Coming to a unique state like Alabama and finding something you enjoy doing is a walk in the park. But, narrowing down its cities to determine the best of them? Not so much. That’s why we selected the cities that have something to keep everyone in the family happy, and if you didn’t think that was possible, Alabama makes it so.
Obviously we think Athens is the greatest city in Alabama. But if you’re looking for a getaway that doesn’t require a plane ride, or even just want to load up the family and take a road trip, we think you’ll enjoy these other places around the state.
Birmingham
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, home to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Aviation Hall of Fame, containing over 20,000 objects in their permanent collection of engines, models, and artifacts.
If you are looking for a place to pay homage to all the Alabama veterans, visit the Alabama Veterans Memorial park, where the Hall of Honor displays the names of all veterans killed during active duty in wars since the 20th century. It is historically rich places like this, along with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, that serve as places of enlightenment and education for us to continue striving to build better and brighter futures.
As you travel throughout this exciting city, be sure to make use of the Zyp BikeShare, where you can check out bicycles to rent 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Cruise between seafood restaurants like the 5 Point Public House & Oyster Bar and Shrimp Basket Irondale, and spend an afternoon at the Birmingham Zoo and McWane Science Center.
Mobile
Did you know that our country’s first-ever Mardi Gras celebration took place in Mobile, Alabama? Since then, this city has earned its reputation as a city that knows how to have a good time while still serving up authentic southern hospitality with sophistication and charm.
In Mobile, you can enjoy fresh seafood and gumbo as you overlook its bay that reflects a stunning skyline of French architecture. This city is home to various wildlife and sea life with interactive opportunities at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and The Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Gulf Shores
Come to Gulf Shores if you want to get a feel for the Gulf of Mexico’s wonderfully warm crystal blue waters. Here you can spend a day relaxing in the sand, fishing (deep sea or pier), and enjoying some of the best seafood – including ones that cook your catch!
If your tastes are more for adventure, this beach city also offers parasailing, dolphin cruises, kayaking, hiking, and biking. Gulf Shores is also home to The Hangout, a seafood restaurant that hosts oyster cook-offs and live music year-round, including the annual Hangout Music Festival.
For afternoons filled with more wildlife, you can check out the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or take a quiet nature walk on the trails of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a safe harbor for endangered species. Here you can spot lizards, turtles, snakes, and alligators and listen for the sounds of 360 species of birds.
As a state that overflows with culture and charm, these Alabama cities are certainly not lacking in places to stay, iconic foods to eat, nature to experience, and opportunities to create lasting memories with your family and friends.
