Here in Alabama, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit. If you’d like to visit several places, but only have one day, we recommend picking a destination and taking a day trip. Listed below are 11 of the best Alabama day trips. You’ll want to experience each one of them.

1. Childersburg, AL
Childersburg, AL, USA
Rivers Langley; SaveRivers/Wikimedia
A visit to America's oldest city makes for the perfect day trip. Dating back to 1540, Childersburg is believed to be the "Oldest Continually Occupied City in America."
2. Cheaha State Park - Delta, AL
Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
Brian Collins/Flickr
While visiting Cheaha State Park, you'll get to experience an incredible view from Cheaha Mountain (Mount Cheaha). With an elevation of 2,407 feet, Cheaha Mountain is Alabama's highest natural point.
3. Florence, AL
Florence, AL, USA
Downtown Florence Alliance/Facebook/Photo courtesy of the Florence Alabama Police Department
With an amazing downtown area and several unique attractions, Florence is Alabama's coolest small town. Located within the northwestern region of the state, it's the perfect destination for one of the best Alabama day trips.
4. Red Mountain Park - Birmingham, AL
Red Mountain Park, 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211, USA
google/Red Mountain Park
From hiking to mountain biking, Red Mountain Park offers the ultimate outdoor experience. It makes for the perfect spontaneous day trip whenever you're feeling adventurous.
5. Rattlesnake Saloon - Tuscumbia, AL
Rattlesnake Saloon, 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
Stormtrooper H./Yelp
Rattlesnake Saloon is located inside a cave, making it one of Alabama's most unique restaurants. There's no other restaurant in the world quite like it.

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6. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne, AL
Little River Wildlife Management Area, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
Jim Bauer/Flickr
Little River Canyon National Preserve is one of the South's most beautiful areas. Two of its main features include the Little River Canyon, which is best known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," and Little River Falls.
7. Mooresville, AL
Mooresville, AL 35649, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Incorporated in 1818, Mooresville is one of Alabama's oldest towns. What makes Mooresville incredibly unique is the fact that the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
8. Gulf State Park - Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf State Park - Florida Point, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA
Outdoor Alabama/Flickr/Photo by Billy Pope
From swimming and fishing, to camping and hiking, Gulf State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. It's the perfect place to spend a summer day if you're wanting to beat the heat.
9. Dismals Canyon - Phil Campbell, AL
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
sara'mer/Flickr
Dismals Canyon is one of Alabama's most enchanting places, and it'll remind you of a different world. This beautiful canyon is also one of the few places in the world where dismalites (glowworms) live.
10. The Bright Star - Bessemer, AL
Bright Star Restaurant, 304 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Established in 1907, The Bright Star is Alabama's oldest restaurant. Specializing in Greek-style steak and seafood, this historic restaurant is a definite must-stop the next time you're in the Bessemer area.
11. Cathedral Caverns State Park - Woodville, AL
Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA
Cathedral Caverns State Park-Alabama/Facebook
You'll have an experience like no other during your day trip at Cathedral Caverns State Park. With one of the world's largest cave entrances, Cathedral Caverns will overwhelm you with its natural beauty the moment you step inside. Don't forget to add this natural wonder to your bucket list of day trips.

For the day trip of a lifetime, you’ll want to visit Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island.

Where are your favorite destinations for day trips in Alabama? Tell us all about your picks. Who knows? You just might see yours featured someday. You can submit ideas to us using this nomination form. We’d love to hear from you, so let us know.

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More to Explore

Best Alabama Day Trips

Tori Jane | September 09, 2021

Where are some beautiful, must-visit places in Alabama? 

Alabama is filled with many beautiful, must-visit places. Three of our favorite places are:

1. Cheaha State Park - Delta, AL

2. Blue Springs State Park - Clio, AL

3. Noccacula Falls Park - Gadsden, AL

Where is Little River Canyon National Preserve?  

Little River Canyon National Preserve is located near Fort Payne, Alabama. It was established in 1992 and spans more than 15,000 acres. It’s a stunning place with a little bit of everything for everyone. From waterfalls and incredible trails to breathtaking overlooks and amazing picnic spots, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Unfortunately, there is no camping allowed in the preserve, but that just means you’ll have to arrive no later than the moment they open and stay until the moment they’re closed. Every year, the preserve offers fee-free admission days, so make sure to look the dates up for the most current year before you go.  

What are some unique Alabama attractions I should add to my bucket list? 

There are many unique attractions located throughout Alabama. Three of our favorite unique attractions are:

1. Ave Maria Grotto - Cullman, AL

2. Rosenbaum House - Florence, AL

3. Unclaimed Baggage Center - Scottsboro, AL

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