Birmingham Alabama Attractions

Birmingham is unique in that it has transformed its role in American civil rights history into a celebration of diversity. This fact is manifested through literally hundreds of festivals marking different movements in music, art, drama, film, food and culture. With a number of interesting neighbourhoods to explore, Birmingham has no shortage of creative spaces, music venues, eclectic stores and enticing eateries.

For tourists, the civil rights history of the city is one of its most fascinating attributes. The Civil Rights District, a six-block section of the city in which major civil rights events took place, is the prime sightseeing section of Birmingham. Here visitors can tour the 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of a bombing that killed four African American girls. The church was rebuilt and today continues to serve the community as an open-door institution. Also worth a visit is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which tells the story of African-American life and the struggle for equality through arresting multimedia exhibitions.

The city is watched over by the enormous statue of Vulcan, perched on the Red Mountain, and visiting this landmark is a great way to appreciate views over Birmingham. Other fun excursions out of the city include a trip to Oak Mountain State Park, or a fascinating foray into Russell Cave. Those travelling to Birmingham with kids should definitely pay a visit to the zoo.

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens

A visit to this stately plantation house is a great way to get a taste of real Southern heritage. Situated on six acres in the heart of Old Elyton, the house was built by Judge William S Mudd, one…

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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a homage to the spirit of both well-known and unsung civil rights heroes. Visitors take a self-guided journey through the permanent exhibitions, which chronicle…

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Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo, Alabama's most popular non-profit attraction, houses approximately 900 wild animals from 230 species in the centre of Birmingham. Animals include elephants, lions, monkeys, bobcats,…

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Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is a great place for outdoor activities on any holiday in Birmingham. The park is equipped with over 50 miles (80km) of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding,…

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Russell Cave National Monument

Located in northeastern Alabama, Russell Cave National Monument is one of the longest cave systems in Alabama at about seven miles (11.6km) long. Used as a shelter by prehistoric Native Americans,…

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Talladega Superspeedway

The South is the home of NASCAR, and about 30 minutes from Birmingham lies the legendary Talladega Superspeedway, one of the most competitive motorsports facilities in the world. More than 80,000 guests…

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Vulcan Park

Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park is home to the world's largest cast-iron statue, and the second-tallest statue in America, behind the Statue of Liberty. The statue of the Roman god, Vulcan,…

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