Central Alabama, AL

Travel Guide
Birmingham
Barber Motorsports Park showing interior views
Barber Motorsports Park which includes interior views
Birmingham which includes interior views
Barber Motorsports Park
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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Boulder Hills Natural Area

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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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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 NT$2,670 per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
NT$2,670
NT$3,235 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 26 - Nov 27
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! (2,159 reviews)
"bed frame was broken it was too late and I was too tired to swap rooms."

Reviewed on 2024/11/20

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
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 NT$3,489 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
NT$3,489
NT$4,043 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"The stay was exceptional. However, during checkin I was told that I would be able to check out with no additional charge. The morning after when I verified this, I was told it would be a 50.00 charge because the of the late check out."

Reviewed on 2024/11/21

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey 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 NT$2,448 per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
NT$2,448
NT$2,974 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 30 - Dec 1
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)
"Property under construction didn’t have all needed things in room"

Reviewed on 2024/11/17

Sonesta Select 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews)
Weekend stay
"It was clean and super cute! We had a cute kitchen with a two story living room. Security measures excellent. Great communication of check in process. Parking was close. Would recommend bringing a wagon to move personal items from car to room."

Reviewed on 2024/11/17

Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
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

Cities near Central Alabama