8 Amazing Weekend Getaways in Alabama for 2026

You may be familiar with Alabama because of its Southern soul, beaches, and the popularity it's gained from college football, but its small towns are where the state’s character truly shines. People come to this state for a good time, but usually leave with knowledge of Civil Rights history, Southern food traditions, and the little things that make this state what it is. Weekend getaways give visitors an opportunity to do it all -- soak up the sun, experience the thrill of sports, and take a minute to wind down while learning more about hidden nooks that most people don't talk about. Here are a few of those hidden nooks that will leave you relaxed and refreshed.

Fairhope

Fairhope’s appeal comes from its bayfront setting and carefully preserved downtown grid, which makes it easy to explore without a car. Start your day at Fairhope Municipal Pier, where visitors can walk out over Mobile Bay, watch sailboats pass through the marina, and get a feel for the town’s strong connection to the water. From there, head inland to the Fairhope French Quarter, a compact cluster of courtyard-style buildings that house working studios, small cafés like The Coffee Loft, and scenic views. A short walk away, the Marietta Johnson Museum explains the progressive education philosophy that shaped Fairhope’s early development and helped define its independent spirit. For a change of scenery, Weeks Bay Reserve sits just outside town and offers boardwalk trails through protected wetlands. Stay at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in nearby Point Clear, a long-established accommodation that complements a full weekend in the area.

Eufaula

Eufaula is known for its grand architecture and lakeside setting, both of which give the town a slower, stately rhythm. Start in the Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District, where preserved 19th-century homes line tree-shaded streets that reflect Eufaula’s role as a former river and rail hub. Set aside time for Lake Eufaula, where marinas, shoreline parks, and fishing access make the lake a central part of daily life rather than just a backdrop. A visit to Shorter Mansion, an Italianate home with original interiors and rotating exhibits, adds historical context to the architecture seen throughout town. Stay overnight at The Eufaula House, a restored historic inn that allows visitors to remain within walking distance of downtown.

Florence

Florence combines music heritage, river scenery, and a downtown that feels active without being overwhelming. At the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House, the only Wright-designed home in Alabama, there are guided tours that offer insight into mid-century architecture and design. Ease your mind with a walk along the streets of Downtown Florence, where preserved storefronts keep the area visually vibrant. If you and your family are looking for outdoor fun, visit McFarland Park, which sits directly on the Tennessee River and offers walking paths and open views of the water. To understand Florence’s cultural influence, visit the W.C. Handy Museum, which documents the life of the “Father of the Blues” and the town’s role in early American music. Stay at GunRunner Boutique Hotel, a modern, centrally located option that keeps visitors close to both downtown and riverfront attractions.

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island offers a coastal experience shaped more by nature and history than by crowds or development. History enthusiasts will have a field day at Fort Gaines, a well-preserved Civil War fort where self-guided exploration reveals both military history and sweeping Gulf views. From there, visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which uses interactive exhibits to explain the coastal ecosystems and marine life found in Mobile Bay. Spend part of the day at West End Beach, known for its wide stretches of sand and quieter atmosphere compared to mainland beaches. To balance beach time with conservation, walk the trails at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which protects migratory bird habitats across dunes and maritime forest. Stay at Dauphin Island Harbor House, a waterfront inn near the marina that keeps visitors close to the island’s main attractions.

Mentone

Mentone sits atop Lookout Mountain and feels intentionally removed from modern distractions, making it well-suited for a slower weekend. Nature lovers should start their journey at DeSoto Falls, where a short, well-marked trail leads to a waterfall that drops over sandstone cliffs into a shaded gorge. Back in town, the Mentone Arts Center highlights the community’s creative side through rotating exhibitions and live performances. For outdoor variety, spend time at Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort, which offers scenic chairlift rides, hiking access, and golf during warmer months. Stay at Mentone Inn, a historic lodge known for its wraparound porches and mountain views.

Monroeville

Monroeville’s identity is deeply tied to American literature and the role its courthouse played in shaping famous stories that many of us read in grade school. Take a tour of the Old Monroe County Courthouse Museum, where Harper Lee and Truman Capote observed trials that later influenced To Kill a Mockingbird and other works. The courthouse anchors Courthouse Square, which remains the town’s social and architectural center. For a quieter moment, Veterans Park provides a small green space suitable for an evening walk. Stay at Mockingbird Inn & Suites, a locally owned hotel that keeps visitors close to downtown landmarks.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne blends easy access to outdoor landmarks with a downtown shaped by music history. Begin at Little River Canyon National Preserve, where overlooks and trails reveal one of the deepest canyons in the Southeast. Back in town, visit the Alabama Fan Club and Museum, which documents the roots of the country band Alabama and their connection to Fort Payne. Walk through Downtown Fort Payne along Gault Avenue, where murals and restored storefronts give the area visual character. Round out the weekend at DeSoto State Park, located just minutes away and known for waterfalls, forest trails, and scenic drives. Stay at Hampton Inn Fort Payne, a dependable accommodation with convenient access to both downtown and natural attractions.

Wetumpka

Wetumpka sits along the Coosa River and combines geological significance with a revitalized downtown. Begin at Bibb Graves Bridge, a distinctive arched bridge that offers river views and has become one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. Walk through Gold Star Park, which runs alongside the river and connects directly to downtown streets. Explore Swayback Bridge Trail, where interpretive signage explains Wetumpka’s location within a rare meteorite impact crater. Spend time in Downtown Wetumpka, where you can shop 'til you drop at The Shoppes Downtown. Stay at Key West Inn Wetumpka, a currently operating hotel that provides a convenient base for a two-day visit.

These Alabama towns prove that a great weekend getaway doesn’t require a packed schedule or a major city. Every place you encounter while visiting offers enough history, scenery, and walkable attractions to comfortably fill two days without feeling rushed. To top it off, you can explore as much as you want away from hordes of people and busy highways. From mountain overlooks in Mentone to bayfront sunsets in Fairhope and literary landmarks in Monroeville, these towns reward visitors who stay overnight and explore at a slower pace.