4 Star Places To Visit in Alabama, United States (50)
4.5USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park(3.962 reviews)from $37.00 - Great day out Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Ships • History Museums
At Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well.Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more.Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore inside the oldest Submarine on display, Submarine USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in our collection include: A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours.See more..
4.5U.S. Space and Rocket Center(3.221 reviews) - Worth the Visit Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
Home to Space Camp, Aviation Challenge, Space Camp Robotics, U.S. Cyber Camp and NASA's Official Visitor Information Center for Marshall Space Flight Center; The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is recognized as one of the most comprehensive U.S. manned space flight hardware museums in the world.See more..
4.0Unclaimed Baggage(2.065 reviews) - Coffee and jeans shopping Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, Unclaimed Baggage Center is a one-of-a-kind retail store full of lost treasures. As the Nation's only merchant of unclaimed and lost airline baggage and its contents, we provide a unique shopping experience full of an ever-changing array of unique items from around the world, all at an incredible value. We buy and sells countless items each year from abandoned and unclaimed luggage. Including Women's, Men's, Children's clothing, designer handbags and sunglasses, shoes, books, sporting goods, computers, camera equipment, perfume, jewelry and other specialty items sold below retail value.See more..
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has become 'The Little Zoo That Grew' since we moved to our new 25-acre home! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to exotic animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, reptiles, kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths, to name just a few. The Zoo features a domestic barn, seasonal animal adventures, a mining sluice, and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months. The mission of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for the conservation of the natural world.See more..
4.0The Wharf(1.540 reviews)from $37.00 - A Laser Show Not To Be Missed Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Marinas
The Wharf is a vibrant entertainment district with hundreds of fun events throughout the year. Located on Portage Creek, this sprawling complex features over 60 unique stores, bars and restaurants. Hop on The Wharf Express Train for a ride down Main Street, and hop off to shop and play mini-golf or laser tag. You can also ride the Ferris Wheel, or even go on a dolphin cruise. At night, don't forget to catch the daily spectacular light show. You might want to check out the Wharf Marina, which is home to some of the largest in-water boat shows and saltwater fishing tournaments on the Gulf. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Gulf State Park(1.420 reviews) - Best Campground on the Gulf! Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Beaches
Gulf State Park's two miles of beaches greet you with plenty of white sun-kissed sand, surging surf, seagulls and sea shells, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. Inside Gulf State Park there is a brand new Gulf Front lodge and Conference Center, beach pavilion, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Cottages, tennis courts, camp sites, 28 miles of paved/enhance trails and a fishing pier that is 20-feet wide and extends 1,512 feet into the Gulf. This and much more make Gulf State Park the perfect in-state vacation or out-of-state adventure.See more..
4.5Vulcan Park and Museum(1.394 reviews) - Don't miss Vulcan for some Birmingham history Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts • Parks • History Museums
The largest cast-iron statue in the world created for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair placed on top of Red Mountain with a beautiful view of downtown Birmingham. Also, inside Vulcan Center, is an interactive museum that contains the historical timeline of the city of Birmingham.See more..
This historic museum traces the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who changed the course of American history. The struggle for equality for Black Americans is chronicled here, from the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s.See more..
Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World The Birmingham Zoo is home is a variety of animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, sea lions, orangutans, zebras, a jaguar, African elephants, and endangered species from six continents! The Birmingham Zoo is a non-profit and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except during special, seasonal and extended hours. Regular admission is $19.95* for adults and $16.95* for senior citizens and military and $14.95* for children ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under two-years-old receive free admission. The Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA accredited Zoo in the state of Alabama. Regular Zoo Hours Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Birmingham Zoo is closed Monday & Tuesday unless open for a holiday. Entry into the Zoo stops 30 minutes before closing.See more..
4.5Gulf State Park Fishing Pier(1.117 reviews) - Cold and windy but nice to see Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Piers & Boardwalks
The Gulf State Park Pier offers features such as indoor seating for concession area, indoor retail area for tackle and souvenirs, comfort stations at the midpoint of the pier (seen in picture above) and wheelchair accessible rail fishing. The new pier has 2,448 feet of fishing space available along the rails.See more..
4.5FORT MORGAN HISTORIC SITE(1.024 reviews)from $37.00 - Fun for history buffs!!! Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Battlefields
Located on Mobile Point, at the end of Scenic Fort Morgan Peninsula, the site has a diverse number of activities to make your vacation a memorable one. Preceded by another fort, Fort Bowyer during the War of 1812, Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. Standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, the fort played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. Used intermittently through the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, the site showcases the evolution of seacoast fortifications and adaptations made by the U.S. Army for the defense of the country.See more..
4.5McWane Science Center(957 reviews) - Closed early but fun outing Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • Aquariums • Children's Museums
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.See more..
The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum.See more..
4.5Bellingrath Gardens and Home(831 reviews) - WOW Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas • Gardens
Enjoy 65 acres of year-round floral pageantry in a Southern estate garden with blooms and beauties every day of the year. It is our passion at Bellingrath Gardens and Home to preserve and enhance the 65-acre garden and grand estate home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath.See more..
4.5Tanger Outlets Foley(819 reviews) - Fun shopping trip after a long soccer tournament Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Factory Outlets
Find great savings on merchandise from your favorite designer and name-brands direct from the manufacturer at stores like: Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Talbots, White House Black Market, Nike, Chico's, Kenneth Cole, Reebok and many more. Before you travel, check out the Tanger Outlet website to find the latest Coupons & Sales Offers for Tanger Outlets in Foley. Or, when you arrive at the outlets, make your first stop Shopper Services to learn about the benefits of joining TangerClub (Tanger Club information is also available online). In Shopper Services you can purchase a coupon book full of great savings or if you are already a TangerClub member pick up a coupon book for free! Think Outlets, Think Tanger.See more..
4.5Rosa Parks Library and Museum(758 reviews)from $23.00 - Worth the time to read, reflect and appreciate the bravery of all involved in the boycott. Saturday: History Museums
Come witness Rosa Parks’ arrest, view a 1955 Montgomery city bus, and learn for yourself how a group of willing men and women led by the Montgomery Improvement Association fueled the resolve of a movement. Visitors will also view a 1956 station wagon used as the basis for an extensive carpooling system. While traveling through time, you’ll meet Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and see the mass effect the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Civil Rights Movement had on the world.See more..
4.5Mobile Bay Ferry(718 reviews) - Sunset Ferry Ride Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:15 PM Spent < 1 hour Ferries
The Mobile Bay Ferry crosses beautiful Mobile Bay, Alabama and connects SR 193 at Dauphin Island on the west side with SR 180 at Mobile Point on the east. Considered “the Gulf-Coast’s Most Scenic Drive”, the ferry saves travelers hours of driving time plus the high cost of fuel by providing a travel link across the mouth of Mobile Bay. The trip between Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan at Mobile Point provides wonderful views of the two historic forts that have long guarded the entrance of Mobile Bay. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes and is a great way for passengers to view birds, sea life and other boats and ships. The ferry service utilizes two ferries, the Fort Morgan and the Marissa Mae Nicole to carry passengers and vehicles across the Bay. At least one ferry operates year-round with both ferries operating during the busy summer months.See more..
The Alabama Aquarium is an exciting educational public aquarium highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool, and the Living Marsh Boardwalk. This facility has 31 aquariums totaling over 30,000 gallons with more than 100 species on display. The Alabama Aquarium showcases the plants, animals, and other natural resources found in the Estuary and its surrounding marine habitats. Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the aquarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth largest estuary system in the United States. Tickets are available online at: https://disl.yapsody.com/See more..
4.0The Track(590 reviews) - Great way to spend a day with the family! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks
The Track Family Fun Park in Gulf Shores features fun for the whole family, ranging from thrill rides like the Skycoaster to family go-kart tracks, miniature golf, bumper boats, Kids Country rides, an arcade, and more. The Track’s signature attraction is the elevated, multi-level Wild Woody go-kart track, where drivers race up three and a half stories and then circle back down with an exciting drop at the bottom. The Wild Woody, Super Track and Family Track feature both double and single karts for racing. The Spinning Coaster made its debut in 2017. With rolling curves and cars that spin while zipping along the coaster’s track, the Spinning Coaster is a great pick for a first-time roller coaster experience.See more..
Historic House Museum located beside the Alabama Archives and History and across from the Alabama State Capitol Museum.See more..
4.5Mobile Carnival Museum(580 reviews)from $8.21 - Great intro to Mobile Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums
This museum documents Mobile's long affair with the winter carnival.See more..
4.0Dauphin Street(560 reviews) - A Delightful Stroll Points of Interest & Landmarks
We picked up a brochure at the Visitor's Center that described this charming walk and offered a few pictures to help guide you. Each block offered another arcitectural treasure. We started with lunch at the "Spot of Tea" and continued out of town. When we got to the end, we came back up Government Street to the Mardi Gras Museum. A perfect afternoon!See more..
The deepest canyon east of the Mississippi is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Lookout Mountain.See more..
4.5Birmingham Museum of Art(546 reviews) - Excellent Museum Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums
This three-story museum houses an eclectic selection of art, including Wedgewood pottery, the largest collection of Asian art in the Southeast, Native American and African art, impressionism, contemporary art and American landscapes.See more..
4.5Alligator Alley(543 reviews) - Unexpected gem Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
We were visiting Orange Beach from Kansas in late August, and I scoped this place out as something I thought my 4 year old would enjoy. It was a little drive from Orange Beach, but a great break from the sand for a day. I don't know what I expected, but this place was fantastic. It is very well maintained and the staff is super friendly. We were there for a feeding and the handler doing the feeding was entertaining, knowledgeable, and answered all sorts of questions. My daughter got to hold and pet a baby alligator as well. You have opportunities to buy reasonably priced "treats" to feed the gators and they come in a cute souvenir cup you can take home. Really enjoyed the swamp area and walking on the boardwalks looking at all the massive adult gators.See more..
4.5Fort Gaines(533 reviews) - Very interesting, well preserved and managed. An important part of the Civil War I did not know much about. Historic Sites
A restored fort that dates back to the colonial era.See more..
4.0Adventure Island(515 reviews) - Kids loved it Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM Amusement & Theme Parks
Now open 7 days a week at 10am! Come see us for great family fun, now run on Embed Treasure Cards! Just load up your points for any attraction or arcade game, adventure awaits.See more..
4.5Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark(511 reviews) - Great place to walk around & learn some Birmingham history Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Wow! Great stop. Beautiful gardens. Free parking free entrance. Lots of great picture taking opportunities. We were too early for gift shop or cafe (745 arrival on a Sunday) but spent almost 2 hours meandering around and checking all the gardens including conservatory and getting pictures. See more..
My husband and I visited here with my brother, his wife and our 2 little nieces and we all had a great time. We ended up renting one of their SUVs for $15 so we could all drive together, plus it saved our rental car from getting any potential damage from animal horns. There were so many different types of animals here and they all seemed to be well-cared for. We enjoyed having them come up to us in the car, then we had fun seeing all the different reptiles in the reptile house afterward. Our nieces loved it. They also provided free food cups to feed the piglets as well, which was super cute. Definitely a fun afternoon.See more..
The heart of downtown Auburn and its university has been a special gathering place for college students, visitors and politicians over the years.See more..
4.5Ike's Beach Service(495 reviews) - Exceptional and Personable Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gear Rentals
Ike’s Beach Service specializes in a wide variety of beach equipment rentals, recreation, and amusements. Availabilities include: beach chair and umbrella rentals, paddle board and kayak rentals, and beach wheelchair rentals.See more..
4.5Montgomery Zoo(484 reviews) - Small but mighty Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos
This popular family destination, spread over 40 acres, is home to over 700 animals from five continents, including the famous Bengal tiger. A train ride around the park provides an overview of the site and a chance to determine where you want to go later for a closer look.See more..
We were in Orange Beach during chilly weather, so beach was less desirable. But the sun shone brightly & temps were just right for walking the trails. Others using the trails offered friendly greetings. Enjoyed the feeling of being in a natural environment. We stopped at the visitors center & got a map of the trails.See more..
If you want to pay for parking, people watch, access to toilets and rentals, then go to the public beach. But know that there are other public beaches that are less crowded. We enjoyed the beach with no traffic, no seaweed, and no parking fee, BUT no amenities - on the Ft. Morgan end. The fishing beach a great for walking and shelling, too. See more..
4.5Monte Sano State Park(457 reviews) - Lovely Hike Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
Went hiking here a few days ago with my 7 and 10 year old. Admission is $5 for over 12 years old, and $2 for under 12. We hiked the Northern Loop Trail (1.9 miles), and the Southern Loop Trail (3.4 miles). Both trails were easy and relatively flat. There's a playground, and you can get a map at the office. The rest room by the office was clean enough. You can exit the park, and come back in the same day as long as you keep your receipt. There were more challenging trails, but I didn't want to overwhelm the kids. The trails we hiked were marked well, so it was easy to stay on the right path. Would love to visit again when in the Huntsville area.See more..
4.5Cathedral Caverns State Park(452 reviews) - A cool (58 degree F) thing to do in August in the South Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Caverns & Caves
This beautiful cave system features unique rock formations and ancient relics.See more..
By far the cleanest casino I've been in and I've been in a lot. Sadly I donated a few too many dollars to them. Quick drink service, really friendly employees. If I'm in the area again I'll come try and get my donation back, only downside was it was extremely cold inside, would have stayed longer but my wife was freezing. 50 degrees outside with the AC going insideSee more..
From a camping standpoint, the park was shady and quiet for the most part. Some rv spots are a little cramped but we made due with a 32’ trailer. Park personnel are constantly circulating and everyone entering the campground is stopped and verified. They are in the middle of new construction at one of the beaches and it looks like it will be a really nice addition when finished. Firewood and propane, as well as a very few snack items are available at the campground store. When quiet time hits after dark, it’s definitely quiet so you can sleep well. A very good stay, just needed a little more room at our lot.See more..
4.5Civil Rights Memorial Center(424 reviews)from $23.00 - Why not use as an adjunct to the EJI museum & memorial? Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
The Civil Rights Memorial Center is sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center in downtown Montgomery. It includes a great deal of educational information about the Civil Rights Movement, an original 20 minute film about the Movement, and the Civil Rights Memorial. $2.00 admission charged for adults, under 18 FREE.See more..
4.0Dauphin Island Public Beach(420 reviews) - BEAUTIFUL, UNCROWDED, TONS OF BEACH Spent More than 3 hours Beaches
If you don't mind the long walk to the beach from the parking lot, you will enjoy this beautiful, uncrowded beach. There is a ton of room to spread out along the beach so that you feel like you have your own private space. There are dolphins that swam fairly close, and little fish and sizable crabs that our older kids enjoyed netting in the water. Its. A. Long. Walk. Bring everything you need including an umbrella, a ton of sunscreen, chairs, a cooler, towel, camera, a net (even if ur an adult its fun!) I hear vinegar is good for jelly fish but we did not see or feel any of those while visiting, and whatever else you feel necessary! ENJOY! Suncreen even if ur under an umbrella!See more..
4.5Fairhope Avenue(418 reviews) - Beautiful little town Points of Interest & Landmarks
The main shopping area in this picturesque resort town.See more..
4.5Ave Maria Grotto(411 reviews) - Interesting site not far off the interstate. Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Four-acre park providing a natural setting for 125 miniature reproductions of historic buildings and shrines created by a Benedictine monk of the St. Bernard Abbey in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Si se habla español! Piden por Esmeralda si necesitan ayuda :)See more..
4.5Alabama State Capitol(408 reviews)from $23.00 - Nice Visit Saturday: History Museums • Government Buildings
Built in 1851, the capitol building served as the first capitol for the Confederate States of America.See more..
4.0Waterville USA(405 reviews) - Great day at Waterville in Gulf Shores! Amusement & Theme Parks
My family had a wonderful time at Waterville Park today, Friday July 22. 2022. It was my granddaughters first time visiting aWaterpark. The young lady/attendant at the Flow Rider/ Surf board was excellent. I observed how patient and interactive she was with all the children today at 4:30pm. Definetely a grest experience for all the young surfers. Thank you for a great day!See more..
4.5Regions Field(401 reviews) - great experience Saturday: Arenas & Stadiums
We always have the best time when we come out to see our Birmingham Barons! My older kids enjoy walking around and checking out all the vendors, and my little guy loves to get cotton candy and watch the foul balls fly into the crowd to be caught. The facilities are always clean and there is always plenty of staff on hand to assist with any thing you might need. The fireworks display at the end of the game on Friday nights is always impressive. If you have the opportunity to get to a game, please do. You will undoubtedly enjoy it.See more..
4.5Talladega Superspeedway(397 reviews) - Best Talladega race experience Saturday: Auto Racing Tracks
The third largest racetrack in Alabama offers hourly van tours of the track.See more..
4.5DeSoto State Park(395 reviews) - An Excellent Trailer Camping Experience Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
In the rustic tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), mountainous Desoto State Park is accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s and the atmosphere of the CCC enhances many areas, including the Lodge, restaurant, and Cabins. Lodging to choose from: Log Cabins, Rustic CCC cabins, Chalets, Motel Rooms. Camping options: Camping Cabin Improved campground with full hookup campsites (for RVs & tents) Primitive Camping, Backpacking Campsites. Amenities include a restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions, picnic area,playground, swimming pool (seasonal), Benefield Nature Center, a CCC museum, and much more. A large selection of events are available such as campfire talks, classes, demonstrations, etc. DeSoto State Park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls, a 104ft waterfall, is one of DeSoto's biggest attractions, located about 7 miles north near Mentone, ALSee more..