Nothing beats an afternoon stroll to forget the stresses of everyday life. Fortunately, Alabama is home to several places that are perfect for an afternoon stroll. From gardens and parks, to sanctuaries and beaches, here are 10 places in Alabama that are absolutely perfect for an afternoon stroll:
1. Bellingrath Gardens and Home - Theodore
Bellingrath Gardens and Home covers 65 acres and is one of the most beautiful places in Alabama. Its Bellingrath Rose Garden, Mirror Lake, Live Oak Plaza and Great Lawn are perfect locations for taking an afternoon stroll. (12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd)
2. Gulf Coast Beaches
Anywhere on Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches is the perfect location for an afternoon stroll. After all, nothing beats the fresh scent of the ocean breeze, or the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore.
3. Orr Park - Montevallo
Without a doubt, Orr Park is one of the most unique parks in the entire South. What makes it truly special is Tim Tingle's "Tinglewood Trail," which features his whimsical cedar tree carvings. If you've never taken a stroll down Orr Park's Tinglewood Trail, you don't know what you're missing. (277 Park Dr)
4. The Market at Pepper Place - Birmingham
The Market at Pepper Place was established in 2000 and is one of Alabama's top farmers markets. It sells a variety of items, including fresh produce, cheeses, honey, homemade breads, pastries, items made by local artisans, etc. The Market at Pepper Place is the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll. (2829 2nd Ave S)
5. Big Spring Park - Huntsville
Big Spring Park is located in downtown Huntsville. It's well known for hosting several events throughout the year, including the Panoply Arts Festival and Concerts in the Park. What makes this park truly unique is the special structures located throughout it, including the lighthouse and the park's famous red bridge. (200 Church St SW)
6. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Decatur
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1938 and provides a habitat for migrating birds. The refuge includes the following: 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, 38 species of freshwater mussels and 26 species of freshwater snails. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a must visit the next time you're in the Decatur area. (3121 Visitors Center Rd)
7. The Riverwalk - Tuscaloosa
The Riverwalk is a paved trail that runs along the bank of the Black Warrior River near downtown Tuscaloosa. Located along the trail are a variety of parks, a playground, a splash pad and more. (2710 Jack Warner Pkwy)
8. Wilderness Park - Prattville
Wilderness Park is one of Alabama’s most unique parks. Not only was it the first wilderness park developed inside city limits in the United States, but it’s also filled with so much bamboo that you’d think you were in Asia. As a matter of fact, some of the bamboo stalks are as high as 60 feet.
(800 Upper Kingston Rd)
9. Birmingham Botanical Gardens - Birmingham
Birmingham Botanical Gardens covers more than 60 acres and features a variety of 12,000+ plants, which makes it Alabama's largest living museum. Admission to Birmingham Botanical Gardens is free, and it's open daily from dawn until dusk. (2612 Lane Park Rd)
10. Audubon Bird Sanctuary - Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island's Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of North America's top birding spots. It consists of 137 acres of maritime forest, marshes and dunes.There are several trails located within the sanctuary, and you'll be able to enjoy all of the surrounding scenery while taking your afternoon stroll. (211 Bienville Blvd)
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.