Without a doubt, there’s no shortage of things to do in Alabama during the summer. From swimming holes and lazy rivers to beautiful gardens and beaches, Alabama is home to many great places that are perfect day trips. Listed below are 10 Alabama day trips we think you should definitely add to your summer bucket list. They’re also some of the best day trips in Alabama.

1. Explore a bamboo forest.
Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest, 800 Upper Kingston Rd, Prattville, AL 36067, USA
tripadvisor/Amanda S
Tucked away in Prattville's Wilderness Park is a towering bamboo forest. This park is one of Alabama's best-kept secrets, and it's a great place to visit on a summer day.
2. Float down a natural lazy river.
Styx River, Alabama, USA
facebook/Styx River tube and canoe rental
The Styx River is located in eastern Baldwin County and is one of the best rivers for tubing. It stretches 40+ miles and offers great areas for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
3. Visit a magical butterfly house.
Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
flickr/David Ellis
The Purdy Butterfly House, which is located at Huntsville Botanical Garden, is the perfect place for a summer day trip. At 9,000 sq ft, it's the largest open air butterfly house in the U.S.
4. Dine inside a cave.
Rattlesnake Saloon, 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
yelp/Stormtrooper H.
Alabama is home to several unique restaurants, and Rattlesnake Saloon is quite possibly the most unique of them all. After all, it's not every day you can dine inside a cave.
5. Experience breathtaking views from Alabama's highest natural point.
Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
tripadvisor/Big_Globe_Traveler
Cheaha State Park is home to Cheaha Mountain (Mt. Cheaha), Alabama's highest natural point. Standing at this point is one of the best ways to experience Alabama's natural scenic beauty.

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6. Explore the "Grand Canyon of the East."
Little River Wildlife Management Area, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
flickr/Evangelio Gonzalez
Alabama's Little River Canyon National Preserve is nicknamed "Grand Canyon of the East," and it's the perfect destination for exploring year round. Waterfalls, rivers, and swimming holes make this preserve a great destination for a summer day trip.
7. Visit one of Alabama's most charming towns.
Fairhope, AL 36532, USA
facebook/City of Fairhope
There are many charming towns scattered throughout Alabama, including Fairhope. Located in Baldwin County, Fairhope is home to several remarkable restaurants, boutiques, museums, etc. With so many great things to do, Fairhope is the perfect town for a summer day trip.
8. Take a dip in one of Alabama's bluest swimming holes.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
TurkeyCreekNP.com
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is home to "Blue Hole," one of Alabama's most popular swimming holes. It's the perfect place to cool off from the summer heat.
9. Stroll the grounds of a beautiful Alabama garden.
Bellingrath Gardens & Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582, USA
flickr/C Thomas
Bellingrath Gardens and Home offers 65 acres of year-round beauty. It's also one of Alabama's top outdoor attractions.
10. Spend the day on a beautiful Gulf Coast beach.
Gulf Shores, AL, USA
flickr/Faruk Ateş
There's no denying that Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches are perfect for a summer day trip. One of the best beach destinations to spend a summer day is Gulf Shores, which offers miles of beautiful white-sand beaches.

Have you ever experienced any of these 10 Alabama day trips? Can you think of any other day trips in Alabama that would be perfect for summer? Let us know in the comments below.

There are quite a few more places that would make great Alabama day trips this summer. They belong on your bucket list!

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Jennifer Young | April 07, 2022

What's one of Alabama's most unique places to visit?

Here in Alabama, you'll never run out of unique things to do. From visiting quirky museums to dining inside a cave, there are plenty of unique things to do throughout Alabama. There are also many unique places to visit, including the Tinglewood Trail at Orr Park in Montevallo. This unique trail features more than 30 whimsical tree carvings by artist Tim Tingle. It's like something out of a fairy tale. People of all ages enjoy strolling along the Tinglewood Trail, especially children. The next time you're passing through the Montevallo area, be sure to stop by Orr Park to take a stroll along its famous Tinglewood Trail. You'll love it!

What are five state parks in Alabama that are great for a family day trip?

There are several places in Alabama that are great for a family day trip, including state parks. Five of our favorite Alabama state parks to visit with family are:

1. Cathedral Caverns State Park - Woodville, AL

2. Cheaha State Park - Delta, AL

3. DeSoto State Park - Fort Payne, AL

4. Oak Mountain State Park - Pelham, AL

5. Rickwood Caverns State Park - Warrior, AL

What small town in Alabama is perfect for a day trip?

There are many small towns in Alabama that are great to add to your day trip bucket list, including Mooresville. Mooresville is a unique town in North Alabama with less than 100 residents. This historic town is extra unique because not only is it home to the oldest operating post office in the state but the entire town is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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