Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
10 unique experiences worth flying to AL for
Reading time: 5 minutes
With airports like Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International and Mobile Regional adding new flight routes and Huntsville International getting a nod for “best small airport”—it’s only fitting that we take a look at 10 experiences worth hopping on a plane and flying to the Yellowhammer state to see for yourself.
Spend some time on our beautiful beaches
Alabama is home to some of the most charming, friendly and delicious beaches in the country. Gulf Shores is perfect for those who want an outdoorsy beach trip. Orange Beach is the quintessential beach vacation destination. Dauphin Island is for those who want to experience the beach like a local.
- When: Year-round!
- Where: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Dauphin Island
- More info
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
One of the most unique golfing experiences in the world is found in the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Over 300 holes and 100 miles of golfing can be played at 11 distinct courses across the state.
Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville was instrumental to getting man on the moon—and you can visit a museum dedicated to preserving that story. Meet an astronaut, ride in a zero-gravity simulator or just look at all the beautiful pictures of space. There’s something for the whole family.
- When: 9AM-5PM, daily
- Where: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
- More info
Sidewalk Film Festival
Sidewalk Film Festival was recently named one of the best places to enter a movie by MovieMaker—and it’s easy to see why. The Bham community loves Sidewalk and there is a huge crowd every year, showing support for indie filmmakers. Will you be among them this year?
- When: August 19-25, 2024
- Where: Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District
- More info
Catch an SEC football game
Football is king here in Alabama. Our college football games rival crowds for professional games. Typically, you have to pick a side—Auburn or Alabama. But if you root for an out-of-conference team, I suggest wearing neutral colors and cheering with the crowd. You’ll have a blast, anyway.
If you want to see both powerhouses on the gridiron, you’ll want to be here for the Iron Bowl. That’s set for November 30, 2024.
- When: Football season starts August 31
- Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium – Alabama | Jordan-Hare Stadium – Auburn
- More info – Alabama | Auburn
Dothan Peanut Festival
The Dothan area grows more peanuts than anywhere else in the state—and every year they throw a big party to celebrate the harvest. There’s a peanut parade, beauty pageant, carnival rides and so much more.
- When: November 1-10, 2024
- Where: 5622 U.S. 231, Dothan, AL 36301
- More info
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras got its American start in the Port City—and you need to see it for yourself. The city turns into one big party, with parades, balls and festivities everywhere you turn.
- When: January 6-March 5, 2025
- Where: Downtown Mobile
- More info
Hangout Music Festival
The biggest party on the beach is Hangout Music Festival. For three days, the biggest names in music take over Gulf Shores drawing huge crowds and booking out hotels months in advance. Hangout 2024 headliners included: Zach Bryan, Lana del Rey and Cage the Elephant.
- When: May 2025
- Where: The Hangout Gulf Shores
- More info
Watching a NASCAR race at Talladega
For a week, the tiny town of Talladega turns into NASCAR heaven, with thousands pouring in to watch the Geico 500. You’ll have to see the race that inspired “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” for yourself.
- When: April 19-25, 2025
- Where: Talladega Superspeedway
- More info
See the Cahaba Lillies in bloom
These iconic water lilies dot the Cahaba River for only a month every year. From May to June, the river comes alive with gorgeous, fragrant white flower blooms. You can only catch the lilies in three states, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.
- When: May-June, yearly
- Where: Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
- More info
What do you think is the most flock-worthy experience in Alabama? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn! Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this in your inbox.
