Day Trips & Excursions: Birmingham

Nearby Destinations

Accessible locations within day-trip distance:

Transportation options for each:

Travel Notes

Car rental gives the most flexible transportation for all day trips, tailoring your itinerary.
Bus services have options to Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Atlanta. Schedules may be less flexible for day trips.
Amtrak's Crescent line connects to Montgomery and Atlanta. Train schedules may limit a round-trip day excursion.
Independent travel (car) gives maximum flexibility. Organized tours are less common from Birmingham.

Natural Escapes

Explore the natural beauty surrounding Birmingham, from state parks to national forests.

Parks & Nature

Oak Mountain State Park, Cheaha State Park, and Bankhead National Forest offer diverse outdoor activities.

Park Highlights

Oak Mountain State Park: Alabama's largest state park with hiking, biking, fishing, golf, and wildlife.
Cheaha State Park: Highest point in Alabama, stunning mountain views, and extensive trails.
Bankhead National Forest: Sipsey Wilderness Area known for waterfalls, canyons, and hiking.

Scenic Views

Little River Canyon National Preserve features a deep canyon and waterfalls.

Seasonal Beauty

Cheaha State Park and Bankhead National Forest are excellent for autumn colors.
Waterfalls are impressive after heavy rains, typically in spring or late winter.
Drive along the canyon rim or hike down to the river for scenic views.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park: 19th-century ironworks ruins and pioneer farm.
American Village: Living history museum on America's founding history.
Drive through rural areas south or east for small-town charm and agricultural landscapes.
Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma is a site of historical significance for Civil Rights history.

Rural Exploration

Rural drives often lead to local diners and antique shops.
Tannehill Ironworks hosts frequent festivals and events.
American Village features historical interpreters and interactive programs.
Experience the slower pace of life in Alabama's agricultural regions.

Multi-Day Extensions: Regional Exploration

Deep South Civil Rights Trail: Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery.
North Alabama Space & Nature: Birmingham, Huntsville, Bankhead National Forest.
Gulf Coast Beaches: Drive to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach for relaxation.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Easily accessible by Amtrak or a 5-hour drive.

Nashville, Tennessee: 3-hour drive north, country music, nightlife.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: 2-hour drive northeast, natural beauty, history.
Civil Rights Route: Birmingham -> Selma -> Montgomery -> Atlanta.
Southern Cities Loop: Atlanta -> Birmingham -> Nashville -> Chattanooga -> Atlanta.

Traveler Insight

Most multi-day extensions are best by car for flexibility. Amtrak connects to New Orleans and Atlanta.

Day Trip Ideas

These suggestions detail diverse experiences for day trips from Birmingham, from cultural sites to outdoor adventures.

Huntsville's Space & Rocket Center

A large museum showing rockets, space artifacts, and hands-on exhibits, including a Saturn V moon rocket. A visit for space enthusiasts and families.

Tuscaloosa's University of Alabama

Home of the University of Alabama, famous for its college football program. Explore the campus and Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Anniston's Freedom Riders Monument

Commemorating the site where a bus with Civil Rights activists was attacked in 1961. Anniston also has museums.

Oak Mountain State Park

Alabama's largest state park, with hiking, biking, fishing, golf, a petting zoo, and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Activities at Oak Mountain

Nationally recognized biking trails.
Fishing and paddle boating on the lake.
Petting zoo and wildlife rehabilitation for families.

Cheaha State Park

Home to Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest point, offering stunning mountain views and hiking.

Cheaha Mountain Features

Panoramic views from the mountain summit.
Extensive hiking trails for all skill levels.
A lodge and restaurant for overnight stays or meals.

Mileage and Time

Montgomery, AL1.5-2 hrs drive

Huntsville, AL1.5-2 hrs drive

Tuscaloosa, ALApprox. 1 hr drive

Anniston, ALApprox. 1 hr drive

Talladega, ALApprox. 1 hr drive

Atlanta, GA2.5-3 hrs drive

Planning Your Excursion

For Montgomery or Huntsville, plan a full day (6-8 hours excluding travel time).
Focus on 2-3 main attractions for each destination.
Tuscaloosa, Anniston, or Talladega can be half-day to full-day trips.
Little River Canyon National Preserve offers scenic drives and hikes. Autumn colors are beautiful.
Waterfalls are most impressive after heavy rains in spring or late winter.

Longer Regional Journeys

Birmingham connects to other major Southern cities, extending your trip into a regional itinerary.

Nearby City Highlights

Explore these Southern cities easily from Birmingham.

City Destinations

New Orleans, Louisiana: Unique culture, music, food. Amtrak accessible.
Nashville, Tennessee: Country music, nightlife, delicious food. 3-hour drive north.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: Natural beauty, outdoor activities, history. 2-hour drive northeast.

Suggested Routes

Plan your journey with these regional itineraries.

Regional Itinerary Ideas

Civil Rights Route: Birmingham > Selma > Montgomery > Atlanta.
Southern Cities Loop: Atlanta > Birmingham > Nashville > Chattanooga > Atlanta.
Gulf Coast Drive: Birmingham > Mobile > Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.

Popular Extensions

Civil Rights Exploration

Add 1-2 days for Selma (Edmund Pettus Bridge, National Voting Rights Museum) and more time in Montgomery.

Space and Nature Combo

Combine Birmingham with Huntsville (U.S. Space & Rocket Center) and explore Bankhead National Forest or Little River Canyon.

Gulf Coast Relaxation

Drive south to the Alabama Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores/Orange Beach) for 2-3 days of beach time.

Transportation for Extensions

Most multi-day extensions are best by car. Amtrak connects Birmingham to New Orleans and Atlanta. Buses also connect to major cities.

Day Trips & Excursions