Best Vacation Spots in Alabama

When one is planning the perfect vacation, many times Alabama isn't the first state that comes to mind. Alabama, however, is rich in history, state parks, and various activities thus giving visitors and residents plenty of vacation ideas. You will be surprised at how much Alabama really does have to offer.

Alabama State Parks

One of the biggest treasures in Alabama is the abundance of state parks. Whether you are looking for a family getaway filled with camping, hiking, fishing or simply to taking in the breath taking beauty of the mountains, Alabama State Parks won't be a disappointment.

There are over twenty state parks to choose from in the state of Alabama. Some of the more popular state parks include Cheaha State Park, Joe Wheeler State Park, Monte Sano State Park, Lake Guntersville State Park, Desoto State Park and Buck's Pocket State Park. The views are outstanding and the things to do are boundless.

Alabama Beaches

Beaches probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Alabama. However, excellent beaches aren't only for Florida in the southeast.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the most breathtaking beaches Alabama has to offer. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the waters are the most amazing shade of blue you will see. The dune beaches are 95 percent quartz therefore, making the beach side absolutely gorgeous. These beaches stretch across two and a half miles and are home to camping and trails as well as 5 star resorts.

Another beach worth visiting is Dauphin Island. This 14-mile long, semi-tropical island is steeped in rich history and used to be the capitol of the Louisiana Territory. Dauphin Island has 150 campsites available for RVs and primitive camping. The eastern side of the island is home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and was named one of the top 4 places in North America by Wild Bird Magazine. Dauphin Island is also known for its superb fishing including night fishing.

Golfing

Golfing is a serious past time in Alabama therefore you will find a variety of golf resorts to choose from as well as small public golf courses. The most popular places for golfing would be along the Robert Trent Golf Trail. With over ten golf course resort locations to choose from, you won't be disappointed. Gulf Shores, Alabama isn't just known for its beautiful beaches. It is also home to ten more golf courses.

Alabama Museums

Alabama is home to hundreds of museums across the state. Some of the more popular museums are The US Space and Rocket Center, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, W.C. Handy Home and Museum, Alabama Constitution Village, Mobile Medical Museum and Paul W. Bryant Museum.

Alabama being a state rich in cultural history also has several museums that focus on just that. Some of these include Indian Mound and Museum, MOWA Choctaw Museum, Troy University Rosa Parks Museum, and Murphy African-American Museum just to name a few.

This state isn't lacking in the arts department either. You will find a variety of art museums all across the state. Some of the more well known museums include the Huntsville Museum of Art, Mobile Museum of Art, Gadsden Museum of Art, and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Looking for zoos? Alabama is home to several. The largest zoos are located in Birmingham, Montgomery, Gulf Shores. For a complete list of zoos and museums, visit the Alabama Museum Association's website.

Adventure parks

Looking for adventure? Alabama is home to several adventure and water parks.

Alabama Adventureland is located at 3738 West Main Street (Hwy. 84 West) in
Dothan, Alabama. It has a variety of activities including go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, arcades, and batting cages.

Southern Adventures is located in Huntsville, Alabama. During the summer you will find a water park to help beat the Alabama heat. Southern Adventures not only offers a water park but a variety of family oriented activities such as carnival rides, putt-putt, bumper cars, batting cages and more.

Alabama Splash Adventure is a hot spot for both residents and visitors. What better way to beat the Alabama summer heat than with spending the day at a water park. Southern Splash Adventure is family owned and operated by the Koch family and is located in the Birmingham, Alabama area. It has a variety of water rides, slides, pools, and even roller coasters.

Point Mallard is another water park located in North Alabama. Located in Decatur, Point Mallard offers a variety of things to do including a water park, camping, ice skating, and golfing.

It doesn't matter what your interest is, there is always something to do for everyone in Alabama. For a complete listing of Alabama attractions, visit this website. As you begin to decide on your next vacation destination, consider a trip to Alabama. You won't be disappointed.