30 Day Trips From Birmingham Al 2023 -

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1. Vulcan Park And Museum

Birmingham day trip — Photo by Nikky from **Flickr**

This museum is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al. It has a special building status from the Commercial Club to represent Birmingham, Alabama in 1903 and built in 1904. The Vulcan Park and Museum represents Birmingham’s roots as an iron and steel city.

The Vulcan Park And Museum is one of the most iconic places in Birmingham, Alabama. They also have plenty of educational tours where you can learn about the history of Birmingham.

It hosts various events ranging from walking tours around Birmingham and visiting the historic parts of Birmingham to organizing stage plays from time to time.

There are two rates you should take note of:

Daily Admission Rate ( From 10 am to 6 pm)

Evening Admission Rate (6 pm to 10 pm)

You can refer to the admission fee for both the Daily and Evening Admission Fees.

Daily Admission Fee	Evening Admission Fee
Adults (Age 13 and above) – $6 before taxes	Adults (Age 13 and above) – $5 before taxes
Children (Age 5 till 12) – $4 before taxes	Children (Age 5 till 12) – $4 before taxes
Children (Age 4 or below) – Free	Children (Age 4 or below) – Free
Senior Citizens (Age 65 and above) – $5 before taxes

The major difference between the Daily and Evening Admission Fee is that senior citizens cannot enter after 6 pm.

Also, it operates from 10 am – 10 pm except for public holidays or any bad weather. Additionally, the Observation Tower is open every day from 10 am – 10 pm

Do take note that the parking lot is quite a distance from Vulcan Park And Museum, but golf carts are available to take you from the parking lot to the museum.

Best of all, the parking fee is free.

It is located nine minutes from Birmingham, Alabama, via US-280 E / US-31 S, but it is 4.1 miles (6.6km) away. You could take another route by going on 19th St N, only 2.8 miles (4.5km) away, and it will take you 10 minutes instead.

2. Red Top Mountain State Park

If you are looking for the best day trips from Birmingham Al full of adventure, Red Top Mountain State Park is a perfect fit for everyone, with activities such as hiking or biking for people who enjoy the feeling of thrill and aerobic exercise.

Red Top Mountain State Park is 1,776 acres long and has 15 miles of trails to explore nature and take great photos of the views that Red Top Mountain State Park has to offer.

There are also relaxing activities that you can do such as fishing, swimming, or even having a picnic.

Do note that you need to make a reservation first before you can have a picnic.

There are also nearby attractions that you can visit while you are in Red Top Mountain State Park, such as:

New Echota State Historic Site – The first Indian language newspaper office was established here, and it is also where the “Trail of Tears” officially began in the 1830s

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – The location where the Civil War began on June 19, 1864, until July 2, 1864

Red Top Mountain State Park operates every day from 7 a.m till it’s dark, which is around 7.30 to 7.45p.m

It is located two hours and thirty-one minutes away from Birmingham, Alabama, using the route via I-20 E.

I know it’s a long journey, but it will be worth the drive to enjoy various activities and views to your heart’s content.

If you are planning to visit various state parks and historic parks, you can purchase a Historic Site Annual Pass Adult for $30 (For one adult age 18 or above)

If you bring your family member along, you could purchase their Historic Site Annual Pass Family for $50 (up to four family members per pass)

Then, if you are worried that the parking fees may start to add up from visiting multiple State and Historical Parks, you could purchase either a Daily Park Pass ($5 and valid for 24 hours from the time you purchase) or Annual Park Pass ($50)

3. Oak Mountain State Park

If you are looking for day trips from Birmingham Al, Oak Mountain State Park is a perfect destination for anyone that wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and doesn’t want to travel too far from Birmingham.

Oak Mountain State Park has the right mixture of trail activities such as hiking or mountain biking, recreational centers such as Alabama Wildlife Center, and other outdoor activities such as Archery Park and Horseback Riding.

Oak Mountain State Park is 9,940 acres long, making it the largest state park in Birmingham, Alabama. It provides a breathtaking view of Birmingham, Alabama, during sunset, which makes it an unforgettable destination of choice.

Before you start enjoying any activities at Oak Mountain State Parks, you will need to know the entrance fees and activities admission fee as well.

As for Entrance Fees, there are daily and annual passes that you could purchase as can be seen below:

Daily Admission	Annual Pass
Adult (Age 12 and above) – $5	Individual Pass (Regardless Children or Adult) – $180
Children (Age 4 to 11) – $2	Senior Pass (Age 62 and above) – $80
Senior Citizen (Age 62 and above) – $2	Family Pass (Up to Four Family Members) – $230
Children (Age 3 and below) – Free

If you are looking to purchase the Annual Pass, you will need to stay for at least three weeks to a month for the Individual Pass to make it worthwhile.

For the Family Pass, depending on how many family members you bring along, you will need to stay on for about twenty-three days (two people total), fifteen days (three people total), and eleven days (four people total).

If you are not staying for that long, you may just want to go for the daily admission if you plan to stay less than ten days.

It is 22.9 miles (36.85km) away from Birmingham, which is just outside of Birmingham City Centre and, taking US-280 E, will take you about 37 minutes.

4. Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame

If you are looking for day trips from Birmingham Al that are historical and want to know more about an athlete’s contribution to any sports, then this is a great choice.

Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame is the place to recognize the athletes’ record in the past and what they have contributed to Alabama. It was established on August 14, 1967.

This includes Charles Barkley, a two-time Olympic champion in 1992 and 1996 in basketball, who was named the Top 50 Greatest Basketball Player of All Time.

It also features Lillie Leatherwood, the first female Olympic Gold Medalist on the track field from the University Of Alabama in 1984, while being a three-time NCAA champion (National Collegiate Athletic Association).

Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame operates from 9 am to 5 pm, every Monday to Friday.

The admission fee is $3 for students who are currently seven years old to those in college. For senior citizens who are 60 years old and above, the fee is $4, while adults will be charged $5.

Children below six years old can enter for free.

It is located about three to five minutes from Birmingham, Alabama, via 19th St N and the distance is about 0.6 miles (0.97km) away.

5. Desoto Caverns

Have you been wanting to go on day trips from Birmingham Al that you can bring your family or your friends to?

Desoto Caverns has it all covered with added benefits.

Desoto Caverns has one of the largest real onyx gemstones in North America, with a stunning view of the caves.

You also have entertainment and attractions that you can attend that can make your day trip must more fun and enjoyable.

Along with that, Desoto Caverns has a campground nearby so that you don’t feel that you have a limited amount of time to enjoy all that they have to offer.

Desoto Caverns is 42.2 miles (67.91km) away from Birmingham and taking the US-280 E, it will take you about 51 minutes to get there.

Desoto Caverns are only open from Friday to Monday which:

Friday and Monday – Open from 10 a.m until 5.30 p.m

Saturday – Open from 9 a.m to 5.30 p.m

Sunday – Open from 10 a.m to 5.30p.m

As for the admission fee, you can check out at the table below, which breaks down all the amenities Desoto Caverns offers with its fee structure.

All-Inclusive Gate – All Amenities expect the campground	Unlimited Attractions and Entertainment	Caverns Tour & Entertainment
$49.99 – Adult (Age 18 and above)	$29.99	$29.99
$44.99 – Children ( Age 17 and below)
$44.99 – Senior Citizen ( Age 65 and above)

As for the campground, there are three types of packages that you could purchase and stay with different benefits.

50 AMP Campsite – Great for people who have a Recreational Vehicle (RV) that demands a lot of power. This option is the most expensive, coming in at $39.99 per night.

30 AMP Campsite – This is recommended for people who have Recreational Vehicles (RV) that don’t require much electricity. It will cost you $33.99 per night.

Primitive Camping – It involves camping inside a tent or Lean-To Shelter around the woods. Although it is the cheapest option at $24.99, there are little to no amenities available.

If you are unsure which campsite you should choose, check out this video talking about 30 AMP vs. 50 AMP and the factors you should consider when picking a campsite.

6. Lake Lurleen State Park

Lake Lurleen State Park is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al to walk around and enjoy nearby attractions such as the University Of Alabama, Alabama Museum of Natural History, or Tuscaloosa River Market.

Besides that, it offers various water activities, such as paddleboards, fishing, or swimming around the area while having a picnic area around the park with picnic tables and charcoal grills.

Additionally, Lake Lurleen State Park has trails to bike on, hike, or even enjoy a nice walk around the park and take in your surroundings.

Lake Lurleen State Park operates every day from 7 am till sunset (6.40 to 6.50 p.m), where you have plenty of time to enjoy the sounds of nature and the wonderful views of the park.

It is the nearest beach to Birmingham at 43 miles (70.6km) away, equaling a one-hour and 10-minute drive using the I-20 W / I-59 S route.

The entrance fee is as follows:

Adults (Age 12 to 61) – $4

Children (Age 4 to 11) – $2

Senior Citizen (Age 62 and above or 100% disable) – $2

Children (Age 3 and below) – Free

Active and Retired Military or Veterans – Free

7. Civil Rights Memorial

The Civil Rights Memorial is best known for its tribute to the civil rights movement to end racial discrimination.

The Memorial, which honors the memory of the 40 people that were killed during the movement, has each of their names written on a black granite table with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr that says:

“Until Justice Rolls Down Like Water And Righteousness Like A Mighty Stream”

It is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al to understand the discrimination that the people faced during the 1950s and 1960s before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was approved.

The Civil Rights Memorial is open from Monday to Saturday.

The operating hours from Monday to Friday is 9 a.m to 4.30 p.m; while on Saturday, the hours are 10 a.m to 4. pm.

The Civil Rights Memorial is located at Montgomery, 90.7 miles (145.9km) away from Birmingham via I-65 S.

As for the admission fee, adults aged 18 and above are charged $2, while anyone under 18 can enter the Memorial for free.

8. Rosa Parks Museum

This museum is located at Troy University in Montgomery, Alabama, which is about an hour and 25-minute drive (92.5 miles / 148.8km) from Birmingham, Alabama, via I-65 S.

Rosa Parks Museum is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al to understand about the Civil Rights Movements in the 1950s and 1960s and the Montgomery Bus Boycott from December 1955 to December 1956.

The Rosa Parks Museum is dedicated and honored to Mrs. Parks, for her actions of refusing to give up a bus seat to a white passenger, which resulted in her arrest.

That incident helped to kickstart the Montgomery Bus Boycott to try to end racial segregation.

The Rosa Parks Museum is open from Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m and the last admission is at 4.30 p.m

The Admission Fee structure is for anyone aged 12 and above at $7.50 and the fee for those aged 4 to 12 is $5.50.

For anyone under the age of 3, admission is free.

Rosa Parks Museum is 89.9 miles (144.68km) away from Birmingham. Take the route of I-65 S, and you will arrive in about 1 hour and 28 minutes.

9. Space And Rocket Center

If you are the type of person who likes to dive deep into the history of space, such as Apollo 11 in 1969, then the Space And Rocket Center is one of the road trips from Birmingham Al that you should consider stopping by.

It has exhibitions such as The Science of Guinness World Record and Science on Orbit to see how people have pushed the boundaries of science and gain an insight into the environment of the astronauts while they are in space.

The center also has activities that you can participate in, such as the Apollo 11 Virtual Reality Experience, where you can experience how Apollo 11 transported the first man on the moon.

It is located in Huntsville, Alabama, around the area of The University of Alabama, and will take you about one hour and 34 minutes using the I-65 N route to get there.

The U.S Space And Rocket Center is open every day except for major public holidays such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day.

Its operating hours for Mondays to Fridays are from 10 a.m to 4 p.m while on Saturdays, they close at 5 p.m instead of 4 p.m. Sunday, it operates from 11 a.m to 5 p.m.

Admission Fee:

Adult and Senior Citizens (Age 13 and above) – $25.00

Children (Age 5 to 12) – $17.00

Children (Age 4 and below) – Free

Activity Fee

Apollo 11 Virtual Reality	Flight Simulator	Sea TREK	Hypership	DIVR+	Multi-Axis Trainer Experience
$12 – Non Member	$12 – Non Member	$79 – Non Member	$10 – Non Member	$35 – Non Member	$10 – Non Member
$10 – Member	$10 – Non Member	$69 – Member	$8 – Member	$25 – Member	$8 – Member

10. Ponce City Market

Once a historical and iconic Sears building, Ponce City Market has evolved to become a place full of food, offices, and shops.

This is is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al if you’re a foodie, you will find all kinds of unique and interesting restaurants here. Perfect for both food adventurers and those who prefer more traditional dishes.

Ponce City Market also has a place called The Roof, where you will find restaurants with a wonderful view look of Atlanta.

It is located in Atlanta, Georgia, a 2 hour and 26-minute drive from Birmingham, Alabama, via I-20 E.

Ponce City Market’s retail shops operate daily. Its food stalls are open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m – 9 p.m.

On Sunday, the retail store operates from 11 a.m – 6 p.m, while the food hall operates from 11 a.m to 8 p.m.

The admission fee only applies to The Roof. It starts from $7 for the daily admission, while the group admission applies to a minimum of 10 to 30 people at $6 each.

The Annual Pass starts from $79, where you will have access to all the amenities and where games and rides are unlimited.

11. Country Music Hall Of Fame

Located at the center of Nashville, the Country Music Hall Of Fame is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al to admire celebrate the artists that have contributed to the country music industry’s success.

Exploring the venue by yourself might be confusing at first because it is 350,000 square feet big. As such, you might want to consider a group tour that brings you to some of the important parts of the museum.

These include the Historical RCA Studio B (The oldest recording studio), where you can get inside knowledge from artists on their day-to-day life, from songwriting to performing on stage.

There are four different group tours with different fee structures available:

Museum Tour

Historic RCA Studio B & Recording Packages

Hatch Show Print Group Tour

Songwriter Packages

As for individual museum admissions, it will cost $17.95 for children aged 6 to 12. For those aged 13 onwards, it is $27.95, not including other packages such as experiencing the Hatch or Songwriting sessions.

The Country Music Hall Of Fame operates every day from Monday-Sunday from 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m.

It is a two-hour and 48 minutes drive from Birmingham, Alabama, using the I-65 N route.

12. The Incline Railway

If you are searching for road trips from Birmingham that have many popular places together that are not far off from each other, then this is a great choice.

The Incline Railway is a historic railway that has been in operation for 125 years and has an overview of Lookout Mountain.

You can visit places such as Point Park, a site used in 1863 during the Battle Above the Clouds, or Rock City, where you can see wonderful rock formations and a huge garden full of various flowers.

You also have various attractions such as the Creative Discovery Museum. This museum helps to encourage children to enjoy and learn multiple activities by using their creative side while having fun doing it.

The Incline Railway is open every day except for major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. From Monday to Friday, it is available from 9.00 a.m – 7.00 p.m while Saturday and Sunday they are open from 8.30 a.m – 9.30 p.m.

As for the admission, they have a general admission fee and a group rate.

General Admission – Anyone aged 13 and above will need to pay $15 for a round trip, while children aged 3 to 12 are charged $7 for a round trip.

If you have children under the age of 2, you don’t need to pay for your children’s admission as long as you are paying for your admission.

Group Rates – You will need a minimum of 20 passengers to classify as a group, and it will cost $11.20 each for a round trip.

As for children, it will cost $5.60 for a round trip.

It will be a long drive. The distance from Birmingham to The Incline Railway is 146 miles (234.96km) by using route I-59 N, and will take about two hours and 17 minutes to get there.

13. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

If you enjoy outdoor activities and long to surround yourself with nature, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is definitely a place you should visit.

It has wildlife with various species that you can explore around the 35,000-acre area with environmental education that helps us understand more about nature.

Also, you can hike around the area. You will find five trails that you can choose from with different difficulty levels that will suit any hiker.

Atkeson Trail

Flint Creek Trail

Dancy Bottom Trail

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

Wildlife Observation Trail

There are two seasons that Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge operates:

November to February – Open every day from 9.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m

March to October – Open from every Tuesday till Saturday and operate from 9.00 a.m – 4.00 p.m

You can find the guidelines here for any activities that you will perform around the area.

If you are looking for cheap day trips from Birmingham, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge has no admission fee.

It is 77.4 miles (124.56km) away from Birmingham, which is a one-hour and 12-minute drive via the I-65 N route.

14. The Fight For Rights Tour

If you are looking for coach day trips from Birmingham, The Fight For Rights Tour will visit many places of the Civil Rights Movement and the events during the era.

These include places such as Kelly Ingram Park, Freedom Riders Attack Site, and Linn Park, to name a few. The Tour will last for three hours which is plenty of time to understand the events without feeling rushed.

It is one of the best day trips from Birmingham by coach that you should consider if you want to explore the main attraction of the city of Birmingham.

The Tour is open every day from 9.45 a.m onwards but, there are a few key things that you should know before going on with the tour.

The Meet-Up place will be at Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth Statue, which is at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

You have the option for them to pick you up from your accommodation, but they have a list of locations that they will pick you up from.

You are encouraged to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes earlier to ensure that everything will go smoothly and that everyone has a good time along the tour.

For adults, the ticket price will cost $60, while for children aged 1 to 3, it is only $40.

15. Tennessee Aquarium

If you are into sea animals and want to understand how the sea creatures are being taken care of and nourished, Tennessee Aquarium is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al for you.

Established in 1992, Tennessee Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium where most of the revenue is primarily used to help operate the facilities to take care of the sea animals while ensuring that you are having a good time.

If you want to watch any movie, they offer to showcase a film with IMAX quality so that you can be immersed in it and have a different experience.

Tennessee Aquarium is open every day where from Sunday to Friday, it opens from 10 a.m – 5 p.m while Saturday it operates from 9.00 a.m – 6.00 p.m

For the ticket price, you have an aquarium visit which starts at $34.95 for adults, while for children from ages 3 to 12, it is only $21.95

For the IMAX movie tickets, for adults and children, it will cost $8, and all movies will be shown for 45 minutes only.

There is only one route you can take, which is the I-59 N from Birmingham. This is 148 miles (238.18km), which is a two-hour and 13-minute drive.

16. World Of Coca-Cola

We all know Coca-Cola as a drink company, but not many people know the history of Coca-Cola on how they started the business and the journey to bring them to where they are right now.

If you want to have fun while understanding the journey of Coca-Cola that leads them to be as successful as they are today, World Of Coca-Cola is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al for you.

World Of Coca-Cola has welcomed more than 24 million guests since 1990 to show the history of Coca-Cola on how the company operates daily.

Inside the World Of Coca-Cola, you can explore the milestones that Coca-Cola has achieved since the 1880s.

You can also learn about the history behind the secret formula of Coca-Cola, which many have attempted.

World Of Coca-Cola operates every day except for major holidays. They are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m – 7 p.m while on Saturday and Sunday, they open from 9 a.m to 7 p.m

As for the admission tickets, there are two different fee structures for individuals and groups.

Adults (Aged 13 to 64) – $18 (Individual) / $16 (Group)

Senior Citizen (Aged 65 and above) – $16 (Individual) / $14 (Group)

Children (Aged 3 to 12) – $14 (Individual) / $12 (Group)

Children (Aged 2 and below) – Free

Also, there are special ticket offers for Atlanta Citypass, Birthday Group, and Military as well.

It is located at the center of Atlanta, Georgia, 149 miles (239.80km) away from Birmingham, Alabama, which equals a two-hour and 20-minute drive via the I-20 E.

17. Belmont Mansion

Belmont Mansion is about the life and home of a woman called Adelica Acklen. This is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al to learn about the history of the construction of the Belmont Mansion before the restoration was completed in 1972

Besides that, Belmont Mansion is also one of the few remaining houses built during the 1850s, and some parts of the mansion remain unchanged.

Before the Civil War in the early 1860s, Belmont Mansion was one of the biggest houses that were built. It has an art gallery, bowling alley, zoo, and a huge garden.

It is located around Belmont University, which is 190 miles (305.77km) away from Birmingham.

Via the I-65 N route, it will take you 2 hours and 44 minutes to arrive at the Mansion.

As for the admission fee structure, there are three different options that you can choose from with various benefits and requirements, as well.

General Admission – You can tour the Mansion at your own pace. (No reservation needed)

It ranges from children from ages 6 to 12 ($5) to Adults ($16)

For the next two options, you are required to make a reservation before you visit the Mansion.

Mansion Tour – A guide will lead you to all the rooms around the mansion and listen to the stories of people who lived and worked around the mansion.

A minimum and maximum of two to ten people are allowed for this tour respectively.

As for the fee, for anyone aged 6 to 18, it will cost $10 while for adults, it will cost $20 for each person.

Curator Tour – You will get a guide to understand the home architecture and the story behind it.

The Curator Tour is only available on Mondays and Fridays and is only open to adults, starting at $30 per person.

Belmont Mansion operates from Thursday till Monday from 10 a.m – 3.30 p.m, whereas on Sunday, it is open from 11 a.m – 3.30 p.m.

18. Six-Flags Over Georgia

If you want to have some of the best day trips from Birmingham Al, Six-Flags Over Georgia can provide you with the best experience with multiple choices of rides, events, and shows to ensure that you have a wonderful time.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, rides such as the Dare Devil Dive will take you to a height of 95-foot tall before plunging you straight down!

It is definitely not for the faint of heart.!

After having fun with the rides, you can enjoy live shows to keep you entertained and wind down from all the thrilling and exciting rides that it has to offer.

If you want to be spooked and are in the area during Halloween, there is an area called Fright Fest. You may not want to enter if you’re easily scared!

As for the ticket fee structure, you have the following options:

One-Day Ticket – $34.99 per person

2021 2-Park Season Pass – $49.99 per person (You will have unlimited visits until the end of the year, but you will need to pay $25 for parking for each visit)

2022 2-Park Season Pass – $54.99 per person (Instead of the end of the year, you will have it until the end of 2022 with free parking as well)

It is a 2-hour drive from Birmingham via the I-20 E route, and it is located between Birmingham and Georgia.

19. Rock City

This attraction is located 142 miles (228.52km) away from Birmingham and is a two-hour and 16-minute drive.

Rock City has been around since May 1932 and is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al that you should consider visiting to enjoy stunning views of Tennessee and the Historical East Tennessee Barns.

You will also be surrounded by nature when you walk around the caves with their unique rock formations.

Just remember that it can be tight to move around when Rock City is crowded.

Rock City operates every single day from 8.30 a.m – 6.00 p.m.

If you are planning to visit, you will need to make a reservation first before entering. As for the ticket price, the price structure for general admission is as follows:

Rock City General Admission – $21.95 (Adult) / $12.95 (Children around Age 3 to 12)

Premium Day Admission – $24.95 (Adult) / $13.95 (Children)

Value Admission – $16.95 (Adult) / $8.95 (Children)

Premiere Event Admission – $26.95 (Adult) / $14.95 (Children)

Peak Event Admission – $29.95 (Adult) / $15.95 (Children)

As for the Annual Pass, you should be aware of two types of pass: Annual Pass

and Ultimate VIP.

Annual Pass – $45 (Adult) / $27 (Children) for purchases of less than 3 passes

As for four or more passes, it will cost $39 (Adult) and $24 (Children)

Ultimate VIP – $58 (Adult) / $35 (Children) for purchase of less than 3 passes.

For four passes and more, it will start at $49 (Adult) and $30 (Children)

The major difference is that you get unlimited visits to Rock City’s Enchanted Garden Of Light, and you can visit anytime if you purchase the Ultimate VIP pass. In contrast, Annual Pass holders can visit from Monday to Thursday. (You will need a reservation)

Also, you will get a 15% discount for any merchandise or food for Ultimate VIP compared to 10% for Annual Pass.

If you want to know more, you can refer to the differences here to understand the benefits of the two annual passes.

20. Desoto State Park

Suppose you need a nice stopover for your one day trips from Birmingham before handing to Chattanooga or going to Atlanta or Tennessee. Desoto State Park is a good place to stop by.

Here, you can have a nice picnic with the people you love the most and walk together to see beautiful waterfalls that can make you feel calmer and relaxed.

To enter Desoto Falls Picnic Area, you must pay $4.00 per vehicle to access the picnic area.

That’s the only admission fee you will pay because Desoto State Park has no gate or entrance fee.

Desoto State Park is 101 miles (162.54km) away from Birmingham, one hour and 37 minutes via the I-59 N route .

It is open from 6.00 a.m (Dawn) to 7.00 p.m (Dusk), seven days a week.

21. Ten Island Park

f you are searching for the closest beach to Birmingham, Ten Island Park might be one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al.

It is the closest beach at 54.2 miles (87.22km) from Birmingham, which is not considered near, but it is about a 1-hour drive from the city center from I-20 E and AL-144 E route.

Ten Island Park is kept clean at all times. You can swim or fish around the river without worrying about anything happening.

There’s no entrance fee but it tends to be crowded during the weekend.

Ten Island Park is open every day from 5 a.m to 9 p.m, and there are plenty of restrooms and parking if you are worried about the amenities around the park.

22. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Martin Lurther King, Jr is an extraordinary person that advocated social change during a time of racial segregation at its peak. The determination to fight the right of Black Americans was strong before his assassination in 1968.

The National Historical Park is free to enter, making it one of the best budget-friendly day trips from Birmingham Al where you can tour around the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. You will also learn about the early life journey of Martin Luther King Jr.

You could visit other places as well, such as Fire Station No.6, which was built in 1894 and served the “Sweet” Auburn community to 1991, or the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where 1960, Martin Luther King Jr was a co-pastor with his father.

It is located four minutes from the center of Atlanta, and it is a 2 hour and 22-minute drive from Birmingham via the I-20 E route, which is 148 miles (238.18km).

23. Belle Meade Plantation

This is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al to understand about slavery.

Belle Meade Plantation is a house that has a dark history behind it.

Belle Meade Plantation even has two spare tours called Mansion Tour, focusing on the Harding-Jackson family and its history.

The Journey to Jubilee Tour focuses heavily on slavery and how it currently affects race relations.

Belle Meade was constructed and completed in 1819 which. Afterward, in 1853 or 1854, Belle Meade was expanded to a two-story house with a Greek Revival-Style in mind.

Here, you will learn more about the slavery practices that took place in Belle Meade where in 1850, Belle Meade had 93 enslaved people.

Belle Meade Plantation operates every day from 9.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m. At the same time, the dine-in area is from 11 a.m – to 3 p.m.

Additionally, Belle Meade offers tours around the house, and they do provide food tours for wine and food tasting and a VIP experience so you have two options to choose from.

Besides that, they also offer outdoor activities such as Segway Tours and Grounds Admission as well.

As for the main tour fee structure, the Mansion Tour and Journey to Jubilee are as follows:

Mansion Tour – The tour lasts for 45 minutes, but you need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour starts.

Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) – Adults aged 18 will need to pay $26 while seniors aged 65 and above will need to pay $24. The fee for children aged 6 to 17 is $15

Weekends (Friday to Sunday) – Adults aged 18 will need to pay $30 per person while seniors aged 65 and above will need to pay $28. The fee for children aged 6 to 17 is $15.

Journey to Jubilee – The tour is about an hour long with a complimentary wine tasting for anyone that is 21 years or older.

Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) –– Adults aged 18 will need to pay $26 while seniors aged 65 and above will need to pay $24. The fee for children aged 6 to 17 is $15

Weekends (Friday to Sunday) – Adults aged 18 will need to pay $30 per person while seniors aged 65 and above will need to pay $28. The fee for children aged 6 to 17 is $15.

It is 195 miles (313.82km) away from Birmingham, which results in a 2 hour and 50-minute drive if you are using route I-65 N.

24. Fox Theatre

If you love theatres this is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al for you.

The story began when it was created as a home for Atlanta’s Shriners Organization due to unforeseen circumstances, the construction could not be completed.

William Fox, the man who founded Fox, financed the rest of the project and opened its doors on Christmas Day in 1929.

However, in 1974, it looked like it might be the end of Fox Theatre where during the 1960s, many multiple-screen showings were more efficient than a single theater.

After Atlanta residents heard that the Fox Theatre was going to be closed forever, they launched a campaign called “Saving The Fox” where they raised $1.85 million from the campaign.

In 1975, it was opened to the public again.

Fox Theatre is truly a legendary theatre that you should visit with its beautiful surroundings. You can also catch renowned broadway shows, such as Hamilton!

Fox Theatre also has a tour called Exterior Self-Guided Architectural Tours that you can explore at your own pace. It is open from Monday – Sunday, where the operating hours on Sunday are from noon – to 5 p.m while the rest of the days they are open from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

It is 149 miles (239.80km) away from Birmingham, which is a 2 hour and 13 minutes drive if you use the I-20 E route.

25. Beale Street

Birmingham weekend breaks — Photo by David Brossard on **Flickr**

If you like history and food this is is one of the best day trips from Birmingham Al.

This is one of the most iconic streets which tells the history of Memphis, Tennessee.

Beale Street is lively with various events. You can visit museums such as W.C Handy Home and Museum, considered the “Father of the Blues” and one of the most influential songwriters.

Also, you have restaurants and clubs that you can visit to enjoy the great food that Memphis has to offer while having events from each restaurant to keep the atmosphere lively.

Beale Street is 1.8 miles (2.9km) long. So you have plenty of time to explore the area to understand why Beale Street has become one of the most iconic streets around Memphis, Tennessee.

It is 246 miles (395.90km) away from Birmingham, one of the furthest places to drive at 3 hours and 35 minutes by the I-22 route.

26. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a place of heaven for motorsport fans that showcases classic motorcycles, and Lotus Race Cars that won the Formula One World Championship.

Currently, there are 1,600 motorcycles collected and at least 50 Lotus Race Cars gathered in the museum.

Currently, it sits at the Guinness World Record to have the world’s largest collection of motorcycles in 2014 with this number growing each year.

It is open every day. On Monday to Saturday, they are open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m, and on Sunday from 12 p.m – 6 p.m. Generally, they tend to get busy when they organize events during certain months.

As for admission fees, adults aged 13 and above will need to pay $16.50 while children from ages 4 to 12 only pay $11.

If you use route I-20 E from Birmingham, it is 17 miles (27.35km) away, about a 20-minute drive.

27. Southern Museum Of Flight

Southern Museum Of Flight honors historical planes and their significance, such as during the Vietnam War.

Not only that, but the Southern Museum Of Flight also honors the memory and service that certain individuals have contributed to the aviation industry by introducing them at the Alabama Aviation Hall Of Fame.

They have 100 aircraft on show at the museum, including planes from each decade to show how aviation technology has evolved and the contribution of each plane to the aviation industry at its time.

The Museum is open from every Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00 a.m – 4.00 p.m.

As for the admission fee, adults pay $7 while students or seniors pay $6. If you are an active military member or a family member of a military member, you can enter the museum for free.

It is one of the closest places coming at 7.3 miles (11.75km) using the I-59 N route, a 10 to 15-minute drive from the center of Birmingham.

28. Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is located close to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is the largest underground waterfall in the United States.

Ruby Falls also has one of the largest commercial caves around the United States, where you can walk around.

You can experience the waterfall inside the cave while being surrounded by wonderful and unique rock formations.

You will also find Zip-Line activities for $19.95 per person, which is great news for adrenaline junkies!

Ruby Falls operates every day from 8 a.m – 8 p.m except on Christmas Day, but you will need to make a reservation before heading down.

It is 144 miles (231.50km) away from Birmingham, which, if you take route I-59 N. This will take you about two hours and 10 minutes.

29. Graceland

Graceland was the home to the legendary artist Elvis Presley when he purchased the house when he was only 22 years old.

If you want to have the best weekend trips from Birmingham Al, you should consider visiting Graceland and even staying around to do all the fun activities that it offers.

Graceland allows you to explore the life of Elvis Presley when he was around, such as his music career, what he has achieved and how he rose to fame.

You can also view his car collection as Elvis Presley loved to collect rare cars to add to his collections.

Best of all, you could even view the custom jets that he purchased in 1975. He spent a lot of money redesigning the jets to suit his liking and named them after his daughter, Lisa Marie.

The admission price is not cheap, but the price is definitely value for money with the experience of touring Graceland.

You have four different tours that you can choose from:

Ultimate VIP Tours – It will cost $190.00 per person for anyone aged 3 and older.

It is the most expensive option, but you will have everything included, such as having access to the Ultimate Lounge and an expert guide to walk you through.

Elvis Entourage VIP – It will cost $124.00 per person for anyone age 5 and older.

For this option, you get to self-tour the area while having access to all the facilities around Graceland, and you can skip the queue by going through VIP line and are eligible for multiple entries on the same day.

Elvis Experience Tour – $75 (Anyone aged 11 and older), and for anyone aged 5 to 10 it is $43

You will gain access to the facilities as on the previous tour.

The main difference is that, for this tour, you can only enter once.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis + Planes – $26.00 (children aged 5 to 10) while for for adults (aged 11 and above), the cost is $47 .

You will get everything offered in the Experience Tour, but you will not have access to the Graceland Mansion, and you will not have an audio-guided tour.

It is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day from 9.00 a.m – 4.00 p.m.

Graceland is 239 miles (384km) away from Birmingham, and using route I-22, it will take you at least three hours and 20 minutes to get there.

30. The Legacy Museum

This is a museum with a rich and dark history that talks about the enslavement and mass incarceration in the 19th century.

It is important to understand that now we have various laws and policies that prevent such activities and events from happening again.

However, remembering and understanding from the past is also important to get educated about how people were treated, and how the human trafficking market was at its peak back then.

The Legacy Museum wants to protect and fight for basic human rights and stop racial or economic injustice.

You can visit the Museum for free regardless of how old you are, but you must make a reservation first.

The Museum is open from 9.00 a.m – to 5.00 p.m, seven days a week except for major public holidays.

It is 91.2 miles (146.77km) away from Birmingham, and if you take route I-65 S, you should arrive at the museum in about one hour and 20 minutes.

Why Do Day Trips From Birmingham Al

You might be wondering, why explore outside of Birmingham, Alabama, when Birmingham itself is a beautiful city to explore?

The answer is there are so many places that you could visit that can make even your day trips much more adventurous, eventful, and fun.

Birmingham is only one to three drives from cities such as Memphis, Nashville, and Atlanta, which have various unique attractions to the city’s history and culture.

Each city has its history that you can visit to understand and explore what has happened in the past and how it has shaped people’s environment.

Best Time To Start Your Day Trips From Birmingham Al

If you plan to visit other cities during your day trips, it is difficult to say which is the best time to start to get the best experience when visiting the cities.

But, you can plan your visit according to the best time to visit for each season.

Birmingham, Alabama

The best time to visit is around March to May or October to November, where the temperature is about on average 68’F (20’C).

Atlanta, Georgia

The best time to visit Atlanta is around March to May or September to October where the average weather temperature is about 65’F to 70’F (18’C to 21’C)

Tennessee, Nashville

Nashville can get chilly around February to early April, but the best time to visit is around mid-April to the end of May, where the temperature is around 50’F to 65’F (10’C to 18’C).

How To Travel From Birmingham Al

Having a day trip is a fun and wonderful thing to do, but you will need some sort of transportation to travel to each city and attraction.

Let’s cover the options you could choose from and the pros and cons that you should know about.

Car

Getting around by car is the most convenient way to travel to each place and city without much hassle.

A car can help you to take control of your schedule to visit any attraction around the city.

That being said, it has its downsides as well.

Because of the distance between each city, it can be tiring to drive around. It will take you on average about two to three hours and most attractions at each city are quite a distance as well.

Not only that, it’s not the cheapest place to travel from Birmingham because you will need to consider the gas costs which tend to add up.

You can go to car rental companies such as Alamo or Enterprise for your day trips if you don’t have a vehicle or if the city doesn’t have any good public transportation system.

Taxis

Private hire taxis such as Uber or Lyft can be an option to travel from Birmingham, but it is also the most expensive option.

Taxis can eliminate the cost of parking your car because these fees will add up each day when you park your car. You also don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot!

But, here is where the good news ends because taxis are expensive to travel around the city

You will need to wait for the taxis to arrive at your destination before you get on your way to the city attraction. Additionally, it may be difficult to get a taxi to suit your timings, especially if you are planning to go for your day trips at peak hours.

Trains

If you don’t mind walking around from the train station to your desired destination, then trains are a great mode of transportation to travel around to each city.

If you are looking for a cheaper and faster mode of transport than car or taxis but don’t mind following a schedule, trains can be a good option to consider.

However, do note that you won’t have the flexibility to travel to a specific place that you want to go and so you may need to take additional transportation to get to your exact desired location.

How To Choose Where To Stay

Not only will you need to consider what transportation you should choose, but you will also need to choose where you are going to stay around each city.

If you are stuck on how to choose where to stay, don’t worry!

These apps can help you make your decision about where to stay much easier.

Airbnb

Airbnb is on of the best options when choosing to start your day trip Birmingham journey.

Airbnb allows you to choose exactly what amenities in a home you want, such as having free parking, wifi, or even allowing pets into the area.

Additionally, Airbnb also allows you to choose the type of accommodation that you want, such as a cabin, apartment, or even a regular house, to suit your particular needs.

Couchsurfing

Sometimes, researching online can keep us informed at all times.

There’s no doubt about that, and it has changed how we get information that much easier.

But, to explore the city, the locals know the best tips to help you understand and know what the town is about with the attractions, its long-lasting and rich history and the best food that you should try.

Couchsurfing helps to bridge the gap to meet with wonderful people across the globe to experience the best that the city can offer and meet up with strangers and talk about your travel experience.

Not only that, you can find some of your best friends by just meeting with new people and even gain new knowledge that can be useful in your travel journey.

Hotel Tonight

Suppose you need to find a last-minute hotel spot to stay during your day trip because the accommodation you find is closed during the day, and you need to find a replacement quickly.

Hotel Tonight is a phone app/website that helps you book a hotel at a discount without fearing that you will need to book it in advance if you go to the Hotel’s official website itself.

You don’t need to use it all the time.

But, sometimes we don’t know what will happen during our day trips, right?

Hotel Tonight can be a great reassurance that if anything happens during the day trip where you can’t find accommodation to stay, you can fall back to Hotel Tonight to help save the day.

Price To Travel From Birmingham Al

It can be expensive to have day trips from Birmingham, but it doesn’t mean that it will always be that way all the time.

The calculations below are not meant to be set in stone but can serve as a rough guideline on starting your estimate for your specific day trip.

Let’s dive deep into the price of each section of the day trip.

Food

One of the main elements of day trips is food, and it is the joy of life with its delicious flavor, texture, and visual of the food that makes it wonderful to consume the food.

Sometimes, it is great to splurge on great food because each city has unique food that you might not have tried before, but it is important to keep your spending in check.

The average food price can range from $18 to $45, not including tips or any other tax that each city can charge.

Transportation

We all can’t walk to each city and place, right?

We all need some sort of transportation to get us from Point A to Point B, but how we get there is a different discussion.

A few factors drive the calculation for transportation: how long will you travel and how many miles per gallon (MPG) your vehicle can produce, and how much gas your vehicle can hold?

For example, if a car can hold 30 gallons of fuel while doing 22 miles per gallon, you travel a total of 520 miles.

Let’s assume that a gallon of fuel is $3, it will cost you $90 to fuel up your vehicle, and you are set for the entire journey.

The cost of transportation is highly dependent on how far your journey is, the types of vehicles, and how efficient your vehicle is.

State Parks

State Parks are great places to relax after a day full of various activities having a great experience and exploring new places.

State Parks usually have campgrounds and cabins to offer, which are usually located outside of each city and away from the hustle and bustle.

It can range from $20 to $45 per night, which does not include any taxes or reservation fees.

I understand that living in the city center can be expensive at times, but it is all down to personal preference.

Recreation Activities

Recreation activities offered in popular attractions can help us have a great time. From zipline tours to stunning views and exploring unique places

Recreation creates memories that we will remember for a long time, especially when we’re enjoying them with our family or friends, making it extra special.

Recreation activities can be expensive, but its all about balance.

Recreation activities are usually priced from $20 to $50 per recreation.

Parking

I know that most people don’t like the parking fee (Me as well), but most places have parking fees that you need to consider in your day trip budget.

Parking Fees usually cost from $3 to $6, which will add up over time if you constantly visit various cities.

How To Reduce Your Travel Cost

We all want to save money in any way possible, right?

There are a few ways to get a discount on your purchase during your journey or even get a free place to stay.

Are you curious about it?

Let’s cover which ways that you can use and apply to save money.

Credit Card Points

If you want free accommodations, a credit card could be the way to go in terms of actually getting a free place to stay.

But, you might be asking, how do you get a free stay, and why are the accommodations giving out a free holiday?

When you sign up for a credit card, the company you signed up with might have partnered with various companies, including your accommodation of choice.

You can collect points that either won’t expire or will expire on a later date which you can redeem for flights, accommodation, and many more.

It starts with putting all of your expenses on a credit card (if possible) and paying all the balance off by the end of the month to avoid carrying any balance which will hit you hard.

We are talking about 15 – 20% interest which is not good at all.

After a while, you will rack up so many points that you can enjoy your day trip almost for free.

Tip: Credit Card companies have a sign-up bonus where you will need to spend a certain amount to get a certain amount of points in a specific period.

Book Your Stay During Off-Season

Planning your best day trips from Birmingham at the right time can save you plenty of money.

Of course, you can’t time the right date to get the lowest price for your accommodation, right?

But, you can book in advance, which saves you more because the accommodation usually (not always) gives a discount for anyone staying longer.

Usually, about one month before each season is the best time to book your accommodation.

During Off-Season, when there are less people, the price is lower. If you can plan when you will stay on your day trips and how long you stay in each city, you don’t have to worry about being over budget.

Cash-Back Apps

If you are going to pay a certain amount, you might as well get a discount, right?

Let’s cover some of the cashback websites or apps that you could use.

Fluz

It’s an app that you could install into your phone and shop at your usual places, such as Netflix, Starbucks, or even Chipotle, to get some cashback and accumulate it over time.

After a while, you will accumulate a lot of cashback by making sure that you have gone through Fluz App to get a great cashback on your bill.

You have the option to transfer the cashback that you have accumulated to your bank account as a result.

It is useful traveling from city to city where you will need to spend at a certain place, why not get some sweet cashback for your money?

Rakuten

Rakuten is a web chrome extension or an app that you can shop around with its promotional code, which has a certain percentage of cashback that can save you some money for your bill.

It has multiple choices of stores that you can see where you can put your accommodation and get cash back from it, which can be huge depending on how long you are staying and the cashback percentages as well.

It also has shopping websites such as Target or Walmart that you can shop online and get a kickback from your total bill.

Things You Should Bring Along

Head-Rest – A head-rest is great for having a long drive going to different cities or places. You might feel discomfort after sitting inside the car for a while.

The last thing we all want is a stiff neck, right?

Having a good Head-Rest fitted at your car seat is important because you can have a more comfortable day trip.

Sunglasses – Having a good pair of sunglasses is important to protect our eyes from being exposed to harmful UV lights for a long time as this can be damaging to our eyes.

A Backpack – A good quality backpack can make or break your day trip experience. Having a spacious backpack that can hold so much weight will make carrying your things around much easier without breaking your shoulders.

Sunscreen – We are going to be under the sunlight for some time. There is a high chance that sunburns might happen, which is not a pleasant experience!

A Bottle Of Water – In all our excitement in visiting these cities, we may forget to keep ourselves hydrated! So, always remember to fill up a bottle of water and carry it along with you on your journey because being hydrated will ensure that your body can function properly throughout the day.

Snacks – Sometimes, we get hungry during our journey to each city or place, and a good, healthy snack keeps us going to enjoy the day trip to its fullest.

What we consume is so important to our overall body because good and natural food can provide us with energy to power through the day.

Power Banks – Sometimes, we need our phone or laptop to keep us occupied because we tend to wind down and watch a couple of movies.

But maybe you are on your way to another city, and you remember that you have forgotten to charge your phone and the journey is one hour and 30 minutes away.

A power bank is not necessary, but in the event you forget to charge your phone at least, you have your power bank to fall back on.

Umbrella – It is important to have an umbrella with you if rain starts to fall, and it can quickly escalate from there. It is not going to be a fun experience if you are soaking wet in the rain.

Beach Towels – If you are going for a day trip, you will be going to a few beaches along the journey. As such, you may want to carry towels that are quick to dry.

Swimwear – If you are planning to indulge in water-based activities, it is worthwhile to invest in some high-quality swimwear. These will not only provide you comfort but also the flexibility to move your body around without feeling restricted so that you can enjoy the water activities to their fullest.

Best Food That You Should Try From Birmingham Al

Birmingham

Highlands Bar & Grills – Oyster / Stone Ground Baked Grits ( Birmingham, Alabama )

Ovenbird – Beef Fat Candle ( Birmingham, Alabama )

Barbecue – Saw BBQ (Birmingham, Alabama)

Atlanta

Dulcan Vegan Bakery & Cafe – Chai Latte or Chia Pudding Bowl (Atlanta, Georgia )

Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar – Seafood Menu (Atlanta, Georgia )

The Varsity – Chili Cheese Dog (Atlanta, Georgia )

Huntsville

Blue Plate Cafe – Breakfast (Huntsville, Alabama)

Rosie’s Mexican Cantina – Quesadilla, Burrito and, Enchiladas ( Huntsville, Alabama)

Honest Coffee Roasters – Acai Bowls, Coffee or Bagel ( Huntsville, Alabama )

Montgomery

Chappy Deli’s – Breakfast Menu or Grilled/Deli Sandwiches ( Montgomery, Alabama )

Asia Bistro & Seafood – Chinese Food ( Montgomery, Alabama )

Tennessee

Biscuit Love – Buttermilk Biscuit ( Tennessee, Nashville )

Rice’s Country Hams – Country Ham ( Tennessee, Nashville )

Cafe Monell’s – Cornbread ( Tennessee, Nashville )

Useful Travel Tips

Most state parks will require you to call the state park you booked to check in after 4.00 p.m. Because typically, the check-in starts at 11 am to 4 pm in most state parks

If you plan to rent a car, you need to be aged 25 and above.

If you need a bathroom, but the nearest place is a Starbucks, you can use it without purchasing anything from Starbucks.

If you are ordering any food in the United States, just remember to order one or two sizes down because the serving sizes are massive.

You are expected to tip around 20% of your total bill (Not included in the sales tax) to the server, and you might want to add it to your total expenses.

Public transport is not great in most cities, but cities like Washington or California have great public transport systems.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, the 30 day trips From Birmingham Al that you should consider visiting in the coming future.

Sometimes, we don’t know which place or city we should visit because we want our day trips to be memorable and fun. We don’t want to waste our opportunity on places that you might not be not interested in at all.

If you find the article useful to you. If you know of anyone going to Birmingham, share this with them so that they know which place they should go to have a great time together and create memories that last a lifetime!

30 Day Trips From Birmingham Al That You Should Consider Taking