Birmingham, one of the Civil Rights Movement center and an industrial city, offers plenty of history, culture, art and nature. The city offers a wealth of history, cultural and entertainment possibilities, beautiful urban parks, and top-notch recreation options. Regardless of your interest and background, there is something to captivate your attention and stimulate your imagination in this beautiful city of Birmingham.
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Dating back to 1845 and settled on wonderfully-landscaped grounds with Greek revival architecture, Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens features the southern heritage. Know the Birmingham’s heritage, the Civil Rights era history, and much more at this historic home. Check out the collections of fine household items, decorative arts and antiques from around the world.
Address: 331 Cotton Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211, United States
Phone: 1 205-780-5656
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 1:00m-4:00pm
Stroll through the serene environs at Birmingham Botanical Gardens!
Image By Max Wolfe from Birmingham, AL, USA (Japanese Garden Bridge) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Interested in horticulture, make your way over to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens which has more than 12,000 species of plants in its green space. Birmingham Botanical Gardens features plenty of gardens, beautiful trails for walking, outdoor sculptures and other spots in this green space. It has everything from Japanese Botanical Garden with bonsai tree and a tea house to Southern wildflowers. Spend a peaceful and relaxing time amidst nature!
Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States
Phone: 1 205-414-3950
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00am-6:00pm
Step back in time at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute!
Image By Chris Pruitt (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute chronicles the history of Birmingham, how the city changed and its impact on the nation, and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. The museum will take you to the Civil Rights era. It features multimedia exhibitions detailing the events that took place in Birmingham, human right struggles, and life of African Americans in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present day. The institute pays respect to those who fought against racial discrimination and violence, and memorializes the brave men and women of the Civil Rights Movement.
Address: 520 16th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-328-9696
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Go artsy at Birmingham Museum of Art!
Image Sean Pathasema/Birmingham Museum of Art [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Birmingham Museum of Art features more than 25,000 art work from all around the globe. There is a permanent display of Asian, American, European, Native American, African and Pre-Columbian work of art. Highlights include Kress collection of Renaissance, Vietnamese ceramics collection, Asian art, Baroque paintings, late thirteen century to the 1750s decorative arts, European decorative arts of the 18th century, and Wedgwood collection. Sculpture, decorative arts, paintings, graphic art and other pieces of art are on display.
Address: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-254-2565
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Relaxing and peaceful stroll through the Birmingham Railroad Park!
Image by Dunncon13 [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Railroad Park offers plenty of activities, cultural events and concerts. It features Skate Park, Birmingham history timeline, playgrounds, outdoor gym, ponds, walking trails, wetland area, grassy lawns, and much more. Enjoy an outdoor stroll amidst the lush green surroundings!
Address: 1600 1st Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
Phone: 1 205-521-9933
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00am-11:00pm
Know the Southern Aviation history at Southern Museum of Flight!
Image By Civilengtiger (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Southern Museum of Flight features the aviation history and has the memorabilia from the early days of powered flight. It houses more than 90 unique aircrafts, plus artifacts, engines, paintings, models and photographs. Highlights include Delta Airlines first aircraft, an A-12 Blackbird, a Huff Daland crop-duster aircraft, Korean War jet, and many other aviation exhibits and outdoor collections. Also, there is an Aviation Hall of Fame that showcases the aviation photos, murals and artwork.
Address: 35206, 4343 73rd Street N, Birmingham, AL 35206, United States
Phone: 1 205-833-8226
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30am-4:30pm
Know the Magic City history at Vulcan Park and Museum!
Image By Greg Willis from Denver, CO, usa (Vulcan Park) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Standing atop the Red Mountain, Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and unofficial symbol of Birmingham. It pays respect to the early iron and steel industry of Birmingham, and is surrounded by a museum and a park. The exhibits and displays in the museum chronicle the Birmingham’s rich and unique history. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city’s skyline from the vantage point, check out an art exhibits at the gallery, and have a fun day and picnic in the park. Must-see spot!
Address: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209, United States
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-10:00pm
Encounter with animals at Birmingham Zoo!
Image By Ralph Daily [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Birmingham Zoo houses more than 1000 animals and birds of different species in their natural habitat. Take a stroll on the wild side and come face-to-face with the animal kingdom. The Zoo features camel rides, alligators swamp, sea lions splash show, kangaroos, giraffes, white rhino, elephants, gorillas, tigers, predator zone, macaws, African lions, and more. It also has a train ride, a playground, a splash area, a playground and a cafe.
Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States
Phone: 1 205-879-0409
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Science is fun and interesting at McWane Science Center!
Image By Chris Pruitt (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The McWane Science Center has four floors with different interactive exhibits and hands-on display on energy, light, sound and motion. Pet stingrays and sharks, play in the giant water table, dig for dinosaur fossils, form giant bubbles, experiment with weight, learn about gravity, and indulge in other fun activities. It also has an IMAX Dome theatre, habitat tanks with aquatic creatures, and other hands-on exhibits. Learn science through fun activities!
Address: 200 19th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-714-8300
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Explore the industrial history of the Magic City at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark!
Image by Timjarrett at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a national monument that depicts the industrial history of Birmingham. It pays tribute to the steel industry of Birmingham. See the innovative work of art by the local metal sculptors on this historic landmark. It highlights how the history and future of Birmingham is linked to the area’s environment. Also, it is a venue for festivals, conferences and concerts.
Address: 20 32nd Street N, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States
Phone: 1 205-324-1911
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Outdoor fun at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve!
Ruffner Mountain Park features wonderful cliff views and trails. It is one of the largest urban nature parks in the US. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Go hiking, bird watching and trek up to the summit of the mountain for the unparalleled views of the city. Also, you can spot the native animals, including turtles, raptors, frogs, snakes, owls and mammals.
Address: 1214 81st Street S, Birmingham, AL 35206, United States
Phone: 1 205-833-8264
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Top Tourist Spots in Birmingham Map Guide
