8 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Alabama
Alabama, a southern state between Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee, is known for its Southern hospitality, fantastic food, and white sandy beaches. With big cities such as Birmingham, it is also home to dozens of adorable small towns perfect for day trips, camping, and exploring. With several towns sprinkled across the Gulf of Mexico, it boasts activities such as diving, parasailing, and fishing charters. Further into the state, experience stunning golf courses, river trails, and state parks.
Gulf Shores
One of the most breathtaking places to visit in Alabama is Gulf Shores. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it sits between Orange Beach and Dauphin Island. With rolling, white sand beaches, hit the waves for some diving, swimming, and parasailing. Or go on a boating adventure and choose from a once-in-a-lifetime dolphin sightseeing cruise or a fishing charter. Have kids? Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or explore nearby parks, such as the Gulf State Park, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Reserve, and Little Lagoon. Tired from a day of experiencing everything Gulf Shores has to offer? Visit a local seafood restaurant for some fresh catches, and wind down with some cocktails on the beach. Rest up at an oceanside hotel with magnificent views, or set up camp at one of the many campgrounds.
Dauphin Island
Get away from the mainland and visit Dauphin Island across Bon Secord Bay from Gulf Shores. With beautiful sandy beaches, there is no shortage of water activities such as swimming, boating, and jet-skiing. History buff? Visit the Fort Gaines historical landmark, or take the ferry to Fort Morgan. Want to get up close and personal with undersea wildlife? Head over to the Alabama Aquarium and hang out with sharks and stingrays. Watch the sunset and head over for some fresh seafood. A morning person? Wake up and treat yourself to one of the many cafes and bakeries, and take your fresh-baked goods for a stroll along the waterfront parks.
Fairhope
Located along Mobile Bay, Fairhope is a laid-back dream. Get your clubs ready and spend the afternoon golfing, or pick through trinkets at an antique shop. Cast a line at one of the piers designated for fishing and brag about your catch for the rest of the trip. Take it easy and stroll through one of the waterfront parks, or spend the day learning about Alabama's rich history at one of the many museums. Staying for a few days? Visit neighboring towns like Daphne, Belforest, Silverhill, and Point Clear.
Orange Beach
A kid's best friend, Orange Beach, could be considered just one big amusement park. Visit The Wharf and take a ride on the Ferris wheel, play games at the arcade, engage in some target practice at the axe throwing arena, and take in a magnificent laser light show. Take a boat cruise and go sightseeing, or enjoy some delicious cocktails on the waves. Go for a swim and get your tan on at one of the white sand beaches. If you still aren't tired, head over to Adventure Island and play some mini golf and race in the go-karts. Do you love dinosaurs or traveling with someone who does? Explore Dinosaurs in the Woods and take in the dinosaur statues scattered in the trees. At night, get a bite to eat at an oyster bar or enjoy some delicious Alabama BBQ dishes at a local grill.
Guntersville
Further upstate towards Tennessee is Guntersville, a town situated on the Tennessee River. Surrounded by parks, waterways, and bridges that connect it to nearby destinations, Guntersville has something for everyone. Play a game of golf at Gunter's Landing or at Eagle Nest. Admire the boats along the harbors and the marina. Have dinner alongside the river with an array of options to choose from, including steak, pizza, seafood, and brunch. Stay in a waterside hotel and wake up to the sun sparkling across the waves, or harness your inner adventurer and stay at a nearby campground. Spend the day exploring Lake Guntersville State Park, and have a picnic on the beach or go horseback riding. Go big, or go home at the Screaming Eagle Aerial Park and zipline through the trees. An hour and a half drive from Birmingham, Guntersville is an easy-to-access option for a weekend getaway.
Lillian
Right next to Florida, only seperated by Perdido Bay, is Lillian. A boating town, enjoy the various water activities, including fishing charters and kayaking. Play a round of golf at Soldier's Creek, or if you're an adrenaline junkie, go skydiving at the Perdido Winds Airpark. Get some lunch at one of the many delis and cafes, and pick up a pizza for dinner to eat at one of the beaches. Travel across the Perdido Bay Bridge to Paradise Beach, Florida, and walk the shores or play some disc golf at the Blue Angel Recreation Area. Lillian is also within driving distance of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, providing an endless array of family-friendly fun.
Oxford
Located near Talladega and roughly halfway between Birmingham and Atlanta is Oxford. Surrounded by nature, the opportunities are endless. Explore the Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park, which overlap each other. Visit numerous waterfalls, including Cheaha Falls, Rob Roy Falls, Morgan Lake Waterfalls, and Abel Gap Waterfalls. Watch the water flow at Pinhoti Trail Chandler Springs, or cast a line at Hillabee Reservoir. When it's time to head back to town, you'll find options with nearby campgrounds, RV parks, and hotels. Spend an evening gaming at Big Time Entertainment Centre, or enjoy a round of golf at Cedar Ridge Golf Club. Hungry? Visit a roadhouse, or take the family to the buffet if you can't decide on a cuisine. Grab some donuts and coffee at Lickin Good Donuts, then drive down to the Talladega speedways to catch some thrilling racing.
Cedar Bluff
Cedar Bluff is part of the Weiss Lake community and is close to Centre and Leesburg. While Cedar Bluff itself is beautiful, Weiss Lake and the Coosa River are what truly make the area a camping paradise. The shores are lined with campgrounds, including Weiss Lake RV Park, Driftwood Campground, and Burger Landing Campground. Prefer to stay warm indoors? Find accommodations at Chesnut Bay Resort or Little River Marina and Lodge. Or, if you're feeling rustic, rent a cabin along the water. Rent a boat and try waterskiing, go for a swim, or dock at one of the islands. Weiss Lake is famous for crappie fishing, a sportfish that can be caught from a fishing charter or at Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp. Looking for family fun? Head over to Pirates Bay Waterpark, slide down the massive slides, or relax in one of the pools. At night, catch a movie at the 411 Twin Drive-In, a double-feature drive-in theater showing the latest releases.
Explore Alabama’s Picturesque Towns
So whether you're looking to tan on the beach, parasail over ocean waves, explore waterfalls and cliffs, or enjoy world-class fishing or golf at stunning courses, Alabama has a town perfect for you. And with multiple airports, interstates, railways, and ports, you'll have no trouble reaching your destination regardless of the state or country you're coming from. Want to learn more about where to visit in Alabama? Browse the WorldAtlas site and get your suitcases ready.
