12 Weekend Getaways In Alabama We Love

Here’s where to spend a few days away in Alabama, including our editors’ favorite spots.

Alabama is a great place to take a vacation. It has mountains, plains and beaches. Too many attractions to be packed into one vacation, so we recommend that you only take one small trip. Enjoy the coast and ocean thrills on one weekend, then take in lakeside celebrations on the next. Discover one of Alabama’s historic cities another weekend and trek “Alabama’s Aspen“The weekend after that. No matter what type of short-term escape you seek, we’ve got you covered with the must-see destinations that you can fall in love with in just a couple days. If you are looking for somewhere to escape, sweet home AlabamaThere are many options.

Because Southern Living is based out of Birmingham, it’s no wonder that we’ve got Alabama’s weekend hotspots down to a science. These are the retreats that our editors insist are well-worth a visit It was fast enough to be enjoyed before you get back to work on Monday.

Mentone

Jenna Sims is digital editor and has her sights on the tiny mountain town of Mentone Alabama’s most popular destination. This spot is especially beautiful in the fall, when you can see Mentone’s 107-foot waterfall surrounded by bright red, orange, and yellow foliage Before you stop at an eclectic marketplace, grab a bite from a charming cafe.

Florence And Muscle Shoals

Our editors agree that Florence is an Alabama right of passage for all travelers. Alabama’s “Renaissance City,” has delightful local eateries, a scenic college campus, and marvels such as Helen Keller’s birthplace And a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

And while you’re there, you can’t miss nearby Muscle Shoals, which Home and Features Editor Betsy Cribb insists is “a must for music lovers.” There, you’ll find iconic pieces of music history including FAME Studios Where legends have been recorded by Etta James and Aretha Franklin.

“I think Florence and Muscle Shoals are nice for history fans, too” says Senior Editor Kimberly Holland. “It’s fascinating to see how this little corner of the state played a part of history.”

Mobile

This under the radar city port city on Alabama’s coast is bursting at the seams with seafood, Spanish moss, and history. Mobile’s claim to fame is being home to the first Mardi Gras Carnival—not New Orleans. That’s hardly what defines them though. It’s the scenic views, beautiful historic districts, and surprising social clubs that make Mobile Worth a visit.

Lake Martin

Holland recommends Holland for making the most of your weekend. Lake Martin for a “complete getaway.” “Rent a lake house,” she says. “There are some nice restaurants depending on the part of the lake where you’re staying and there are also float-up restaurants on boats in the summer.”

Decatur

Enjoy the weekend at the Tennessee River in historic Decatur, AlabamaThe first railroad line west of the Appalachian Mountains was built in, While in town, devote some time to the art deco theater, Historic Depot & Railroad Museum, and worthwhile shopping and dining downtown where peppery white Alabama barbecue sauce is plentiful.

Guntersville

“Guntersville is a fun option for a weekend,” Holland says. Placed perfectly on Alabama’s largest lake, this northern town is fit for a retreat with stunning views and historic bed and breakfasts, and largemouth bass fishing. “Plus,” Holland adds, “the downtown is precious with fun shops and restaurants.”

Montgomery

Montgomery is the perfect place for history lovers. Spend your weekend sight-seeing around Alabama’s capital and don’t miss the hard-hitting Legacy Museum It covers Black history and modernity, from slavery to mass incarceration and the associated National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Enjoy a large plate of barbecued meats and banana pudding as you share your thoughts. Dreamland BBQ Don’t forget to include a whole museum dedicated to country music legend Hank Williams.

Gulf Shores

Alabama’s most popular tourist destination is undoubtedly our famous Gulf Shores. The Gulf Shores are a popular tourist destination, even though they can get quite crowded. Spend your weekend by the waves on Orange Beach, enjoying deliciously fresh seafood, and connecting with nature at the Gulf Shores’ wildlife sanctuaries.

Birmingham

Visit us Southern Living’s stomping grounds and stay a short while. While you’re here, stroll through Railroad or Highland Park, explore the urban downtown, dig into good eats from James Beard Award-winning chefs, and don’t miss a sobering but worthwhile visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The city is one of the most populous in the state and yet has a small town feel. This place is a good choice for a weekend getaway. Birmingham Its potential will be realized.

Huntsville

Sims’ recommendation, Huntsville, has been touted the best place to live We love the country and would recommend it to anyone who is interested. Check out the following places while you are there Burritt on the Mountain estate, and don’t miss our favorite museumThe U.S. Space & Rocket Center which earns Huntsville the nickname, ‘Rocket City.’

Dauphin Island

This destination is just a short hop south of Mobile Bay. pass for the Caribbean. These views are why Alabama was named the Sunset Capital. Dauphin Island These are the things that you should write home about. Spend your weekend at the marina and save time for Shell Mound Park, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and the aquarium.

Fairhope

This coastal retreat This place has it all: natural beauty, great food, antique shopping, and white sandy beaches. That’s why Southern LivingCribb recommends Fairhope Alabama-bound weekend travelers will appreciate these tips.  “There’s an adorable downtown with cute shops and galleries and restaurants,” she says. “Plus, it’s on the Bay, so there’s a relaxed coastal atmosphere too.”

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