This state has so much to offer; from historic cities that were central to the Civil Rights Movement to cultural attractions that pay homage to technological innovations and great achievements. Visiting these places helps in comprehending the role of the state in the development of history and culture of the United States of America. This article gives seven top attractions of Alabama, so that the tourists can have the taste of the history and culture of Alabama which makes it quite an interesting place to visit. No matter if you are a history lover, culture vulture, or nature lover, these places in Alabama will not fail to impress you.

Historic Cities and Towns

Montgomery

Montgomery is the capital city of Alabama and is well connected by road transport, bus and air transport with the Montgomery Regional Airport. Montgomery is famous for being the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement and there are many places and attractions in this city that are dedicated to this topic. Tourists may also go to the Alabama State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, and the Civil Rights Memorial, dedicated to the people who stood for their rights.

Selma

Selma is situated about 50 miles west of Montgomery and one can drive to this place easily. This is a town that was active in the Civil Rights Movement especially in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. Other features are the Selma to Montgomery march trail, the Edmund Pettus bridge, which was the scene of the bloody Sunday attack. There is the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute that offers various informative exhibits concerning the fight for the vote. Tourists can also visit the Selma Interpretive Center and the Old Live Oak Cemetery that tells the history of the town. Because Selma is such an important part of history and the fight for civil rights it is definitely a must see.

Mobile

Mobile which is in Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico can be accessed by road, bus and air with the Mobile Regional Airport. Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, Mobile has always been famous for its history and cultural background. Some of the features are the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park where you can tour a historic battleship and a Submarine. The Mobile Carnival Museum focuses on the Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile which is the oldest carnival celebration in the country. Some of the historical areas in the city include the Oakleigh Historic Complex where one can get a glimpse of the life of the Southern people in the 19th century. Mobile is an interesting city because it has history, culture, and beautiful landscapes, all in one place.

Cultural Places You Should Visit

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

It is found in downtown Birmingham and there are several ways of getting there, and they include by car and by public transport. This museum and research center aims at encouraging the documentation and appreciation of the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the special characteristics include historical displays that describe the fight and success of the movement through the use of multimedia and other features as well as narratives from people who experienced the period. The institute also conducts and provides educational programs and special events for the public to enhance their knowledge on civil rights. There are also such attractions as the Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church which are connected with the Civil Rights Movement.

Huntsville Space and Rocket Center

This is the first ever space museum and it is the biggest of all the space museums in the whole world since it displays some of the contributions made by Alabama in the space research. Some of the distinguishing characteristics are the Saturn V rocket which is a National Historic Landmark and the many hands-on displays that are available that detail the history of space exploration and the future of it. It is possible to see the space missions imitation, visit the Apollo 16 capsule, and even become the participant of Space Camp. The museum also has IMAX theater and planetarium which make the learning process even more interesting.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

This site is dedicated to the African-American pilots of World War II who trained at the Moton Field, Tuskegee. Some of the special attributes are the historical buildings including the hangars and training facilities that offers information on the grueling training and the outstanding performance of the Tuskegee Airmen. It is possible to go through the exhibits that tell about the difficulties and achievements of such pioneers and their role in the integration of the US military. The site also provides the services of the guided tours and the educational programs that are aimed at honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Natural and Scenic Destinations

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is situated at the southern part of Alabama and is readily accessible by road and air with the Mobile Regional Airport close by. This is a famous beach resort that is characterized by sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Some of the amenities are the Gulf State Park where visitors can find two miles of beaches, a fishing pier and do other activities like hiking, biking and kayaking. Tourists can also go on dolphin watching, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving and also sample the local food and nightlife. The natural and manmade attractions, recreational activities, and the natural sandy beaches make Gulf Shores an ideal vacation spot for anyone.

Little River Canyon

Little River Canyon is situated in northeastern part of Alabama, approximately one hours drive from Birmingham and is car accessible. This natural beauty is one of the deepest canyons located east of the Mississippi River and provides a great view and numerous recreational opportunities. Special attractions are the Little River Canyon National Preserve that is designated to the protection of the canyon and the area surrounding it. Tourists can drive and tour along the rim of the canyon, there are many trails which lead to the overlooks and waterfalls, and other activities like rock climbing, fishing and kayaking. The canyon is characterized by steep cliffs and has a rich wildlife that attracts many tourists and adventurers.

Conclusion

Visiting the most popular places in Alabama provides a diverse history, culture, and nature of the state. Moving away from the historical attractions, Alabama has a lot to offer for every tourist; starting from the Civil Rights sites in Montgomery and Selma to the natural beauty of Gulf Shores and Little River Canyon. As a history lover, nature admirer, or culture seeker, these are the places you should not miss in Alabama and you will surely develop a richer understanding of the states history.