Alabama vacation rentals

Enjoy Alabama at vacation home rentals

Alabama welcomes visitors with a full slate of Southern charm, served up at tasty barbeque joints in picturesque small towns, Saturday college-football games packed with spirited fans and countless historic sites in the capital city and beyond. From the sandy beaches and family-friendly attractions of the Gulf Coast, to Space Camp in the high-tech city of Huntsville to the north, there are endless spots to enjoy the state and an Alabama vacation rental puts you in the heart of it all. Once you've picked your perfect spot, it's off for nature-filled adventures along rivers and forests or museum-hopping in the city.

Attractions near Alabama vacation rentals

With golf courses, botanical gardens, water parks and museums ready to welcome Alabama travelers, packing days with fun-filled attractions is an easy task. If you've selected an Alabama vacation rental in the northern part of the state, a visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville is a must. The museum is packed with space history and memorabilia that teaches visitors about the Space Race and shuttle program, as well as an IMAX theater with thrilling films. Outside, you can get an up-close look at the missiles, rockets and shuttles on display. Day and summer camps are available for kids to get a more immersive experience.

Things to do near Alabama vacation homes

No visit to Alabama would be complete without a look into the history of the state, and the capital city of Montgomery is a great place to start. Civil rights sites are significant here, from a memorial to the movement and a museum dedicated to Rosa Parks, to the church and home where Dr. Martin Luther King spent his time. Take a drive along the Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail to trace the path voting-rights marchers followed in the 1960s, before paying a visit to the interactive Old Depot Museum in Selma, where state heritage is traced back to prehistoric times.

Local weather for the trip to Alabama vacation homes

Fall brings colorful changing leaves along the Tennessee River Valley to the north and is perfect for exploring trails and caves in state parks and national forests. Springtime in the southern part of the state means clear, sunny days that are perfect for the beach, and temperatures that quickly soar into the 80s and beyond. Summers can get a bit hot and humid throughout the state, so stick to the shoulder seasons for spending time outdoors. If you're heading to a hotspot like Gulf Shores during busier spring or summer breaks, be sure to reserve your Alabama vacation rental early to make sure you secure your ideal dates.

The great outdoors in Alabama

From the Tennessee River Valley in the north to the beaches of Gulf State Park in the south, Alabama brims with natural wonders that are prime for exploring. The 35,000-acre Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot a dozen or so protected species of wildlife, as well as sandhill cranes and other migrating birds in winter. Hiking opportunities abound in 4 national forests around the state, where 100s of miles of trails run along pine forests, hardwood swamps, flowing waterfalls and large lakes. Head to Talladega National Forest to discover breathtaking vistas from Mount Cheaha, Alabama's highest point.

Best beaches near Alabama vacation homes

Alabama boasts beautiful beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and adventure. Vacation rentals are available near places like Gulf State Park, a scenic beach with nature trails, pier fishing, and zip lining, and Gulf Shores Public Beach, a tranquil coastline beach with soft sand and swimming and watersport opportunities. You'll also like Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a beach preserve with sea turtles, migratory birds, and other wildlife.

Transportation options to and around Alabama

Fly into Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), the closest airport, located 6.8 mi (10.9 km) from the city center.

If you're traveling by train, Birmingham Station, Anniston Station and Tuscaloosa Station are the main stations in the area.

Sample Southern cuisine in Alabama

The cuisine in Alabama reflects the culinary traditions of the American South, which includes African, English, Irish, Spanish, and Native American cuisine. Pan-fried chicken, grits, country ham, hush puppies, fried green tomatoes, and fruit preserves are popular ingredients in the South, though Alabama’s specialty is catfish prepared in a variety of recipes. If you want to experience the comfort food of the South, visit a restaurant near your Alabama vacation rental.