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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Huntsville, Alabama

Plan a visit to Huntsville, Alabama! Huntsville is one of the fastest growing cities in the South with incredible restaurants, award-winning museums, diverse culture, and a unique blend of art and science. This guide tells you all you need to know about visiting Huntsville, Alabama.

If you’re looking to experience Southern culture and history through amazing attractions, outdoor activities, and culinary experiences, Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect destination for you.

With a rich and vibrant history, Huntsville is full of surprises — from the Rocket City’s aerospace and tech industry to its outdoor activities and cultural events, Huntsville has something to offer every type of traveler.

Huntsville, Alabama Skyline

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about planning the perfect vacation to Huntsville, from world-class attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a Huntsville native, you’ll find the tips and tricks in this guide essential for getting the most out of your visit.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore Huntsville, Alabama!

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Visiting Huntsville: Everything You Need to Know

Whether this is your first trip to Huntsville or your hundredth, there’s always something new to see and do! Huntsville is quickly growing with new restaurants to try and new things to experience. The Rocket City is a great destination!

As someone who grew up in Huntsville, I can help point you in the right direction for your trip to Huntsville. So I hope you enjoy this guide!

Find things to do, places to stay, where to eat, how to navigate the city, and more in this in-depth guide to visiting Huntsville, Alabama.

Welcome to Huntsville Mural

Getting to Huntsville

Getting to Huntsville is really easy! The Huntsville International Airport has non-stop service to 10 U.S. destinations, and its close proximity to other top Southern cities makes Huntsville easily accessible by car, too. Here’s what you need to know about getting to Huntsville for your visit:

Flying to Huntsville

The Huntsville International Airport serves more than 1.2 million passengers each year. It’s just a 15 minute drive from Downtown and a 5 minute drive from Research Park.

The airport offers non-stop service for the following destinations and hubs: Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Washington D.C. Dulles & Reagan National.

Airlines that fly out of Huntsville include Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Breeze Airways and Silver Airways.

Driving to Huntsville

Huntsville is an easily accessible city for drivers, located in the crosshairs of 3 major roads: I-565 connects Downtown to I-65, which runs through major cities like Nashville to the north and Birmingham to the south; and US-72 connects Downtown (and I-565) to I-24 to the north, which runs through major cities like Chattanooga.

Cities like Nashville, Chattanooga, and Birmingham are a quick 2 hour drive from Huntsville. Meanwhile, Memphis and Atlanta are only a 3.5 hour drive.

Getting to Huntsville By Bus

Greyhound offers cheap bus tickets to Huntsville. You can take routes to Huntsville from Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Chicago, Montgomery, and more.

Greyhound transports to Public Transit Department at the Downtown Visitor Center at 500 Church St NW.

Eggbeater Jesus Mosaic

Getting Around Huntsville

Getting around Huntsville is pretty easy, too! Most people visiting Huntsville will want a car, but there are also public transportation and ride-share options.

Driving in Huntsville

Luckily, Huntsville doesn’t have a lot of traffic, as long as you avoid the rush hour before at the beginning and end of the school and work days (typically 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. weekday mornings, and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekday evenings).

Having a car is the best and easiest way to get around Huntsville. If you aren’t driving yourself, you can rent a car for your stay or you can use ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft to get around the city.

Parking in Huntsville

Huntsville has plenty of parking options. You should only expect to pay for parking Downtown, but thankfully the paid parking is pretty cheap.

The garages in Downtown cost $0.50 per hour, with a maximum of $4. The parking meters for street parking in Downtown cost $0.50. Parking meters in Downtown are only enforced Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which means you can snag free street parking in the evenings, on weekends, and on city holidays.

For event parking, you can expect to pay $5 to $20.

Huntsville Public Transit – Orbit

Huntsville’s public transportation option, Orbit, has the perfect space-themed name. Orbit is Huntsville’s bus system, and it will help you orbit the city. The bus system operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with nine routes that cover 175 miles of Huntsville streets every hour.

One-way fares cost $1 for adults and $0.50 for Seniors 65+, disabled citizens, Medicare/Medicaid card holders with a valid ID, students with valid student ID, and children 6 and under. Transfers are free.

Walking & Biking in Huntsville

Huntsville’s Downtown area is very walkable and bikeable. In fact, Downtown Huntsville has a bikeshare program called Blue Bikes. Bike rental costs $2 for 30 minutes of riding. There are about 30 bikes at 11 stations around the Downtown area.

Huntsville Neighborhoods Quick Guide

Huntsville is laid out with a few key neighborhoods and districts with their own unique elements. Here are a few things to know about visiting Huntsville’s most popular neighborhoods.

  • Downtown – Huntsville’s city center, from business to entertainment. This is where you’ll find many of the city’s top museums, like the Huntsville Museum of Art, and the city’s iconic Big Spring Park.
  • Twickenham Historic District – Alabama’s largest concentration of Antebellum homes. Check out the Weeden House Museum, the oldest house in the state open to the public.
  • Five Points – Another historic district full of well-preserved Victorian and Bungalow homes. Also a great area to find good food.
  • Monte Sano – Huntsville’s mountain getaway. Go hiking or camping, play disc golf, and visit Burritt on the Mountain, Huntsville’s first museum.
  • Lowe Mill – Textile factory turned creative epicenter. Lowe Mill is home to the South’s largest, privately-owned arts facility full of local artist studios and shops.
  • Hampton Cove – Suburbia at its finest. Also where I grew up! You can find great local eats, like Big Cove BB-Q, as well as hidden gems like Hampton Cove Kayak Adventures.
  • Jones Valley – Where farmland meets city life. Home to the largest working urban farm in the U.S., you’ll find a beautiful field of cows directly across from one of the city’s most active retail centers.
  • Research Park – Where technology thrives. This are is home to about 300 different companies in the aerospace, defense, engineering, biotechnology, and IT industries. IT’s also where you’ll find Bridge Street Town Centre for shopping and entertainment.
  • South Huntsville – Finding tranquility in nature. Hike on Green Mountain or row down the river at Ditto Landing.

Top 10 Things To Do When Visiting Huntsville

This city has plenty of history. Huntsville is most known for U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the city’s vast contribution to space flight. And in recent years, Huntsville has become a hot spot for the arts with murals dotting the city, as well as for its craft beer scene.

Check out these top things to do and see in Huntsville.

1. U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Davidson Center at US Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the largest space museum in the world. The museum showcases rockets, artifacts of the U.S. space program, the history of Huntsville’s role in space exploration, interactive science exhibits, Space Camp training center, and more.

At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, you can stand beneath the world’s only full-stack Space Shuttle, complete with two solid rocket boosters and external tank, and walk the length of a suspended authentic Saturn V rocket.

Read more: Visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

2. Huntsville Botanical Garden

Huntsville Botanical Garden

The 112 acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round with displays of Alabama’s native plants. Explore diverse ecosystems from grassy meadows and woodland paths to aquatic habitats and floral collections. The Garden is also home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden hosts events and programs throughout the year from youth summer camps to adult gardening programs. It is also home to Huntsville’s top Christmas event, the Galaxy of Lights, featuring hundreds of unique light displays.

3. Monte Sano State Park

Sitting atop Monte Sano Mountain (Spanish for “mountain of health”), Monte Sano State Park covers 2,140 acres of mountain wilderness. Since the late 1800s, visitors have been coming to the park to experience Monte Sano’s fresh air, mountain views, and mineral springs.

Monte Sano State Park features 20 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of biking trails, 14 rustic cabins, 89 campsites, and a lodge for hosting group functions.

4. U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville displays military memorabilia, weapons, and vehicles from the American Revolution to the present. The museum is dedicated to promoting the accomplishments of American military men and women.

The museum displays many rare and important artifacts. Among their more than 30 historical military vehicles is the oldest surviving jeep, the Ford Pygmy.

5. Huntsville Museum of Art

Huntsville Museum of Art

Located in Downtown Huntsville in Big Spring Park, the Huntsville Museum of Art has over 3,200 pieces in its permanent collection, 7 different galleries, and the world’s largest collection of Buccellati silver animals. The museum’s permanent collection primarily focuses on 19th and 20th century American art with an emphasis on art from the Southeast.

In addition to the art museum itself, you can spend your time shopping at the Museum Store and dining at Pane e Vino Pizzeria, a top Italian restaurant overlooking the pond at Big Spring Park.

6. Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

Lowe Mill Crayon Box Mural Huntsville, Alabama

Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment  is the largest, privately-owned arts facility in the South. This former textile mill is now filled to the brim with local artist studios that are open to the public to allow you to visit artists during the different stages of creation.

Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment is home to more than 150 working studios for over 200 artists and makers, independent businesses, 7 art galleries, a multi-use theatre, 4 performance venues, restaurants, a foundry, a chocolate shop, and a community garden.

7. Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt on the Mountain is a museum of regional history housed in the 1930s mansion of Dr. William Henry Burritt. The estate features restored 19th century farm buildings, interpreters in authentic period dress, farm animals, nature trails, and sweeping view of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley.

Burritt on the Mountain is also an incredible event space and hosts a number of programs like their popular Cocktails at The View during the summer and rotating crafting classes like Jewelry Making and Fiber Arts.

Read my guide to visiting Burritt on the Mountain here.

8. EarlyWorks Children’s Museum

EarlyWorks Children’s Museum is a hands-on, interactive history museum perfect for kids aged 2 to 10. Children are encouraged to touch, climb, pull, and explore as they learn about Alabama history, Native American history, African American history, and more.

Kids can hear stories from  the Talking Tree, play the giant-sized instruments at the Alabama bandstand, build in the Kidstruction Zone, sail a 46-foot Keelboat, trade their wares at the General Store, and try on 19th century-style clothing in the federal house. 

9. Historic Huntsville Depot

Huntsville Depot

The Historic Huntsville Depot is the oldest surviving rail depot in Alabama and one of the oldest in the U.S. The depot was an active passenger station until 1968 and played a huge part in Huntsville’s growth. Part of the EarlyWorks Family of Museums, the Huntsville Depot is recommended for kids aged 12 and up.

At the Historic Huntsville Depot, you can see Civil War graffiti, explore the Autohouse, become a train conductor, see the Model Train Exhibit depicting Civil War-era Huntsville, and learn all about Huntsville’s history in transportation.

10. Alabama Constitution Hall Park

Alabama Constitution Hall Park

Take a step back in time at Alabama Constitution Hall Park where you can glimpse what life would have been like in 1819 when Alabama was inaugurated as the 22nd state. Part of the EarlyWorks Family of Museums, Alabama Constitution Hall Park is recommended for kids aged 12 and up.

A tour takes you through historic buildings recreating Huntsville during the constitutional convention of 1819. You’ll learn how Alabama became a state, look around the cabinet shop where delegates signed Alabama’s Constitution, hear stories of the community, and see demonstrations of how people lived and worked.

Top Huntsville Events

Downtown Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville has fun events that take place any time of year. Find out more about Huntsville’s best annual events and start planning your visit to Huntsville!

  • Panoply Arts Festivallast weekend in April – This arts festival weekend is Huntsville’s biggest festival of the year with music, art, crafts, theater, food, and more.
  • Rocket City Brewfestlate spring – Huntsville’s growing beer nerd culture shines through with this weekend of sampling beers from all over the country, listening to live local music, and tasting awesome local foods.
  • Three Caves ConcertsJune through August – Hear live music from inside a massive, reclaimed limestone quarry at the most unique concert venue in the Southeast.
  • Huntsville Restaurant Weekmid-August – During this 10-day celebration, local restaurants offer unique items showcasing the best of their menus.
  • Monte Sano Arts Festivalthird weekend of September – Huntsville’s top artists showcase their work in the beautiful Monte Sano State Park.
  • Redstone Arsenal Oktoberfestmid-September – Celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest with authentic German cuisine, beer by the stein, high-energy polka music, and carnival rides.
  • Crush Wine & Food Festivallate September – Sip wine and listen to top local musicians during this festival that is distinguished as Alabama’s first state winery competition.
  • Maple Hill Cemetery Strolllate October – One of the largest living history strolls in America, more than 75 costumed characters retell Huntsville’s rich history in the historic Maple Hill Cemetery.
  • Galaxy of Lightslate November through early January – During Huntsville’s favorite holiday light extravaganza at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, you’ll drive through animated light displays with unique designs and holiday scenes.
  • Tinsel TrailThanksgiving through early January – Walk through a holiday showcase in Big Spring Park made of hundreds of locally decorated Christmas trees.

Where to Stay in Huntsville

There’s no wrong place to stay in Huntsville! Just to give you an idea of what hotels are like in Huntsville, here are just a few of the city’s top hotels.

1. Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center

Drury Inn Hotel Space Center

The Drury Inn & Suites at the Space & Rocket Center is a great hotel for space fans. The hotel has relaxing rooms and suites with lounge areas and sofa beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers. Parking and breakfast are complimentary at this hotel. Plus, there’s an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour gym.

Location: Across the interstate from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and 2 miles from the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

2. The Westin Huntsville

Westin and Element Hotels Huntsville

The Westin Huntsville at the Bridge Street Town Centre outdoor mall is the only AAA Four Diamond rated hotel in Huntsville. This upscale hotel overlooks the mall’s lagoon and features an indoor/outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and two on-site restaurants. The hotel is connected to its sister hotel the Element Huntsville.

Location: At Bridge Street Town Centre, 2.8 miles from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

3. Hampton Inn Huntsville – Village of Providence

Hampton Inn Huntsville Village of Providence

Hampton Inn Huntsville – Village of Providence is ideal for corporate guests being conveniently located close to Boeing, Toyota, and Redstone Arsenal. The hotel offers cozy rooms, free parking, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.

Location: Off of US-72, 6 miles from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and 5 miles from the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville Hotel & Spa

Embassy Suites Huntsville

Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville Hotel & Spa is an all-suite hotel in Downtown Huntsville connected by sky bridge to the Von Braun Center. The hotel features an indoor saltwater pool, spa treatments at Spa Botanical, free breakfast, complimentary evening reception, pet-friendly rooms, an on-site restaurant, and an airport shuttle.

Location: In the heart of Downtown, connected to the Von Braun Center and a 6 minute walk from the Huntsville Museum of Art.

5. Hyatt Place Huntsville/Research Park

Hyatt Place Research Park

Hyatt Place Huntsville/Research Park at the Bridge Street Town Centre outdoor mall is just steps from first-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. This relaxed hotel offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking as well as amenities like a fitness center and an outdoor pool.

Location: At Bridge Street Town Centre, 3 miles from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

6. AC Hotel Downtown Huntsville

AC Hotel Huntsville

AC Hotel Downtown Huntsville has an amazing view of Big Spring Park. This relaxed hotel goes for a European style and features one of the best rooftop bars in Huntsville. Key amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, the AC Lounge, and the AC Kitchen.

Location: In the heart of Downtown, a 3 minute walk from the Von Braun Center and the Huntsville Museum of Art.

7. SpringHill Suites Huntsville West/Research Park

SpringHill Huntsville Village of Providence

SpringHill Suites Huntsville West/Research Park is an all-suite hotel near the Huntsville International Airport. The casual hotel offers spacious suites, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool, and complimentary parking.

Location: 4.8 miles from the Huntsville International Airport and 7 miles from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

8. 106 Jefferson

106 Jefferson Hotel, Huntsville, Alabama

106 Jefferson is a stylish hotel located just off the square in Downtown Huntsville. The hotel’s sleek design is rooted in the spirit of Huntsville, from the rooftop bar named after the famed monkey astronauts Baker & Able to the Revivalist restaurant honoring the historic building’s ability to become new again. This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, valet parking, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, and an on-site rooftop bar.

Location: In the heart of Downtown Huntsville near top sights like the Huntsville Museum of Art, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, and Big Spring International Park

9. Hampton Inn Huntsville-Arsenal/South Parkway

Hampton Inn Arsenal

Hampton Inn Huntsville-Arsenal/South Parkway provides a family-friendly environment for those visiting Huntsville. The hotel provides complimentary daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.

Location: Near the Redstone Arsenal Gate 1 entrance and 5 miles from Downtown.

10. Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville/Space Center

Hilton Garden Space Center

Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville/Space Center is another great option for space-lovers, located just down the road from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant.

Location: 1 mile from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, 5 miles from Downtown, and 10 miles from the Huntsville International Airport.

Where to Eat in Huntsville

Barbecue, burgers, and fried chicken are all staples of the Huntsville food scene. But there’s an even bigger variety of food to experience out there. Try visiting these amazing places to eat in Huntsville.

1. Peppered Pig

Peppered Pig Hamburgers

Peppered Pig is the beloved food-truck-turned-physical-location with some of the best burgers in Huntsville. You can get a gourmet burger with unique flavor combinations, like the Bulgogi Burger with a beef burger marinated in Korean BBQ sauce topped with a fried sesame sushi rice cake, kimchi, garlic mayo, and grilled scallions.

2. MELT

Sandwich at Melt, Huntsville, Alabama

MELT is a grilled-cheese-food-truck-turned-restaurant serving up classic comfort food with a twist. Try the Classic Grilled Cheese, the Ole Smokey sandwich, or the Chicken Pesto sandwich.

3. Drake’s Huntsville

Drake’s is a sports bar that offers an eclectic menu of burgers and sushi. Try one of their steak and sushi combos like the Filet With Crab Rangoon or Filet With California Roll, or stick to a classic burger, sandwich, bar food, or sushi roll on its own.

4. Purveyor

Purveyor serves world-class cooking paired with unique bourbons, local craft beers, and exclusive wines. Located at The Avenue in Downtown Huntsville, it’s a buzzy, stylish space with an outdoor patio.

5. 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern

Located in the historic Five Points neighborhood, 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern serves locally grown food in an inviting community setting. On the menu, you’ll find down-to-earth fine dining cuisine like Duck Leg, Stuffed Trout, and Brisket Pasta.

6. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

Burgers, Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint, Huntsville, Alabama

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is a Southern chain with a simple menu of craft beer and fantastic burgers. Their menu has unique burgers, like the Cobra Kai with cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño jelly; or the Greg Brady with house-made Mac N’ Cheese, American-cheddar blend cheese, and Martin’s BBQ potato chips.

7. Cotton Row Restaurant

Cotton Row Restaurant is housed in a 3-story brick building built in 1821 along the cotton exchange. On the menu, you’ll find fine American cuisine with a Southern twist, making for an elegant destination in Downtown Huntsville.

8. Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria

Pesto Margherita Pizza at Sam and Greg's Pizzeria, Huntsville, Alabama

Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria is a Huntsville staple for great handmade pizza. Try one of their classics, or go for something bold like the Key West with mozzarella, chicken, ham, artichokes, black olives, and mango. And don’t skip dessert, because they have some amazing gelato in flavors ranging from vanilla to Spicy Hot Chocolate.

9. Commerce Kitchen

Commerce Kitchen, from the same chef that created Cotton Row, was influenced by turn-of-the-century style and classic cuisine. This contemporary restaurant serves updated Southern classics and cocktails.

10. Char Restaurant

Lamb chops and truffle fries at Char

Char Restaurant is a Southern-style modern steakhouse. On the menu, you’ll find USDA Prime and Choice cuts of meat, fresh seafood, home-style sides, brunch, and a selection of classic cocktails, wine, and bourbon.

Read more: 13 Fantastic Restaurants in Huntsville, Alabama

5 Best Day Trips from Huntsville

You’d be surprised just how many places are within a day’s drive of Huntsville! If you’re looking to get out of the city for the day, these are a few of my favorite day trips from Huntsville that are only a few hours away.

1. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee

Travel time: approx. 2 hours

Nashville, Tennessee is the perfect day trip from Huntsville. Nicknamed Music City, Nashville is a great destination for music lovers of all types: country, bluegrass, rock, pop, Americana, gospel, classical, jazz and blues. The Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many major record labels are a huge draw.

As the capital of Tennessee, Nashville also has plenty of great attractions from history to art. Check out museums like the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Parthenon, and Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage.

And you won’t want to miss Nashville’s food scene. Try the local specialty hot chicken that earned Nashville the name of Hot Chicken Capital.

2. Chattanooga, Tennesee

Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Travel time: approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes

Chattanooga, Tennessee is known as the Scenic City. Set along the Tennessee River and in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

This city is known for the underground Ruby Falls waterfall, Rock City with its unique formations, and the expansive Tennessee Aquarium.

But those are only a few of the things Chattanooga has to offer. Your day trip from Huntsville will be filled with fun things to do like riding the Incline Railroad, exploring the Hunter Museum of American Art, visiting the Chattanooga Zoo, trying Chattanooga’s best restaurants, and so much more.

3. Birmingham, Alabama

View of Birmingham, Alabama from Vulcan

Travel time: approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes

Birmingham, Alabama is the state’s largest city, so it has plenty to do to keep you entertained on your day trip from Huntsville. A visit to the Magic City is perfect for everyone.

Birmingham is known for the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the Vulcan statue at the Vulcan Park and Museum.

Also known as the Dinner Table of the South, Birmingham is an excellent foodie destination. If you love new and exciting food experiences, carefully crafted cocktails, and a bustling craft beer scene, then you’ll love dining out in Birmingham.

4. Florence, Alabama

FAME Studio, Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Travel time: approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes

Music fans will love a day trip to Florence, Alabama and The Shoals. There’s a whole lot of history to explore in the four small towns that make up The Shoals: Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals.

The area was known as the Hit Recording Capital of the World in the 1960s thanks to Muscle Shoals Sound and FAME Studios. And the area is still a great place to hear live, local music.

There’s even more to discover here, from the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in Alabama to Hellen Keller’s Birthplace. Florence is also a great place for food lovers with small, intimate restaurants with farm-to-table selections that will make your mouth water.

5. Guntersville, Alabama

Sunrise on Lake Guntersville, Alabama
Beautiful Sunrise on Lake Guntersville. Photo by Marshall County CVB on flickr.

Travel time: approx. 45 minutes

Guntersville is Alabama’s Lake City with more than 69,000 acres of water and almost a thousand miles of shoreline. A day at the lake is just a short trip away from Huntsville.

Situated on a peninsula at the southernmost point of the Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville, the city is nearly surrounded by water. Head to Lake Guntersville State Park, any of the many boat marinas, or book a fishing guide for a day out on the lake.

For family-friendly activities in town, check out the Guntersville Railroad Depot Museum or the Guntersville Museum located in the historic rock Armory.

Visiting Huntsville FAQ

Is Huntsville good for tourists?

Huntsville is great for tourists! The city has a wide array of tourist attractions that include space history, historic sites, museums, gardens, outdoor activities, and public art.

Is Huntsville expensive to visit?

Huntsville is not a very expensive city to visit!

When visiting Huntsville, you can expect an average meal price of $20 per person and an average hotel room for around $88 per night.

If you’re visiting Huntsville on a budget, you can keep your costs down by thoroughly researching cheap accommodation ahead of booking and looking at menu prices of restaurants online before you decide where to eat. There are also tons of great free activities in Huntsville!

When is the best time to visit Huntsville?

The best time for visiting Huntsville really depends on what you want to see and do!

Most travelers will find that spring is the best time to visit Huntsville. Visiting Huntsville in the spring means nice weather, fun festivals, less crowds than summer, and plenty of affordable flight and hotel deals.

More Things To Do in Huntsville, Alabama

If you need more things to do while visiting Huntsville, check out these top posts:


Ready to visit Huntsville, Alabama? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Huntsville, Alabama

Are you planning on visiting Huntsville, Alabama? Let me know in the comments!

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2 Comments

  1. My husband is obsessed with museums so Huntsville sounds like something he might enjoy. We have a goal of eventually visiting all 50 states. I will totally add some of these stops to our itinerary when we make it out that way. Thanks for the ideas!

    1. I’m also making my way through all 50 states! Huntsville is a great stop for checking off Alabama, it has so much interesting history and it’s cheaper than the other big cities. I hope y’all make it out this way and enjoy your time here!

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