There are countless reasons to visit Alabama. If you want to relax on a beach, immerse yourself in history, hear great music, hike, shop, or golf, you won’t be disappointed. I can’t possibly list all the great sites and activities, but check out these 7 Sensational Sites in Alabama!
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Muscle Shoals
Alabama has a rich musical heritage that has influenced many genres and artists over the years. From blues and jazz to country and rock ‘n’ roll, Alabama has played a key role in shaping the American music scene. One of the most notable examples of Alabama’s musical roots is the Muscle Shoals sound. Visit the FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to see where it all began.
Take a studio tour to see where legends ranging from the legendary Aretha Franklin to Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded hits. The FAME Recording Studios are listed on the National Register of Landmarks and Heritage. On the tour, you will experience a behind-the-scenes look into that soulful, funky, and bluesy Muscle Shoals sound.
Don’t miss the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, just 10 minutes from the FAME Studios. Alabama is home to an array of talented musicians who have contributed country, jazz and soul music. Some of the most famous country music artists from Alabama include Hank Williams Sr., Tammy Wynette, and Emmylou Harris. Notable jazz musicians from Alabama include Sun Ra, Nat King Cole, and Lionel Hampton.
And honestly, where would the state be without their signature song, “Sweet Home Alabama!”
There are several great places to stay in both Muscle Shoals and Tuscumbia. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
The Civil Rights Trail
A journey through the Civil Rights Trail is a powerful and emotional experience. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Selma to Montgomery March, the trail highlights significant events and locations that played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement.
Edmund Pettus Bridge
Begin your journey at Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, which was the site of the Bloody Sunday March in 1965. The marchers, led by civil rights activists including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., were brutally attacked by state troopers on the bridge. Walk across the bridge and pay your respects to those who risked their lives to fight for equality and justice. After crossing the bridge, visit the Brown Chapel AME Church where MLK launched the voting Rights March.
The route between Selma to Montgomery takes less than an hour by car. But remember, the marchers were on foot. There are numerous placed of interest along the 16-hour walk.
Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
Once you arrive in Montgomery, you can take an easy GPS walking tour of sites. Be sure to visit the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Dr. King served as pastor from 1954 to 1960. The church was the starting point of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The boycott began in 1955, after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Visitors can take a guided tour of the church to learn more about its role in the civil rights movement.
Trek North to Birmingham
If time permits, head up to Birmingham to visit the Civil Rights Institute and more historic places including the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the site of the 1961 Freedom Riders attack, Dynamite Hill, and Bethel Baptist Church.
Visiting the Alabama Civil Rights Trail is a humbling experience and reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for justice and equality.
There are several great places to stay in both Selma, Montgomery, and Birmingham. There are also several other fun things to see and do along the way.
Gorgeous Gulf Beaches
Don’t miss taking a day or two (or ten!) to relax on one of Alabama’s Gulf beaches. One of the most popular is Gulf Shores beach. This stunning beach features crystal-clear water, soft sand, and a range of activities such as parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, making it the perfect place to spend a day or an entire vacation.
If you are looking for a more secluded and peaceful beach experience, visit Dauphin Island. This barrier island is located off the coast of Mobile and features miles of gorgeous beaches and several nature trails. Enjoy bird watching, fishing, and exploring the local flora and fauna. The island is also home to several historic sites, including Fort Gaines and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Pack your sunscreen, grab your beach gear, and get ready for a beach vacation you’ll never forget.
There are several great places to stay in Gulf Shores. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area. Dauphin Island also boasts several wonderful places to stay and things to do!
Cheaha State Park
Alabama is also home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Admire stunning views from the state’s highest point on what feels like an island in the sky at Cheaha State Park. Located at the southern extremity of the Appalachian mountain range, Cheaha is regarded by many to be one of the most exceptional parks in the country.
You will truly feel that you have gone off the grid as you explore 2,799 acres of granite boulders surrounded by nearly 400,000 acres of the Talladega National Forest. In addition, you might find yourself looking down at the clouds from 22,407 feet above sea level.
With loads of driving, hiking, and mountain biking trails in the park, you will have no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the views.
The park has several camping and lodging options available, or you can stay nearby in Delta. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Cathedral Caverns State Park
Do not miss the jaw-dropping cave experience at Cathedral Caverns State Park. This enormous underground cave features some of the largest stalactites and stalagmites in the world. Some are over 25 feet tall! Take a guided tour through the cave to explore its stunning formations and learn about its fascinating history.
The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, gem mining, and several special events for runners. Cathedral Caverns State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and wonder of Alabama’s natural landscape.
The park has several camping and lodging options available, or you can stay nearby in Scottsboro.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Golf enthusiasts will be in heaven as they traipse from course to course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The trail spans over 468 holes, divided into 11 sites throughout the state, and is known for its challenging courses and beautiful landscapes. Robert Trent Jones, a renowned golf course architect, designed the trail in the 1980s to promote golf tourism in Alabama.
Today, the trail is one of the most visited golf destinations in the country. It attracts both amateur and professional golfers from all over the world. The courses on the trail are well-maintained and provide a unique and exciting experience for players of all skill levels. Overall, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a must-visit for any golfer looking for a challenging and unforgettable golfing experience.
Wonderful accommodations can be found near the courses in Greenville, Prattville, Auburn, Huntsville, Dothan, Point Clear, Mobile, Birmingham, Hoover, Anniston, and Muscle Shoals.
Space and Rocket Center
Visit the Alabama Space and Rocket Center to see its vast collection of rockets and spacecraft. The museum and educational center is a testament to Alabama’s contributions to America’s space program and a celebration of the human spirit of exploration and discovery. Check out examples of the Saturn V rocket, the Apollo 16 capsule, and the Skylab Orbital Workshop, among many others.
Don’t miss the nearby Marshall Space Flight Center, where NASA engineers and scientists continue to work on cutting-edge space research and technology.
There are several great places to stay in Huntsville. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Plan a Trip to Alabama Soon!
These 7 sensational sites are reason enough to plan a trip to Alabama, but don’t forget to check out the Alabama shopping scene while you are there. From high-end malls, to outlet shops, to flea markets, Alabama has something for everyone. Don’t miss the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro. This massive store is home to lost and unclaimed luggage from airports around the country. Browse through thousands of items, from designer clothes to electronics, at deeply discounted prices. It’s a treasure trove of unexpected finds and a shopping experience like no other.
Honestly, what most sets Alabama apart from other destinations is its unique blend of Southern hospitality, charm, and authenticity. Whether you’re exploring the state’s small towns or its vibrant cities, you’ll find a warm welcome and a true sense of Southern hospitality wherever you go.
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