14 unique Alabama experiences to give as last-minute Christmas gifts
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Christmas is quickly approaching, and sometimes the best gifts are experiences. Luckily, Alabama has plenty for everyone, from nature lovers and history enthusiasts to thrill seekers.
Keep reading to discover 14 unique and memorable experiences across the state to give as last-minute Christmas gifts.
1. Sandcastle Classes with Sandcastle University in Orange Beach + Gulf Shores
Sandcastle University classes turn a simple beach day into a hands-on and unforgettable creative experience. You’ll get the chance to build eye-catching sandcastlesâeven if youâve never tried it before.
Each private class is personalized to your group, location and skill level, with talented instructors who love sharing the beauty of Alabama’s coast.
2. Blackbelt Biscuit Experience with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Scott Peacock in Marion
Chef Peacock has opened the historic kitchens of Reverie Mansion in Marion for limited-availability workshops on the fine art of traditional Southern biscuit-making, for which he has been nationally celebrated.
It’s not just biscuits, either! Guests have the opportunity to curate their experience upon booking, all while learning about the rich history of Alabama’s Blackbelt Region, food culture and the great lost flavors of the Southern Canon.
- Standard Price: $300 per person (minimum of 3)
- Pricing varies for fewer than 3 guests + private groups
- More info + booking
- Check out Chef Peacock’s Instagram for updates + announcements
3. Weekend stay in Mentone, Alabama’s charming mountain town
Did you know that Mentone is the highest-elevation town in Alabama, reaching about 1,708 feet?
From visiting Lookout Mountain in Desoto State Park to grabbing a bite to eat at Wildflower Cafe, there’s much to see and do in this little mountain community.
If you want to soak in all the charming vibes, staying at the pet-friendly Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast is a popular choice with visitors.
4. U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers an out-of-this-world experience for science and space lovers.
With interactive exhibits, a planetarium and incredible artifacts like the Saturn V rocket, this is the perfect gift for anyone curious about space exploration.
- Location: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 10AM-4PM
- Website
- Prices + Tickets
- Membership info
5. Spelunking in Alabama’s caves
Cave spelunking in Alabama offers an exciting adventure for enthusiasts of all levels, as the state is home to some of the most spectacular and diverse cave systems in the United States.
Locations like Rickwood Caverns, DeSoto Caverns and Sequoyah Caverns provide guided tours through stunning limestone formations, underground streams and unique speleological features.
Spelunking is a great gift for those looking to experience the state’s rich natural beauty while discovering its hidden underground world.
6. Alabama Safari Park in Hope Hull
Alabama Safari Park is a drive-through wildlife park that offers an up-close experience with over 700 animals from around the world.
Visitors can drive through the park and observe exotic species while feeding them from their vehicles. The park also features a walk-through area with animal encounters and a petting zoo.
It’s an exciting gift for animal lovers and those seeking something memorable to do.
- Location: 1664 Venable Rd, Hope Hull, AL 36043
- Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9âŻAMâ3âŻPM
- Website
- Tickets + prices
- Membership info
7. Boat tours in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect spots for an unforgettable sailing tripâcomplete with turquoise waters, dolphin sightings and white sand beaches
Whether you’re looking to relax or add some adventure, it’s an awesome way to soak in the stunning beauty of Alabamaâs coastline.
8. Weekend getaway on beautiful Lake Martin
Do you have a friend or family member who’s missing summer? Well, give them something to look forward to with a weekend stay at Lake Martin, whether that be at a bed and breakfast, cozy cabin or lodge.
We also recommend checking out Chimney Rock, a popular cliff diving spot and booking a personalized, private boat tour
9. Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds + Porsche experience
Barber Motorsports Park is a world-class motorsports facility known for its beautiful landscapes and thrilling races.
In addition to fast-action racing, Barber Motorsports Park is home to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles and cars.
If you’re looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, The Porsche Experience offers an exhilarating opportunity to test the performance of Porsche’s iconic vehicles through a series of expertly designed courses and challenges.
- Location: 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM | Sunday, 12PM-5PM
- Website
- Prices + Tickets
- Membership info
- Porsche experience
10. Birmingham Zoo membership
The Birmingham Zoo features hundreds of animal species from around the world and is always hosting exciting events.
Visitors can explore diverse exhibits and engage in interactive experiences like feeding giraffes or riding the carousel. The zoo also focuses on conservation and education.
Whether you gift a one-time ticket or a membership, it’s sure to be a hit this Christmas.
- Location: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9AM-4PM
- Website
- Tickets + prices
- Membership info
11. Ziplining at Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures at Lake Guntersville State Park
If you have a thrill seeker in your family, a ziplining experience amongst Alabama’s natural beauty is the perfect gift.
Lasting 2-3 hours, there are two levels of Zip Line Tours that increase in length, height and speed.
- Guntersville State Park location: 1155 Lodge Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976
- Book here
- Gift Cards
12. Historic + vibrant Trolly Tour in Mobile
Discover Mobile in comfort aboard a climate-controlled trolley on a 90-minute guided tour. Explore the birthplace of Mardi Gras with its mossy streets, historic buildings and one of the countryâs most diverse ecosystems.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy museums, parks, fountains, music, food and so much more.
Itâs the perfect gift for history buffs, food lovers and anyone who loves discovering new places!
- Saenger Theatre location: 6 S Joachim St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Mobile Trolley Tour info
13. Distillery tour + tasting at Dread River Distilling Company in Birmingham
If you know someone who’d appreciate a different spin on distillery tastings, Dread River’s 60-minute “Legend of the River Distillery Tour” dives into how they create their spirits while exploring hundred-year-old myths of Birmingham’s mysterious river that lies below their facility.
The experience will end in the tasting room, where you will indulge in a guided tasting of their vodka, gin, rum, agave, whiskey, bourbon and/or rye spirits.
14. Memberships to Alabama’s many state parks
Alabama is home to 21 stunning state parks, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
A year-long membership to any of these parks is a thoughtful gift that will keep your nature-loving friends and family enriched throughout 2026.
Stay up to date on whatâs buzzing in Alabamaâfollow The Bama Buzz on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok + LinkedIn.
