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
Birmingham showing a statue or sculpture and interior views

Central City

4/5(74 area reviews)

While visiting Central City, you might make a stop by sights like Sloss Furnaces and Birmingham Museum of Art.

Central City
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
Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB

Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB

4 out of 5
808 20th Street S, Birmingham, AL
The price is NT$4,403 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
NT$4,403
NT$5,263 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Ok hotel for a night
"We only stayed the night, had drinks in the restaurant/bar, when I asked for another beer the bartender did not give me a fresh cold glass, who does that, also he was slow with his service"

Reviewed on 2025/8/14

Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
Fully refundable
The price is NT$2,640 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$2,640
NT$3,192 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,288 reviews)
"The location was ideal for my stay. The front desk staff was courteous and friendly and extended so much grace to me due to my circumstances. One drawback I felt could improve was the length of the wait for check-in. The front desk person was also the shuttle driver so several of us checking in at ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/16

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG
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
The price is NT$2,290 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
NT$2,290
NT$2,749 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (276 reviews)
"It was an easy check in. The young lady at the desk was very pleasant and helpful."

Reviewed on 2025/8/13

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.
Landing Midtown

Landing 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 The Summit and Heaviest ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"Consistently consistent. Clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 2025/6/21

Landing Midtown
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! (29 reviews)
"The quiet of the woods was just what we needed. It's a nice little place to get away a couple nights. I love that they had bundles of firewood and fire starter for us. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley
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! (44 reviews)
"The property was as described on the website. It was conveniently located where we needed to go and it was easy to get to other places too. The apartment literally had everything we needed for our stay and I'm happy I picked this property."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Downtown Birmingham Apartments by Landing
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