Words by Ashley Locke
Alabama is the kind of place that surprises you. It’s a state where history and innovation collide, where natural beauty meets deep culture, and where small towns hold some of the South’s best-kept secrets. From the Gulf Coast to the Black Belt, Alabama’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and adventure. It’s the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, the launching pad for space exploration, and a home for musicians, artists, and makers.
Today, Alabama is known for more than just its legendary football rivalries (though, trust us, they’re a big deal). It’s home to some of the best hiking trails in the Southeast, a food scene that blends traditional southern cooking with modern flavors, and a thriving arts community. Whether you’re in search of history, outdoor adventure, or just a really good meal, Alabama has something for you. So pack your bags, queue up your best road trip playlist, and get ready to make some discoveries.
Gadsden
Why You Should Stop:
If you’re craving fresh air and scenic views, Gadsden is the perfect road trip stop. This small town sits along the Coosa River and is best known for its incredible waterfalls, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Take a hike at Noccalula Falls. This 90-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of the park, but the surrounding trails, historic sites, and botanical gardens make it a must-see destination.
Mobile
Why You Should Stop:
Mobile is where history comes alive. It’s the birthplace of America’s first Mardi Gras (sorry, New Orleans), home to some of the best seafood in the South, and a city where the Spanish moss-draped streets feel like they belong in a storybook. From the USS Alabama Battleship to the stunning historic homes in the Oakleigh Garden District, Mobile is a city that celebrates its past while embracing the present.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Grab a pastry at Dropout Bakery & Co. If you’re visiting during Mardi Gras season, you have to try their viral king cake—it’s a game-changer. But no matter when you go, their inventive pastries and sweets will leave you planning your next trip back.
Cullman
Why You Should Stop:
Cullman is a mix of Southern charm and unexpected European influences. Founded by German immigrants, the town is home to quirky architecture, antique shops, and one of the most unique religious sites in the country.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Visit the Ave Maria Grotto. This four-acre park is home to 125 miniature reproductions of some of the world’s most famous religious structures, all created by a Benedictine monk. It’s unlike anything else in Alabama.
Huntsville
Why You Should Stop:
Huntsville is where science comes alive. Known as “Rocket City,” it played a pivotal role in the space race and remains a hub for innovation. But beyond the tech and aerospace industries, Huntsville boasts a fantastic food scene, great breweries, and outdoor adventures.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. It’s home to one of the largest collections of space artifacts in the world, including actual Saturn V rockets. Even if you weren’t a space-obsessed kid, it’s still awe-inspiring.
Florence
Why You Should Stop:
Florence is the heart of Alabama’s Shoals region, a town that blends music, fashion, and history. It’s home to Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where legends like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones recorded, and it’s also where designer Billy Reid has set up shop.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House. It’s one of the only Wright-designed homes in the South open to the public, and it’s a fascinating look into the style of the legendary architect.
Birmingham
Why You Should Stop:
Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city and its cultural capital. With an incredible food scene, a deep civil rights history, and unique museums, it’s a must-stop destination.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Even if you’re not a motorcycle fan, this place will blow your mind. It houses the largest private motorcycle collection in the world and some of the rarest racecars ever built.
Selma
Why You Should Stop:
Selma is one of the most significant cities in American history. The events of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches changed the course of civil rights, and today, the city stands as a powerful place to reflect, learn, and honor that legacy.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. Located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, this museum tells the powerful story of the struggle for voting rights in America.
Montgomery
Why You Should Stop:
Alabama’s capital is where past and present intersect. It’s home to landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement, including the church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, as well as a growing arts and food scene.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
The Legacy Museum is a life-changing stop. This museum, created by the Equal Justice Initiative, offers a powerful, immersive experience that traces the history of racial injustice from slavery to the present.
Decatur
Why You Should Stop:
On the banks of the Tennessee River, Decatur is a city with deep ties to nature, science, and Southern hospitality. It’s home to one of the best science museums in the region, a thriving arts scene, and the famous Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival. Plus, the riverfront views are unbeatable.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Explore the Cook Museum of Natural Science. This hands-on museum is perfect for curious travelers of all ages, with exhibits on everything from caves to space to the ecosystems of the Tennessee Valley.
Daphne
Why You Should Stop:
Daphne, also known as the “Jubilee City,” is a hidden gem on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. It’s known for its stunning sunsets, abundant wildlife, and laid-back coastal vibes.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss:
Take a Delta Wildlife Kayak Tour. Paddle through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and spot alligators, bald eagles, and other wildlife in one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country.
From mountain trails to Gulf Coast sunsets, Alabama is full of adventure waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re drawn to history, music, food, or the great outdoors, this road trip will show you the very best of the state. So grab your keys, fill up the tank, and start exploring—Alabama is calling.
