Do Not Do These 5 Touristy Things In Alabama. Here’s What To Do Instead.

Alabama is home to many fun attractions. Offering everything from drive-thru petting zoos to award-winning museums, the options are endless. Listed below are five popular tourist attractions, in addition to five alternative attractions in (or near) the same city that aren't as popular but still worth experiencing.

1. U.S. Space & Rocket Center - Huntsville

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is located in Huntsville and is Alabama's top paid tourist attraction. It's home to Space Camp and is also referred to as "Earth's largest space museum." It's an absolute must-visit for space enthusiasts of all ages. Click here for more information.

Madison County Nature Trail

If you enjoy nature, Alabama's Madison County Nature Trail (Green Mountain Nature Trail) is an alternative place to visit while in Huntsville. Covering 72 acres, it's a family-friendly park that offers everything from a walking trail to an A-frame chapel. You'll love spending an afternoon at this unique place, especially this time of year. Click here for more information.

2. Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham

The Birmingham Zoo is one of Alabama's top animal attractions. Covering 122 acres, it's home to approximately 550 animals of 180 species, including endangered species from six continents. Click here for more information.

Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park is a different type of place to visit while in Birmingham. Located atop of Red Mountain, this 1,500-acre park offers a variety of activities for all ages, including hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, and more. Click here for more information.

3. USS Alabama - Mobile

The USS Alabama is one of America's last remaining WWII battleships. Today, it's operated as a museum that's part of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Click here for more information.

Mobile Botanical Gardens

If you'd much rather take a stroll through acres and acres of beautiful gardens, consider a visit to Mobile Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1974, this botanical garden, which covers 106 acres and is open year-round, is one of Mobile's most beautiful outdoor attractions. It's also the perfect spot for a picnic. Click here for more information.

4. Montgomery Zoo - Montgomery

The Montgomery Zoo covers 40 acres and is home to approximately 750 animals of 140 species. It's an absolute must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. Click here for more information.

Alabama Safari Park

If you'd rather have an animal experience without leaving your car, consider checking out Alabama Safari Park, which is located in nearby Hope Hull. This 350-acre, drive-thru animal attraction lets you feed animals from the comfort of your very own car. Click here for more information.

5. Unclaimed Baggage - Scottsboro

Unclaimed Baggage is a unique 40,000-sq-ft store in Scottsboro, Alabama that sells unclaimed airline luggage from around the world. Founded in 1970, there's no other store like it in the U.S. Click here for more information.

Jackson County Park

Also in Scottsboro is Jackson County Park. This waterfront park is great for a day trip or weekend getaway. It offers guests a campground, a play area, and a walking trail, in addition to swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Click here for more information.

Have you ever visited any of these Alabama attractions? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

If you happen to be feeling touristy and eager to learn more about the USS Alabama, be sure to take a look at the following article: One Of The Last WWII Battleships Is Right Here In Alabama And It’s So Worth A Visit.