9 Best Small Towns In Alabama For A Crowd-Free Summer

Alabama is among the best places to visit for a summer vacation in the American South, and the reasons are not far-fetched. With its location on the Gulf of Mexico alone, the state already puts itself on the itinerary for millions of people, and thousands of birds that migrate to and from Central America and South America every year. Additionally, Alabama is known for its southern hospitality, diverse cuisine, rich musical heritage, and a varied landscape teeming with wildlife. It’s difficult to resist such a place, which is why the crowds can get overwhelming in summer.

However, a few towns in Alabama remain partially off the list of go-to destinations for most visitors to the state. These towns, although less popular, still pack an abundance of Alabama’s signature features, including its soft white sand beaches and enchanting waterbodies. From Dauphin Island and its secluded white sand beaches to Guntersville and its impressive lake, these towns in Alabama are great destinations for crowd-free summer vacations.

Eufaula

Eufaula is a scenic town on Lake Eufaula, perfect for a summer full of exciting activities without the crowds. Here, summer travelers will have fun at the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, which protects diverse habitats, including open water, woodland, and wetland. Activities offered in the refuge include wildlife watching, hiking, boating, and fishing on Lake Eufaula. Adjacent to the refuge, Lakepoint State Park also provides access to the lake, as well as a swimming pool, hiking trails, and picnic areas for relaxation. Additionally, the park has nearly 200 campsites, a restaurant, dozens of cabins, furnished hotel rooms, and a convention center.

Eufaula is also historic and has the second-largest historic district in Alabama, with over 700 architecturally significant structures. Highlight structures in the district to check out include the Classical Revival-style Shorter Mansion, which was built in 1885, and Fendall Hall, completed in 1860.

Mentone

Located atop Lookout Mountain and populated by around 400 people, Mentone is far from the crowds, yet close to a myriad of attractions. Summer travelers in this town will be near DeSoto State Park, home to unique rock formations and dense forests full of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The park offers over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, a developed campground, and a large pool for swimming. Mentone is also near the famous DeSoto Falls, one of Alabama’s tallest waterfalls at 104 feet. Visitors are invited to hike around this waterfall and picnic at the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, which has gorgeous water views.

As if that’s not enough, the Little River Canyon National Preserve is a few miles from Mentone. It features the Little River for kayaking and canoeing, along with over 26 miles of trails winding through canyons and lush forests, leading to waterfalls. Notably, the preserve has a 22-mile-long scenic drive, offering gorgeous views of the area, including its waterfalls and rock formations. Those who love the arts can always visit the Mentone Arts & Cultural Center in downtown Mentone to partake in art classes and explore locally made artworks.

Fairhope

Fairhope is one of Alabama's captivating coastal towns, where the crowds are significantly less crowded compared to nearby cities like Mobile. Summer visitors to this town will enjoy relaxing strolls on the Fairhope Municipal Pier, as it offers gorgeous views of the bay and a beautiful garden. The pier is also a cool spot to fish and enjoy waterfront dining. Moreover, a beach park is adjacent to the pier for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife watching. At the heart of the downtown, the Fairhope Museum of History delights visitors with artifacts about the area’s history, including its earliest inhabitants and Native Americans, the fishing industry, and the Civil War. Nearby, the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers a quieter experience with trails winding through tidal and forested wetlands.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne is a laid-back destination full of pleasures to offer summer travelers, especially those with a thing for history. Incorporated in 1889, this town is home to many historic structures, like the Fort Payne Opera House, which was built in the same year and now represents the oldest opera house in Alabama still in use. Built in 1891, the Fort Payne Depot is also historic and even serves as a museum featuring railroad memorabilia and Indian artifacts. Elsewhere, the Little River Canyon National Preserve will delight nature lovers with trails offering sights of scenic waterfalls on the Little River, alongside sandstone cliffs, and a beautiful canyon. Near this reserve, the DeSoto State Park offers more waterfalls, an Olympic-sized pool, and over 35 miles of hiking trails to make the summer experience memorable.

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is a quaint town where summers can be all about lazing on beautiful beaches like East End Beach and West End Beach. These beaches are usually uncrowded, with enough space for everyone to comfortably relax. Furthermore, there are many bird sanctuaries on the island, and birds also love the quiet here. On the island’s east end today, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary protects 164 acres of maritime forests, marshes, and dunes where a host of migrant birds make their first stop every spring after the long flight across the Gulf from Central and South America. In summer, many birds can still be witnessed in this sanctuary, and trails are available to access the area’s diverse landforms and beautiful beach.

Similarly, Indian Shell Mound Park is a great place on the island’s northern end for more peaceful nature experiences. This park is a great place to hike and catch sight of migrant birds, ancient mounds, giant live oaks, and other species. Besides the beaches and birds, the Arts of Dauphin Island gallery is always a cool place to explore works of local and regional artists, ranging from photography and paintings to pottery and crafts.

Tuscumbia

Even as one of Alabama’s oldest cities, with a rich history and several amazing attractions, Tuscumbia remains a relaxing place. Summer travelers escaping the crowds are invited to this town, which also hosts the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, where Alabama’s musical icons are celebrated. Right in the downtown area, the Spring Park sets the stage for relaxation and fun activities, with a large playground, open spaces, benches, restaurants, and a beautiful lake. The park accommodates Cold Water Falls, the largest man-made natural stone waterfall. Tuscumbia is also in proximity to several nature areas that offer more relaxation and adventure. The Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is just one such attraction, covering a 700-acre area and offering 11 miles of trails, picnic areas, and sights of native plants and animals, creeks, waterfalls, and canyons.

Wetumpka

Wetumpka is the perfect spot for a nature-centric summer vacation away from the hustle and bustle. In this town, the calm Coosa River is ever ready to offer summer travelers unforgettable kayaking, canoeing, and fishing experiences. Meanwhile, hikers, bikers, and just about anybody who loves nature and serenity will appreciate the Swayback Bridge Trail. Located near Wetumpka, this trail is the perfect day hike, stretching 7.8 miles through wooded areas and offering sights of azaleas, a lake, and birds. A summer visit to this town is also an opportunity to delve into the past, and Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park is in town for that experience. This park features a 1751 French fort, and the restored 1814 American Fort Jackson, alongside a 500-year-old Indian mound, and Creek Indian houses, among other historic attractions.

Gadsden

Gadsden is one of Alabama’s larger towns, which still makes for a great escape from the crowds of nearby cities like Birmingham. Similar to Wetumpka, this town is also located on the Coosa River and has much to delight summer travelers, starting from the Noccalula Falls Park. This park covers a 250-acre area and has the 90-foot Noccalula waterfall, a pioneer village, and trails coursing along Black Creek Gorge. Other facilities in the park include a petting zoo, a train ride, the 1899 Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge, picnic areas, and a campground.

Nearby, fishing enthusiasts will have a field day at Neely Henry Lake, catching species like largemouth bass and spotted bass. This lake covers 11,000 acres and is equally great for boating, kayaking, and jet skiing. For those who fancy shopping, the Gadsden Mall is one of Alabama’s coolest places to shop for a variety of products, from food to clothes, jewelry, and more. Moreover, the James D. Martin Wildlife Park can be found behind this mall, with trails for hiking and biking through diverse habitats where birds, small mammals, and native plants call home.

Guntersville

Guntersville is a little town, ideal for a slow-paced summer vacation full of watersports. This town is most famous for hosting Lake Guntersville State Park, where Alabama’s biggest lake offers water recreation. Over 36 miles of trails are also available in the park, alongside an 18-hole championship golf course, an outdoor nature center, and a zipline for a thrilling ride over treetops. Elsewhere, the City Harbor is always a great place to relax on cool evenings with lake views, live music, and delicious meals at one of seven restaurants. As for history enthusiasts, the Guntersville Museum, located in a 1936 military armory along the Tennessee River, is a must-visit. This museum features hundreds of artifacts and exhibits covering the region’s history, including its Native Americans, fishing industry, and local personalities. One can even see a collection of native birds in the museum, and admission is free.

Concluding Thoughts

Alabama holds all the draw cards for an unforgettable summer vacation, from white sand beaches to waterbodies, parks, great food, and more. These features often lead to one thing: crowds. Thankfully, these beautiful towns in Alabama remain hidden behind more popular cities in the state, making them great places for laid-back experiences. From Gadsden to Fort Payne, these towns in Alabama are ideal destinations for crowd-free summer vacations. Additionally, these towns are full of attractions that are better enjoyed with fewer crowds.