Things to do & places to visit in Montgomery, Alabama, United States

Old southern charm meets modern city allure in Montgomery, where the weather is sublime and the food is divine! Explore life in the 19th-century South at Old Alabama Town, sample the city's artsy side at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts or spend the day reliving the era of Civil Rights. Rosa Parks, the African-American woman who changed history in the United States by refusing to ride in the back of the bus, was arrested in Montgomery, and there are a number of interesting attractions in her honor. Literary buffs will be wowed by the Fitzgerald Museum, while kids will want to spend hours at the Montgomery Zoo. Everyone will enjoy the delicious southern cuisine, from black-eyed pea soup to country ham and red-eyed gravy. Fancy or no-frills, a visit to Montgomery will leave you with a taste for more.

Montgomery municipality in Alabama, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 19:51.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Dexter Parsonage Museum - Dr. Martin Luther King home (544 reviews)
- A view into the past
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

Martin Luther King's residence from September 1954 to February 1960. See more..
5.0 National Memorial for Peace and Justice (536 reviews)
- Hits like a punch in your stomach
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

I visited many important sites from the civil rights movement during this recent trip through Atlanta, Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery. None had as much an impact as my visit to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The layout is very simple, but so powerful. As you enter you pass through the 816 columns (each representing a county where a racial lynching was recorded). 816 counties in 32 states as I was told while here. The first columns are at ground level, just like tombstones. As you move through the museum, the columns are gradually raised, until the end where they are high off the ground, as lynched bodies would appear. Outside there is a second set of columns, which I believe are laid out to represent coffins. I spent about 2 hours here and the $5 admission (yes, only $5) includes entry into to the nearby Legacy Museum, which was almost as important. I will definitely visit again the next time I am here. See more..
5.0 Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church (482 reviews)
- Must see, important part of history
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., used the pulpit of this unassuming red brick church to lead the 1955-56 Montgomery bus boycott, which ignited the civil rights movement. Steeped in history, this church, where Dr. King served as pastor from 1954 to 1960, was also the site of many civil rights meetings during that era. See more..
5.0 Legacy Museum (454 reviews)
- Very well put together Museum
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums • History Museums

This is the first time me coming back to this Museum since they moved from their old location. This museum is very nicely done. You cannot take pictures inside the museum but you can take pictures at the Justice For Peace Memorial. The admission is $5 for both museums and has a shuttle that will take you to both locations See more..
5.0 Alabama Shakespeare Festival (192 reviews)
- An experience you'll never forget
Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Theaters

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, located in Montgomery - Alabama's state capital - is a fully professional regional theatre that produces around ten productions each season in association with Actors' Equity Association, The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and United Scenic Artists union. Productions of Shakespeare are at the artistic core of the company. Broadway musicals, children's productions, American classics and world premieres round out the annual offerings at ASF. See more..
5.0 Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park (52 reviews)
- Lovely place to be
Theaters • Parks • Gardens

Beautiful park, well maintained ponds and ground. Fun events year round. Weekends we enjoy the sail and speed boat club on the far pond near Vaughn road. Nice place to walk, relax, bring pets, picnic or visit the museum or take in a play. See more..
5.0 Equal Justice Initiative (29 reviews)
- Ouch! This is incredibly moving as well as shaming....
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

the fact that people treated (and continue to treat) others who are just different fr/ them is downright absurd. This "museum" (more of an audio-visual experience) pounds that into you. The problem is that those who really need to understand what this place is trying to offer are the ones who will never step foot in the door. See more..
5.0 Montgomery Biscuits (13 reviews)
- A fun night out
Sports Complexes

This is a top notch Double A baseball program. The stadium is one of the nicer ones I’ve been to. It’s clean, accessible parking, a nice setting next to the train and river and a lot of eating options. There is plenty of entertainment between innings to keep the kids engaged and a nice large scoreboard in the outfield with a screen to keep up with the game. Ticket prices are affordable and there are lots of promotions throughout the week and fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to get your biscuits too! Overall an enjoyable evening! See more..
4.5 Rosa 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.
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 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..
4.5 First White House of the Confederacy (581 reviews)
- A quick detour to 1861
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Historic Sites

Historic House Museum located beside the Alabama Archives and History and across from the Alabama State Capitol Museum. See more..
4.5 Montgomery Zoo (484 reviews)
- Small but mighty
Wednesday: 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..
4.5 Civil Rights Memorial Center (424 reviews) from $23.00
- Why not use as an adjunct to the EJI museum & memorial?
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 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..
4.5 Alabama State Capitol (408 reviews) from $23.00
- Nice Visit
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums • Government Buildings

Built in 1851, the capitol building served as the first capitol for the Confederate States of America. See more..
4.5 The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum (280 reviews) from $23.00
- Worth a stop if you’re in town.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

This historic house honors novelist F. Scott, best known for "The Great Gatsby," and his wife, Zelda, artist and author. The museum operates out of the last surviving home they lived in during their lives together. The structure was saved from demolition in 1986. It is the location where Scott worked on "Tender is the Night", and Zelda on "Save Me the Waltz". You can now stay in the house in either Scott or Zelda Suite. Please see the museum website for Airbnb details and availability. See more..
4.5 Alabama Department of Archives and History (232 reviews)
- Exciting history superbly presented!
Libraries • History Museums

The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) has been the home of Alabama history for more than a century. It is the nation's oldest state-funded, independent archival and historical agency. Located in downtown Montgomery across the street from the capitol, the ADAH is the official government records repository for the state, a private collections library and research facility, and also home to the Museum of Alabama, the state's history museum. The Museum of Alabama is the only destination where you can explore Alabama's past from prehistory to the present. Permanent exhibitions at the Museum of Alabama include The Land of Alabama, introducing the geology and natural resources that helped shape the state's history, and The First Alabamians, featuring artifacts, murals, and a diorama that tell the inspiring story of fourteen thousand years of Native American culture. An entirely new centerpiece exhibition called Alabama Voices opened in February 2014. This exhibition covers the dramatic unfolding of Alabama history from the dawn of the 1700s to the beginning of the 21st century. More than 800 artifacts, hundreds of images and documents, and twenty-two audiovisual programs tell the story of struggles over the land, the rise of a cotton economy, the Civil War, industrialization, world wars, civil rights, the race to the moon, and more. Voices taken from diaries, letters, speeches, songs, and other sources convey the experiences of Alabamians who lived through and shaped the history of these periods. The Museum of Alabama provides interactive educational resources for children and families in the Hands-On-Gallery and Grandma's Attic. Here, families and children can dress in period costumes, play with toys from bygone eras, make their own crafts, listen to stories, and much more. The Museum of Alabama is open Monday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30 and admission is always FREE! Visit our Research Room, open Tuesday-Friday and the second Saturday of each month from 8:30-4... See more..
4.5 Civil Rights Memorial (200 reviews)
- Quite moving
Monuments & Statues

The names of 40 people killed in the battle for civil rights between 1954, when the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed segregation, and 1968, the year of the assassination of Martin Luther King, are embedded forever in this round, flat, granite sculpture. Water flows gently over the surface of the inspiring memorial, designed by Maya Lin, who also created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. See more..
4.5 Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (173 reviews) from $23.00
- Free museum on a beautiful, sprawling community space
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The mission of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret art of the highest quality for the enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment of its public. See more..
4.5 Riverwalk Stadium (159 reviews)
- Baseball game on a road trip
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Arenas & Stadiums

My husband and I were on a road trip and my husband, the baseball fan, planned on a minor league game here. The stadium seating is wide and plenty of legroom. Good amount of concessions. Lots of parking and good size merchandise store. See more..
4.5 Hank Williams Memorial - Oakwood Annex Cemetery (156 reviews)
- I still can’t believe I went to Hank Williams grave.
Cemeteries • Monuments & Statues

Grave sites of Hank Williams, his wife, mother and sister in the Oakwood Cemetery Annex. Managed by the Hank Williams Museum. 118 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. This is one of the most famous and most visited graves in Alabama. See more..
4.5 Freedom Rides Museum (154 reviews) from $23.00
- Inspiring and humbling.
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

This small but powerful museum tells the story of the 1961 Freedom Rides that ended racial segregation in public transportation. It is located in Montgomery's former Greyhound Bus Station where student protesters faced a segregationist mob. Exterior exhibits trace the history of the rides and the pivotal events that happened in Montgomery. Interior exhibits include art, architecture, oral histories, and a video kiosk where Freedom Riders and others have told their story. Exterior exhibits and a cell phone tour are available 24/7 and are free. Small admission charged for interior exhibits during opening hours. Discount admission fees for groups of 10 or more booked in advance. See more..
4.5 Alabama Safari Park (123 reviews)
- Fun day with the grandkids
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

At Alabama Safari Park, you can see our resident animals, including sweet llamas and cute lemurs to exotic kangaroos and zebras. Feed the giraffes from our Giraffe Tower. Drive through our 350-acre park more than once to spy as many animals as you can. Interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our 350-acre drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-about, up close when feeding the giraffes on the giraffe tower, or in the petting area where you will find all your farmyard favorites. See more..
4.5 Court Square Fountain (78 reviews)
- Beautiful Fountain in Montgomery
Fountains

My family and I stopped to see the Court Square Fountain in Montgomery, AL on our way to eat at Chris' Hotdogs. We walked from Hank Williams Museum to the fountain. Near the fountain is the famous location where Rosa Park's boarded the bus. See more..
4.5 Rosa Parks Arrest Site (56 reviews)
- Worth walking past
Historic Sites

Where Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955. See more..
4.5 Montgomery Performing Arts Centre (39 reviews)
- Great venue!!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

Great venue. It is comfortable and not a bad seat anywhere in this place. Accoustics and lighting good too! The people working there are very friendly and excellent customer service! Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Court Square (27 reviews)
- Historically important
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Historic area of the Civil Rights Movement. See more..
4.0 Hank Williams Museum (282 reviews) from $23.00
- Enjoyed the museum very much.
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, AL is a favorite destination for music fans. He is a treasure to the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama, and we are paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of this magnificent legend whose name survives in a way that is unique in the history of Music. It is amazing after so many years that there are still things to be said...song to be sung. Year by year since Hank's death in 1953, the real impact his songs made on American Music becomes more evident. His lifelong fans continue, and new admirers are added with each generation. Hank Williams crowded a lot of living into twenty-nine years. It is safe to say, perhaps Hank Williams said all he had to say. We are proud to say that all of the artifacts are authentic. Exhibits include the 1952 Cadillac in which he died, 17 stage suits including Nudie , custom made boots, cowboy hats, tie collection, furniture, portraits, records, horse saddle, piano,awards, rare photos, family history and personal film footage. Experience the history of the first country music superstar and see how Hank Williams transformed country music and sowed the seeds of what was to become American Music, blues, rockabilly and even rock and roll. See more..
4.0 Riverfront Park (187 reviews)
- Beautiful park
Parks

A beautiful park by the river. The riverboat is a great photo opportunity. We were there on a quiet weekday but I can see this area being full of people and activities on the weekends. With the train depot and covered area up the hill to the grass amphitheater near the water, a splash pad for the kids, historical markers to read and a baseball field in sight, this is a gathering place for the city! See more..
4.0 Old Alabama Town (163 reviews)
- A return to the past.
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Step back in time to Old Alabama Town in Downtown Montgomery. Visit a one-room schoolhouse, grist mill, cotton gin, log cabin, and the oldest building in Montgomery - Lucas Tavern! Explore how early Alabamians lived and worked in Old Alabama Town. Schedule a group tour or do a self-guided tour on your own. See more..
4.0 W.A. Gayle Planetarium (34 reviews)
- Engaging and inspiring
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums

The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is the region’s premier astronomy education facility, as well as a multimedia theater for films, lectures, live music and digital art performances. Public shows: Monday - Thursday @ 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Admission is $7.50 per person for ages 5 and above. Doors open 30 minutes before hand for ticket sales. All shows start promptly. See our website for current show information. See more..
4.0 The MOOseum (25 reviews)
- Fun rainy day or “too hot to do anything” day.
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Since opening its doors in 1995, The MOOseum has been the premier venue for children and adults alike to learn more about Alabama's beef cattle industry. Whether you're a history buff looking to explore the timeline of the past or a parent who wants your children to learn in a hands-on environment, The MOOseum is ready for your visit. See more..