Central Alabama

Travel Guide

Birmingham
Barber Motorsports Park which includes interior views
Barber Motorsports Park featuring 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
Default Image

Homewood

Travelers come to Homewood for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Birmingham Zoo and Red Mountain Park while you're in town.

Homewood
Visit Frugal Family Travelers blog to learn more about this great location, to receive the travel itinerary and to discover more great places like this:

Boulder Hills Natural Area

http://www.frugalfamilytravelers.blogspot.com/2016/02/4-outdoor-jewels-in-alabama.html

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frugalfamilytravelers

Twitter: @FrugalFamTrav

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

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
To the right of the Walk of Champions while approaching the visitor center and front entrance of Bryant-Denny Stadium, the storied coaches quietly remind us that success is not a matter of luck, but rather the culmination of years of dedication and determination.

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
Vulcan Statue showing a city

Five Points South

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
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 P9,197 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P9,197
P10,598 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,148 reviews)
"I was a good stay."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
3 out of 5
60 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood, Birmingham, AL
The price is P4,168 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P4,168
P5,002 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (180 reviews)
Better than I thought
"Overall a great stay. Need to hire more housekeeping to keep up with the number of guests staying. Also much needed improvement on the breakfast selection."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
3 out of 5
120 Riverchase Pkwy E, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is P5,028 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P5,028
P5,845 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,057 reviews)
"It was fast, clean, etc."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
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.
Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley
Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley
2 out of 5
215 Cosper Bend Rd, Childersburg, AL
Stay at this cabin in Childersburg. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Sally West Park and The Meadows Golf Course are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Loved it , definitely recommend"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley
Barsala Midtown
Barsala Midtown
4 out of 5
2014 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Birmingham Zoo and The ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"Consistently consistent. Clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Barsala Midtown
Barsala Downtown Birmingham
Barsala Downtown Birmingham
4 out of 5
600 19th St N, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Birmingham Zoo and Don Kresge ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (41 reviews)
"This is my second amazing experience with Barsala. I am very pleased about the cleanliness of the places I have reserved within the last past two weeks. I also felt very safe with the areas and building."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Barsala Downtown 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do