Central Alabama, AL

Travel Guide
Barber Motorsports Park showing interior views
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 showing a statue or sculpture and interior views

Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to McWane Science Center and Regions Field while you're in town.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Located in southeastern Jefferson County, Homewood boasts the Hollywood Historic District, known for its Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Home to Samford University, it's a charming suburb near Birmingham.

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
Whenever I’m back home in the “HAM” I always  try and make time to stroll around BBG and relax. It’s awesome here no matter the season.

Mountain Brook

Boasting three picturesque "villages" and a high tree cover ratio, this suburban area offers a forest-like setting with charming residential sections and a network of bridle paths for recreation.

Mountain Brook
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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
Vulcan Statue showing a city

Five Points South

4/5(445 area reviews)

Unique features of Five Points South include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Regions Field or Vulcan Statue while you're exploring the area.

Five Points South
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 $104 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$104
per night
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,130 reviews)
"Was perfect location for to the airport."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2024

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Sonesta Select Birmingham
Sonesta Select Birmingham
3 out of 5
4300 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL
The price is $98 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
$98
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"This was my second time staying on this property and it was just as great as the first time. Such a nice, affordable place to stay! Will definitely be back again!"

Reviewed on May 25, 2024

Sonesta Select Birmingham
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
4 out of 5
1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is $133 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$133
per night
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (967 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2024

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
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 clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (141 reviews)
DJdeb
"Amazing!!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
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! (84 reviews)
Good time!
"this was the perfect for 4 class of 1978 men on the 'guys weekend." The quiet location is incredible. we enjoyed the porch and the floating dock. We took the short trip to the brewery in Opelika and drove through the auburn campus as well."

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

cozy cabin directly on beautiful Lake Martin
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 Birmingham Zoo and The Summit are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
Ideal for a couple
"Although "Tiny" this place is much larger than a standard hotel room with the convenience of a washer/drier, kitchen and more space to enjoy. Parking right outside the front door was very convenient. The only thing we didn't like were the microfibre bath towels."

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Central Alabama