Posted in Alabama Day Trips September 11, 2021 by

Here Are 14 Unique Alabama Day Trips That Are An Absolute Must-Do

If you’re feeling bored, why not look into some of the many must-visit attractions in Alabama? One of the best ways to pass time is by taking a quick road trip. Try running an internet search for “day trips near me in Alabama” and look at all that comes up. There’s so much to do in the Cotton State. Explore an abandoned movie set, hike the state’s tallest mountain, rummage through lost luggage in search of a bargain – the fun is endless here. Check out these Alabama road trips if you need a fun day trip activity!

1. Take a walk on the wild side and visit the Birmingham Zoo.
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The Birmingham Zoo is one of the top animal attractions in the southeast. They've got 550 animals and endangered species from six different continents. Lions, jaguars, elephants, and more can be seen here. They have some pretty fantastic holiday events as well. The zoo has been one of the top must-visit attractions in Alabama since it opened in 1955.
Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
2. Visit Ave Maria Grotto - a four-acre park on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey.
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This place in Cullman is so fascinating and unique! The grotto holds 125 miniature reproductions of some of the world's most famous religious buildings. Ave Maria Grotto is known throughout the world as "Jerusalem in Miniature." As you walk through the beautiful outdoor trail, you'll see famous structures like the Basilica in Lourdes. It's made of rocks and various discarded items like shells and marbles.
Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
3. Spend a day of hiking in the beautiful Bankhead National Forest.
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Alabama's got four national forests, so if you're looking for outdoor fun, there's plenty to be had. One of the best is the William B. Bankhead National Forest, a sprawling 181,000-acre beauty in the northwestern corner of the state. Waterfall lovers will be in heaven here!
Bankhead National Forest, 1070 AL-33, Double Springs, AL 35553, USA
4. Explore the Birmingham Museum of Art to see one of the finest art collections in the Southeast.
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We feel like Alabama gets a bit of a bad rep as uncultured, but anyone who lives here knows that couldn't be further from the truth. This museum has over 24,000 works of art from all over the world. Best of all, admission is free!
Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
5. Drive to the fictional town of Spectre from Tim Burton's smash hit "Big Fish."
Andy Montgomery/Flickr
Fans of films won't want to miss this one! This fictional town is an abandoned film set situated on an island along the banks of the Alabama River. This relaxing paradise is privately-owned, but visitors are welcome with a small fee (and you can even go camping there).
Jackson Lake Island, Cypress Ln, Millbrook, AL 36054, USA
6. Take a swim in one of Alabama's many lakes.
flickr/Cheryl Reed
Martin, Weiss, Wheeler, Guntersville...the list is almost never-ending. We've got over 100 lakes in Alabama, so there's plenty to explore.
7. Spend the day at Cheaha State Park and climb Alabama's tallest mountain.
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Cheaha Mountain is almost 2,400 feet high! It's got some incredible views.
Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
8. Take a tour of FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals.
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This place was instrumental in developing that famous Muscle Shoals sound. Names like Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and the Allman Brothers Band recorded hits here. Plus, Muscle Shoals is one of the best small towns in Alabama.
Fame Recording Studios, 603 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661, USA
9. Take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
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This scenic road in Alabama leads all the way from Mississippi to Tennessee. You'll see such beautiful terrain in these 444 miles!
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
10. Visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville to learn all about NASA's latest innovations.
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It's easy to see why this is one of the most popular tourist attractions around. If you're making a list of family-friendly fun in Alabama, this should be near the top. Who wouldn't want to see Earth's largest space museum?
Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
11. Spend the day playing a round of golf on one of Alabama's many beautiful golf courses.
RTJ Golf Trail
12. Take a trip to Scottsboro to rummage through the aisles of the Unclaimed Baggage Center, aka "Land of Lost Luggage."
Anne Bet/Google Maps
This is a unique place and you never know what you'll find here. It's a giant thrift store that sells items that were taken from unclaimed luggage at airports and train stations. With 40,000 square feet of shopping space, you could spend all day here!
Unclaimed Baggage, 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, USA
13. Spend the day exploring vineyards and tasting wines in Alabama's wine country.
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14. Take a drive to the coast to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.
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What’s your favorite on the list? We love hearing people’s favorite day trips in Alabama. Share yours in the comments!

Address: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Address: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
Address: Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
Address: Fame Recording Studios, 603 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661, USA
Address: Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Address: Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
Address: Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
Address: Bankhead National Forest, 1070 AL-33, Double Springs, AL 35553, USA
Address: Jackson Lake Island, Cypress Ln, Millbrook, AL 36054, USA
Address: Unclaimed Baggage, 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Day Trips Near Me In Alabama

September 16, 2021
Lisa Sammons

What are some must-visit attractions in Alabama?

We’ve got so many spots here that are absolutely worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for indoor activities on a poor-weather day or want to enjoy the beaches or waterfalls on one of our many beautiful days, we’ve got something for you!

What are some cheap attractions in Alabama?

There’s plenty to do here without ever opening your wallet. The Birmingham Museum of Art has free admission and it’s one of the top art museums in the southeast region.

What are some great Alabama road trips?

There are so many scenic roads in Alabama that are great even if you don’t have a destination in mind. Hop on one of these beautiful byways and hit the road!

Address: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Address: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
Address: Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
Address: Fame Recording Studios, 603 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661, USA
Address: Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Address: Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
Address: Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
Address: Bankhead National Forest, 1070 AL-33, Double Springs, AL 35553, USA
Address: Jackson Lake Island, Cypress Ln, Millbrook, AL 36054, USA
Address: Unclaimed Baggage, 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.