Central Alabama, AL

Travel Guide
Birmingham
Barber Motorsports Park showing interior views
Barber Motorsports Park which includes interior views
Birmingham which includes interior views
Barber Motorsports Park
Discover the cultural heart of Alabama in the center of the state, where you will find engaging museums, stunning scenery and thrilling events, including car races and football games.

Experience the culture of southern America’s heartland in Central Alabama, a region that is incontrovertibly shaped by its past while looking forward to a bright future. Famous cities with fascinating historical attractions sit surrounded by scenery that includes picturesque lakes. Smaller towns are shaped by their proudly held traditions.

Start your journey to Central Alabama in Birmingham, the largest city in the state. One of the landmarks in this historic city is the Vulcan Statue, a 56-foot (17-meter) sculpture of the Roman god of blacksmithing, a symbol of the region’s industrial past. Visit the Sloss Furnaces for an enthralling insight into this era of history.

Explore Birmingham’s numerous museums for a complete picture of the city’s multifaceted history. Listen to the music of the greats in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and discover a global array of paintings and sculptures at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Stop by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn about the city’s complex role in the 20th-century movement.

Wander around the historic campus of the University of Alabama in the charming city of Tuscaloosa. The campus area houses a wide array of museums, sports grounds and gardens. Watch the famous Crimson Tide play a thrilling game of football.

Central Alabama also has a proud history of motorsports. Get up close to vintage car models in the Barber Motorsports Park and the Wellborn Musclecar Museum. Join huge crowds of locals at the Talladega Superspeedway, famed for its high-speed NASCAR races.

Explore the landscapes outside the towns and cities of Central Alabama. Stroll through shaded woodland and rest by tranquil lakes in the state parks of the region. Cheaha State Park is the home of the highest point in Alabama and features hiking and biking trails. Cyclists will also enjoy the routes running through scenic Chewacla State Park.

Board a flight to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to land in the heart of Central Alabama. The region remains warm throughout the year, although spring and fall are the best times to avoid the most humid months.

Where to stay in Central Alabama

Birmingham showing a statue or sculpture and interior views

Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to McWane Science Center and Regions Field while you're in town.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Located in southeastern Jefferson County, Homewood boasts the Hollywood Historic District, known for its Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Home to Samford University, it's a charming suburb near Birmingham.

Homewood
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Boulder Hills Natural Area

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Vestavia Hills

Visitors to Vestavia Hills enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Birmingham Ballet is worth a stop.

Vestavia Hills
Whenever I’m back home in the “HAM” I always  try and make time to stroll around BBG and relax. It’s awesome here no matter the season.

Mountain Brook

Boasting three picturesque "villages" and a high tree cover ratio, this suburban area offers a forest-like setting with charming residential sections and a network of bridle paths for recreation.

Mountain Brook
To the right of the Walk of Champions while approaching the visitor center and front entrance of Bryant-Denny Stadium, the storied coaches quietly remind us that success is not a matter of luck, but rather the culmination of years of dedication and determination.

University Area

If you're spending some time in University Area, Coleman Coliseum and Bryant-Denny Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

University Area
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Irondale

Visitors to Irondale enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Train Watching Platform is worth a stop.

Irondale
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
4 out of 5
1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is ₩169,288 per night from Feb 2 to Feb 3
₩169,288
₩195,857 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 2 - Feb 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
One night stay
"Stay was short, but good. Only thing, and I mean only thing, was the dresser where the tv sat had vents under it that was really dusty. Looked like it hadn’t been touched in a while. Front desk staff was absolutely amazing! And the parking garage….. 👍👍"

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
The price is ₩141,742 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
₩141,742
₩170,851 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,210 reviews)
"Overnight, front desk and security were amazing! Although my stay was just for the weekend with a late arrival and early morning departure my interaction with them was great!"

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2025

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Red Roof Inn Birmingham South
Red Roof Inn Birmingham South
2 out of 5
1466 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, AL
The price is ₩97,556 per night from Jan 23 to Jan 24
₩97,556
₩114,140 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 23 - Jan 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was great!"

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2025

Red Roof Inn Birmingham South
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.
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
4 out of 5
300 18th St S, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (270 reviews)
"Customer service was amazing. Room was amazing, coffee was delicious and bed was so comfortable"

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2025

Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Alabama