Top Alabama Road Trip Destinations: Best Travel Experience

As we all know it, Alabama State rarely gets its fair recognition in most of the trendy lifestyle and travel magazines around the US. But to the surprise of many have just found, Yellowhammer State isn’t just an ordinary destination for getaways and adventures; it’s a concealed gem! So check out the best Alabama road trip destinations now!

Think of the historic underground caverns, white sandy beaches, the majestic waterfalls, and lots of amazing nature trails. You get to explore all these and feel the thrill in Alabama. The state is also home to one of the country’s largest space museums, rock “n” roll music studios and the Civil Rights movement. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive deep into some of the most amazing destinations for a road trip to spark a lifetime memory! 

Want to know what all is on the charts? Quickly rush through the slides below and find out.

Fairhope: Charming Small Downtown

You probably haven’t heard about this quaint town in southern Alabama, which is home to 19,000 people, but it’s an absolute must-visit destination for a remarkable Alabama road trip. Its charming small downtown and the winding miles of bike trails make an amazing place to enjoy those peaceful slow rides. 

If you’d like to have a taste of the local cuisine, head to Panini Pete’s, a Guy Fieri approved eatery. Then immerse yourself into some good read at the Page & Palette, a local bookstore that serves plenty of amazing books. You definitely don’t want to miss the guided eco-cruise by a powerboat or kayak with Turtles Outfitters. It’s a nice way to get your moods for an adventure high up as you tour some of the most scenic places out of your imagination. 

Last but not least, you also should visit Jimmy Buffet; he traces his roots in Fairhope during the 1950s, and plays “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. You can also opt to visit his yoga studio, Yoga Birds, and get body, mind, and soul rejuvenation. You can spend the nights camping at Southern Way RV Park, located a few minutes’ drive away from the downtown, or you can head to Coastal Haven RV Park with lots of amenities to make your stay cozy and charming. 

By the time you’re done with Fairhope, you’ll have a stress-free mind, bursting with energy and ready to explore the rest of Alabama road trip destinations. 

U.S Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville 

Lovers of the outer space and interstellar stuff, this is the place to be. U.S Space and Rocket Center located in Huntsville is a state museum that started in 1970 just after Apollo 12 was sent to the moon during the US’s second lunar mission. This road trip has been rated as one of the best road trips that Alabama State has to offer. 

This museum has got lots of interesting things about the space and rocket featured, including several rotating exhibits that range from The Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll to The Art of Space Jewelry. There are also permanent exhibits portraying rockets, space shuttles, and missiles. 

You definitely will love the IMAX theater here and the German Biergarten, usually held on Thursday nights at Davidson Center for Space Exploration where you get to grab a refreshing brew while listening to live band music. There are plenty of campsites available fully equipped with amenities 

including bathrooms, showers, and laundry. If you’re not into camping, there are lots of places to stay just around the museum. 

Don’t forget to make early reservations, especially if you’d like to visit during a major event such as eclipse and meteor storm as tickets get sold out pretty fast. 

Alabama Zoos escapade 

If you’d like a road trip that’s friendly to your entire family, think of the Alabama Zoo. It’s even more worthwhile for the lovers of wild animals, presenting even a perfect excuse to take this road trip across the state viewing the wonderful animal zoos and exhibits. 

On top of the obvious spots you could visit during this road trip such as Montgomery Zoo, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and Birmingham Zoo, you also have the chance to try out some new exclusive experiences such as seeing eagles and other beautiful birds at Southeastern Raptor Center. You can also include a wild cruise through Huntsville’s Harmony Park Safari. 

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 

If you’d like to reminisce about your good old college days, you’re going to love this trip to the University of Alabama. Whether you cherish Crimson Tide when it comes to football matters, or just interested in experiencing the campus lifestyle with your buddies, the University of Alabama will make your experience worthwhile. 

Football diehard fans might want to consider planning this trip during fall to watch tailgating as well as catch an amazing ball game. If you can’t make it during the fall, there’s still lots of meets and games to make this trip unforgettable. You can catch the sensational gymnasts doing their thing, watch a baseball or volleyball match amidst the youthful and energetic fans. 

You also get to visit the famous Alabama Museum of Natural History for an amazing thrilling view of the ancient animal skeletons, fossils, and many other accessories. Finding a place to stay during the football season can be a little challenging. A pass for the entire season starts at $175 for the Northington lot, normally opened on Thursdays before game day. If there during the normal off-seasons, you can check out the Sunset RV Campground and Coaches Corner RV Park. Off-campus campsites are also made available by the University. 

The Shoals: Golfing, Lakes & More!

This is the northwestern region of Alabama and the home to hundreds of popular getaway and road trip destinations in the state. And it’s a sure bet that planning a road trip to the Shoals is a perfect way to experience lots of remarkable memories of a lifetime. 

You can pay a visit to Tuscumbia, the home and birthplace of Helen Keller, and explore some of the most amazing places in the state, including the beautiful Spring Park, multiple shops and restaurants, and Colbert County Courthouse. You’ll then check out Sheffield, the home to Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Florence which houses beautiful rivers, parks, and museums that hold ancient history about Alabama. 

You’ll also get to enjoy lots of outdoor activities at Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake, Pickwick Lake, and the Coldwater Falls. 

Auburn University: Relive the Good Old Days

If you aren’t a fan of the University of Alabama football team and have never dreamt of stepping foot in Tuscaloosa either, you can still get a blast from the past of your youthful days by a road trip to Auburn University. 

The energy and fan spirit at Jordan Hare Stadium will get you chanting “War Eagle” at the top of your voice. But if for a chance, you aren’t into football, the campus has got plenty to catch your attention. Visit Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve and Julie Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art on the campus for an amazing indulgence in ancient history and a little bit of the science behind the environment and organism. 

Plus, you’ll get to relive the old days’ glory at Auburn University by paying a visit to the college towns and even catch your kids’ attention in reading the books. Auburn also got plenty of spots to spend the night at, such as Bar-W RV Park, Eagle’s Landing RV Campground, University Station RV Resort, and Leisure Time Campground. Alternatively, Chewacla State Park with 36 campsites located a 7-mile drive away from the campus is a nice place to hoist your tents. 

Montgomery: Sports, Music & More!

If you haven’t been to the state’s capital, this is a splendid opportunity for you and your family to hit the road to Montgomery. Whether looking for historical attractions, you’re into sports, music, or want a little bit of all your attention can grab, Montgomery presents some of the best activities to take part in and places to see. 

Get yourself a tour guide to explore the capitol building of the state and learn about Montgomery’s past. Equally, pay Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts a visit for a glimpse into the past. If you’ve got live drama performance aficionados in the family, then head to Alabama Shakespeare Festival for an interesting mind-boggling performance. If that’s not enough, Riverwalk Stadium awaits you where you’ll get to watch the cheerful Biscuits games. 

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 

You might want to inspire and bring out the awe in your little ones through this amazing trip which is not only fun but educational as well. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute presents a nice way of sparking conversations with the kids about some of the most important histories of the country outside the classroom setting. 

This museum houses a massive collection of artifacts and documents that relate to civil rights movements. It also features an oral history exhibition where you get to hear from veterans that actually took part in past events. Don’t forget to check out the details on their website about special workshops and events taking place around the period you intend to visit. 

Wrapping Up The Best Alabama Spots

The Yellowhammer State has certainly many more amazing destinations to plan a road itinerary for, but the above are among the top you wouldn’t want to miss. And the memories can last a lifetime if you bring along an HD camera with you to capture those scenic views and amazing moments with your crew.

Having found out the top destinations, have a look at our sampling of affordable activities in Alabama too to make your trip more pocket-friendly. But wait! Your trip to Alabama won’t be complete without a trusty vacation rental property to stay in. Find the perfect rental near your planned activity areas by visiting Rental Trader. Lots of lovely and comfy properties await you there!