Alabama holidays

Lynyrd Skynyrd made it famous as ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. But you don’t have to live in this Gulf Coast state to experience just how sweet it can be. Fill your holiday in Alabama with white-sand beaches, Civil Rights landmarks and ancient limestone caves. From barbecue to blues music, Alabama showcases how diverse the culture and landscape of the American South can be.

Top destinations in Alabama

Birmingham

Follow in the footsteps of the Civil Rights Movement, tune into jazz history and taste the rich flavours of Southern BBQ in Birmingham, Alabama.

Gulf Shores

This Southern seaside getaway is home to some of Alabama’s best beaches, backcountry trails and classic seafood shacks. It’s time to get yourself to Gulf Shores.

Huntsville

The ‘Rocket City’ has built some of NASA’s most legendary spaceships. Yet Huntsville remains down-to-earth, with leafy parks, red-brick buildings and charming neighbourhoods.

Alabama: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Birmingham - UTC−6 (CST) and UTC−5 (CDT)

High season

March – May; September – November

Low season

June – August

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Alabama holiday highlights

Alabama
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Civil Rights history

Birmingham and Montgomery were home to some of the most important events of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Follow the Civil Rights Trail to historic locations across the state, like the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. In Montgomery, plan a day to experience the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.

Canyons and caverns

The limestone caves, sinkholes and canyons of the Cumberland Plateau are some of the most breathtaking things to see in Alabama. Majestic Caverns once hosted an underground speakeasy during Prohibition and now boasts family-friendly activities and tours. In spring and autumn, take a nighttime tour of Dismals Canyon to see the ‘dismalites’, North America’s only native glow-worm.

Musical heritage

Alabamians like WC Handy, Nat King Cole and Hank Williams Sr have shaped the sound of American popular music, from country and blues to jazz and R&B. In the small town of Muscle Shoals, artists from Aretha Franklin to Paul Simon have recorded albums with the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. And every year, the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival celebrates up-and-coming talent.

Things to do in Alabama

Alabama
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Top attractions

Alabama’s best draws feed the mind, body and soul — and we’re not just talking about the barbecue. Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center shows off the state’s contribution to space exploration, while Gulf Shores & Orange Beach have white-sand beaches and seafood for days. In Birmingham, the Civil Rights District honours the struggle for racial equality with historic sites and memorials.

Beaches

Some people call the Alabama coast the state’s best-kept secret. Once you visit the beaches in Alabama, it’s easy to see why. Look for shells near Orange Beach, or watch the sunset over the Gulf on the beaches of Dauphin Island. Gulf Shores is known for its standout seafood restaurants, plus attractions like dolphin tours and mini-golf.

Nature

From the coastal plains in the south to limestone caves and Appalachian foothills in the north, Alabama shows off stunning natural beauty. The dramatic Neversink Pit is one of the most photographed sinkholes in the United States. A tour of Rickwood Caverns reveals breathtaking ancient rock formations. Above ground, Lookout Mountain offers spectacular scenery with cliffs and waterfalls.

Cuisine

The restaurants in Alabama dish up some of the South’s best regional classics, from pit-smoked barbecue to soul food. Try seafood straight from the Gulf, or eat your way along the North Alabama Barbecue Trail. Old-school ‘meat and threes’ dish up staples like fried chicken and hush puppies (savoury doughnuts), while award-winning chefs in Birmingham offer fresh interpretations of old favourites.

Culture and museums

The museums in Alabama celebrate the state’s contributions to arts and science, as well as its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. In Huntsville, the US Space and Rocket Center celebrates the wonder of space. Visit the homes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hank Williams Sr and other writers and musicians who called Alabama home.

Nightlife

Alabama nightlife is a mix of deep-rooted tradition and new urban cool. This is especially true in Birmingham, with its craft breweries, rooftop lounges and historic jazz clubs. Mobile’s festive Dauphin Street keeps the Mardi Gras spirit alive all year long, while the beach bars of Gulf Shores are breezy, laid-back and perfect for a casual night out in your flip-flops.

Find the best time to visit Alabama

Weather in Alabama through the year

March – May: With brisk mornings and mild afternoons, spring is arguably the best time to visit Alabama. Keep an eye out for wildflowers.

June – August: Summer in the south is hot and humid, drawing locals to the beach. Expect thunderstorms, though they usually don’t last long. Hurricanes can sweep the Gulf Coast from June to November.

September – November: Autumn brings comfortable temperatures and leaf peeping up north, plus plenty of big college football games to attend. Coastal storms are possible early in the season.

December – February: Even in the depths of winter, it rarely gets too cold in Alabama. Some northern and central areas might see a dusting of snow, but heavy rain is more likely.

Events in Alabama

Mardi Gras in Mobile (February and March): America’s original Mardi Gras brings parades, floats and so many beads to the Gulf Coast. Celebrated in Mobile since 1703 (a few decades before New Orleans’ event began), it’s one of the most beloved events in Alabama.

Hangout Music Festival (May): More than 40,000 music lovers descend on Gulf Shores for this beachfront music fest that has featured international headliners like the Foo Fighters, Paul Simon and Lana Del Rey.

Alabama National Fair (October): So many people come to Montgomery from out of state for the state fair that organisers changed its name to the ‘National Fair’. Expect farm animals, fried foods, carnival games and rides like the Wacky Worm.

Know before you go

Budget

Planning a cheap holiday to Alabama doesn’t mean missing out on good food or fun. Even in larger cities like Birmingham and Mobile, you can find a meal for under 20 US dollars ($) and a domestic beer for less than $6. Plus, many of the state’s outdoor attractions, like beaches and hiking trails, offer free or low-cost entry and parking.

Health and safety

Alabama is welcoming and safe, but if you’re visiting in summer, be sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of sun cream. Mosquitoes and ticks are common, so pack insect repellent. At the beach, monitor hurricane forecasts and rip current warnings. If fishing or eating the local catch, check state advisories on mercury contamination, as some fish may be unsafe to eat.

Free things to do

Some of Alabama’s best features have no price tag. Spot migratory songbirds at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Explore Native American earthworks and take in sweeping forest views on a scenic drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway for just the cost of petrol. In Montgomery, both the State Capitol and the Museum of Fine Arts have free admission.

Family friendly

Alabama has plenty to keep little explorers engaged. The McWane Science Center lets kids play architect in the Lego Brick Zone and touch real-life rays. The Gulf Coast is packed with beaches, water parks and hiking trails at Gulf State Park. In Montgomery, the Rosa Parks Museum offers an interactive history lesson that resonates with visitors of all ages.

Getting around Alabama

Alabama
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Public transport

Buses: Greyhound and regional operators link most major cities throughout the state. The trip from Birmingham to Mobile takes between eight and 10 hours.

Trains: Rail isn’t the quickest way to travel in Alabama, but it can be scenic and relaxed. Amtrak’s Crescent line runs from New York to New Orleans with Alabama stops in Anniston, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Service has also returned on the coastal Mardi Gras route, linking Mobile with New Orleans.

Boats: The Mobile Bay Ferry links Dauphin Island with Fort Morgan, a scenic Gulf shortcut. The Gee’s Bend Ferry offers transport to the island in the Alabama River that gave rise to the famed Gee’s Bend Quilters.

Domestic flights

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport is Alabama’s primary hub, with additional airports in Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile. However, for travel within the state, flying usually isn’t practical — distances are short, and driving remains the most convenient and flexible way to get around.

Find domestic flights

Driving and car hire

Road tripping is the most rewarding way to experience Alabama’s contrasts, from revitalised Birmingham to the relaxing vibes of Gulf Shores. Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to explore the Civil Rights Trail and the Appalachian foothills at your own pace.

Check car hire

FAQs about Alabama holidays

Birmingham buzzes with barbecue joints, breweries and nightlife, while Montgomery immerses you in powerful Civil Rights history. Science lovers should head to Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center. For sugar-white sand and Gulf breezes, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach make the perfect coastal escape.
Two to three days is plenty for a beach retreat or to explore a city like Birmingham or Montgomery. To properly experience the state’s nature and cultural attractions, allow yourself a full week.
Late spring into early summer is the best time to visit Alabama, as the state’s beautiful azaleas, Cahaba lilies and other wildflowers burst into bloom. And it’s the perfect time to enjoy Alabama’s hiking, golfing and other outdoor activities. Summer is high season at the beach, so expect crowds. The weather stays mild through autumn and winter.
In general, Alabama is quite safe. LGBTQ+ travellers may want to exercise caution in some circumstances, as there have been instances of harassment. Beachgoers should be aware of hurricane season, which lasts from June through November.
Most folks in Alabama speak English but with a little Southern drawl. You’ll probably pick up on some regionalisms, ‘y’all’ being the most famous. Alabamians sometimes use ‘Coke’ to refer to any soft drink. Don’t be surprised if you order a Coke and your server asks what kind.
Alabama uses the US dollar ($). You’ll find ATMs are widely available, and most places take cards without issue. It’s still handy to keep some cash for small-town diners or local markets. Tipping follows US custom. Plan on leaving 20% in restaurants and for most service industries.

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