Lake Martin is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the United States, located in Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties in east-central Alabama. The reservoir was created in 1926 when the Martin Dam impounded the Tallapoosa River, resulting in a lake with more than 40,000 acres and more than 800 miles of shoreline. To this day, the Martin Dam generates hydroelectric power.

Lake Martin's large acreage and wooded shoreline have made it a popular vacation destination in Alabama, and as a result, it is surrounded by a significant amount of luxury real estate and rental properties. Swimming, fishing, boating, and waterskiing are all popular water sports and hobbies for vacationers. Golfing and camping are also available nearby. Every year, a variety of events are held on or near the lake, including fishing tournaments, July 4th fireworks, music festivals, and boat parades.

The lake is dotted with numerous small islands, many of which are popular with boaters during the summer. Swimmers, for example, flock to Acapulco Rock Island, where they scale various levels before diving into the water. Goat Island, named after its resident goat family, is a favorite among children.

Location: in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties in Alabama.

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0/5

Best times to visit: March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October

Guntersville Lake is the state's largest lake, spanning 61,900 acres and stretching 75 miles. It was formed when the Guntersville Dam in northeast Alabama dammed up the Tennessee River. The impressive size of Guntersville Lake and its 950 miles of shoreline provide plenty of space for activities both on and off the water.

Guntersville Lake is one of the best bass fishing spots in Alabama, if not the entire country. This body of water is well-known for largemouth bass, but anglers can also catch catfish, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish. Throughout the year, the lake hosts a number of fishing tournaments. Swimming and boating are two other popular lake activities, and both motorized and nonmotorized boats can be rented.

Though sunbathing on the beach at Lake Guntersville State Park is a perfectly pleasant pastime, the park offers a variety of sights and activities. If you come here during the colder months, you might see some nesting bald eagles, as this area has one of the highest eagle concentrations in the state. Over 35 miles of trails welcome hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, and a variety of lodging options accommodate overnight visitors.

Location: in northern Alabama between Bridgeport and Guntersville.

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0/5

Best times to visit: The summer months

Among the best places to visit in Alabama, Little River Canyon National Park Preserve is one of them. Despite its name, the Little River Canyon National Preserve is anything but small. The 15,288-acre preserve is located in northeast Alabama, near the Georgia border, in the Southern Appalachians. It is notable for a variety of reasons, including the flow of its river, which runs almost entirely atop a mountain. The river's water quality is also exceptional. The preserve is also well-known for the variety of its flora and fauna.

The Little River Canyon National Preserve is one of Alabama's most popular outdoor tourist attractions, attracting approximately 800,000 visitors per year. The variety of activities available at the park contributes significantly to the park's popularity. Thrill seekers can go whitewater rafting on the mighty Little River, rock climbing, bouldering, or rappelling down sheer sandstone cliffs. Kayaking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are more low-key options.

A visit to Little River Canyon National Preserve would be incomplete unless you spent some time observing the local wildlife. Anglers can enjoy excellent fly-fishing opportunities in the river, while hunters must be patient while looking for deer and turkeys. Birdwatchers will be in for a treat as well, as the preserve is home to 142 different species of birds.

Location: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Hoa Kỳ

Tripadvisor rating: 4.8/5

Best times to visit: during the winter months

Who would have guessed that one of the most interesting things to see in Alabama would be underground? Cathedral Caverns State Park, located in northeast Alabama, began as a tourist attraction called Bat Cave in the 1950s. After being purchased by the state in 1987, it reopened as a state park in 2000. The cave was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972, and its stunning features attract visitors all year.

The guided cave tour, which is approximately 1.5 miles round trip, is a must-do activity in this park. The origin of the caverns' current name becomes clear as soon as visitors enter the 126-foot-wide and 25-foot-high entrances. Inside, more astounding statistics await, such as that of Goliath, a 45-foot-tall, 243-foot-wide stalagmite that is one of the world's largest of its kind. The cave maintains a temperature of 60 °F all year, allowing you to marvel at nature's amazing formations in comfort.

Above ground, the park also provides entertainment. The gem-mining activity, which involves sifting, washing, and identifying fossils or rough-cut gems from purchased bags of mining dirt, is especially popular with children. Follow the park's designated hiking trails or bring a tent and camp out overnight to make the most of the outdoors.

Location: 637 Cave Rd., Woodville, AL 35776, United States

Tripadvisor rating: 4.8/5

Best times to visit: fall season

Florence and Muscle Shoals, separated by the Tennessee River in northwest Alabama, are two destinations that are frequently combined into one trip, not only because of their proximity but also because their attractions have a lot in common. American icons can be found in Florence and Muscle Shoals. These icons can take the form of individuals, architecture, musical movements, and so on, but they all have one thing in common: they have left their mark on American history.'

W.C. Handy, known as the "Father of the Blues," was born in Florence, north of the river. He was born in a small cabin in Florence in 1873, which is now a museum and library. Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House is another must-see landmark in Florence. The home, built in 1940, is one of the finest examples of the famous architect's Usonian house concept and is open for tours.

If you've heard of the Muscle Shoals Sound, you're probably familiar with the town that bears its name, which is one of the best places to visit in Alabama for music fans. Fame Recording Studios, which are still in operation today, are located in Muscle Shoals and are open for tours). In addition to assembling two of the most formidable studio bands in American music history, this unlikely studio worked with Otis Redding, Etta James, Duane Allman, Paul Simon, the Rolling Stones, and many others.

Location: along the Tennessee River in the northern part of the state

Tripadvisor rating: 4.7/5

Best times to visit: October and August.

Orange Beach, another Gulf town and the state's easternmost community, is located to the west of Gulf Shores. Because of its proximity to Gulf Shores, many people treat the two towns interchangeably, and tourists frequently visit both in a single trip. Orange Beach, on the other hand, has its own distinct personality and enough attractions to warrant a visit in and of itself.

In this waterfront town, recreation is the name of the game. Orange Beach's Wharf has something for everyone and is popular with both locals and visitors. The marina at the wharf is more than just a place to dock boats; it's also a shopping destination and the site of several major fishing tournaments. Major musical acts perform in an amphitheater, and children will enjoy minigolf, a 112-foot Ferris wheel, and a laser light show.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park continues the outdoor fun. This beautiful park on Wolf Bay has paved walking paths, plenty of picnic shelters, and a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system consists of seven trails spread across six ecosystems. The trails wind through marshes and swamps, and visitors with keen eyes may spot deer, bobcats, and alligators. This is one of the best places to visit Alabama.

Location: in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.6/5

Best times to visit: April and May, and then again in September through November.

Although you may not think of Alabama as a beach vacation destination, cities like Gulf Shores are working hard to change your mind. In fact, Gulf Shores is a resort town with a thriving tourism industry. Gulf Shores is the state's southernmost community, and its long, hot summers and mild winters welcome visitors all year.

The city has some of the best beaches in Alabama, with Gulf Shores Public Beach being one of the most popular. The sand is white and sugar-soft, and there are plenty of opportunities for beachcombing. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm and inviting, attracting swimmers, surfers, parasailers, dolphin cruises, and others. And, while the beach's allure is undeniable, it remains a hidden gem, lacking the crowds that flock to beaches in other states.

Gulf State Park has even more shorelines. The Gulf State Park Pier is a popular fishing and people-watching spot. Redfish, Spanish and king mackerel, speckled trout, catfish, sheepshead, croaker, and whiting are among the species commonly caught along the 1,540-foot-long pier. Consider the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a popular family attraction and the subject of Animal Planet's program "The Little Zoo That Could."

Location: a resort city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.6/5

Best times to visit: March through May and September through November

Consider visiting Birmingham if you're touring Alabama and trying to please a variety of travel personalities. The state's most populous city is located in north-central Alabama and has plenty of things to do for families, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Birmingham cannot be mentioned without mentioning its significance in the Civil Rights Movement. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute features an extensive collection of oral histories, as well as a recreation of a 1950s segregated city and the real jail cell door behind which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his "Letter from Birmingham Jail." The 16th Street Baptist Church and the Bethel Baptist Church, both of which were bombed during the Civil Rights Movement, are also on the Birmingham Civil Rights Trail.

Birmingham has many treasures for collectors of well-preserved vintage artifacts, including the 1927 Alabama Theatre, which houses a Wurlitzer pipe organ. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum has the largest collection of motorcycles in the United States (and possibly the world), with approximately 500 motorcycles on display at any given time. Consider visiting Birmingham's Railroad Park, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, or even the Birmingham Zoo for some fresh air.

Location: in the north-central region of the U.S. state of Alabama.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5

Best times to visit: spring and fall, from March through May or September through November

The Bankhead National Forest, which spans more than 181,000 acres in northwest Alabama, has six recreation areas, each of which offers a unique experience and a variety of activities. Bankhead National Forest has an activity for everyone, whether you're a casual visitor looking to soak in the sights and sounds of nature or a seasoned park visitor looking to bring home a hunting trophy.

Visitors to the park who want to spend the day by the water are spoiled for choice. Several lakes and creeks provide plenty of space for both motorized and nonmotorized boating, swimming, and fishing. The forest includes the Sipsey Wilderness, the state's largest wilderness area and one of Alabama's top attractions for those looking to get away from city life. The Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River flows through the wilderness; the Sipsey Fork is Alabama's only designated National Wild and Scenic River.

A plethora of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails wind past waterfalls, gorges, sandstone cliffs, and wildflowers. With so many different landscapes to explore, it's no surprise that many visitors choose to camp overnight. Primitive campgrounds and cabins are available as lodging options. RV campsites and horse camps are also available. This is one of the best places to visit Alabama you should know.

Location: in northwestern Alabama, around the town of Double Springs.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5

Best times to visit: March 13 – October 31

Mobile, in east Alabama, is a coastal community that takes pride in being a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The only saltwater port city in Alabama began its colonial history in 1702 with a French settlement. After more than a century of turmoil, the territory passed from Louisiana to West Florida to Mississippi before being granted statehood in 1819.

History buffs looking for Alabama attractions should definitely stop in Mobile. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, where visitors can get an up-close look at the World War II-era battleship, is by far the most popular tourist attraction. There is also an aircraft pavilion, as well as various tanks and artillery. The city's numerous Cajun and Creole restaurants, as well as sites like the Mobile Carnival Museum, which documents the country's first Mardi Gras celebration, provide evidence of Mobile's time as part of French Louisiana.

The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico explores Mobile's relationship with the Gulf. This immersive attraction features over 90 exhibits covering topics such as ship navigation, marine life, archaeology, weather, and much more. Another popular educational destination is the Exploreum Science Center, which has an IMAX theater and interactive exhibits that encourage interest in STEM subjects.

Location: on the Mobile River at the head of Mobile Bay on the north-central Gulf Coast.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.4/5

Best times to visit: Early spring and early fall

Montgomery is a must-see destination in Alabama for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is the state capital. Second, it is the third-most populous city in Alabama, and its size is reflected in the variety of restaurants, museums, and shops. Most importantly, during the twentieth-century Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery became a focal point, and today, multiple sites in the city serve to educate visitors about the ongoing fight for equity and racial justice.

Follow the Civil Rights Trail to learn more about the conflicts that arose here as a result of segregation and other racist policies. The Civil Rights Memorial Center includes educational activities, exhibits, the Wall of Tolerance, and a somber granite memorial with the names of those who died in the civil rights struggle between 1954 and 1968. The Rosa Parks Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Legacy Museum are also must-sees.

Montgomery is well-known for its cultural offerings. Theatergoers should check out the Alabama Shakespeare Festival's schedule, which includes six to nine productions per year, usually including three plays by Shakespeare himself. The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and the W.A. Gayle Planetarium are also noteworthy.

Location: beside the Alabama River, on the coastal Plain of the Gulf of Mexico.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.4/5

Best times to visit: early March to late May during spring

When it comes to the best places to visit Alabama, can't help but mention Tuscaloosa. Tuscaloosa, located in west-central Alabama, is best known for one thing: the University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa is one of the best cities in Alabama for college football fans, thanks to the Alabama Crimson Tide's numerous rivalries and extremely dedicated fan base. And, while many of the city's most popular tourist attractions revolve around the football team (such as the Paul W. Bryant Museum), Tuscaloosa has something for everyone.

The Black Warrior River flows through the city, and the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk is a local favorite. The paved trail begins near downtown and extends for about 4.5 miles, with sections for walkers and bikers. Dog-friendly park areas and picnic areas are available along the trail. Head north to Lake Tuscaloosa, which is popular with anglers, swimmers, and boaters, for more waterfront views.

Architecture enthusiasts should visit some of Tuscaloosa's historic structures. The Jemison-Van de Graaf Mansion, for example, was completed in 1862 as Senator Robert Jemison Jr.'s residence. Today, the house serves as a museum, where visitors can admire some magnificent Italianate architecture. The Battle-Friedman House, which was built in 1835 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, has Alabama's last documented antebellum garden.

Location: the seat of Tuscaloosa County in west-central Alabama

Tripadvisor rating: 4.2/5

Best times to visit: July, August, and June.

Alabama's island life is only a short drive away. Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico that is conveniently connected to the mainland by a bridge, is one of the best places in Alabama for a beach vacation. Throughout its history, the small island has seen a wide range of residents and visitors, from Native Americans who left shell mounds 1,000 years ago to pirates who raided the European settlement in the early 18th century.

Dauphin Island Public Beach is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular destinations on the island. Soft white sands and sparkling gulf waters entertain the entire family, and this beach is the only one in the area that allows pets. The beach is open all year, but a small entrance fee is collected in the spring and summer to help fund environmental upkeep.

This Alabama island is an animal lover's paradise. The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary spans more than 150 acres of woodlands and features a popular trail system that leads hikers past a lake, dunes, swamps, and other natural features. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers educational programs as well as a popular aquarium featuring estuarine organisms. History buffs should pay a visit to Fort Gaines, which is well-known for its role in the American Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay.

Location: at the southernmost point of Alabama – 3 miles south of the Mobile Bay

Tripadvisor rating: 4.1/5

Best times to visit: late September through October

One of Alabama's largest cities, second only to Birmingham in population size, is located in the Appalachian region of the state's northern part. Huntsville was the first incorporated town in Alabama in 1811, and the city has been a significant center of industry throughout its history, from cotton and railroad industries in the early 1800s to textile mills after the Civil War and eventually forays into spaceflight and biotechnology.

The US Space & Rocket Center, the world's largest spaceflight museum, is one of Huntsville's claims to fame. Visitors can view educational exhibits and planetarium shows here, as well as enter immersive environments such as a flight simulator or the Apollo 11 virtual reality experience. Weekend programs with astronaut training exercises are also available at the center.

Huntsville has museums for almost every interest, but the city's location in the Appalachian foothills may entice you to spend the majority of your time outside. Because of its 112 acres and diverse ecosystems, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is a popular place to visit all year. The Harmony Park Safari, which is open from March to November, is a federally licensed nature preserve with free-roaming giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, and other animals. Monte Sano State Park is about five miles northeast of downtown and features hiking and biking trails, a planetarium, and a Japanese garden.

Location: Madison County, Limestone County, and Morgan County, Alabama

Tripadvisor rating: 4.1/5

Best times to visit: around the year

Cheaha State Park, located in east-central Alabama, has the highest point in the entire state. This 2,799-acre park, surrounded by the lush Talladega National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains' foothills, is popular with both locals and tourists.

Hikers and bikers can use the multiuse trails, and those looking to get their heart rates up will enjoy the challenges presented by the steep, rocky terrain. Hikers who persevere are rewarded with breathtaking views of waterfalls and sweeping forests. The Fisherman's Trail circles Cheaha Lake, a six-acre body of water where visitors can fish, swim, and rent paddleboats.

There is also a designated dog park and two museums in the park: the Walter Farr Native American Museum and the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.

Cheaha is a great day trip destination, but with so many lodging options, it's also one of the most beautiful places in Alabama to spend the night in nature. Campgrounds range from primitive and rustic to newly improved sites with electrical hookups and access to a bathhouse. There are also historic cabins and chalets available, many of which have modern amenities. The Vista Cliffside Restaurant serves hungry parkgoers Thursday through Friday from March to November and Friday through Monday from December to February, and a 30-room hotel on-site has nine pet-friendly rooms.

Location: almost halfway between Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.0/5

Best times to visit: winter season