Alabama is known by various nicknames, including Yellowhammer State, Cotton State, and Heart of Dixie. Despite the fact that Spanish explorers went through the state in 1540, the French were the ones to settle the area, establishing Mobile in 1702. Alabama is a great area to go water skiing because of its location on the Gulf of Mexico. The arts, cultural, and entertainment industry in the 22nd state is likewise thriving.
However, because the state is subject to hurricanes, you should check the weather forecast before going. Aside from hurricanes, Alabama is a beautiful area to go kayaking on a wild river or learn more about our country’s space programme. It’s no surprise that this southern state is a favourite vacation spot. Here’s a rundown of the Places to Visit in Alabama:
1: Little River Canyon National Preserve
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The Little River Canyon is a unique area that is often described in superlatives, such as “the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi.” The Little River, which originates in northwest Georgia, is thought to be the United States’ longest river that runs atop a mountain, in this case Little Top Mountain. Also read, Best Places To Visit In La Palma.
It’s a magnificent landform in the southern Appalachian Mountains, even though it’s only around 600 feet deep at its deepest point. The Little River has been designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Many endangered plant and animal species can be found in the nature preserve that surrounds it.
2: Orange Beach
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Orange Beach is a vacation city with a population of 5,500 people on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, near the Florida border. If you want to relax, it’s one of the best spots to visit in Alabama. Stay in beachfront housing and play some basketball or tennis at a rec centre if you grow weary of water activities.
Orange Beach is also an excellent site to go dolphin spotting, or you may visit the Orange Beach Islands, which is what the residents do for fun. The four islands are located in Perdido Pass and can only be reached by boat. Water sports fans go to the islands, which are also a great site to watch seabirds and marine creatures.
3: Cheaha State Park
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Cheaha Mountain is Alabama’s highest point. The state park called after a Cree Indian word has the 2,413-foot (735-meter) high mountain. Cheaha State Park, located within the Talladega National Forest, offers excellent hiking opportunities, including access to the Appalachian Trail and other trails. Also read, Best Places to visit in South America.
If you’d rather ride than trek through nature, there’s even an ATV trail. From camping to a luxury resort, there’s something for everyone. If your preferred destination has a lovely outdoor setting, park employees can assist you in planning your wedding. Day visitors flock to the park as well.
4: Montgomery
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Montgomery, Alabama’s capital, has a rich history, but it was Rosa Parks who made it famous. In 1965, an African-American woman made civil rights history by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man. In an unfortunate twist of fate, Montgomery was the birthplace of the Confederacy in 1861.
Today, this city on the Alabama River is known for its many arks, skyscrapers, and one of the best art scenes in the United States for a city of its size. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Blount Park theatre hosts performances of Shakespeare’s work throughout the year.
5: Noccalula Falls Park
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Under the waters of Noccalula Falls Park, a tragic romance hides. Rather than marry the wealthy chief her father desired, Noccalula chose to jump over the 90-foot falls on her wedding day, according to mythology. At the falls that tumble into the Black Creek ravine, there’s a nine-foot tall monument of her. Also read, Places to Visit in Washington.
But there is beauty where there is pain, as seen by the 25,000 azalea bushes in this Gadsden park. You can walk the park’s paved hiking trail, let your kids play at the petting zoo, and learn about the past in Pioneer Village while camping here.
6: Dauphin Island
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If you’re a migrating bird, Dauphin Island, off the coast of Mobile, is a good place to stop on your route from South America. As birds migrate north, the island is frequently the first land they see. On the island, there are various bird sanctuaries, but the most well-known is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.
Island beaches are named for the Dauphin of France, Louis XIV’s great-grandson, and feature stunning sunsets. If you’ve ever heard the term “Damn the torpedoes!” you’ll know what I’m talking about. During the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, Admiral Farragut said, “Full speed ahead!” Fort Gaines, a historic fortification that once kept guard at the bay’s entrance, is now decommissioned.
7: Gulf Shores
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On the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores is a popular tourist destination. It’s only 54 miles (87 kilometres) from Mobile and a great area to go ocean fishing, golf on two top courses, or watch dolphins. You can go on a sunset cruise on the Gulf or take the whole family to a water/amusement park, in addition to the regular beach activities. Also read, Best Places to visit in Massachusetts.
Late April is the best time to visit if you’re a party animal. That’s when the world’s biggest beach party takes place, according to legend. Join in the festivities by tossing a dead mullet over the Florida state line.
8: Birmingham
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During the Civil War Reconstruction, the city was called after Birmingham, England. It is now the largest city in Alabama. It was dubbed “the Pittsburgh of the South” because it was formerly the dominant industrial hub of the south. Birmingham is Alabama’s cultural hub, featuring the southeastern United States’ largest art museum (Birmingham Museum of Art). Also read, Best Places to visit in Texas.
Ballet, symphony, and opera organizations, as well as various theatres for the performing arts, may all be found here. Several music and film festivals are held in Birmingham, including the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, which attracts filmmakers from all over the world.