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Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. This beautiful city is a historic destination with various exciting things you can see and do whether alone or as a family. Additionally, during your visit to this city, you can start at the markets so as to meet and get acquainted with the locals. Visiting the markets will also allow you to understand the region’s culture better. Further, there are multiple great destinations that you can visit if you are an outdoor enthusiast. You can start by visiting the parks and nature centers to stretch your muscles by hiking or biking. Some of the Birmingham, Alabama, parks feature a tranquil atmosphere that you can visit to relax and cool off your mind.
Do you love animals? If you do, you should never fail to visit the Birmingham Zoo, where you may get a chance to feed some of the animals that call it home. Furthermore, suppose you are a history buff. You want to get detailed information on Birmingham’s involvement in civil rights activities from the 1950s. In that case, you should visit Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. You can also visit terrific destinations in this city to have fun with kids. Are you an art enthusiast? Well, the Birmingham Museum of Art has a wonderful collection that will leave you impressed.
There are multiple destinations and landmarks in Birmingham, Alabama, and that touring will make your visit memorable. Here are the ten best things to do in Birmingham, Alabama.
# 10 – Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Are you a speed enthusiast? Or are you into vintage and classic motorcycles and cars? Even if you are not, this museum features a staggering collection that you should never miss visiting while in the region. Race driver George Barber founded this vintage motorsport museum. George Barber is a former Porsche driver. He used to race in the 1960s and won 63 races during his time. After retiring, he decided to establish a museum. The museum opened its doors in 1995. According to Guinness World Records, this museum features the world’s most extensive motorcycle collection.
The museum is located at 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway. Additionally, it is located in the midst of the beautiful 930-acre park. Their museum features more than 1,600 motorcycles and modern racing cars. You will find at least half the number of the collection during your visit. Further, the impressive collections in this museum represent more than 200 manufacturers and brands from about 20 countries globally. There is a rare collection of renowned motorcycle brands in this museum that you will get a chance to see during your visit. Furthermore, there are demonstrations, Porsche Driving School, and other activities that you will find during your visit.
Official site: www.barbermuseum.org
# 9 – Birmingham Museum of Art
Art enthusiasts have also not been left behind. The spectacular Birmingham Museum of Art has one of the best collections in the Southeast United States. Birmingham Museum of Art is located in the heart of Birmingham’s cultural district along 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd (Formerly 2000 8th Ave. N). During your visit to this breathtaking museum, you will find more than 25,000 objects that feature a range of cultures, including Asian, American, African, Native American, and Pre-Columbian, as part of the permanent collection. Additionally, you will find an extensive collection in this museum, ranging from paintings and photos to drawings, decorative arts, and sculptures.
You will also find works from renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Frank Lloyd, Andy Warhol, Dali, van Rijn, Pissarro, and many more. Moreover, you will find the Charles W Ireland Sculpture Garden. This multi-level area features the Red Mountain Garden, Lower gallery, and the Upper Plaza during your visit to this museum grounds. Further, there are a wide variety of items like porcelain, vases and vessels, and metalwork like fine silver, furniture, and textiles as part of the American decorative arts that you will be able to see during your visit. Finally, from schoolchildren to art collectors and contributors, the museum offers a variety of lectures, events, and activities for all audiences.
Official site: www.artsbma.org
# 8 – Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
If you are a history buff, you should never fail to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute while in the region. This institute features archives, galleries, meeting rooms, and temporary exhibits within its 58,000 square feet, and it was opened in 1922. Additionally, this institute is an educational and cultural center, and visiting will give you an insight into the importance of Birmingham in the struggle for human rights in the 1950s and 60s. During your visit, the galleries that you will find in this museum are dedicated to special temporary exhibitions. You will also find replicas of a segregated city, a Freedom Riders bus, and the jail cell where Dr. Martin Luther King wrote one of his famous speeches. Last, numerous activities, events, and programs for different audiences ranging from school children and teachers to adults and tourists are hosted in this museum during different times of the year. You can also take photos of the institutes stunning architecture during your tour there.
# 7 – McWane Science Center, Birmingham, Alabama
McWane Science Center is an excellent destination in the city to visit as a family that consists of kids. Visiting this center will give you the opportunity of experiencing the world as a family through science adventures and interactive exhibits. You will be able to explore a wide range of topics, from dinosaurs to space exploration, during your visit. Additionally, there are multiple exciting this at this destination that you will be able to see and do respective of your age. Some of the hands-on displays featured at this science center include motion, energy, light, and sound. Watching an awe-inspiring performance at the IMAX theater, looking at exhibits about dinosaurs, science, and technology, listening to a lecture, and lots of other enjoyable options are just a few of the activities you can do together during your visit to this science center.
Sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, Moray eels, jellyfish, and other fascinating aquatic creatures are also available at the aquarium located at McWane Science Center that you will be able to see during your visit. McWane Science Center is located at 200 19th Street North in Birmingham, Alabama.
Official site: www.mcwane.org
# 6 – Vulcan Park and Museum
Birmingham, Alabama, features multiple attractions and destinations for any outdoor enthusiast. This park is home to the 56-foot Vulcan statue. The 56-foot statue is the largest iron cast statue of its kind globally, and it is one of the most important symbols in Birmingham that you should never miss. Additionally, a beautiful and well-maintained park surrounds this landmark statue.
This beautiful park is an excellent place for hosting weddings, parties, and relaxing during the day. Further, you can have a panoramic view of Birmingham’s skyline while at this park. There is a small history museum at this destination that you can visit to get detailed information about the history and culture of the region. A range of exhibits, lectures, and other activities are hosted at the Vulcan Museum, located within the park. Vulcan Park and Museum are located at 1701 Valley View Drive.
Official site: http://visitvulcan.com/
# 5 – Pepper Place Saturday Market
Pepper Place Saturday Market is a great place in Birmingham, Alabama, to meet and interact with the locals. This market is always open every Saturday from 7 in the morning till noon. During your visit to this Saturday market, you will find several vendors selling various items. Additionally, a visit to the market will give you the chance to understand the region’s culture better while interacting with the locals. Pepper Place Saturday Market is located at 2829 2nd Ave S in Birmingham.
# 4 – The Birmingham Zoo
It will not be great for you to leave Birmingham without visiting the zoo if you love animals. Additionally, this zoo is another excellent destination in the city that you can visit with kids. A visit to this zoo will give you the opportunity to get close and personal with different animal species. This zoological park was established in 1955, and it covers an estimated area of 122 acres. Moreover, this 122-acre zoo is home to more than 950 animals representing over 230 species worldwide. There are very rare, exotic, and endangered animal species, including the red panda, double-wattled cassowary, and the Komodo dragon, that call this zoo home. Other animals that call this zoo home that you may see include bobcats, elephants, giraffes, orangutans, rhinoceros, tigers, zebras, American black bears, and sea lions.
There are also a variety of shows and events that you may take on during your visit to this zoo. The events include the sea lion show, sea lion training session, and reptile feeding. Furthermore, the zoo also features a botanical exhibit home to more than 20 species of butterflies from Alabama. Last, there are animal-themed rides within the zoo for kids. The Birmingham Zoo is located at 2630 Cahaba Road.
Official site: www.birminghamzoo.com
# 3 – Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
This nature preserve center is another destination in Birmingham, Alabama, worth visiting if you are an outdoor enthusiast. You can take on multiple activities during your visit to this garden. Apart from exploring and learning, this nature preserve is an excellent place for hiking and bird-watching. Additionally, during your visit to this nature preserve, you will get a chance to see raptors, snakes, turtles, frogs, salamanders, and mammals that call it home. There are also more than 15 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and walking. Besides, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding areas while on the trails in this nature preserve.
Official site: http://ruffnermountain.org/
# 2 – Brewing Companies
There is something for everyone in Birmingham, Alabama, and beer enthusiasts are not left behind. There are multiple breweries located in Birmingham, Alabama. You should never miss visiting if you want detailed information on the beer-making process. Some of the breweries in Birmingham, Alabama, that you can visit include Avondale Brewing Company, which has hand-crafted brews; Trim Tab Brewing, a craft brewery; and Good People Brewing Company has both seasonal and year-round brews. Further, there are taprooms in the various breweries in Birmingham, Alabama, where you can sample their different beers. Most of the breweries of tours.
# 1 – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Suppose you are an outdoor enthusiast who is nature, garden, and plant-oriented. In that case, this botanical garden is a must-visit destination for you. Additionally, Birmingham botanical gardens are one of the places in the city that you can visit with kids. Besides, there is no admission fee to this botanical garden, and it is open all year round. This botanical garden covers an estimated area of 67 acres. It is also a center for horticultural education in Birmingham, Alabama. These lovely mature gardens have been flourishing for almost 60 years. They are full of unique pleasures, featuring over 20 themed garden areas. A Japanese Garden, an Alabama Woodland Garden, Vegetable and Herb Gardens, a Bog Garden, and a Lily Garden, among many others, are examples.
Official site: www.bbgardens.org
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