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Alabama's Best Kept Secrets: Discovering the State's Most Iconic Destinations

By Nick K, Posted on 05 Mar, 2023 at 10:42 am

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Alabama

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

When looking for a beach getaway in the United States, few places offer as much natural beauty and entertainment as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Located on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, this area is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches, array of outdoor activities, unique shopping and dining experiences, and family-friendly attractions.

Whether visiting for an extended vacation or a quick weekend escape, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are sure to leave you with lasting memories.

 

Gulf State Park

One of the most popular attractions in the area is Gulf State Park. Spanning over 6500 acres of pristine shoreline and lush greenery, this park offers breathtaking views from every angle. In addition to its beautiful landscape, visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as beachcombing along miles of shoreline, fishing in both freshwater lakes and saltwater bays, kayaking through sheltered estuaries or exploring miles of trails on foot or by bike. For additional accommodations there are three types of campsites available - primitive tent sites, RV sites with hookups, as well as cabins for rent. 
 

The Wharf at Orange Beach

If you’re looking for more lively entertainment then The Wharf at Orange Beach is the place to be. From charming boutiques to family-friendly restaurants serving up delicious cuisine from around the world, this waterfront destination provides the perfect setting for date night or a day out with the kids. Don’t forget to check out their Ferris wheel – it is one of their signature attractions! Aside from shopping and eating there are live concerts held throughout the year featuring some of music’s biggest names and plenty of festival fun during holidays like Easter Weekend or Halloween Spooktacular month.
 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Last but certainly not least is Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo which makes up part of ‘The Little Zoo That Could' collection nationwide. With just over 200 animal species ranging from turtles to tigers this zoo takes pride in being able to provide quality education about each species while also supporting conservation efforts world wide. There is something here for all ages – from hand feeding giraffes (the tallest living land animals), playing with friendly goats at petting zoos or making friends with birds during bird shows; any visit here will be an unforgettable experience for everyone!

  Recommended Hotels in Orange Beach

 

Birmingham

Birmingham is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture that offers something for everyone. From museums to music and theater, there’s plenty to explore in this Alabama city.

Here are 3 of Birmingham’s top attractions that you don’t want to miss out on.
 

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a museum that explores the city’s role in the civil rights movement. Visitors can learn about the struggle for equality through traveling exhibits, interactive displays, seminars, films and lectures. The institute also features several permanent exhibitions such as the Rosa Parks Library & Museum, which chronicles her arrest in 1955 and her subsequent trial; the Children’s Outdoor Learning Garden, which takes visitors through a timeline of civil rights events; and the Memorial Garden, which honors those who lost their lives fighting for equal rights.
 

Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art houses over 24,000 objects spanning centuries and cultures from around the world. Among its collections are paintings dating back to the Renaissance era and works by contemporary artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum also boasts an impressive Asian collection with pieces from China, Japan and Korea dating back centuries ago. A variety of educational programs are offered at the museum such as workshops for adults and school-aged children, art classes for all ages and guided tours of its galleries to help visitors learn more about its vast collections.
 

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

For those who love cars and motorcycles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum should not be missed! This unique museum features an impressive collection of over 1,600 vintage and modern motorcycles and race cars from around the world – making it one of largest motorcycle museums in North America! Visitors to this two-story facility can view rare motorcycles from every era – including some rare road racing bikes from Europe – or check out vehicles like Lamborghinis or Lotus F1 cars from Formula One racing teams at their paddock display area. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including car shows where attendees can vote on their favorite vehicle or motorcycle on display!

  Recommended Hotels in Birmingham

 

Huntsville: A Must-Visit City with Unique Attractions 

If you’re looking for a city in the United States that offers something unique and special, then look no further than Huntsville, Alabama. From outdoor activities to historical sites, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy in this vibrant southern city.

Here’s a list of the top three attractions in Huntsville that you should make sure to check out while visiting.
 

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

If you’re interested in space exploration, then this is a must-visit attraction for you! Located just outside of downtown Huntsville, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a museum and education center dedicated to all things space-related. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits about the history of space exploration, from the earliest days to today’s exciting advances in technology and research. You can also take part in simulated astronaut training experiences like Apollo 12 or shuttle flight simulations. It’s an amazing experience that will leave you feeling inspired about our place in the universe! 
 

Monte Sano State Park

For those who love outdoor activities, Monte Sano State Park is one of the best places to explore in Huntsville. This park boasts stunning views of the city as well as plenty of hiking trails, camping opportunities, and outdoor recreational activities like fishing and biking. Whether you want a peaceful stroll through nature or an adrenaline-filled adventure on mountain terrain, Monte Sano State Park has something for everyone! 

 

Burritt on the Mountain

Step back into 19th century life at Burritt on the Mountain! This living history museum includes replicas of historic buildings such as log cabins and barns as well as nature trails where visitors can explore hundreds of different species of plants and animals native to Alabama. The park also features educational programs about early settlement life for adults and children alike, so it's perfect for families looking to learn more about Huntsville's past!

  Recommended Hotels in Huntsville

 

Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama is a beautiful city that has a deep and rich history that is worth exploring. As the state capital of Alabama, it is home to many historic sites and attractions.

Here are Montgomery's top three attractions and why they are worth visiting:
 

Rosa Parks Museum

Located in downtown Montgomery, this museum is dedicated to Rosa Parks and her incredible impact on the civil rights movement. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch educational films and listen to audio recordings of primary sources from the Montgomery Bus Boycott all while learning more about this iconic figure in American history. The museum also houses an extensive research library and offers educational programs for school groups and other organizations.
 

Alabama State Capitol

This impressive building has served as the seat of government since Alabama’s founding in 1819. It features stunning Greek Revival architecture with sandstone columns, terraces, balconies, and steps that stretch across the entire front facade of the building. Inside visitors can tour senate chambers, assembly rooms, reception halls, and more; learn about important moments in state history; or view the original copy of the Declaration of Independence that was inscribed on parchment in 1776.
 

Civil Rights Memorial

Situated in front of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), this memorial honors those who gave their lives during the civil rights movement from 1954-1968 by documenting their stories through photography and sculpture. This solemn tribute provides a powerful reminder of how far we have come as a country but also underscores how much work still needs to be done today to ensure justice for all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity.

 Recommended Hotels in Montgomery


Tuscaloosa

When it comes to Alabama’s most exciting cities, Tuscaloosa often tops the list. This vibrant city is located in West-Central Alabama and is known for its rich cultural history, delicious restaurants, and of course, top-notch attractions.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer getaway, here are the three must-see attractions in Tuscaloosa.
 

University of Alabama

Established in 1831, this university is one of the oldest public universities in America. It's home to some incredibly historic buildings, like the President's Mansion and Denny Chimes tower – both of which are iconic symbols of the university. The campus also offers numerous educational opportunities as well as various fun activities like concerts and movie screenings open to the public throughout the year. 
 

Paul W. Bryant Museum

Dedicated to University of Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, this museum offers visitors an inside look into his life and legacy. With thousands of artifacts within its walls – photos, trophies, awards and more – you can learn about Bryant's legacy from his time as a student athlete to his illustrious career coaching college football.
 

Tuscaloosa Riverwalk

Located along the banks of the Black Warrior River, this scenic path is perfect for taking in stunning views while on your stroll through town. Along with breathtaking vistas, this natural area provides areas for fishing and picnicking as well as multiple playgrounds for kids. It's also an ideal spot for participating in athletic activities such as biking or jogging on one its many trails that run alongside the riverbanks.

 Recommended Hotels in Tuscaloosa

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About Author

Nick K

Nick K, a travel blogger based in Europe, has been a solo traveler for over 15 years. He always has had his head over the skies and his backpack all over the world. He has traveled to over 30 countries and has penned down his experience with the motto of "on the next destination." He has written over 300+ blog posts written with a combo of videos and photography.