Best Things to Do in Birmingham, AL

Established in 1992 and located in the Civil Rights District as part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and one of the most important cultural destinations in the city. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and multimedia presentations, while regular workshops and lectures help preserve the history of the Civil Rights Movement. It is an essential activity in Birmingham, Alabama, for any visitor.

The Birmingham Zoo is home to approximately 550 animals representing 180 species, including lions, giraffes, orangutans, and hippos, with a strong emphasis on conservation and threatened species survival plans. Highlights include the Trails of Africa exhibit, featuring a herd of African elephants with both ground and aerial observation opportunities. A non-profit organization for over 25 years, the zoo is one of the most popular Birmingham, Alabama, things to do for families.

Perched atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park is home to the 50-ton, 56-foot-tall statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of forge and fire, designed by Giuseppe Moretti as a tribute to Birmingham's iron and steel heritage. The revitalized 10-acre park offers sweeping views of the city alongside an interactive history museum. Visitors can access the park via the Kiwanis Vulcan Trail, a jogging and biking trail that serves as the hub for a planned 750-mile trail system.

Spanning eight city blocks and over 19 acres along historic railroad lines, Railroad Park has earned its nickname "Birmingham's Living Room" through its picturesque streams, open lawns, ponds, and role as a community hub for concerts, family activities, and cultural events. Amenities include extensive walking trails, playgrounds, and an outdoor gym, alongside historic details like seating areas built from repurposed hand-cast bricks and original cobblestone.

Birmingham is home to two historic performance venues worth visiting. The Alabama Theater, open since 1927 and beautifully restored in 1998, has served as the "Showplace of the South" with its gold leaf details, luxurious stage drapes, and a program of plays, films, and more. The Lyric Theater, which has hosted major stars including Mae West and the Marx Brothers, offers an acoustics-optimizing design ideal for opera, ballet, and symphony performances.

• Visit the Alabama Theater
• Visit the Lyric Theater

A summer visit to Birmingham is not complete without attending a Birmingham Barons Minor League Baseball game at Regions Field. The modern venue offers up-close stadium seating, a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of community spirit. Cheering on the Barons alongside fellow fans and enjoying a classic ballpark hot dog is one of the most enjoyable and authentically local activities in Birmingham.

Open 365 days a year with free entry, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a 67-acre urban oasis that has connected over 300,000 visitors annually with native Southern plants and environmental education since 1992. The gardens host regular classes, lectures, workshops, and kid-focused programs, alongside a conservatory housing a library, seed exchange, and educational archives.

Spanning 75,000 square feet, the Southern Museum of Flight houses over 100 historic aircraft and offers a rich exploration of Alabama's aviation heritage. Visitors can learn about historic aviators, view special artifacts and memorabilia, experience an immersive flight simulator lab, and enjoy science events for kids. Founded in 1983, it is one of the most distinctive activities in Birmingham, Alabama.

Located in the Five Points South neighborhood, the Storyteller Fountain by the late Alabama-born artist Frank Fleming features a ram-like Storyteller figure perched on a stump, reading to an audience of bronze-cast frogs, a hare, a tortoise, and other creatures. Recently refurbished, the fountain stands as the central spirit of a lively college neighborhood and is a charming stop while exploring the city on foot.

The McWane Science Center is a non-profit interactive science venue offering exhibits including Alabama dinosaur bones, an open shark and stingray tank, and up-close experiences with resident flora and fauna. Designed for visitors of all ages, McWane specializes in hands-on, engaging experiences that make it one of the most enjoyable family-friendly activities in Birmingham.

Once an industrial town producing wood and steel in the 1920s, Avondale has transformed into one of Birmingham's most creative and characterful neighborhoods. By day, visitors can explore the annual Avondale Art Festival, picnic in Avondale Park, and browse local galleries and studios. By evening, Saw's Soul Kitchen, Avondale Brewing Company, and nearby live music venues make it one of the most vibrant Birmingham, Alabama, things to do after dark.

• Visit Saw’s Soul Kitchen
• Enquire about Art in Avondale

Home to one of the largest motorcycle collections in the world, with over 1,600 vintage and modern motorcycles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a standout destination for motorsports fans and curious visitors alike. The striking modern building features interactive exhibits tracing the evolution of motorcycles across the decades, and the adjacent Barber Motorsports Park hosts racing events throughout the year.

Located in downtown Birmingham, steps away from historic neighborhoods, the Pizitz Food Hall blends modern culinary culture with the city's rich heritage. Local vendors offer cuisines including authentic Thai noodles, classic Cajun, poke, and tacos, alongside bubble tea, 12 on-tap beers and cocktails, and artisan ice cream and milkshakes. The neighboring Sidewalk Film Center offers themed movie nights and film festivals to round out the evening.

One of 11 Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail sites across Alabama, Oxmoor Valley sits minutes from downtown Birmingham and offers 54 holes across three courses: Ridge, Valley, and Back Yard. Established on former mining land, the courses showcase Birmingham's natural beauty, including Appalachian peaks, dense forests, and stunning lakes. It is a scenic and rewarding activity in Birmingham for golfers of every skill level.

A local favorite in the Avondale neighborhood, Mom's Basement is a laid-back basement bar featuring pool tables, pinball machines, classic arcade games, tasty snacks, and an extensive selection of on-tap beers. Regular live music and DJ nights keep the atmosphere lively, and the walls are lined with wholesome photos of patrons' moms, giving the bar its distinct and welcoming character.

Established in 1951 and widely regarded as one of the premier art museums in the country, the Birmingham Museum of Art houses over 27,000 works spanning various periods, cultures, and media. The collection includes works by Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O'Keeffe, alongside a rotating program of special exhibitions. Guided tours, a gift shop, and the Juniper cafe make it a complete and enriching visit.

Birmingham's specialty coffee scene is thriving, with several standout shops worth visiting during your stay. Seeds Coffee Co. is a local favorite emphasizing sustainable trading practices with a sunny patio setting. Filter-Coffee Parlor offers ethically sourced beans, expertly crafted lattes, and house-made baked goods. The Red Cat Coffee House has been serving freshly roasted beans and rich coffee experiences since 2008.

• Visit Seeds Coffee Co.
• Visit Filter-Coffee Parlor
• Visit Red Cat Coffee House