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
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 Regions Field or Vulcan Statue while you're exploring the area.

Five Points South
Red Roof Inn Birmingham South
Red Roof Inn Birmingham South
2 out of 5
1466 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, AL
The price is NT$2,291 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
NT$2,291
NT$2,681 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,024 reviews)
"I wanted to give a shout out to Jamila and Chase. They were absolutely wonderful. They helped my situation that was so awful and made it happen because they were awesome people who want a service of customer service level on a rating of one through 10 and 10 being the greatest I would say I gave ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Red Roof Inn Birmingham South
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
3 out of 5
60 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood, Birmingham, AL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,143 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$2,143
NT$2,571 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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! (173 reviews)
Spacious. Clean.
"Everything was excellent! Spacious room and great price! Clean."

Reviewed on 2025/7/1

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
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 NT$4,322 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
NT$4,322
NT$4,985 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,143 reviews)
"I was a good stay."

Reviewed on 2025/6/24

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
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
Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Loved it , definitely recommend"

Reviewed on 2025/6/22

Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley
Barsala Midtown
Barsala Midtown
4 out of 5
2014 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Birmingham Zoo and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (40 reviews)
"Consistently consistent. Clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 2025/6/21

Barsala Midtown
Barsala Downtown Birmingham
Barsala Downtown Birmingham
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 Birmingham Zoo and Don Kresge ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (41 reviews)
"This is my second amazing experience with Barsala. I am very pleased about the cleanliness of the places I have reserved within the last past two weeks. I also felt very safe with the areas and building."

Reviewed on 2025/6/21

Barsala Downtown Birmingham
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