To fully experience the walk, you can access a free audio tour from your cell phone by calling 205-307-5455. From used doll parts to prosthetic legs, taxidermy, and strangely spectacular local artwork, theres nothing you cant find at the quirky little downtown store of Birmingham Oddities. (256) 259-1525. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum, the humbling and sobering Civil Rights Institute keeps the Birmingham Story alive, providing a fascinating insight into not only the local fight for civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s, but the continuous worldwide battle for equality and human rights. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! 8. It is also the largest of the state parks in Alabama, boasting of 9,940 acres. Perhaps the most significant site is Kelly Ingram Park, which played host to civil rights rallies, demonstrations and confrontations in the 1960s, including the Children's Crusade. The sleek and modern hotel features a swimming pool, pet-friendly rooms, and a 24-hour front desk. Plus, with a cafe on-site, you can refuel before your next jump. If youre a movie buff, then youll love the annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Film Festival. All the venues are found in the theatre district of Birmingham, making it easy to walk from one place to another and catch as many films as possible or an easy walk to the nearby restaurants and bars for a post-movie nightcap. The advice from our instructor Naomi was spot on every time. Since 1880, 16th Street Baptist Church has been active on this site ever since, and On September 15, 1963, a bomb exploded at the church killing four young girls and escalating the race wars. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. View pricing and ticket options here. On those sizzling summer days, if youre craving a little cooling-off, look no further than Alabama Adventure! All of the children commented on how much of a great party it was. However, its far from the only notable watering hole. would definitely be fun sharing that trip with others, I thoroughly enjoyed the personalized one-on-one. Good People Brewery, right next to the Railroad Park, offers a great outdoor space to enjoy your beer and some live music while also offering behind-the-scenes tours; while the Back Forty Beer Co. serves up a killer view of the Sloss Furnaces to complement its craft range. Birmingham Museum of Art - Take the entire family and set off on an interesting adventure through history together. Home to all types of mammals, birds, and reptiles, the Birmingham Zoo was first opened in 1955 and now hosts more than 170 animals. If your timing is right, on specific days (check the website), the zoo puts on magical Glow Wild nights where animal-shaped lanterns are released into the sky! They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a, I would definitely recommend Matrix VR with kids and/or adults, especially in groups as it's, time with their friends and I would recommend Cannon Park for anyone considering a laser tag party -, and an amazing jolly host, (Iza) took great care off us all and made it reall fun, It was amazing so fun had a great time with the. Originally opened in 1910 for the Birmingham Black Barons, the ballpark is currently being restored and features special events and ball games. Hands-on displays feature motion, energy, light and sound, and kids young and old will find many exciting things to see and do. If youre not much of a climber, bring your hiking shoes to explore around 12 miles of hiking trails, zig-zagging throughout the park. When it was built in 1927, the Alabama Theatre was intended for silent movies. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. Best of all, admission is free! The only gripe among recent visitors concerned the museum's facilities, or lack thereof: museumgoers said they would love to see a cafe or eatery added to the grounds. Discover the top options for this specially designed legwear that can help travelers. Nowadays, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the furnaces, as well as the on-site museum, which contains artifacts and information about the furnaces history and its workers. Birmingham Pedal Tours 47 Bar, Club & Pub Tours Beer Tastings & Tours Open now By milleap This is such a unique and fun way to experience Birmingham's best hangout spots. Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto, Once an industrial hub of the South and ground zero for the civil rights movement, Birmingham is now a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known for its. With countless fun and adventures to get up to in The Magic City we hope that you spotted your next activity on our list of the best things to do in Birmingham! At 56 feet tall and weighing in at over 100,000 pounds, this colossal figure has been overlooking the city for over a century, serving as a longstanding iconic landmark of the city. Will be going back with the kids. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. I will be coming back again. To guarantee a fun-filled time, look through this list of some of the best things to do in Birmingham, AL, that you can enjoy with your travel buddies. However, some were disappointed with its petite size (it spans more than 2,200 square feet). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Thank you Redpoint for a brilliant day. Take a Dolphin Cruise at Orange Beach If you're tired of going to Gulf Coast beaches to suntan, try taking a dolphin cruise instead! Reviewers commented on the clean restrooms, beautiful gardens, picnic facilities and scenic trails. Exciting Game - Escape Room Birmingham 999 Escape Games Open now By Traveler32699994631 Amazing game and amazing service, would 100% recommend! Fantastic, challenging, and fun! At the turn of the 20th Century, the city decided to erect several different skyscrapers all in the same area: the intersection of 1st Avenue, North Street, and 20th Street. Megan Johnson|Timothy J. ForsterMay 1, 2023, Holly Johnson|Marisa MndezApril 28, 2023, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge. Grab the popcorn! Catch a bird's-eye view of the city from the iconic Vulcan Tower, go on a stroll through "Birmingham's Living Room" (Railroad Park) or experience an adrenaline rush zip lining through Red Mountain Park. The exhibits displayed at the Southern Museum of Flight pertain to both the military and the civil domain. Affectionately known as the Old Gray Lady, the stadium can seat up to 71,000 people and when its filled, the roar and the energy are palpable. Surrounding the hero are multiple exhibits outlining the best of Birminghams timeline, as well as an observation deck that sports an unmatched panoramic view of the downtown skyline and beyond. Whatever mix of bars or clubs you end up at, the one thing is for sure: you wont have a shortage of options. Unclaimed Baggage Center Scottsboro. [+] There are 32 different types of things to do inside in or near Birmingham, Alabama. way to experience Birmingham's best hangout spots. 15. The largest city in Alabama, Birmingham is a beautiful historic destination offering an array of exciting things to see and do, from museums and historic landmarks to sports, theater and great restaurants.Visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, explore the Birmingham Museum of Art, and take a self-guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute presents the moving story of the city's role in the civil rights movement, focusing not just on the past, but also on the continuing international struggle for human rights through permanent and temporary galleries. From cookie cakes and cookie stacks to gift bags and sampler packs, the bakery has got you covered with a wide-ranging menu of baked goods that will be sure to leave you craving more (thank heavens for the take-home packs). Tucked away in the Mountain Brook area, not too far from the zoo, this park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that make it perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic lunch. We attended Redpoint for my daughters 7th birthday party with a small group of her friends. Pass under towering trees, impressive and oddly shaped boulders, creeks, and more. . Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfalls. Dont have too much time to get a full treatment at the spa? Named after the Roman god of fire and smithery, the Vulcan Park & Museum is guarded by the third largest cast iron statue in the world, weighing 50 tons. Once you arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the best way to get to your hotel or downtown is to book an airport transfer. I could imagine how beautiful the area is in the fall. Spread across multiple floors and featuring a quaint garden and cozy cafe, the museum displays over 24,000 works in its permanent collection, including an impressive selection of paintings ranging from impressionism to renaissance and contemporary, as well as extensive collections representing a diverse range of cultures and time periods (dont miss the Pre-Columbian masks). Fun fact: finances permitting, you can even rent out the track for your own event! There are multiple self-guided scavenger hunts available in Birmingham; most of them dont even require you to do more than download an app! University of Alabama-Birmingham - If you're a fan of modern-day architecture and design, add this attraction to your must-see list. You'll also find the only public horticultural library in the United States here. If wine tasting is more your speed, then check out North Georgias incredible vineyards on a wine tour! who left us all with the chills after our ghost tour! After youre exhausted with all the activity, you can head on over to the picnic area, enjoy a nice meal, and, if youre up for it, set up camp for the night! Not to be overlooked is The Roof, an aptly-named watering hole on top of the Redmont Hotel on Fifth Ave, as well as the chic and colorful Habitat Feed and Social over in the suburb of Mountain View. The evening started off with a fascinating Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks Kayaking & Canoeing. Hint: getting a beer with friends and a retro bar arcade! Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 1,300 History Museums Open now By sydsel Great museum with a prime location in Birmingham, right next to Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church. Because I want to help make your dream vacation a reality, here is a handpicked list of some of the best things to do in Alabama. Home to the Minor League Baseball team Birmingham Barons, Regions Field is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The guides were all very friendly and cool. I decided to take my younger brother here during the Christmas holiday to get him out of the house. Start planning your trip today! The instructors looking after our group (Danny and Jordan) were excellent. Many golfers loved playing in November, when the weather is still fairly warm. The 345-acre park overflows with natural wonders, hiking trails, and climbing opportunities. There are interactive exhibits, thought-provoking lectures a large collection of artifacts, and guided tours that escort visitors through the halls, telling the stories of the many brilliant baseball players who graduated from the league. Bankhead National Forest is truly one of the most adventurous attractions in Alabama. Social Media. 20 minutes east of Downtown, the Park features calming walking trails, powerful memorial statues, and the Hall of Honor temple, which displays over 11,000 names of 11,000 Alabamians whove sacrificed their lives in battle. Lastly, take in the small and beautiful waterfalls, and feel the misty breeze right before leaving. In Memphis, get your tickets for the Riverboat Cruise, then afterward go to the historic Stax Museum of American Soul Music. I will be coming back again. Stop by some of the off-site education programs to learn more about what they do on a daily basis, and even witness a trained raptor! Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Recently cracked opened a positive-sounding fortune cookie? An integral part of the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, the center is located in the historic Loveman's department store building. 2022 9. Plus, with a wide range of ticket prices to choose from, theres something for every budget. Recent travelers said this local favorite is a gorgeous green space. With over 1500 acres of green space and 15 miles of trails (that are well-maintained and clearly marked), its easy to spend an entire day exploring every nook and cranny this expansive park has to offer. Birmingham is home to some of the finest golf courses in Alabama and, with sunny days nearly year-round, these lush and manicured greens present as a great place to spend an afternoon perfecting your drive. Birmingham, AL 35094. Helped us when needed Amazing game and amazing service, would 100% recommend!! No matter what time of year, if youre in Birmingham and looking for fun things to do or even just a day trip make sure you check out Legion Field Stadium. Avondale Brewing Companys taproom features over a dozen homegrown blends as well as a dedicated sour room! The views during your 14,000-foot freefall are simply incredible, and something that will stick with you forever. Throw in at some of the finest motorcycle collections in history, towering statues, and a stack of happening rooftop bars and underground breweries, and youve found yourself a seriously worthy destination. If you want to hop on the music train (literally) check out Mojo Tours to pick up music facts! Other reviewers praised the assortment of Lotus Cars and the outdoor track, which hosts the Porsche Sport Driving School. This six-block area in downtown Birmingham encompasses several historic sites, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the A.G. Gaston Gardens and the Fourth Avenue Business District, among other points of interest. These passport holders make keeping your documents in order a breeze while traveling. Today, it is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and bowl games. The Highland Park Golf Course, which holds its own as the oldest golf course in the state of Alabama (opened in 1903), has 18-holes just a 5-minute drive from downtown. Home to the UAB Blazers mens and womens basketball teams as well as the volleyball team, the Bartow Arena is a great and affordable place to catch a game (or two) when in town and check out the countrys up and coming stars. 1. Crack the codes inside The Big Escape Rooms, where each room has a select few numbers of clues that you have to use to solve the mysteries. McWane Science Center 959 Science Museums Aquariums Open now By DeoniaNeveu Redpoint Birmingham Climbing Centre 72 Sports Complexes Open now By 852cathariner They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. Both were a blast and the staff was great! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The arena seats up to 8,500 people and has been hosting games since 1988, locking horns with the likes of Lousiana State, North Texas, Rice, University of Texas San Antonio, and a whole lot more. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Covering over 1000 acres, this urban nature preserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as almost 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. Nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Kelly Ingram Park is a 16-acre haven of green space and serenity. Lovers of true rock music, visit The Nick, a grungy, rock and roll concert venue that has hosted everyone from Kings of Leon to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. One of the coolest things in downtown Birmingham, McWane Science Center is worth a spot on your itinerary. And, as the name suggests, its also home to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. Once an industrial hub of the South and ground zero for the civil rights movement, Birmingham is now a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known for its wide array of outdoor spaces and golf courses. No problem! Everyone had a great time on & off track with great buzz from everyone while at the Birmingham venue. THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham, Best Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham. Birmingham Back to Backs. We both enjoyed our time here. With its grandiose auditorium and art deco design, the Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 as a luxury cinema for those who could afford itand today, travelers can enjoy that same luxury and a rich history to boot at one of their events or shows! 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