Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

Attractions December 15, 2022
Birmingham is one of the largest cities in the South, and it’s full of attractions for locals and tourists alike. Are you looking for great places to take the kids? How about a romantic date night out on the town? Or do you just like exploring all that The Magic City has to offer? Whatever it is you want, Birmingham, Alabama has got it. It’s such a unique place with such a fascinating history that’s unlike anywhere else in the country. Read on to see some of the top Birmingham attractions that are worth a visit.
Top Tourist Attractions in Birmingham
A vacation to Birmingham is an absolute delight. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a tourist visiting from another state (or country!) or a newly-arrived local looking to get to know the town better, there’s something for everyone in Birmingham. We’ve got amazing scenery, world-class museums, and a rich history like nowhere else. There are so many great attractions in Birmingham, Alabama!
1. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

- Address: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Neighborhood: Fountain Heights
- Website: https://www.bcri.org/
- Pro Tip: Make sure to check out the nearby 16th Street Baptist Church while you’re in the Civil Rights District. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a frequent speaker at the church, which was the site of a 1963 bombing that killed four young girls.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is considered one of the top human rights museums in the country. This comes as no surprise since Birmingham played such a huge role in the national civil rights movement.
The museum features both permanent and traveling exhibits and is entirely self-guided. There are a variety of multimedia exhibits here, including videos, news articles, artwork, and even recorded oral histories.
The museum presents the material in an easy-to-understand fashion, but since some of the topics covered are emotionally difficult, it’s probably best suited for kids ages 10 and up.
General Admission is $15 and advanced timed tickets are required for entry. You can purchase tickets on the BCRI website.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
2. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

You’ll find the world’s largest collection of motorcycles and Lotus race cars here. There are over 1,000 models in the museum, including plenty of beautifully restored antiques.
The museum takes about 2-4 hours to walk through – you’ll want to allow yourself extra time if you are a motorcycle enthusiast, as there’s a lot to see here!
Tickets are $18 for adults and can be purchased in advance on the museum’s website or at the museum’s entrance.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, USA
3. Southern Museum of Flight

You’ll find a fascinating exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation’s first African American unit of airmen. The museum is also home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame.
A self-guided tour of the museum takes about 1-2 hours. It’s suitable for children, who are sure to get a big kick out of the flight simulator that will let you feel like you’re flying a real plane.
Tickets are currently $5 for adults and can be purchased at the door. Kids three and under are free.
Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
4. Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan was the Roman god of fire and forge, and here he’s depicted holding tools for ironworking. The sculpture was crafted for the 1904 World’s Fair and has a fascinating history. In 1936, it was moved to its permanent home, now called Vulcan Park, atop Red Mountain.
Admission into the 10-acre park will grant you access to the park, observation tower, and museum that details the history of both Birmingham and the Vulcan statue. The observation tower allows you to see a beautiful overlook of the city’s downtown area. Tickets are $6 for adults and can be purchased at the gate.
Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209, USA
5. Kelly Ingram Park

The park is home to several monuments and plaques honoring major figures of the civil rights movement. It’s a great place to relax and reflect on the city’s history.
Kelly Ingram Park, 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Things to Do in Birmingham with Kids
One great thing about Birmingham is that there’s so much for children to enjoy. There are so many family-friendly activities in Birmingham that are just perfect for adults and kids alike, whether you’re looking for educational museums or days in the park.
1. McWane Science Center

There’s an on-site IMAX theater, several playgrounds for kids of various ages, restaurants, and even an aquarium with a touch tank. There are plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits that are fun for young kids and adults alike.
You could spend all day here without much trouble, but it’s recommended to at least budget for a 4-5 hour visit. There’s a lot to see here!
Admissions are $16 for adults to enter the Adventure Halls exhibits and $13 for kids ages 2-12. Kids under age 2 are free. You can purchase tickets in advance on the McWane Science Center website.
McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
2. Railroad Park

There’s a gorgeous lake here, and over 600 trees are planted within the park. There are a couple of playgrounds plus an informative history wall documenting Birmingham’s fascinating history, so there’s a lot to occupy the little ones.
There’s no entrance fee to get into Railroad Park, and you can find free street parking along the outer edges of the park. Also note that metered parking is free after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend long.
Railroad Park, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
3. Birmingham Zoo

Admission is $18.95 for adults and $13.95 for children ages 2-12. You can purchase tickets in advance on the zoo’s website to save time when you arrive.
Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
4. Library In The Forest

There’s a great kids’ section here, and with two floors, there’s plenty to explore. The library frequently holds activities, many of which are geared toward children, so keep an eye on Vestavia Hills’s Facebook page for upcoming events.
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, USA
5. Birmingham Children’s Theatre

Tickets typically run between $10-25, and shows are anywhere from 50-90 minutes. You can get information about specific shows and recommended ages on the theatre’s website.
Birmingham Children’s Theatre, 2130 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
6. Regions Field

Ticket prices vary, but you can get them for around $20. Check out the schedule on the stadium’s website.
Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
What to Do in Birmingham for Couples
Love is always in the air in Magic City. Whether you’re looking for options for a first date to get to know a potential new partner or you’re just looking to add a little spice to an already existing relationship, there are plenty of romantic outings in Birmingham that are just perfect for an intimate outing for two.
1. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

If you’re not a Ruffner Mountain member, a visitor parking permit costs $5. It can be purchased on-site with cash or a credit card.
Ruffner Mountain, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
2. The Alabama Theatre

Check out a list of upcoming events on the Alabama Theatre’s website.
Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
3. Good People Brewing Company

For information about upcoming events, check out the Good People Brewing Company Facebook page.
Good People Brewing Company, 114 14th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
4. Bistro Two Eighteen

Bistro Two Eighteen, 218 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
5. The Pizitz Food Hall

The Pizitz Food Hall, 1821 2nd Ave N #3112, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
6. English Village

- Address: English Village
- Neighborhood: Mountain Brook | Greater Alabama
- Website: https://www.mtnbrook.org/
- Pro Tip: If you want to make a day of it, check out some of Mountain Brook’s other charming villages. These mixed-use developments each have their own personality and draws. Each features great shops and restaurants.
Mountain Brook is one of the most charming towns in Alabama. It’s divided up into several mixed-use districts, known as villages. One of the best is English Village. Established nearly 100 years ago, this shopping and restaurant destination is an upscale location with European-style architecture and plenty of places to browse and shop.
English Village, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
Where to Go in Birmingham at Night
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down in Birmingham. There’s tons of nightlife to enjoy here – we’ve got bars, restaurants, breweries, and some phenomenal music venues, all of which stay open late.
1. Iron City Birmingham

For a calendar of upcoming events and to purchase tickets, check out the Iron City Birmingham website.
Iron City Bham, 513 22nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
2. Dread River Distilling Co.

Dread River Distilling Company, 2400 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
3. Zydeco

Zydeco also serves food and drinks in the pub, and there’s a great all-weather patio that features a full bar.
For a full schedule of events, check out the Zydeco website.
Zydeco, 2001 15th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
Free Things to Do in Birmingham
What’s better than fun things to do in Birmingham? How about fun free things to do in Birmingham? Money is tight for a lot of travelers right now, and if you’re watching your budget, don’t sweat it! We’ve got tons of free activities in the Magic City that won’t cost you a cent.
1. Birmingham Museum of Art

Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
2. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
3. The Farmers Market At Pepper Place

4. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA
5. Rotary Trail Birmingham

Rotary Trail Birmingham, 2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
Birmingham is one of the largest cities in the south, and there are so many things to see and do here. From popular tourist destinations to hidden gems, we’ve truly got it all, so get out and explore the Magic City!
Address: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Address: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, USA
Address: Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
Address: Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209, USA
Address: Kelly Ingram Park, 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Address: Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
January 01, 1970
What is the best time of the year to visit Birmingham?
If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, the best time to visit Birmingham in the spring or fall. It can get pretty hot in the winter and you may find activities like hiking to be more enjoyable in the cooler seasons.
Are there any famous landmarks in Birmingham?
There are numerous famous landmarks in Birmingham including:
Is Birmingham safe?
Of course, there can be danger lurking in any large city, but overall, Birmingham, Alabama is considered pretty safe, especially when compared to other cities of a similar size. Many of the safest cities in Alabama are suburbs of Birmingham.
Address: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Address: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, USA
Address: Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
Address: Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209, USA
Address: Kelly Ingram Park, 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Address: Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.