Central Alabama

Travel Guide
Birmingham
Discover the cultural heart of Alabama in the center of the state, where you will find engaging museums, stunning scenery and thrilling events, including car races and football games.

Experience the culture of southern America’s heartland in Central Alabama, a region that is incontrovertibly shaped by its past while looking forward to a bright future. Famous cities with fascinating historical attractions sit surrounded by scenery that includes picturesque lakes. Smaller towns are shaped by their proudly held traditions.

Start your journey to Central Alabama in Birmingham, the largest city in the state. One of the landmarks in this historic city is the Vulcan Statue, a 56-foot (17-meter) sculpture of the Roman god of blacksmithing, a symbol of the region’s industrial past. Visit the Sloss Furnaces for an enthralling insight into this era of history.

Explore Birmingham’s numerous museums for a complete picture of the city’s multifaceted history. Listen to the music of the greats in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and discover a global array of paintings and sculptures at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Stop by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn about the city’s complex role in the 20th-century movement.

Wander around the historic campus of the University of Alabama in the charming city of Tuscaloosa. The campus area houses a wide array of museums, sports grounds and gardens. Watch the famous Crimson Tide play a thrilling game of football.

Central Alabama also has a proud history of motorsports. Get up close to vintage car models in the Barber Motorsports Park and the Wellborn Musclecar Museum. Join huge crowds of locals at the Talladega Superspeedway, famed for its high-speed NASCAR races.

Explore the landscapes outside the towns and cities of Central Alabama. Stroll through shaded woodland and rest by tranquil lakes in the state parks of the region. Cheaha State Park is the home of the highest point in Alabama and features hiking and biking trails. Cyclists will also enjoy the routes running through scenic Chewacla State Park.

Board a flight to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to land in the heart of Central Alabama. The region remains warm throughout the year, although spring and fall are the best times to avoid the most humid months.

Where to stay in Central Alabama

Birmingham featuring a statue or sculpture and interior views

Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to McWane Science Center or Regions Field.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Travellers come to Homewood for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Birmingham Zoo and Alabama Men's Hall of Fame while you're in town.

Homewood
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Vestavia Hills

Visitors to Vestavia Hills enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Birmingham Ballet is worth a stop.

Vestavia Hills
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Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo.

Mountain Brook
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University Area

If you're spending some time in University Area, Paul W. Bryant Museum and Coleman Coliseum are top sights worth seeing.

University Area
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Irondale

Visitors to Irondale enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Train Watching Platform is worth a stop.

Irondale
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
The price is HK$732 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
HK$732
HK$883 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,145 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the checkin staff and they updated me on some traveling tips! Nice!"

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2024

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Sonesta Select Birmingham
Sonesta Select Birmingham
3 out of 5
4300 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$585 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
HK$585
HK$711 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Dec - 16 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Under MAJOR renovation"

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Sonesta Select Birmingham
Days Inn by Wyndham Hoover Birmingham
Days Inn by Wyndham Hoover Birmingham
2 out of 5
1800 Riverchase Dr, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is HK$537 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
HK$537
HK$628 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Loved the customer service from tall gentleman that greeted me on the night shift. Room was great."

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Hoover Birmingham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
4 out of 5
300 18th St S, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (256 reviews)
"Mint House in Birmingham, AL was an excellent choice for us! It was our first time staying there and we were pleasantly surprised by the useful amenities they offer. We loved the full size kitchen and having access to a washer and dryer in our room! Check-in instructions were easy to follow. The ..."

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2024

Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Birmingham
Stay at this apartment in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions The Summit and Heaviest Corner on Earth ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Fantastic
"Really enjoyed how clean and orderly the place was. The communication and check in process was easy. The apartment was near restaurants that were easy to walk to. We had a great stay."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
cozy cabin directly on beautiful Lake Martin
cozy cabin directly on beautiful Lake Martin
Alexander City
Stay at this vacation home in Alexander City. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Wind Creek State Park and D.A.R.E. Power Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
Cabin on the Lake
"It was wonderful and so what 4 friends needed. Sitting on the porch overlooking Lake Martin was picturesque. The cabin was clean and everything we needed was right there for our use. The manager was helpful and friendly. A great place to stay, relax or fish."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2024

cozy cabin directly on beautiful Lake Martin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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