Central Alabama Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Birmingham
Discover the cultural heart of Alabama in the center of the state, where you will find engaging museums, stunning scenery and thrilling events, including car races and football games.

Experience the culture of southern America’s heartland in Central Alabama, a region that is incontrovertibly shaped by its past while looking forward to a bright future. Famous cities with fascinating historical attractions sit surrounded by scenery that includes picturesque lakes. Smaller towns are shaped by their proudly held traditions.

Start your journey to Central Alabama in Birmingham, the largest city in the state. One of the landmarks in this historic city is the Vulcan Statue, a 56-foot (17-meter) sculpture of the Roman god of blacksmithing, a symbol of the region’s industrial past. Visit the Sloss Furnaces for an enthralling insight into this era of history.

Explore Birmingham’s numerous museums for a complete picture of the city’s multifaceted history. Listen to the music of the greats in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and discover a global array of paintings and sculptures at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Stop by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn about the city’s complex role in the 20th-century movement.

Wander around the historic campus of the University of Alabama in the charming city of Tuscaloosa. The campus area houses a wide array of museums, sports grounds and gardens. Watch the famous Crimson Tide play a thrilling game of football.

Central Alabama also has a proud history of motorsports. Get up close to vintage car models in the Barber Motorsports Park and the Wellborn Musclecar Museum. Join huge crowds of locals at the Talladega Superspeedway, famed for its high-speed NASCAR races.

Explore the landscapes outside the towns and cities of Central Alabama. Stroll through shaded woodland and rest by tranquil lakes in the state parks of the region. Cheaha State Park is the home of the highest point in Alabama and features hiking and biking trails. Cyclists will also enjoy the routes running through scenic Chewacla State Park.

Board a flight to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to land in the heart of Central Alabama. The region remains warm throughout the year, although spring and fall are the best times to avoid the most humid months.

Where to stay in Central Alabama

Birmingham featuring a statue or sculpture and interior views

Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to McWane Science Center or Regions Field.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Travellers come to Homewood for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Birmingham Zoo and Red Mountain Park while you're in town.

Homewood
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Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo.

Mountain Brook
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Vestavia Hills

Visitors to Vestavia Hills enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Birmingham Ballet is worth a stop.

Vestavia Hills
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University Area

If you're spending some time in University Area, Coleman Coliseum and Bryant-Denny Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

University Area
Vulcan Statue featuring a city

Five Points South

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Five Points South include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Vulcan Statue or Vulcan Park and Museum while you're exploring the area.

Five Points South
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
The price is AU$164 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
AU$164
per night
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,134 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on 28 Sep. 2024

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
4 out of 5
1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is AU$199 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$199
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Will definitely book again"

Reviewed on 27 Sep. 2024

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
3.5 out of 5
2027 1ST Avenue North, Birmingham, AL
The price is AU$224 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$224
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (650 reviews)
Poor TV usage in room
"We could not get our tv service to work and the front desk didn’t know how to fix it either. Wasn’t the biggest deal since we had a short stay, but would have rather had it fixed had we stayed more than 1 night. Maybe ensure all tvs are going to be easily usable for each room"

Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2024

The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
4 out of 5
300 18th St S, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (222 reviews)
You Will Love It!
"Such an awesome place!!! I truly love it here. So clean always!! Restaurants everywhere. Very peaceful and very safe."

Reviewed on 20 Sep. 2024

Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
cozy cabin directly on beautiful Lake Martin
cozy cabin directly on beautiful Lake Martin
Alexander City
Stay at this vacation home in Alexander City. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Wind Creek State Park and D.A.R.E. Power Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
Lake cottage!
"Perfect lake view cottage Vacation! Very peaceful!!"

Reviewed on 23 Sep. 2024

cozy cabin directly on beautiful Lake Martin
Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Birmingham
Stay at this apartment in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions The Summit and Heaviest Corner on Earth ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Nice loft
"Cute little loft"

Reviewed on 23 Sep. 2024

Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Central Alabama