Huntsville

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