Florence

Travel Guide

Florence showing a garden and heritage architecture
Florence
Florence showing a house
Florence showing a house
Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House featuring a house and interior views

Located on the Tennessee River banks, this city benefits from cultural sights, a rich musical heritage and easy access to outdoor fun and adventure.

Florence is a diverse destination that is equally appealing to history lovers, music enthusiasts and art fanatics. The rich culture of Alabama is visible almost everywhere you look, from guitarists and painters performing on the streets to ancient landmarks of Native American heritage. Visit more than once to take in everything this varied city offers.

Walk around the downtown area of the city, which was founded in 1818, and discover its history. Stop at Pope's Tavern Museum and browse exhibits documenting the importance of the historic building during the Civil War. Kids can learn more about the area at the Children's Museum of the Shoals, which tells the story of the valley and its people. The Indian Mound and Museum is dedicated to the first residents of the Shoals Valley.

Marvel at the organic designs of Frank Lloyd Wright at Rosenbaum House, a stylish, tiered building containing furniture that also showcases the architect's inimitable style. See more art at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, which features rotating exhibitions.

Florence is part of the Shoals area, the home of Southern soul and the region where such esteemed artists as Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin recorded their music. See where they cut some of their tracks at Fame Recording Studios. Learn more about the region's impressive musical heritage at the W.C. Handy Birthplace, the home of the “Father of the Blues.”

Drive out of the city to enjoy the natural environment. Hike along wooded trails and rivers at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and McFarland Park. Hop on a boat at Joe Wheeler State Park for a relaxing cruise around the lake.

Reach Florence via Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, which has regular daily flights to Nashville. Alabama is almost always warm. Visit in fall when the countryside around Florence is particularly colorful.

Where to stay in Florence

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East Florence

If you're spending some time in East Florence, Renaissance Tower and Wilson Lake are top sights worth seeing.

East Florence
The Stricklin Hotel
The Stricklin Hotel
3.5 out of 5
317 N Court St, Florence, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (702 reviews)
"Liked the traditional combined with the updated decor-- not a typical chain hotel; this one is unique"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

The Stricklin Hotel
Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa
Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa
3.5 out of 5
10 Hightower Place, Florence, AL
The price is P16,281 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P16,281
P18,723 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Florence. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (712 reviews)
"Great experience all around"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
2.5 out of 5
140 Matthew Paul Ct, Florence, AL
The price is P7,098 per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
P7,098
P8,163 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (691 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and personal was very polite and friendly. The only downside the pool was closed but when we made our reservation we knew about this. I'm pretty sure when they are done with the renovations on the pool area will make it 10 times better"

Reviewed on May 29, 2025

Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
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.
stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
4 out of 5
26800 Success Dr SW, Madison, AL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Wheeler National ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (154 reviews)
"I liked the way the receptionist treated me. The cleanliness of the place, the very clean room, and the very comfortable bed, which is why it deserves 5 stars."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
3.5 out of 5
533 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (722 reviews)
"The ocean view from the condo was breathtaking. It was an easy walk to the beach. The staff was professional and friendly. The condo itself is in need of some updating, there was no luggage rack or dresser so my clothing stayed folded in my luggage. My luggage had to lay open on the floor. The bathroom ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites
Phoenix All Suites
3.5 out of 5
201 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (440 reviews)
Everthing was super clean when we first got there.
"The first impression was pretty nice and clean. Everthing (except food of course) was provided. It had plates, bowls, pots, pans, silverware, plus more. However, they only came up once out of 4 nights to clean our floor and replace towels, and we had to request it. Never came to replce sheets. My ..."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Phoenix All Suites
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.

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