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- Alabama
See why Alabama is well-known for its fascinating histories and friendly cities
Past meets present in Alabama, whose vibrant cities are full of rich history and modern charm alike. Experience the roots of space exploration in Huntsville, engage with deep legacies at Birmingham’s Civil Rights sites and enjoy waterfront thrills in Montgomery, all while savoring warm Southern hospitality along the way. In addition to being a worthwhile destination in and of itself, the state is conveniently located near some of the USA’s biggest and brightest cities. Passenger train routes connect Birmingham, Alabama, to New Orleans, Louisiana, and Atlanta, Georgia, making Alabama a can’t-miss addition to your Southern USA itinerary.
Train Like an Astronaut in Huntsville
Often nicknamed "Rocket City," Huntsville has made countless contributions to space travel – the rockets that carried humans to the moon were engineered right in this Alabama city! At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center®, the world's largest spaceflight museum, you can experience this history and live out your astronaut dreams. Start at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, where exhibits and displays celebrate NASA's famed Apollo program, then admire historic rockets in the open-air Rocket Park and see immersive shows in the INTUITIVE® Planetarium. Want even more celestial fun? The center offers Space Camp® programs for both kids and adults to train like astronauts in simulated space missions. When you're ready to come back to Earth, head to downtown Big Spring International Park, which hosts several annual festivals throughout the year, and see Alabama's largest concentration of pre-Civil War homes in the Twickenham Historic District. For dinner, choose from a variety of locally owned eateries around the square or take a quick ride to the Campus 805, Stovehouse or MidCity entertainment districts.
Admiring a replica of the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Dive Deep into History in Birmingham
As a hub of activism and activity during the Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham still echoes with reminders of this deep – and often painful – history. A collection of sites throughout the city known as the Birmingham Civil Rights District explore Birmingham’s pivotal role in desegregating the Deep South. In the heart of the city, pay your respects at the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four young Black girls were killed in a 1963 bombing. Across the street, stroll through Kelly Ingram Park, the site of a 1963 student protest that was met by police brutality. Powerful statues immortalize imagery from the protests and pay homage to the brave activists who stood up to racist violence in the park and across the world. Nearby, see the A.G. Gaston Motel, once used as a meeting place for Civil Rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Be sure to spend some time browsing the galleries of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. At this comprehensive Civil Rights museum, immersive experiences and preserved artifacts enshrine the people and places involved in the movement. You can view a model of a segregated city, see the door of the jail cell Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. occupied while writing his famous treatise “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” and even participate in a simulated sit-in protest.
Powerful art installations at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Fun on the Water and Beyond in Montgomery
Continue your exploration of Alabama activism with a visit to Montgomery, where sites like the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Rosa Parks Museum continue the story of the Civil Rights Movement. You might be surprised to find that you can have a high-octane whitewater adventure right in the heart of the city. Montgomery Whitewater, a man-made outdoor adventure park, puts a whole host of outdoor adventures at your fingertips, from whitewater rafting to bouldering and ziplining. If you're looking for more laid-back waterfront activities, the scenic Riverfront Park is home to stunning views of the Grand Island Chute, relaxing boat rides down the Alabama River and even seasonal concerts. Cap off your night by exploring this capital city’s growing culinary scene, which offers fresh flavors for all kinds of palates. Savor Gulf Coast seafood, dig into downhome favorites like fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits, and take advantage of warm Southern hospitality. Looking for a uniquely Alabama night out? Don’t miss a visit to Red Bluff Bar at the Silos for delicious drinks and live jazz music right on the riverfront.
A rafting adventure at Montgomery Whitewater
Getting There
Amtrak provides passenger rail service connecting Alabama to several Southeastern USA destinations. The Mardi Gras Service runs from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Mobile, Alabama, with stops in between at several cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Crescent train connects New Orleans to New York, New York, making stops in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Anniston, Alabama. If you'd prefer to start your adventure in Alabama, fly into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) or Huntsville International Airport (HSV).
