From endearing Southern hospitality to popular homestyle cuisines, Sweet Home Alabama is iconically known for its unexpected kindness from strangers, small town charm even in its bigger cities, and delicious food. It's unforgettable to experience a taste of the South.
Beautiful parks and gardens, white sand beaches, trails and waterways for outdoor enthusiasts, and thriving cities make Alabama full of adventure.
Explore Alabama's First City, Mobile
From rooftops to rivers, Alabama’s "First City" is the ideal spot to fill your summer days with a range of activities. Whether you're staying in town and hitting the museums and restaurants or venturing out to become one with nature, you can do it all in a trip to Mobile.
Head to Greer's St. Louis Market where you can grab a coffee, ice cream or other snack on the main level before heading to the rooftop patio to enjoy good food and good company. The Battle House Hotel is home to a rooftop pool bar that’s perfect for soaking in the skyline. Grace on Dauphin offers local fare, great drinks and a rooftop with an atmosphere.
Mobile is home to the second largest river delta in the country – the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, also known as America’s Amazon. Between the River Delta and Mobile Bay, this part of Alabama offers one of the most biodiverse environments in the world and countless water activities. Kayaking, canoeing and fishing tours offer a day of adventure. If you’re looking for something wilder, we recommend hopping on an airboat tour.
There’s no better way to delve into a destination than by exploring its food scene, and Bienville Bites has just the solution. Their tasting tours let you stop at several local joints and learn about the city’s history along the way.
If you end up falling in love with Mobile, like most, and want to become more immersed, plan to visit around one of the city's many events like Mardi Gras. Head to mobile.org for more information.
Tour Historical Highlights of Montgomery
In the heart of the capital city, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement is paramount to locals and visitors near and far to embrace the incredible stories, sightings, and history woven into the very soul of Montgomery. The city played an extraordinary role in American History. It unfolds as you stroll through the Montgomery historic district with beautiful mansions and the 1851 Alabama State Capitol.
With museums being a staple of the city, you can capture the chronicles of history by visiting the Rosa Parks Museum, The National Memorial For Peace and Justice, Museum of Alabama, and the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King and his family lived.
While exploring downtown Montgomery, don't forget to visit Old Alabama Town. More than 50 historic homes and buildings have been renovated and restored to their original state. A fascinating encounter, each property represents life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Enjoy Food and Fun Adventures in Birmingham
Birmingham lives up to its name, the Magic City. It's reinvented itself, and the city is moving forward with exciting things to savor on a summer vacation. To all the music and sports buffs, take a trip to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and see the legends come alive.
If you're traveling with family or a significant other, discover a bird's eye view of the city, farmlands, and towns by indulging in a hot air balloon ride at Southern Balloon Journeys. It's the perfect send-off into the summer.
It is no secret that good food and James Beard Award-winning chefs abound in Birmingham. Don't miss Chef Rob McDaniel's Helen, Chef Adam Evan's Automatic Seafood, or culinary icon Frank Stitt's Italian-inspired eatery Bottega or French bistro Chez Fonfon. For a next level coffee experience, stop by June Coffee or Filter Coffee Parlor.
Spend a Grand Weekend in Luxury in Fairhope
Known as "The Queen of Southern Resorts," treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection. This iconic resort near Fairhope, the beach hamlet of Point Clear, is perfect for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, family vacations, and girls' getaways. Enjoy an array of dining on property. Head out on the lush greens and play a few rounds of golf at the renowned Lakewood Club, revitalize your senses at the immense Spa at the Grand, or take the kids to the pool or beach.
Nearby downtown Fairhope is known for its charm, art galleries, boutiques and the popular book haven, Page & Palette.
Another lodging option for those looking for something more private is the upscale Jubilee Suites with breathtaking views, 200 feet of beachfront, kayaks and paddleboards, and a fire pit overlooking Mobile Bay.
Don't miss eateries The Hope Farm, Sunset Grill at Fly Creek, and Sage Lebanese Cuisine.
Enjoy Snowy White Beaches on the Gulf Coast
A coast admired for its 32 miles of pristine white sand beaches, Gulf Shores is a paradise of nostalgia with water sports (parasailing, dolphin cruises & fishing), amusement parks, and nature trails. Enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and Ferris wheel riding at The Wharf. And if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, the 9th Annual: Bulls on the Beach event will debut for Labor Day and feature rodeo action from professional riders across the country. Nearby Turquoise Place offers spacious condos with multiple pools, a lazy river, poolside eats, and loungers with umbrellas for a day at the beach.
Looking for fewer crowds to relax, recharge, and explore? Dauphin Island is the perfect Gulf Coast retreat. The seven-mile island is pet-friendly, so your fur baby can enjoy it too. With nature at its finest, walk or bike its numerous trails, discover bird and alligator watching, and visit its sea lab.
Whether you're an Alabama native looking for adventure or an out-of-towner seeking to enjoy the South, experience a region rich in culture that will have you returning time and time again.
Whether you're an Alabama native looking for adventure or an out-of-towner seeking to enjoy the South, experience a region rich in culture.
