There are many great things to see and do in Alabama. From hiking some of the greatest trails to dining in some of the finest restaurants, the options are endless. Listed below are 12 unique things to do in Alabama that we think you’ll enjoy.

1. Dine at Alabama's oldest family-owned restaurant.
Bright Star Restaurant, 304 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020, USA
flickr/Southern Foodways Alliance
The Bright Star is located in Bessemer and opened in 1907, which makes it Alabama's oldest family-owned restaurant. Specializing in Greek-style steak and seafood, this historic restaurant welcomes guests from throughout the Southeast and beyond.
2. Take a stroll through a bamboo forest.
Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest, 800 Upper Kingston Rd, Prattville, AL 36067, USA
tripadvisor/Amanda S
Wilderness Park, which is located in Prattville, is one of Alabama’s most unique parks. It was the first wilderness park developed inside city limits in the U.S., and it also has its very own bamboo forest. Taking an afternoon stroll in this scenic park is one of the unique things to do in Alabama.
3. Visit Alabama's oldest hardware store.
Harrison Brothers Hardware, 124 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
facebook/Harrison Brothers Hardware
Harrison Brothers Hardware, which happens to be located in Huntsville and was founded in 1879, isn’t your typical hardware store. Once you step inside, you'll be amazed at what you see. Not only does this store sell a variety of gifts and unique items, but there are also several wonderful items on display from the store's earlier days.
4. Explore one of Alabama's most stunning caves.
Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA
facebook/Cathedral Caverns State Park-Alabama
Alabama is home to many caves. Cathedral Caverns, which is the main feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park, is one of the state's most-visited caves. At 25 feet high and 126 feet wide, this cave also has one of the largest entrances in the world. Today, Cathedral Caverns remains one of Alabama's top tourist attractions.
5. Take a train-themed road trip.
Huntsville Depot Museum, 320 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
tripadvisor/dasg23
If you're a train enthusiast, you're in luck! This train-themed road trip will take you to historic depots, railroad museums, train-themed restaurants, and more. Hop aboard and take this train-themed road trip today for an unforgettable experience.
6. Visit Natural Bridge Park.
Natural Bridge Park, 315 Co Rd 3500, Natural Bridge, AL 35577, USA
flickr/mojorison_75
Natural Bridge Park is home to Natural Bridge, which happens to be the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. According to experts, this bridge is more than 200 million years old. There's no denying that Natural Bridge is one of the most magnificent hidden gems in Alabama.

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7. Stay the night at one of Alabama's most haunted hotels.
St. James Hotel Selma, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 1200 Water Ave, Selma, AL 36703, USA
tripadvisor/Dromomaniacs
The St. James Hotel in Selma is quite possibly Alabama's most haunted hotel. Many guests have witnessed several paranormal events that have taken place both inside and outside of the hotel. Interestingly, one of the ghosts is believed to be Jesse James, the famous outlaw.
8. Take a ride on a wine train.
Ozan Winery & YH Distillery, 173 Co Rd 301, Calera, AL 35040, USA
facebook/Ozan Winery
If you enjoy train rides and wine, you're in luck! Ozan Vineyard & Winery, which is located in Calera, combines the two. This company has a vintage train that will take you on an excursion while you sip delicious wine. It's an experience you'll never forget.
9. Enjoy the views from Alabama's highest natural point.
Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
tripadvisor/Big_Globe_Traveler
One of the best spots to experience Alabama's natural scenic beauty is from the top of Cheaha Mountain, which is Alabama's highest natural point. This majestic mountain offers the most incredible scenic views. Don't forget your binoculars!
10. Hike one of Alabama's most stunning trails.
Walls of Jericho Trail, Alabama 35745, USA
flickr/Michael Hicks
Alabama is home to many spectacular hiking trails. The Walls of Jericho Trail offers endless amounts of beautiful scenery. Even though it's one of Alabama's most difficult hiking trails, it's also one of the most rewarding. There's no doubt that this hiking trail will bring out the explorer in you.
11. Visit Alabama's most unique small town.
Mooresville, AL 35649, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Mooresville is quite possibly the most unique town in Alabama. With a population of around 50 residents, it's also one of the smallest towns. One thing that makes Mooresville truly unique is that it's the location of Alabama's oldest continually operating post office, which was built in 1840.
12. Take a waterfall road trip.
DeSoto Falls, Alabama 35984, USA
flickr/Judy Frederick Photography
If you love waterfalls, you'll want to take Alabama's ultimate waterfall road trip. This road trip features a variety of waterfalls. Some are hidden away in secluded areas, while others have become popular tourist attractions over the years. For anyone who loves the outdoors, this waterfall road trip is an absolute must!

Have you ever done any of the 12 activities listed above? If so, please feel free to share your experience(s) with us in the comments below. If you can think of any other unique things to do in Alabama, please share those with us as well.

Mooresville is also one of Alabama’s most historic towns. In fact, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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More to Explore

Best Things To Do In Alabama

Jennifer Young | July 27, 2023

What are three of the best things to do in Alabama on a weekend?

There are plenty of fun things to do in Alabama, especially on the weekend. Listed below are three things that we believe everyone will have fun doing when the weekend arrives.

1. Take a weekend getaway.

There are plenty of places located throughout the state that are perfect for a weekend getaway, including the Gulf Coast beaches, the mountains, and several charming small towns.

2. Take a scenic drive.

If you enjoy taking scenic drives, there are several options in Alabama. One of the best places for a scenic drive is the Lookout Mountain Parkway. You'll be in awe of all the beautiful surrounding scenery while driving along it.

3. Visit a farmers market.

Alabama is home to several farmers markets. One of the best ones is The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham. It's open every Saturday, rain or shine. It also has numerous vendors selling a variety of items, so you won't leave empty-handed.

Where are two of the best places in Alabama to visit if you love exploring the outdoors?

1. Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve is located in Fort Payne and is one of Alabama's top outdoor attractions.

  • It covers more than 15,000 acres.
  • It's home to Little River Falls, one of the South's most beautiful waterfalls.
  • Little River Canyon is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East."

 

2. William B. Bankhead National Forest

North Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest, which is commonly known as Bankhead National Forest, is one of the Southeast's top hiking destinations. People from all across the nation, and even the world, come to hike here.

  • It covers more than 181,000 acres.
  • It's one of Alabama's four national forests.
  • It boasts more than 90 miles of trails.
  • It's home to the Sipsey Wilderness.

 

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