Alabama Holidays - Fun, colourful and historic

Enjoy hearty food, amazing history and exciting attractions

Alabama is brimming with that Southern hospitality we all love. There is so much to experience in this friendly state that we’re not quite sure where to start. From incredible Civil War history in Montgomery and Birmingham, to brilliant science attractions in Huntsville and epic foodie scenes at Mobile and Muscle Shoals, Alabama is such a welcoming and fascinating place.

In Alabama you can visit where Jefferson Davis became President, learn more about Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights movement and see one of only three Saturn V moon rockets at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Your tour could even take you on a sunset cruise along Mobile Bay, or have you stand where Aretha Franklin recorded her hit song, I Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You. No matter where you go, you’ll be met with open arms.

Explore Alabama

Combining amazing music, delicious fried food, epic adventures and even brilliant golf courses, Alabama encompasses everything that makes the Deep South so fun and memorable. Montgomery is well-known for being the location where Rosa Parks refused to leave her seat on the bus, whilst Huntsville offers a great day out at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Mobile is hip and colourful, and frequently has an outdoor festival to enjoy, whilst Birmingham is home to an integral locale in the Civil Rights movement – Kelly Ingram Park. Muscle Shoals is a popular choice for a music-inspired tour, with musical giants such as Etta James making their mark.

When to go to Alabama

Alabama’s mild warmth and sunshine makes it a great place to explore year-round. By March the spring blooms arrive, along with average temperatures of 15c, whilst the summer months average mid-to-late 20s. The winter months are slightly colder and can be fairly wet, but nothing a nice warm jacket or waterproof couldn’t handle.

There are a few brilliant natural occurrences throughout the year that might help confirm which month you’d want to visit. For instance, in May and June at Dismals Canyon, the dark canyon interior is illuminated by glow worms – it’s a truly unique sight. Meanwhile, from May to October along the Gulf Coast you may be lucky enough to encounter a ‘boil’, a phenomenon where baby sea turtles hatch the same time and make their journey to the water.

Visiting Alabama

Self-drive tours such as American Rhythms hit many of Alabama’s most popular destinations, including Birmingham, Montgomery, Muscle Shoals, Huntsville and Mobile.

Holiday highlights

• Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers 32 miles of soft, sugary sands – ideal for a bit of sun soaking and trying to spot sea turtles.
• Wildlife enthusiasts should endeavour to explore the Mobile Tensaw Delta, the second-largest wetland in America that is home to an abundance of turtles, alligators and deer, alongside over 300 species of bird. In fact, the whole state has more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna to discover.
• There are many amazing activities for all capabilities here in Alabama. It really is a hiker’s paradise – you’ll find harder hikes in the north, and nice easy strolls in the south, as well as birdwatching, wild swimming and white-water rafting.
• Alabama is home to incredible soul food. Fried chicken, fried tomatoes, deep fried pickles…it’s all delicious and hearty food on the menu. The barbecue scene is decadent too, and you can’t come here without trying plump Gulf shrimp and grits. Wash it all down with some famous sweet tea, and you’ll have yourself a proper Alabama feast.
• Of course, the Deep South is synonymous with live music. Alabama is no different, boasting amazing home-grown music and a wide variety of bars and clubs showcasing the very best jazz, country and blues bands. Muscle Shoals’ Fame recording studios were frequented by the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin, making it a must-see on any music tour.