to kick off your stay here in Mobile is to stop by our Welcome Center. Whether it is your first visit or you're one of our regulars, the  Welcome Center  is stocked with all the information one could need to truly experience Mobile! 

Conveniently located right downtown on the first floor of the  History Museum of Mobile  (pretty fitting location for the oldest city in Alabama)! Stop on by to pick up maps, brochures, visitor guides or catch a tour. Our helpful staff will be there to answer any questions you have about our city, attractions, dining and exploring-and happy to share their personal favorite "Mobile Must Do's."

111 S. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36602   251-208-7304 

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Where the tide rolls all year long.

Thank you for stopping by! At Visit Tuscaloosa, we are individuals who want to help you create legendary experiences. Contact us directly with any questions you have regarding your upcoming trip to Tuscaloosa, the heart of West Alabama.

Need a Visitor’s Guide?

Our Visitor’s Guide is a wonderful resource to help plan your visit, especially as we upgrade our digital experience. Whether it’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, or entertainment, this guide is a great place to begin. For your convenience, you may view a digital copy by submitting this form . While the digital and hard copies are identical, we would be glad to mail a copy if a mailing address is provided.

Looking for a place to stay during your visit?

See our hotel list, which includes virtual tours for many of our properties, to get all of the information you need for your stay in Tuscaloosa.

About Our City

Located in the heart of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa is a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Home to the renowned University of Alabama and located along the Black Warrior River, you’ll find a walkable Downtown that’s complete with live music, outdoor spaces to explore, and local restaurants to meet every palate. Not too big. Not too small. It’s how we roll.

“Bryce Hospital Coal Mines” presented by Historic Tuscaloosa

Historic Tuscaloosa is excited to announce the return of its three-part lecture series with George Adair discussing his ” The Bryce Hospital Coal Mines” on July 25.

Upcoming Events

• Art Exhibit featuring Kiki Karatheodoris Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center Tuscaloosa, AL Jul 15- Aug 15
• The Art of Resistence Grace Presbyterian Church Tuscaloosa, AL Jul 15- Jul 19
• Alabama Junior Golf Association Visit Tuscaloosa Junior Championship Indian Hills Country Club Tuscaloosa, AL Jul 15- Jul 18

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Plan Your Visit

When scoping out the best places to visit and the best things to do in Montgomery, Alabama, there’s no better resource than our Visitor Information Center. Our friendly team of local experts is here to help you make the most of your visit to our vibrant city. Call (334-262-0013) to get the inside scoop on local attractions, restaurants, lodging spots, and historic sites; learn about deals and discounts.

Our Visitor Information Center is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Our phone number is 334.262.0013.

To maximize your time in Montgomery, talk with our staff about your trip—include how long you’ll be visiting, which types of attractions you enjoy, and what your ideal dining experiences are—and we’ll be happy to put together a personalized plan just for you!

If you prefer to chart your own path, our Trip Builder tool is just the ticket! To craft your own customized itinerary, simply “heart”/love the locations and attractions you want to visit, and they’ll save to your list.

However, you choose to plan your adventure, our interactive map is a valuable tool to keep handy as you navigate the city. This cool feature makes it easy to learn more about the different areas in Montgomery and the unique experiences they each offer.

After you speak with our staff some great places to start your Montgomery Experience are, Riverwalk and Riverfront Park  or a ride on the Harriott II riverboat seeing the city from the Alabama River.  

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10 places in Alabama to see on your next vacation

• Updated: Jul. 13, 2024, 8:28 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 13, 2024, 6:21 a.m.

It's not for nothing that Dauphin Island bills itself as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama." (Sharon Steinmann) Sharon Steinmann/AL.com

• Amber Sutton

It turns out when you’re in need of a vacation, you don’t need to go far.

Our friends with This is Alabama recently asked their followers on Facebook what their favorite Alabama vacation spot is, and the responses were all over the map. After all, Alabama has plenty of towns, parks, attractions and more that are worth planning a vacation around.

Of course, the beach is always a good choice -- and Alabama definitely has its share of those -- but there’s also several small towns, state parks and other destinations that are worthy of a visit too.

Here’s a look at 10 Alabama places to visit on your next vacation.

[ Want good news about Alabama delivered to your inbox each week? Sign up for This is Alabama’s weekly newsletter. ]

Lake Guntersville State Park is always a good choice. (Joe Songer) Joe Songer | [email protected]

The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park

By staying at The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park , you can enjoy everything the park and Lake Guntersville have to offer, including fishing, golfing, horseback riding, boating and more. You’ll also have a comfortable and convenient room, equipped with all the amenities plus some pretty picturesque views, to retire to once all that fun in the sun gets to be too much. The park also has cabins, chalets and “glamping safari tents” you can stay in as well if that’s more your style.

READ MORE: 13 of the best places to welcome fall in Alabama

The beaches of Orange Beach in 2021. (John Sharp/[email protected])

Orange Beach

This one might feel like an obvious choice, but there’s really no better vacation than the beach. In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores , you can enjoy the surf, sea and white sandy beaches Alabama’s Gulf Coast has become known for as well as have your pick of local restaurants serving fresh seafood as well as live entertainment, shopping, parks to explore and so much more that the whole family will enjoy. That’s a hard vacation to top.

READ MORE: This town is one of the most picturesque in the country

Scenes around Fort Morgan in early 2024. (John Sharp) John Sharp

Fort Morgan

That said, if you’re the kind of beach goer that wants to avoid the crowds of Alabama’s bigger beach towns, Fort Morgan is a solid option. Consisting mostly of houses, rather than hotels, along a peninsula with one road in and out, you can always find a quiet spot on Fort Morgan’s beaches to listen to the waves crash and dip your toes in the sand. Plus, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are only a short drive away when you do feel like going out for dinner or playing a round of mini-golf.

The view from the balcony of the Presidential Suite at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. (Sharon Steinmann) (Sharon Steinmann/[email protected])

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa in Point Clear

Located on 550 acres along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa in Point Clear is the perfect place to escape on vacation. Offering two, 18-hole golf courses, a 20,000 square foot spa and nine on-site dining options as well as access to beaches, a marina, pools, tennis courts and more, The Grand is the kind of place where, once you arrive, you won’t have to the leave the grounds again until it’s time to (sadly) head home.

READ MORE: Historic Alabama hotel picked as one of the South’s best

Readers think Wildflower Café in Mentone is one of the most underrated restaurants in Alabama. (Bob Carlton)

Tucked away on Lookout Mountain, the town of Mentone is a great place to plan a vacation if you’re a nature lover looking to stay somewhere that’s off the beaten path, but still has plenty to see and do. While there, you can check out Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park or see what unique finds you can score at the Moon Lake Village. Whatever you do, just be sure to have a meal (or maybe two) at Wildflower Cafe while you’re there.

READ MORE: This Alabama dish is worth a drive to Mentone’s beloved Wildflower Cafe

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center IS almost annually tops in the state in paid attendance, and tops many lists as the No. 1 attraction in Huntsville. (Scott Turner/AL.com)

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

If you’re looking for a day trip, or something to do while visiting Huntsville on vacation, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is something the whole family can enjoy. The center features interactive exhibits and a display of more than 1,500 items in its rocket and space hardware collection, ranging from America’s first satellite Explorer I, Saturn V Moon Rocket and more. There’s also simulators you can try, live shows and a 67-foot dome theater.

READ MORE: Check out Huntsville’s top attraction

Dauphin Island

Who said you needed to leave Alabama to have an island vacation? Known as the “sunset capitol of the world,” Dauphin Island is a coastal town that’s worth a visit for a lot of reasons. (And yes, its sunsets are definitely one of them.) With plenty of white, sandy coastline for you to relax on as well as places to explore, like the Alabama Aquarium, Audubon Bird Sanctuary and more, Dauphin Island is a quaint spot perfect for getting away from it all for a while.

READ MORE: 10 things we love about Dauphin Island

Lake Martin in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties, is a 39,000-acre reservoir with more than 750 miles of wooded shoreline. (AL.com file photo/Joe Songer)

Lake Martin

With more than 750 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States and a great place to spend a weekend unwinding on the water. Located in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties, there are plenty of restaurants sporting gorgeous views, popular landmarks like Chimney Rock , marinas, beach areas and more to explore. Of course, you can also enjoy all the classic water activities like skiing and tubing or, if that’s not your thing, just spend some time relaxing on a dock with a cold drink.

O'Neal Bridge as seen from the shores at McFarland Park in Florence. (Ashley Remkus) Ashley Remkus | [email protected]

Florence might be a small town, but it’s got a rich history and plenty of charm -- making it a great place to spend a weekend satisfying your wanderlust. Among its attractions are the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House , the Florence Indian Mound Museum , Pope’s Tavern Museum and more. Not to mention, there’s plenty of lakes and parks, many with gorgeous bluff views, to explore if you feel like getting some fresh air.

READ MORE: This place keeps Florence funky, one hot dog at a time

The Orange Street Pier juts into Mobile Bay in Fairhope's quaint Fruit and Nut District. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

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Fairhope has garnered a reputation for being an Alabama full of charm, and after a vacation there, it’ll be easy to see why. With lots of local restaurants and entertainment, the whole family will find something to do there. Just be sure to make time to check out the Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park , known as Fairhope’s town square, while you’re there too. It’s a quarter-mile pier, ideal for fishing or just taking in scenic views of Mobile Bay.

READ MORE: Places to visit in Fairhope

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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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Visit marshall.

Visiting Marshall

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is situated on the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Visitors are welcomed at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center , Marshall’s official Visitor Center. U.S. Space & Rocket Center visitors can learn more about Marshall’s legacy and ongoing work.

Interactive exhibits and historic artifacts demonstrate our critical role in supporting the breadth of NASA’s exploration and science missions. Visitors will learn how Marshall develops, integrates and manages complex space systems and scientific research projects that continue to yield exciting and innovative scientific discoveries.

The Marshall Space Flight Center bus tour is temporarily suspended . U.S. Space & Rocket Center bus tours of Marshall are $20 for guests ages 5 and up. Children 4 and under ride free. For more information, visit: https://www.rocketcenter.com/bustours .

Marshall's official Visitor Center

U.s. space and rocket center.

Home of U.S. Space Camp and the site of the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center has one of the greatest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world.

The museum’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration houses a magnificent, full-scale, fully restored Saturn V rocket overlooking numerous other exhibits and displays. Touring the entire museum takes visitors from the roots of America’s space program to the space-based science and discovery missions of today — and those yet to come.

Contact Marshall Space Flight Center

Marshall Space Flight Center

Huntsville, AL

July 1st, 1960

Joseph Pelfrey

Mailing and Shipping

MSFC Office of Communications P.O. Box CS80, MSFC, Redstone Arsenal Huntsville, AL 35812

Members of the Public Public Engagement : 256-961-3180

Media Contact: Lance D. Davis :   256-544-0034

• Directions to Marshall
• Access to Redstone Arsenal

Driving Directions

To enter the Redstone Arsenal Gate 9 Visitor Center from Huntsville International Airport: Follow signs along Houston Goodson Way / Glenn Hearn Blvd to I-565 East. At Exit 14, turn right onto ramp (AL-255 / Rideout Rd / Gate 9) and follow the Gate 9 Visitor Center signs. A Marshall visitor without a badge and decal must stop at the Visitor Center.

Redstone Arsenal

Marshall Space Flight Center is located on the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.

If you have prior approval for a visit, you may enter through the Redstone Arsenal Visitor’s Center at Gate 9 on Rideout Road where decals and badges may be obtained for approved visitors. You can find a map of the Redstone Arsenal gates and gate hours below.

Alabama Tourism Department

The official site for industry professionals, alabama information sources.

Use this directory of industry partners to gather information about Alabama and its specific regions and cities.

National/Regional Directory

• Southeast Tourism Society www.escapetothesoutheast.com 770-542-1524
• Tenn-Tom Tourism Association www.tenntom.org 800-457-9739, 662-328-8936

State Directory

• AAA-Alabama www.aaa.com 800-521-8124
• Alabama Agri-Tourism Trail www.alabamaagritourism.com 334-844-3517, 334-663-9636
• Alabama Antique Trail www.alabamaantiquetrail.com 256-797-5640
• Alabama Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds www.campinalabama.com 850-562-7151
• Alabama Communities of Excellence www.alabamacommunitiesofexcellence.org
• Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries www.outdooralabama.com 334-242-3465
• Alabama Film Office www.alabamafilm.org 334-242-4195
• Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association www.northalabama.org 800-648-5381, 256-350-3500
• Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance ARHAonline.com 334-244-1320
• Alabama Scenic River Trail www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com 256-426-0558
• Alabama Sports Initiative (Sports Alabama) www.sportsalabama.com 256-551-2270
• Alabama State Parks Division www.alapark.com 800-252-7275, 334-242-3334
• Alabama Tourism Department www.alabama.travel 334-242-4169
• Alabama Travel Council www.alabamatravelcouncil.org 334-271-0050
• Alabama's I-22 Region i22al.com 205-348-7058
• Bed & Breakfast Association of Alabama Inc www.bedandbreakfastalabama.com 334-365-1459
• Farmers Market Authority www.fma.alabama.gov 877-774-9519, 334-242-2618
• GolfThere.com, a division of Fairways Golf Vacations www.golfthere.com 205-313-6415
• Historic Chattahoochee Commission www.hcc-al-ga.org 334-687-9755
• Honours Golf www.honoursgolf.com 866-HONOURS (466-6877), 205-298-0001
• Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail www.rtjgolf.com 800-949-4444
• Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission www.searpdc.org 334-794-4093
• Southwest Alabama Office of Tourism and Film www.alabamasfrontporches.org/
• University of Alabama Center for Economic Development www.uaced.ua.edu 205-348-7058
• UWA Division of Economic Development & Outreach www.uwa.edu 205-652-3828

Local Directory

• AAA-Alabama Decatur Branch www.aaa.com
• AAA-Alabama Dothan Branch www.aaa.com
• AAA-Alabama Florence Branch www.aaa.com
• Abbeville Chamber of Commerce www.abbevillecoc.com 334-585-2273
• Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce www.alagulfcoastchamber.com
• Alabama High School Athletic Association www.ahsaa.com
• Albertville Chamber of Commerce www.albertvillechamberofcommerce.com 800-878-3821
• Alexander City Chamber of Commerce www.alexandercitychamber.com 256-234-3461
• Aliceville Area Chamber of Commerce 205-373-2820
• Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce www.andalusiachamber.com 334-222-2030
• Arab Chamber of Commerce www.arab-chamber.org 888-403-2722
• Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association www.visitathensal.com 256-232-5411
• Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce www.atmorechamber.com 251-368-3305
• Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau www.aotourism.com 866-880-8747
• Autauga County Heritage Association- Prattaugan Museum www.autaugaheritage.org
• Bayou La Batre Area Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center www.bayoulabatreareachamber.org 251-824-4088
• Bear Creek Development Authority www.bearcreeklakes.com 1-877-367-2232
• Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce www.bessemerchamber.com 205-425-3253
• Bibb Co. Chamber of Commerce www.bibbchamber.org 205-926-5222
• Birmingham Music Club www.bhammusicclub.org
• Blount Co./Oneonta Chamber of Commerce www.blountoneontachamber.org
• Boaz Area Chamber of Commerce www.boazchamberofcommerce.com 800-SHOP- BOAZ, 256-593-8154
• Brewton Chamber of Commerce www.brewtonchamber.com 251-867-3224
• Calhoun Co. Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center www.calhounchamber.com 256-237-3536
• Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce www.centralbaldwin.com
• Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison Co www.huntsvillealabamausa.com
• Cherokee Co. Chamber of Commerce www.cherokee-chamber.org 256-927-8455
• Childersburg Chamber of Commerce www.childersburg.com 256-378-5482
• Chilton Co. Chamber of Commerce www.chiltonchamberonline.com 205-755-2400
• Choctaw Co. Chamber of Commerce www.choctawcountychamber.com 205-459-3459
• City of Anniston Parks & Recreation Dept. www.annistonal.gov
• City of Enterprise Tourism www.VisitEnterprise.com 334-389-1554
• City of Troy Tourism www.troyal.gov
• Clarke County Economic Development Partnership www.clarkecountyal.com
• Clay County Chamber of Commerce www.alabamaclaycounty.com 256-396-2828
• Cleburne Co. Chamber of Commerce www.cleburnecountychamber.com
• Colbert Co. Tourism & Convention Bureau www.coondogcemetery.com 800-344-0783
• Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce www.cullmanchamber.org/ 256-734-0454
• Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce www.dadeville.com 256-825-4019
• Daleville Area Chamber of Commerce www.dalevillechamber.com 334-598-6331
• Daphne Convention and Visitors Bureau DiscoverDaphne.org (251) 626-5300
• Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce www.dauphinislandchamberofcommerce.com/ 877-532-8744, 251-861-5525
• Decatur/Morgan Co. CVB www.decaturcvb.org 800-524-6181
• DeKalb Tourism www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com 888-805-4740
• Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce www.demopolischamber.com
• Dothan Area CVB www.dothanalcvb.com 888-449-0212
• East Alabama Chamber of Commerce https//www.ealcc.com/ (334) 298-3639
• Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce www.eschamber.com 251-928-6387
• Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center www.eschamber.com
• Elba Chamber of Commerce www.elbaalabama.net
• Elmore County Economic Development Authority www.elmoreeda.com
• Etowah County Tourism Board www.etowahtourism.com 888-565-0411
• Eufaula/Barbour Co. Chamber of Commerce www.eufaulachamber.com 800-524-7529
• Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce www.eutawchamber.com
• Evergreen-Conecuh Chamber of Commerce www.evergreenal.org
• Fayette Area Chamber of Commerce www.fayetteareachamber.org
• Florence/Lauderdale Tourism www.VisitFlorenceAL.com 888-FLO-TOUR
• Foley Welcome Center www.visitfoley.org
• Fort Deposit Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce www.fortpaynechamber.com
• Franklin Co. Chamber of Commerce www.franklincountychamber.org
• Gardendale Chamber of Commerce www.gardendalechamber.com 205-631-9195
• Gordo Area Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Birmingham CVB www.birminghamal.org 800-458-8085, 205-458-8000
• Greater Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce www.genevaalabama.org
• Greater Irondale Chamber of Commerce www.greaterirondalechamber.com
• Greater Jackson Co. Chamber of Commerce & Jackson County Tourism www.discoverjacksoncountyalabama.com 800-259-5508
• Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce www.tourathens.com 256-232-2600
• Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce www.pellcitychamber.com 205-338-3377
• Greater Shelby Co. Chamber of Commerce www.shelbychamber.org
• Greater Talladega and Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce www.talladegalincolnchamber.com/ 256-362-9075
• Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce www.tallasseechamber.com
• Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatervalleyarea.com
• Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce www.greenville-alabama.com 800-959-0717
• Grove Hill Area Chamber of Commerce www.grovehillal.com
• Gulf Shores Golf Association www.golfgulfshores.com 888-815-1902
• Gulf Shores Welcome Center www.gulfshores.com 800-745-SAND
• Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce www.haleyvillechamber.org
• Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce www.HamiltonChamberofCommerce.org
• Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce www.hartsellechamber.com 800-294-0692
• Homewood Chamber of Commerce www.homewoodchamber.com
• Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce www.hooverchamber.org
• Hueytown Area Chamber of Commerce www.hueytownchamber.com
• Huntsville/Madison County CVB www.huntsville.org 800-843-0468
• Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce www.jacksonalabama.com
• Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center www.lakeguntersville.org 800-869-LAKE
• Lawrence Co. Chamber of Commerce www.lawrencealabama.com
• Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce www.leedsareachamber.com
• Marshall Co. CVB www.marshallcountycvb.com 800-582-6282
• Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce www.millbrookareachamber.com
• Mobile Arts Council www.mobilearts.org
• Mobile Bay CVB www.mobile.org 800-5-MOBILE
• Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce www.monroecountyal.com
• Montevallo Chamber of Commerce www.montevallocc.com
• Montgomery Chamber Convention and Visitor Bureau www.visitingmontgomery.com 800-240-9452
• North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce www.northbaldwinchamber.com 251-937-5665
• Opp & Covington Co. Area Chamber of Commerce www.facebook.com/oppchamber 800-239-8064
• Orange Beach Welcome Center www.orangebeach.com 800-745-SAND
• Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce www.ozarkalchamber.com 800-582-8497
• Perry Co. Chamber of Commerce www.perrycountyalabamachamber.com
• Pickens Co. Tourism Association 205-367-2186
• Pike Co. Chamber of Commerce pikecountychamber.net
• Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce www.prattvillechamber.com 800-588-2796
• Randolph County Chamber of Commerce www.randolphcountyal.com 800-863-6612
• Russell County Tourism https//webapp.mobileappco.org/m/RCTourism/ (334)298-6426
• Selma Welcome Center www.SelmaAlabama.com
• Selma-Dallas Co. Tourism www.SelmaAlabama.com 800-45-SELMA (457-3562)
• Shelby County Tourism www.shelbycountytourism.org
• South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce www.southbaldwinchamber.com 877-461-3712
• South Shelby Chamber of Commerce www.southshelbychamber.com 205-669-9075
• St. Clair County Tourism Council www.stclairco.com 205-594-2116
• Sumter County Chamber of Commerce sumteralchamber.com 205-652-1580
• Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce www.sylacaugachamber.com
• Tallapoosa County Tourism tallapoosacountytourism.com 256-825-1622
• The Chamber of Commerce of Walker Co www.walkerchamber.us 888-384-4571
• Thomasville Alabama Chamber of Commerce www.thomasvillealchamber.com
• Tourism Council of Bullock County www.unionspringsalabama.com
• Town of Dauphin Island www.townofdauphinisland.org 251-861-5525
• Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce www.tricitieschamberofcommerce.com
• Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce www.trussvillechamber.com 800-494-TACC (8222)
• Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission www.visittuscaloosa.com 800-538-8696
• Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce www.tuskegeeareachamber.org
• Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center www.tuskegeecenter.org
• Washington Co. Chamber of Commerce www.washingtoncountyal.com 251-847-2214
• Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce www.wetumpkachamber.com 334-567-4811
• Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce www.wilcoxareachamber.com 334-682-4929, 334-456-1055

Arts Directory

• Alabama Ballet www.alabamaballet.org
• Alabama Dance Council www.alabamadancecouncil.org
• Alabama Dance Theatre www.alabamadancetheatre.com
• Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell www.campmcdowell.com/FolkSchool
• Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts www.artseducation.org
• Alabama School of Fine Arts www.asfa.k12.al.us
• Alabama State Council on the Arts/Alabama Artists Gallery www.arts.alabama.gov
• Alabama Youth Ballet Company www.alabamayouthballet.info
• Alpha Stage Theatre www.renaissancetheatre.net 256-536-3117
• Art Quest www.phopebrannon.com
• Artful Turn www.artfulturn.com
• Artists Incorporated www.artistsincorporated.com
• Arts in Gardendale www.gardendalelibrary.org/arts-in-gardendale 205-631-6639
• Artscape Gallery (Council of the Arts, Inc.) www.councilofthearts.org
• Baldwin Pops, Inc. www.baldwinpopsband.com
• Ballet & Theatre Arts Performing Companies www.btapc.org
• Birmingham Festival Theatre www.bftonline.org
• Birmingham Girls Choir www.birminghamchildrenschoir.org
• Birmingham Quilters Guild www.bhamquilters.com
• Broadway South Dance Studio www.broadwaysouthdance.com
• Coffee County Arts Alliance www.CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com
• Community Ballet Association/Huntsville Ballet School and Huntsville Ballet Co. www.huntsvilleballetschool.org
• Craft Cottage Bead Shop www.craftcottagegifts.com
• Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham www.birmingham365.org 205-458-1393
• David L. Walters Department of Music, Jacksonville State University www.music.jsu.edu
• Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater & Academy www.letthemagicbegin.org
• Foley Art Center www.foleyartcenter.com
• Huntsville Community Chorus Association www.thechorus.org
• Huntsville Symphony Orchestra www.hso.org
• Jacksonville Opera Theatre www.jacksonvilleopera.org
• Leeds Arts Council www.leedsartscouncil.org 205-699-1892
• Meridian Artists Co-Op www.meridianartistscoop.org
• Meridian Arts Studios www.meridianarts.net
• Mobile Ballet www.mobileballet.org
• Mobile Chamber Music www.mobilechambermusic.org
• Mobile Theatre Guild www.mobiletheatreguild.org
• Monty Stabler Galleries www.montystablergallieries.com
• Mountain Brook Art Association www.mbartassociation.org
• Northwest Alabama Arts Council, Inc. www.northwestalabamaarts.org , www.jbaf.org
• On Stage www.Shoalsonstage.com
• Phenix City Arts Council phenixcityarts.com
• Playhouse in the Park Mobile http//www.playhouseinthepark.org 251-602-0630
• Red Dot Gallery www.reddotgallery.com
• Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra rmco.org
• Red Mountain Theatre Company www.redmountaintheatre.org 205-324-2424
• Samford University Theatre www.samford.edu/arts/
• Selma Art Guild Gallery www.SelmaAlabama.com
• Shelby County Arts Council www.shelbycountyartscouncil.com
• Shoals Artists Guild
• Shoals Community Theatre www.shoalstheatre.com
• Southeast Alabama Community Theatre www.SEACT.com 334-794-0400
• Southeast Alabama Dance Company www.southalabamadancecompany.org
• Southern Edge Dance Center www.southernedgedancecenter.com
• Space 301 www.space301.com
• The Birmingham Visitor Center at Vulcan Park and Museum www.visitvulcan.com
• The Durbin Gallery of Birmingham-Southern College www.bsc.edu 800-523-5793 ext.4925
• The Gingerbread Players www.shoalstheatre.com
• The Library Theatre www.TheLibraryTheatre.com
• The Montgomery Ballet, Inc www.montgomeryballet.org
• The Seasoned Performers www.seasonedperformers.org
• The Whole Backstage www.wholebackstage.com
• The Zodiac Players www.shoalstheatre.com
• Theatre Huntsville www.yourseatiswaiting.org
• Theatre Randolph www.randolphschool.net
• Tri-State Community Orchestra www.tristatecommunityorchestra.org
• UAB Department of Theatre theatre.hum.uab.edu
• Virginia Samford Theatre www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org
• Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra www.tristatecommunityorchestra.org

Sports Directory

• Alabama Bass Trail www.alabamabasstrail.org
• Alabama Sports Festival Foundation State Games www.alagames.com 800-467-0422
• Alabaster Parks and Recreation cityofalabaster.com
• Championship Racing, LLC championship-racing.com
• Gardendale Bill Noble Athletic and Recreation Park billnoblepark.com 205-631-6580
• Lakeshore Foundation www.lakeshore.org
• Port City Pacers Road Running Club, Inc. www.pcpacers.org
• Team Magic, Inc www.team-magic.com
• Tuscaloosa Track Club tuscaloosatrackclub.com

Morning Carpool

23 Places In Alabama That Are Surprisingly Stunning

Posted: July 14, 2024 | Last updated: July 14, 2024

Alabama is a state rich in natural beauty and views that promise to take your breath away. From the dramatic cliffs of Little River Canyon to the serene waters of Dauphin Island, there’s a stunning spot for every nature lover.

These picturesque locations offer more than breathtaking sights; they provide a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and vibrant history of Alabama. Join us as we explore the top awe-inspiring places in Alabama that you simply must see.

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Nestled atop Lookout Mountain, Little River Canyon National Preserve boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Alabama. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” its sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls make for breathtaking views. Hiking trails wind through the park, offering spectacular vantage points and an immersive experience in nature.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park preserves the site of a pivotal battle during the Creek War of 1813-1814. The park’s scenic landscapes along the Tallapoosa River contrast with its historical significance. Visitors can explore walking trails, interpretive exhibits, and reenactments that bring the history of this crucial conflict to life.

Gulf State Park

With its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Gulf State Park is a coastal gem. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from kayaking and fishing to exploring the extensive network of trails. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and dunes, are home to a wealth of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park is home to the highest point in Alabama, offering panoramic views that stretch for miles. The park’s scenic overlooks, particularly from Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock, provide stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply soaking in the views, Cheaha State Park is a must-visit.

Mobile Bay offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, take a scenic drive along the Bayway, or enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants. The bay’s stunning sunsets and coastal charm make it a memorable destination.

Perched on the edge of Cheaha Mountain, Bald Rock offers panoramic views of the Talladega National Forest. The boardwalk to the overlook makes it accessible to all visitors, providing a stunning vantage point to watch the sunset. The rock’s sheer expanse and the sweeping landscape below make it a breathtaking spot.

Bankhead National Forest

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” Bankhead National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its lush landscapes are dotted with cascading waterfalls, scenic streams, and diverse flora and fauna. Hiking through the forest’s Sipsey Wilderness area offers a serene escape into Alabama’s natural beauty.

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is a barrier island known for its serene beaches and rich birdlife. The island’s Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a prime spot for birdwatching, particularly during migratory seasons. Visitors can also explore historic Fort Gaines and the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for a blend of natural and cultural experiences.

Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument offers a fascinating look into prehistoric life in Alabama. The cave served as a shelter for Native Americans for thousands of years, and today, it provides valuable insights into their daily lives and survival strategies. Archaeological tours and exhibits at the visitor center reveal the site’s rich history.

Monte Sano State Park

Monte Sano State Park, perched on a mountain overlooking Huntsville, offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities. The park features over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a Japanese garden and an observatory. Its serene environment and natural beauty make it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park, located on Lookout Mountain, is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and rugged landscapes. DeSoto Falls, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Alabama, is a highlight. The park offers numerous trails, picnic areas, and campsites, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventures.

Noccalula Falls Park

Noccalula Falls Park features a dramatic 90-foot waterfall that plunges into a lush gorge. The park offers walking trails, botanical gardens, and a historic pioneer village, making it a perfect destination for families. Legend has it that a Cherokee princess named Noccalula leaped to her death here, adding a touch of mystique to the site’s beauty.

Fort Payne, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, offers a charming mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The nearby Little River Canyon and DeSoto State Park provide ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. The town itself is known for its historic downtown, unique shops, and local festivals.

Lake Guntersville State Park

Lake Guntersville State Park is a sprawling destination on the banks of the Tennessee River. The park’s 6,000-acre lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, while its trails offer scenic views and wildlife spotting. The park is particularly famous for its eagle-watching events during the winter months.

Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns State Park features stunning underground formations that are millions of years old. The guided cave tours showcase stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground pool, providing a fascinating glimpse into the subterranean world. Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool.

Talladega National Forest

Talladega National Forest encompasses a vast area of diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rocky ridges. The forest is home to the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail, which offers breathtaking views and challenging hikes. It’s a perfect spot for camping, wildlife viewing, and experiencing Alabama’s natural beauty.

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the United States. The river is famous for its rare Cahaba lilies, which bloom in late spring, creating a stunning spectacle. The refuge offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Bellingrath Gardens and Home, located near Mobile, is a 65-acre estate with beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore the vibrant flower displays, tranquil water features, and the historic Bellingrath home. The gardens are particularly breathtaking during the spring and holiday seasons.

Chewacla State Park

Chewacla State Park, near Auburn, features a 26-acre lake, scenic waterfalls, and a network of hiking and biking trails. The park’s tranquil setting is ideal for picnicking, fishing, and camping. The cascading Chewacla Falls is a highlight, offering a picturesque spot for photos and relaxation.

Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park, offering a wealth of recreational activities. The park boasts hiking and biking trails, fishing lakes, and an 18-hole golf course. Its scenic beauty and variety of amenities make it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sipsey Wilderness

Located within Bankhead National Forest, the Sipsey Wilderness is a pristine area known for its rugged beauty. The wilderness area features waterfalls, deep canyons, and old-growth forests, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The Sipsey River, with its clear waters and abundant wildlife, is a focal point of the area.

Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park is famed for its massive cave entrance and impressive formations. The cave’s “Goliath” stalagmite, one of the largest in the world, and the beautiful “frozen waterfall” formation are truly awe-inspiring. Guided tours offer an intriguing glimpse into the cave’s geological history and fascinating features.

Peavine Falls

Located within Oak Mountain State Park, Peavine Falls is a hidden gem that cascades over a 65-foot cliff into a serene pool. The hike to the falls offers a rewarding adventure through lush forest trails. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the falls and the cool, refreshing waters at its base.

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Yankees draft Alabama righty Hess with No. 26 pick

New york also selects vanderbilt righty with second pick of day 1.

BALTIMORE -- The Yankees have a long history of seeking big-bodied workhorses capable of heading the front of their rotation, which is what some scouts dream of in Ben Hess .

Hess, a 21-year-old right-hander from the University of Alabama, was selected by the Yankees in the first round of Sunday’s MLB Draft with the 26th overall pick. The Yanks also selected right-hander Bryce Cunningham out of Vanderbilt University with the 53rd overall pick.

2024 Draft presented by Nike: Pick-by-pick analysis | Bazzana goes No. 1 | Wake Forest makes history | Mariners nab switch-pitcher | Top tools | Best Draft prospect from each state | Famous family ties | Get to know Top 20 prospects | Day 2: Draft overview

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Top prospects: 1. Bazzana | 2. Condon | 3. Caglianone | 4. Wetherholt | 5. Smith | 6. Burns | 7. Kurtz | 8. Montgomery | 9. Griffin | 10. Rainer | 11. Yesavage | 12. Tibbs | 13. Moore | 14. Smith | 15. Caminiti

A junior from Charleston, Ill., Hess possesses the upside of a No. 2 starter, owning the best K/9.0 inning ratio in Crimson Tide history (13.34, with 205 strikeouts in 138 1/3 innings).

“Ben checks off a lot of things for us,” said Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees’ vice president of domestic amateur scouting. “He fits what we are looking for in a potential top-of-the-line Major League starter. Specifically, he’s a big, power right-hander that can throw two breaking balls and can reach up to 97 [mph]. We think there is even more to come from Ben with our player development program.”

The No. 26 pick carries a slot value of $3,332,900. The Yankees’ bonus pool is $8,134,500.

Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Draft’s No. 44 prospect , Hess dealt with injury concerns in high school and during his first two collegiate seasons, including a right flexor strain that limited him to seven games in 2023. That prompted some to question if he would fall to the second round.

The Yankees liked what they saw from Hess as a junior, though, coming off a healthy season in which he was 5-5 with a 5.80 ERA, striking out 106 against 35 walks in 68 1/3 innings. His strikeout total ranked eighth in the SEC.

“We saw him early in the year, and the stuff was dynamite at times,” Tennessee coach Tony Vitiello said on MLB Network. “I think what they’re looking for here is a big, physical starting pitcher, and a guy that’s not afraid to compete.”

Hess isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Vitiello referred to a May 5 game when Hess was dealing with a nasty case of food poisoning but took the ball anyway, tossing four innings of one-run ball in an Alabama victory over Mississippi State.

"It's easy when things go exactly the way you want. That's what a lot of people think success looks like, but that's not success," Alabama head coach Rob Vaughn told the Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News after that game.

"Sustained success is going through the muddy, dirty, hard stuff and coming out the other end because you just keep showing up and working, and that's exactly what Ben has done."

Round 1 | Pick 26: The New York Yankees select RHP Ben Hess out of Alabama. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/v86mXt3NeN — NYYPlayerDev (@NYYPlayerDev) July 15, 2024

Over his college career, Hess posted a 12-6 record and 4.81 ERA in 33 games (30 starts). He’s the first pitcher that the Yankees have taken with their top pick since Clarke Schmidt in 2017.

Hess is just the fifth Alabama player to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft, joining Joe Vitiello (1991), Jeremy Brown (2002), Taylor Tankersley (2004) and Tommy Hunter (2007).

Drawing comparisons to Lance Lynn in terms of body type and approach, Hess’ best offering is a four-seam fastball that sits at 92-96 mph and reaches 99 mph with run and carry up in the strike zone.

His mid-80s slider with two-plane depth gives him a second plus offering, and he can turn it into a harder, shorter cutter. He can also employ a mid-70s curveball to offer a different look, but scouts indicate he has lost faith in a fading mid-80s changeup.

This is the second consecutive year that the Yankees owned the No. 26 overall selection; last year, they selected Florida high school infielder George Lombard, Jr. , who is currently playing at Single-A Tampa and is ranked as their No. 6 prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Yanks add another right-hander in second round

Cunningham, 21, was 7-4 with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts as a junior, his first year as a full-time starter. In 84 2/3 innings, he held opponents to 69 hits and 49 runs (41 earned), with 34 walks and 96 strikeouts. The slot value of the No. 53 pick is $1,721,200.

“Very exciting,” Cunningham told the Dothan (Ala.) Eagle on Sunday. “I am excited to be a part of a historical organization.”

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound hurler enjoyed success in the Cape Cod League, where he made two All-Star teams and won two championships with Bourne. Scouts believe that Cunningham has the upside of a No. 2 or No. 3 starter.

“We love Bryce because he’s another pick that could have top-end starter potential and has already been tested in the SEC,” said Oppenheimer. “He’s a quality pitcher and a powerful right-hander with a big fastball that can reach up to 99 [mph], a good changeup, and a slider that continues to improve. Bryce has continued to get better, and credit to him on what he has done on his own, his performance in the Cape Cod Baseball League, and the support he received at Vanderbilt.”

The MLB Draft continues on Monday with selections in Rounds 3-10.

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College Sports | Hurricanes add four-star wide receiver Daylyn…

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College sports | hurricanes add four-star wide receiver daylyn upshaw to top-10 recruiting class.

Blue-chip wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw committed to Miami, announcing his decision on social media.

“I’m home,” Upshaw wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Upshaw, a four-star wide receiver from Central High in Phenix City, Alabama, is listed as the No. 59 wide receiver and No. 387 player in the nation in 247Sports’ composite rankings. Upshaw chose the Hurricanes over offers from Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Texas, among others.

Upshaw caught 59 passes for 1,185 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior.

Upshaw is the first wide receiver to pick Miami in the 2025 class, which currently ranks in 247Sports’ top 10.

I’m Home https://t.co/ynIC4T9Vfx — ✞ (@Daylyn2025) July 13, 2024

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