While driving across Alabama, you'll encounter the most beautiful scenery. From magnificent waterfalls to majestic mountains, nothing compares to our state's natural beauty. One of the most scenic drives around is the Lookout Mountain Parkway Scenic Byway; a drive along this stretch of roadway is an experience like no other, and it's the perfect one to take if you're wanting to get away from it all. Of all the best scenic drives in Alabama, this one is probably our favorite!
Stretching for 93 miles atop Lookout Mountain, the Lookout Mountain Parkway begins in Gadsden, Alabama and ends in Chattanooga, Tennessee...or vice versa.
And finally, no matter what time of year it is, winter, spring, summer or fall, the Lookout Mountain Parkway is the perfect road to take if you're wanting to get away from it all while still enjoying Alabama's natural scenic beauty.
Even if there are only days left to summer, there is still time to check off these essential Alabama summer bucket list activities. Here are the six most quintessential summertime things you can do just about anywhere in the state, with one destination suggestion for each. You'll also find some links to more extensive lists of places for each activity if you want help finding places a little closer to you. Lifelong Alabamians and newcomers alike strive to do each of these things at least once every summer. While all the sunshine may make the days super hot, we sure don't mind the extra daylight hours to enjoy this time to the fullest.
Alabama is legendary for its sticky summers, and nothing beats that kind of summer heat like a dip in one of our cool, refreshing swimming holes. In Pinson, you'll find one of the best at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. It has everything you need in a great swimming hole: crystal-clear waters, places for picnics, and many trails to explore if you want to work up a sweat before taking a plunge.
Alabama’s many lakes are a major draw during the summer months for general recreation and lots of tournament fishing. For an especially memorable day on the water, head to Weiss Lake, known as the "Crappie Capital of the World." Hire a local outfitter like Weiss Lake Crappie Times Guide Service and try your luck at catching this prized fish. You’ll be hooked on the beautiful scenery and the thrill of the catch.
Summer is the season for fresh, delicious produce. If you see a proper farmers market, roadside farm stand or crudely drawn sign for sweet corn, you ought to know better than to drive on by. Stop, every time. You'll be glad you did! Some of the best fruits of summer in the South are juicy peaches, and there’s no better place to find them than Peach Park in Clanton. This longtime farm stand is a tradition for many generations of families. You'll find delicious peaches, homemade ice cream, and every peach-themed souvenir imaginable.
Whoosh down waterslides, float along lazy river rides, and catch the swells in a wave pool at one of Alabama's many water parks. A great one that's located centrally in the state, Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure in Bessemer is a family-friendly spot that's perfect for cooling off and making summer memories you'll treasure for years to come.
No Alabama summer is complete without a mouthwatering barbecue feast. While we have many accomplished backyard barbecue masters among our citizenry, you don't have to have one in the family to serve up some of the best. You can keep your grill clean and skip the mess of preparation by ordering from one of our famed barbecue joints statewide. A longtime legend with multiple locations throughout the state, Dreamland BBQ is always a safe bet – especially for its succulent ribs and tangy sauce.
For a nostalgic summer evening, make like Danny and Sandy from the classic movie "Grease" and load up your ride for a trip to a drive-in. (Unlike the movie, choose your company carefully so you aren't stranded, branded a fool, and wondering what they will say Monday at school). Alabama still has a handful of these old-school drive-ins left. A favorite for Northeast Alabamians is the 411 Twin Drive In located in Centre, which is about 25 miles northeast of Gadsden. The 411 shows double features on two screens while you watch from the comfort of your car munching popcorn, candy, and other snack bar goodies.
And there you have it: A definitive activity guide to make sure your summer season has just enough adventure, good food, and memories to carry you through the cooler temps ahead. Have you checked these activities off your list this year? There's still time before the days become shorter and trees put on their fall finery. Let us know your favorites on this list and any other summer must-dos it may have inspired. If you're hitting the road on or before Labor Day for these and other adventures, check out our road-trip essentials guide to make sure you are best prepared for your trip!
Who doesn't love taking scenic drives in Alabama? Recently, Alabama's Coastal Connection was recognized as one of the 60 most scenic drives in America. This scenic byway stretches 130 miles right along the southernmost tip of Alabama. You'll head through some incredibly gorgeous terrain and get to see plenty of places that are worthy of a stop. We've gathered up some of our favorite places on the route that we think are worth your time. These are listed in no particular order, but they're all right along the route on this Coastal Connection road trip. Ready to hit the road on one of the best scenic byways in Alabama?
Alabama's Coastal Connection lies on the southern border of the Cotton State. It travels alongside the Gulf of Mexico, making for some gorgeous waterfront scenery you can't get anywhere else in the state. If you're on the hunt for "Alabama scenic drives near me," this one is an excellent choice!
1. Audubon Bird Sanctuary: 211 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of our favorite spots on beautiful Dauphin Island. This 164-acre preserve is a nature lover's dream with gorgeous woodlands that include walking trails, swamps, and pristine beaches. This is one of the top birding destinations in America and the perfect first stop on this Alabama scenic drive.
As you can likely guess from the name, Gulf State Park lies on Alabama's stunning Gulf Coast. The park has two miles of white-sand beaches and a wide variety of recreational activities. Whether you're looking to swim, fish, camp, hike, or observe wildlife, there's something for everyone here. It's one of the best state parks in Alabama and belongs on any Cotton State bucket list.
Graham Creek Nature Preserve offers just under 500 acres of natural habitats. There are plenty of recreational options here, including kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, disc golf, and more. You could easily spend all day in this beautiful park. This Alabama hidden gem doesn't get nearly the love it deserves!
Fort Gaines is a historic masonry fort that was built way back in 1821. It's best known for the role it played in the American Civil War's Battle of Mobile Bay. If you believe the legends, it's also haunted by the spirits of deceased soldiers.
5. Bellingrath Gardens and Home: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
Bellingrath Gardens and Home is one of the most beautiful places in Alabama. This 65-acre garden features year-round blooms, and, if you visit during the winter, absolutely magical Christmas decor. The property also contains the estate home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath.
advertisement
advertisement
6. Holmes Medical Museum: 111 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535
Holmes Medical Museum was the site of Baldwin County's first hospital, which opened up in 1936. The unique museum that exists here now is situated right above a pharmacy. Here, you'll find an extensive collection of old medical instruments, a recreated operating room, patient rooms, and plenty more bizarre medical artifacts that will fascinate and disturb you.
Fort Morgan is another haunted fort in Alabama. This one is a masonry star fort that's located right at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Like Fort Gaines, it also played an important role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. This fort was completed in 1833, and it became a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is home to the USS Alabama, a retired battleship that served in World War II. This military history park and museum features a variety of exhibits and more than 28 historic aircraft. This is another wartime site that is allegedly haunted!
Have you ever driven along Alabama's Coastal Connection? If so, do you agree it's one of the most scenic drives in Alabama and did you stop by any of the attractions we mentioned? Share your experiences in the comments!
Ready to take a road trip? Whether it's on one of the best scenic drives or if you have any other Alabama road trips in mind, check our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all the essentials!
