Central Alabama, AL

Travel Guide

Birmingham
Birmingham
Barber Motorsports Park showing interior views
Barber Motorsports Park which includes interior views
Birmingham which includes interior views
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

Aerial View of Vulcan Statue overlooking downtown Birmingham, AL

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
Default Image

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
Visit Frugal Family Travelers blog to learn more about this great location, to receive the travel itinerary and to discover more great places like this:

Boulder Hills Natural Area

http://www.frugalfamilytravelers.blogspot.com/2016/02/4-outdoor-jewels-in-alabama.html

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frugalfamilytravelers

Twitter: @FrugalFamTrav

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
Aaaah Back home! Mountain Brook is were it all began for me many moons ago!

This image is of "The Old Mill" or "Old Mill House", a 1926 replica of Perryman's Mill built by the Jemison Companies to promote the newly-developed residential suburb of Mountain Brook. It is located on the foundations of the earlier grist mill, on the bank of Shades Creek at 2780 Mountain Brook Parkway. 

Tip - Early morning is better. Be aware this is a private residence in a residential area... not a tourist attraction. There is a linear park with a popular running trail along this road. Plenty of pull in parking spots along the side of the road and a great place to watch the fabulous Mountain Brook housewives strut their stuff.
#TroverDetour

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
Alabama showing night scenes and an administrative buidling

University Area

If you're spending some time in University Area, Paul W. Bryant Museum and Coleman Coliseum are top sights worth seeing.

University Area
Birmingham, Alabama, USA downtown city skyline.

Five Points South

4/5(445 area reviews)

Unique features of Five Points South include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Regions Field or Vulcan Statue while you're exploring the area.

Five Points South
Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB

Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB

4 out of 5
808 20th Street S Birmingham AL
The price is NT$5,150 per night from Feb 18 to Feb 19
NT$5,150
NT$6,146 total
Feb 18 - Feb 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
Great service!!!

Reviewed on 2026/2/3

Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood

3 out of 5
60 State Farm Pkwy Birmingham AL
The price is NT$2,247 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
NT$2,247
NT$2,696 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (646 reviews)
It was perfect! Clean and relaxing

Reviewed on 2026/2/8

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
Red Roof Inn Birmingham South

Red Roof Inn Birmingham South

2 out of 5
1466 Montgomery Highway Birmingham AL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,367 per night from Feb 12 to Feb 13
NT$2,367
NT$2,769 total
Feb 12 - Feb 13
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 2026/2/8

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.
Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
215 Cosper Bend Rd Childersburg AL
Stay at this cabin in Childersburg. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Sally West Park and The Meadows Golf Course are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Was great will be back

Reviewed on 2026/1/28

Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Downtown Birmingham Apartments by Landing

Downtown Birmingham Apartments by Landing

4 out of 5
600 19th St N Birmingham AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Don Kresge Memorial Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
New and clean, with convenient location. The different access codes for parking vs door were somewhat inconvenient, but otherwise a great stay.

Reviewed on 2026/1/24

Downtown Birmingham Apartments by Landing
Landing Apartments UAB

Landing Apartments UAB

3.5 out of 5
425 20th Street South Birmingham AL
Stay at this aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Donor Memorial and Heaviest Corner on Earth ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
The room was spotless. Very clean smell. Quiet stay. It was a great to have free parking available on premise.

Reviewed on 2026/2/3

Landing Apartments UAB
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia