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 Alabama Theater 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
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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, Paul W. Bryant Museum and Coleman Coliseum are top sights worth seeing.

University Area
Vulcan Statue showing a city

Five Points South

4/5(445 area reviews)

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

Five Points South
Days Inn by Wyndham Hoover Birmingham

Days Inn by Wyndham Hoover Birmingham

2 out of 5
1800 Riverchase Dr Birmingham AL
The price is NT$1,841 per night from Jan 8 to Jan 9
NT$1,841
NT$2,161 total
Jan 8 - 2026/1/9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
Room was clean and nice.

Reviewed on 2025/12/30

Days Inn by Wyndham Hoover Birmingham
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 Riverchase Galleria Birmingham AL
The price is NT$3,985 per night from Jan 11 to Jan 12
NT$3,985
NT$4,606 total
Jan 11 - 2026/1/12
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,335 reviews)
I love EVERYTHING about this stay, the smell when you walk in is fabulous, the room is comfortable and clean, the access to the Mall without leaving the property is so convenient. When we travel to Birmingham this is our place to stay. Never had any problems and check in is always so smooth ! The ...

Reviewed on 2025/12/30

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
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$1,983 per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
NT$1,983
NT$2,380 total
Jan 5 - 2026/1/6
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! (538 reviews)
Wonderful

Reviewed on 2025/12/25

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
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! (59 reviews)
Everything was wonderful!!

Reviewed on 2025/12/19

Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Landing Midtown

Landing Midtown

4 out of 5
2014 3rd Ave S Birmingham AL
Stay at this aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Heaviest Corner on Earth and McWane ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (47 reviews)
Couldn't have been cleaner and so spacious! We love this place!

Reviewed on 2025/11/13

Landing Midtown
InTown Suites Extended Stay Birmingham AL - Homewood

InTown Suites Extended Stay Birmingham AL - Homewood

2.5 out of 5
90 Oxmoor Road Birmingham AL
Stay at this aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Red Mountain Park and Birmingham ...
4.6/10 (23 reviews)
Extremely dirty, area is good

Reviewed on 2025/9/14

InTown Suites Extended Stay Birmingham AL - Homewood
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.

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