Plan your ultimate Alabama experience with our guide to everything happening in the city. Find details on upcoming events—from concerts and parties to sports and family-friendly activities—plus top restaurants & eateries, local tours, historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant social hubs. We also feature premium 4 and 5-star accommodations, including hotels, Airbnb, and vacation rentals. All this essential information is provided below to help you plan the perfect adventure when visiting Alabama.
Alabama is a state rich in history, culture, and entertainment, offering a blend of Southern charm, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor adventures. From major sporting events and music festivals to scenic getaways and historical landmarks, Alabama provides visitors with a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re exploring the lively cities or the picturesque Gulf Coast, this page highlights the best things to do throughout the state.
Alabama’s food scene is known for its classic Southern flavors, fresh Gulf Coast seafood, and legendary barbecue. Cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville offer a mix of fine dining, soul food spots, and craft breweries. The Gulf Shores and Mobile Bay areas serve some of the freshest seafood, while Tuscaloosa and Auburn are known for their college town eateries and game-day bars. Whether you’re craving traditional Southern comfort food or modern culinary experiences, Alabama’s dining scene has something for every taste.
Visitors to Alabama can choose from a variety of accommodations, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. Birmingham and Montgomery offer stylish city hotels near nightlife and cultural attractions, while Huntsville and Mobile provide historic inns with unique character. The Gulf Coast features waterfront resorts and beachside vacation rentals in destinations like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. For a more secluded getaway, cabins and lodges in the Appalachian foothills offer scenic stays surrounded by nature.
Alabama has several cities known for their arts, music, and entertainment scenes. Birmingham is a top destination for live music, breweries, and historic landmarks. Montgomery, the state capital, is a hub for civil rights history, featuring museums and cultural sites. Huntsville has a growing nightlife and entertainment district, while Mobile is famous for hosting the original Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S. The Gulf Coast area offers beachside bars, waterfront entertainment, and seasonal festivals that attract visitors from across the country.
Alabama has a deep history tied to the Civil Rights Movement, music, and sports. Montgomery is home to significant sites such as the Rosa Parks Museum and the Legacy Museum. Birmingham features the Civil Rights Institute and historic 16th Street Baptist Church. In Muscle Shoals, visitors can explore legendary recording studios that played a key role in shaping American music. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville showcases Alabama’s contributions to space exploration, while the Talladega Superspeedway is a must-visit for NASCAR fans.
Alabama offers a variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and major sporting events. Visitors can relax on the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, go hiking in Bankhead National Forest, or take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Sports fans can catch an SEC football game in Tuscaloosa or Auburn, attend the Iron Bowl rivalry, or experience motorsports at Talladega. The state also hosts popular festivals such as Hangout Music Fest, the National Shrimp Festival, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Whether you’re visiting for history, entertainment, or outdoor adventure, this page provides everything you need to experience Alabama.
