From Civil War battlegrounds to Civil Rights legends, Alabama is awash in essential attractions depictive of American history. Visitors can tour the preserved Fort Morgan or drive the Civil Rights Trail from Selma to Birmingham. There is also a rich culture of music and literature here ? a visit to the hometown of To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee goes well with trips to natural wonders such as the Gulf Coast beaches, inland caverns and world-class golf courses. A rental car is a near necessity to really get out and explore the wealth of attractions in Alabama.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Civil Rights Movement was born in Alabama. From the pulpit of Martin Luther King, Jr, to the courage of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat in the bus, all the pivotal moments are captured in this amazing and inspiring museum. The Institute is also an educational center with special workshops, lectures, and other interesting events all year round. Address: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: +1-205-328-9696 Website: http://www.bcri.org/index.html
Fort Morgan
Built in 1834, Fort Morgan was the site of the Civil War’s most decisive naval battle, the Battle of Mobile Bay, but it was also important during the Spanish-American War, WWI, and WWII. Besides touring the grounds of the fort, there is an excellent museum on site showcasing relics from the period such as uniforms, weapons, personal items of soldiers, and photographs. Address: Fort Morgan, 51 Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Phone: +1-251-540-5257 Website: http://preserveala.org/fortmorgan.aspx
Orange Beach
Miles of white sand awaits visitors at Alabama’s top beach along the Gulf Coast. This is also the best place to arrange deep-sea fishing excursions, boat cruises, and other water recreation. From the history of Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island to the youthful fun on Adventure Island, several of the state’s top attractions are all in one place. Explore the beauty of Perdido Pass, indulge yourself at the Wharf Resort or just stroll along the perfect shoreline. Address: Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, southern Alabama Phone: n/a Website: http://www.gulfshores.com/
Montgomery
Alabama’s capital is definitely a hub of culture and history. Visitors will find days of interesting attractions to ponder and enjoy, such as the Civil Rights Memorial and Center, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, and the Hank Williams Museum. You can check out Old Alabama Town to see what things were like in the 19th century or pique your literary fantasies at the F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum. Blount Cultural Park is both a green oasis and home to institutions like the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts with its collection of southern masterpieces. Address: central Alabama Phone: n/a Website: http://visitingmontgomery.com/
Birmingham
Alabama’s largest city is home to loads of attractions, from the historic to the entertaining. At its heart is the Civil Rights District, an area packed with famous landmarks like the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Civil Rights Institute, but there’s also the Alabama Jazz Music Hall of Fame, the Birmingham Zoo and the Southern Museum of Flight. This city is the full package with fun for kids at Alabama Adventure and excitement for adults at the Talladega Superspeedway. Address: central Alabama Phone: n/a Website: http://birminghamal.org/
US Space & Rocket Center
Kids and adults alike have plenty to get excited about at this impressive space center. Within its spacious grounds are more than 1,500 pieces of NASA history. Some of them are quite special, like the Apollo 16’s command module and the Saturn V rocket. The Spacedrome IMAX Theater is an absolute stunner, as is the cool simulated voyage to Mars and amusement rides for the children. Address: US Space & Rocket Center, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Phone: 1+800-637-7223 Website: http://www.ussrc.com/
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
There’s a rich legacy of musical talent in Alabama, and the Music Hall of Fame puts it all on display. The place to learn about legends like Nat King Cole, Hank Williams, and Wilson Pickett, between the cool old photographs and memorabilia, there’s a lot to ogle at. If you can’t get enough of the songstress heritage, head to Georgiana and tour Hank Williams Boyhood Home and Museum. It’s a Graceland of sorts, bluegrass style. Address: Alabama Music Hall of Fame, 127 Rose Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Phone: 1+800-239-2643 Website: http://www.alamhof.org/