North Alabama

Travel Guide

Huntsville showing a pond and a garden
Huntsville
North Alabama
North Alabama showing a river or creek
North Alabama featuring signage

Alabama’s colorful culture and energetic cities combine with its spectacular scenery in the northern third of the state, a region rich with classic Americana.

Many of the images associated with the Deep South find their origins in North Alabama. This picturesque region has strong links to its past and offers insight into the state’s soulful musical history. Come here to discover Alabama’s technologically significant cities and vast swaths of tranquil countryside in the southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains.

Explore the picturesque town of Mooresville to get a sense of North Alabama’s history. It was founded in 1818, the year before Alabama gained statehood, and retains its pioneering atmosphere.

One of North Alabama’s most famous exports is its music industry. Go on a musical pilgrimage to the cities of Florence and Muscle Shoals, where legends such as Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett recorded their greatest hits. Learn about the story of Southern Soul in the W.C. Handy Home and Museum, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the FAME Recording Studios.

Experience contemporary Alabama in the city of Huntsville. Art enthusiasts and culture vultures can lose hours in the vast and beautiful Huntsville Museum of Art, which has a large collection of 19th- and 20th-century artworks. Take your family to the US Space and Rocket Center, which features an authentic Saturn V moon rocket and thrilling exhibits dedicated to space travel.

The nearby city of Decatur promises even more to explore. Travel through time on a walking tour of civil war sites in the surrounding area. Spend your evening at the Princess Theatre, which hosts touring Broadway musicals and a wide variety of musical performances.

Escape to the stunning landscape of the southwestern Appalachian Mountains. Follow one of the hiking trails in Lake Guntersville State Park and explore the archaeological sites of Russell Cave.

Fly into Huntsville International Airport from cities around the country to reach North Alabama. The region is warm enough to visit at any time of year. Visit the mountains in fall, however, to witness the spectacular transformation of the foliage when the scenery bursts into a dazzling array of colors.

Where to stay in North Alabama

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Priceville

Priceville is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and Priceville Town Hall.

Priceville
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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
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Providence

Though Providence might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Westside Center and MidCity Huntsville.

Providence
Huntsville which includes a garden

Quigley

If you're spending some time in Quigley, Big Spring Park and Von Braun Center are top sights worth seeing.

Quigley
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Hampton Cove

While Hampton Cove isn't home to many top sights, Hampton Cove Golf Course and Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hampton Cove
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Sherwood Park

Some popular features of Sherwood Park include its shopping and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Bridge Street Town Centre or US Space and Rocket Center are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Sherwood Park
The Westin Huntsville

The Westin Huntsville

4 out of 5
6800 Governors Dr W, Huntsville, AL
The price is P7,655 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,655
P8,918 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Huntsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Lovely accommodations, perfect for celebrating a birthday!!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

The Westin Huntsville
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park

3 out of 5
4870 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL
The price is P3,651 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P3,651
P4,313 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Huntsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (76 reviews)
"Solid clean place to stay"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park
Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center

Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center

3 out of 5
93 Wynn Drive NW, Sherwood Park, Huntsville, AL
The price is P7,455 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P7,455
P8,687 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Huntsville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,019 reviews)
"Nice location"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
"They have a security building so you don't have to worry about feeling safe during your stay. The staff are all wonderful. People very nice and courteous and helpful The place is out a little. Not in town but it has Mexican food, chicken pizza, gasoline, diesel all within walking or driving distance. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
Starlight Haven Weiss Lake

Starlight Haven Weiss Lake

3.5 out of 5
720 County Rd 199, Cedar Bluff, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Cedar Bluff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attraction Godfreys Island is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Very unique setting on the lake!"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Starlight Haven Weiss Lake
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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