17 Best Things to Do in Birmingham, AL

Established in 1992, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a cultural rite of passage for residents and travelers alike. Located in the Civil Rights District, part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Civil Rights Institute commemorates Birmingham’s pivotal activism and resistance during the Civil Rights Movement.

The Civil Rights Institute houses a variety of programs that deliver enlightening and educational experiences. Visitors can enjoy exhibits and galleries featuring interactive displays, historical artifacts, and multimedia presentations, and the museum regularly hosts workshops and lectures to help preserve the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Birmingham takes pride in its industrial roots, and Vulcan Park and its enormous statue towering from Red Mountain Park pays important recognition to the city’s history of iron and steel production. Designed by Giuseppe Moretti, the 50-ton and 56-foot tall statue depicts Vulcan, the Roman god of forge and fire, who watches over Birmingham and is an apt representation of the city’s fiery and industrious spirit.

Vulcan’s home is equally as stunning as his cast iron stature — revitalized in 1999, the 10-acre park features views of the city and an interactive history museum detailing Birmingham’s industrial history. Visit the museum via the Kiwanis Vulcan Trail, a jogging and biking trail that provides an outdoors connection to Vulcan Park and functions as the hub for the planned 750 miles of trail system.

Experience the exciting aviation and aircraft history of Alabama with a trip to Birmingham’s Southern Museum of Flight. The museum began with Mary Alice Beatty and Donald Beatty, celebrated pioneers of initial airline routes in Central and South America. Her own memorabilia collection kick-started the museum, which opened in 1983.

Now, the museum’s 75,000 square-feet are loaded with enriching educational opportunities and over 100 historic aircrafts. Learn about historic aviation figures and the aircrafts they piloted during wars, check out special artifacts and memorabilia, and discover experimental aircrafts from the earliest days of aviation. The museum also offers tours for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs, an immersive flight simulator lab, and science events just for kids.

The late Frank Fleming, an Alabama-born artist, is best known for his Storyteller Fountain located in the Five Points South neighborhood in Birmingham. The fountain marks not only honors Birmingham art dealer Malcolm McRae following his death but also Frank Fleming’s revitalized artistic passion and inspiration.

The fountain itself features the Storyteller, a ram-like figure, perched on a stump and reading to an audience of bronze-cast frogs, a hare, a tortoise, and various other creatures. The playful Storyteller Fountain recently underwent refurbishment, reinforcing its place as the central spirit of the lively college neighborhood.

Aside from an entry ticket, curiosity is the only requirement to enter and explore the McWane Science Center. Offering numerous exhibits such as Alabama dinosaur bones, an open shark and stingray tank, and up-close experiences with resident flora and fauna species, McWane Science Center specializes in interactive and exciting experiences. This non-profit venue for hands-on science promises to deliver a unique visit for any age.

Originally an industry town producing wood and steel in the 1920s, Avondale has evolved into a creative hub that’s stacked with historic architecture, eclectic streets, and a vibrant community. 

By day, visitors can meander on foot to check out events such as the annual Avondale Art Festival, picnic in the central Avondale Park, snack on ice cream from Big Spoon, and visit galleries and studios showcasing the local arts scene. When the dusk settles over the streets, visitors can migrate and enjoy southern-style barbeque at Saw’s Soul Kitchen, a refreshing pint at Avondale Brewing Company, and a live music show at a nearby bar or venue.

If you don’t enter the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum as a motorcycle enthusiast, you’ll definitely be converted once you finally leave. A top destination for motorsports fans, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum houses one of the largest motorcycle collections in the world with over 1,600 vintage and modern motorcycles. Whether a hog from 1902 or a futuristic model, the museum showcases the evolution of motorcycles across the decades.

In addition to interactive exhibits throughout the strikingly modern building, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum also offers access to a world-class racing facility. The Barber Motorsports Park hosts racing events throughout the year, adding a touch of adrenaline to the experience.

As one of 11 Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail sites across Alabama, Oxmoor Valley stands out as a distinct and scenic site only minutes from downtown Birmingham. With three courses, Ridge, Valley, and Back Yard, the course features 54 holes across. Established on former mining land, its picturesque landscape showcases Birmingham’s natural beauty, including the peaks of the Appalachians, dense forests, and stunning lakes.

Whether you prefer a quick and casual at the Back Yard, challenging elevation changes at the Ridge, or strategic bunkers at the Valley, Oxmoor Valley promises a top-tier day out for every visitor.

Widely regarded as one of the premier museums in the country, the Birmingham Museum of Art hosts an impressive collection of over 27,000 works of art across various periods, cultures, and mediums. Established in 1951, the highlights of the Birmingham Museum of Art’s collection include works by Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Reflecting cultural diversity and artistic expression from around the world, the museum also features a mix of permanent collections and special exhibitions. Join a tour for an immersive experience, and follow up with a visit to the gift shop and the Juniper cafe.