Alabama, in the American South, has rich history, varied landscapes, and a soulful, captivating rhythm. Take the time for an Alabama road trip to experience the rich culture, great outdoors, and amazing food. History buffs and nature lovers alike will find lots to do and see on a day trip in Alabama.
Why Visit Alabama?
Alabama has a rich history and diverse culture. It also has beautiful natural attractions, like mountains and beaches.
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It is a great place to visit for families due to the mix of American history, natural beauty, and southern barbecue. Let’s be honest, the barbecue alone is worth the trip. Create endless family memories on an Alabama road trip.
Getting to Alabama
Three major airports make Alabama easily accessible for families. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, located in Birmingham, serves as a central gateway to the state. Huntsville International Airport is a major hub for those visiting the northern part of the state. Mobile Regional Airport is an ideal choice for families exploring the beaches and historic sites along Alabama’s coastline.
In addition to Alabama’s airports, the airport in Pensacola, Florida is a great option if you’re starting near Gulf Shores.
Alabama is well-connected to neighboring states via interstates and major highways, making it easily accessible by car as well.
Best Road Trips in Alabama for Families
We could easily spend weeks in Alabama as there is so much to experience here. No matter where you go there is great food, stunning scenery, and Southern hospitality. The major cities in Alabama from north to south are Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile.
There are plenty of off-the-beaten path sites to visit on a road trip in Alabama. If you are short on time, focus on these major areas. Many of these destinations are easily seen on a day trip from one of the major cities.
Birmingham to Montgomery: Central to Civil Rights
It takes an hour and a half to drive between these two major Alabama cities. Both cities are rich in history and natural beauty.
Stop at any of these historical locations to learn more about Civil Rights history. Enjoy the best hot dogs in Birmingham for lunch.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Interactive exhibits and powerful narratives about the Civil Rights Movement engage both kids and adults.
- 16th Street Baptist Church: The first Black church in Birmingham has a rich, and painful, history. In 1963, a bomb exploded and killed four young girls. The church remains a working church but is also open to public tours.
- Vulcan Park and Museum: Check out the world’s largest cast-iron statue while taking in panoramic views of Birmingham.
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- Gus’s Hot Dogs: A small Birmingham tradition that’s been around more than 75 years! Gus’s is both unique and affordable.
- Rosa Parks Museum: Explore more of the Civil Rights Movement and how Rosa Parks’ actions influenced the fight.
- Dexter Parsonage Museum: In 1954, Martin Luther King, Jr. accepted the pastorate at this church. He grew his passion and commitment to nonviolent resistance here. The museum is open only on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Explore the zoo’s animals and habitats before meandering through Birmingham’s botanical gardens.
Mobile to Gulf Shores: Sandy Beaches and Nature Galore
From Mobile, it’s just an hour drive to Alabama’s pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. This could easily be a day trip, but I recommend spending a few days on the beaches and surrounding areas.
If you’re flying, check prices and flights into Pensacola, Florida as well.
Related: 25 Things to Do in Gulf Shores with Kids
Here are some of our favorite stops on an Alabama beach road trip:
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: Perfect place for a picnic right on the shoreline. The USS Alabama served in WW2. It now educates visitors on the ship’s history, memorializes men who served, and the price of freedom.
- Mobile’s historic districts: There are 7 designated historic districts throughout Mobile. Enjoy the architecture of Mobile on driving or walking tours. The Mobile Historic Development Commission offers several tour maps for free.
- Henry George Bluff Park: This public park offers spectacular sunset views of Mobile Bay and the Fairhope Municipal Pier. Check out the fireworks if you’re there around the Fourth of July.
- Orange Beach and Gulf Shores: It’s the beach – enjoy the sand and sun! Search for seashells, take long strolls at sunrise and sunset, and relax in the laidback atmosphere. Pay attention to the weather, especially if it is hurricane season, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
- Seafood: When you’re right on the shore, seafood is a must. Channel your inner Bubba Gump and enjoy shrimp in all its forms!
- Dauphin Island: Take a short drive to Dauphin Island, known for its beaches and birding opportunities. While you’re there, explore the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.
Huntsville to Florence: Northern Alabama
Although Alabama might be best known for its beaches and Civil Rights history, Northern Alabama is a hidden gem of nature trails and ecosystems. It is also home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
There are plenty of smaller towns to explore as well with their own unique cultural markers. It takes an hour and a half to drive from Huntsville (also called Rocket city) to Florence. There’s plenty for families to do and see along the way.
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Explore historic spacecraft, including the colossal Saturn V rocket at the center. Kids love the interactive exhibits focused on space missions. Take a family stroll through Rocket Park to learn more about the history of rockets and missiles.
- Huntsville Botanical Gardens: Check out the themed gardens, butterfly house, and a children’s garden.
- Burritt on the Mountain: Learn about local history and explore the historic open-air park and museum which were donated to the city of Huntsville by local doctor, William Burritt.
- Monte Sano State Park: Have an outdoor adventure such as biking, hiking, and camping in the 2,000 acres of natural beauty.
- Madison County Nature Trail: Open to the public, the Madison County Nature trail in Huntsville features picnic tables, local plants and animals, and beautiful photography opportunities.
- Rosenbaum House: Built in 1939, the Rosenbaum House is one of the best examples of Frankl Lloyd Wright’s Usonian style. Families will enjoy exploring the large backyard and gardens.
- W.C. Handy House and Museum: Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy, called Florence, Alabama home. Today, view the house he was born and other artifacts as you explore Florence’s musical history.
- Fame Studio: Just across the river in Muscle Shoals, take a tour of Fame Studio. Incredible artists including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Alicia Keyes have all recorded here.
Related: 25 Things to Do in Huntsville, AL with Kids
Montgomery to Selma: Deep South History Tour
Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, were at the heart of the fight for Civil Rights. It’s about an hour drive between the two cities. There is a plethora of historical sites to explore between these two cities.
- The Legacy Sites: Start at the Legacy Museum and then visit the mostly outside National Museum for Peace and Justice. The Freedom Monument Sculpture Park is set to open soon. Free shuttles connect the sites.
- Alabama State Capitol: Visit the House of Representatives, Senate Chamber, Old Supreme Court Chamber & Library, and Rotunda of the restored state capitol in Montgomery.
- Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: Follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights activists across the Edmun Pettus Bridge and through the streets of Selma. The National Park Service has many resources about Civil Rights stories on their websites that are useful for scaffolding this experience for kids.
What to Eat in Alabama
Rather than highlighting specific restaurants or mom’n pop stops, I thought I’d showcase specific dishes that showcase the delicious culinary traditions throughout Alabama. Try them all – the barbecue of the north to the seafood delights of the Gulf Coast and the comfort food classics served across the state.
- Alabama BBQ (Northern Alabama): Sample Northern Alabama’s unique white barbecue sauce, typically served with smoked chicken or pork. The tangy mayo-based sauce is a local specialty.
- Fried Green Tomatoes (Central Alabama): A Southern classic, fried green tomatoes are a must-try. They are often served with a spicy remoulade sauce or as part of a sandwich.
- Gulf Coast Seafood (Gulf Shores): The ocean provides amazing food to try, including shrimp, oysters, and crab. Sample it all with a seafood boil.
- Conecuh Sausage (South Alabama): Originating from Conecuh County in South Alabama, this flavorful smoked sausage is often served grilled or pan-fried.
- Hot Chicken (Birmingham): Hot chicken is fried chicken but with cayenne or other spices mixed in. Birmingham hot chicken takes it to another level. Try different heat levels to suit your taste.
- Pecan Pie (Throughout Alabama): No visit to Alabama is complete without trying a slice of pecan pie, made with pecans, sugar, and butter in a flaky crust.
- Fried Catfish (Central Alabama): Enjoy crispy fried catfish, often served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.
- Lane Cake (South Alabama): Savor a slice of this traditional Southern dessert. Layers of sponge cake filled with a rich mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and bourbon-soaked raisins – what’s not to love?
- Tomato Pie (Central Alabama): A savory dish made with ripe tomatoes, cheese, mayonnaise, and herbs, baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust.
- Biscuits and Gravy (Throughout Alabama): Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast of flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy—a true comfort food.
Related: 8 Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Restaurants You MUST Try
Alabama is serious about its food and it shows. From the fresh seafood being pulled out of the Gulf of Mexico daily to the soul food and barbecue being cooked low and slow, Alabama is the place for food lovers. They are cooking up amazing food in small mom and pop joints where recipes have been passed down for generations to award winning restaurants throughout the state.
Which Alabama food are you most excited to try? Do you have any good family recipes to share?
Now is the perfect time to enjoy Alabama’s Southern hospitality, white sandy beaches, and amazing food. Your whole family will love experiencing American history, hiking and birdwatching, and trying that renowned Alabama barbecue.
What’s first on your bucket list for day trips in Alabama?
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