Spanning mountains, plains, and beaches, Alabama is the perfect place for many vacations. There’s too much variety to cram into one trip, so he recommends exploring the state one short vacation at a time. Immerse yourself in ocean and coastal thrills one weekend and enjoy lakeside festivals the next. Another weekend he discovers one of Alabama’s historic cities, and the next weekend he treks through the “Aspens of Alabama.” No matter what kind of short-term escape you’re looking for, here are some must-see destinations that will get you hooked in a few days. Sweet Home When looking for a place to vacation in Alabama, the options are endless.
Southern Living is based in Birmingham, so it’s no wonder we’ve broken down Alabama’s weekend hotspots to a science. These are the retreats our editors say are worth visiting and quick enough to enjoy before heading back to work on Monday.
Mentone
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Senior Digital Editor Jenna Sims looks to the small mountain town of Mentone as Alabama’s ultimate destination. This spot is especially beautiful in the fall, when you can admire Mentone’s 107-foot waterfall surrounded by bright red, orange, and yellow foliage, then stop at various markets and grab a bite to eat at one of the charming local cafes. Masu.
Florence and Muscle Shoals
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Our editors agree that a trip to Florence is an Alabama rite of passage for travelers of all kinds. Alabama’s “Renaissance City” is home to delicious local eateries, beautiful college campuses, and wonders like Helen Keller’s birthplace and Frank Lloyd Wright’s home.
And while you’re there, you can’t miss nearby Muscle Shoals. Senior Home and Features Editor Betsy Cribb claims it’s “a must-see for music lovers.” It’s home to locations important to music history, including his FAME studio, where legends from Etta James to Aretha Franklin have recorded.
“I think Florence and Muscle Shoals are great for history buffs, too,” says Kimberly Holland, associate editorial director. “It’s interesting to see how this little corner of the state has been part of history.”
cell phone
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This little-known port city on the Alabama coast is full of seafood, Spanish moss, and history. Mobile’s claim to fame is that it is the site of the first Mardi Gras Carnival, not New Orleans. But that doesn’t define them. Mobile is worth visiting for its scenic views, beautiful historic district, and amazing social clubs.
lake martin
Photo: Michael Hanson
To make the most of your weekend, Holland recommends Lake Martin as a “perfect getaway.” “Let’s rent a lake house,” she says. “There are some nice restaurants depending on where on the lake you are staying, and there are even floating restaurants on boats in the summer.”
decatur
Jontae Swoop
Spend a weekend along the Tennessee River in historic Decatur, Alabama, where the first railroad line opened west of the Appalachian Mountains. While in town, spend time shopping and dining downtown, where you’ll find an Art Deco theater, a historic depot and railroad museum, and plenty of tangy white Alabama barbecue sauce.
guntersville
Bob Blankenship
“Guntersville is a great weekend destination,” Holland says. Perfectly located on Alabama’s largest lake, this northern town is the perfect retreat with stunning views, historic bed and breakfasts, and largemouth bass fishing. “And downtown is valuable because of its fun shops and restaurants,” Holland added.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
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Alabama’s ultimate tourist destination is, of course, the famous Gulf Shores. This destination (along with nearby towns like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach) can get pretty crowded, but there’s a good reason it’s a hub for travelers. Spend your weekend by the water, eating fresh seafood, and connecting with nature at the Gulf Shores Wildlife Sanctuary.
birmingham
robbie caponet
Be sure to visit Southern Living’s stomping grounds and stay a while. During your stay, stroll through Railroad Park and Highland Park, stroll through the city’s downtown, and sample delicious cuisine prepared by James, his Beard Award-winning chef. Also, don’t miss a solemn but worthwhile visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Although our city is one of the largest in the state, it has a small-town feel and is a city on an upward trajectory, and a weekend in Birmingham will prove that potential.
huntsville
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Recommended by The Sims, Huntsville is touted as one of the best places to live in the country, and we love it just as much for a quick visit. Be sure to check out Britt on the Mountain Estate during your stay. Also, don’t miss our favorite museum, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, which gives Huntsville its nickname “Rocket City.”
dauphin island
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Just one step south of Mobile Bay takes you to the Caribbean Sea at this destination. Dauphin Island is worthy of being called the Sunset Capital of Alabama, and its views are worth mentioning. Spend your weekends by the marina, but make sure you leave time to visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Aquarium, and Shell Midden Park.
fairhope
Photo: Benjamin Callahan
This coastal retreat has it all: the natural beauty of white sand beaches, delicious food, and even better antique shopping. That’s why Southern Living’s Crib recommends Fairhope to weekenders heading to Alabama. “We have a lovely downtown with cute shops and galleries and restaurants,” she says. “Plus, it’s right on the bay, so it has a relaxed coastal vibe.” Want an insider’s perspective on the popular vacation town? Our longtime columnist Rick Bragg gets the scoop Did.
