7 Of The Quietest Alabama Towns
Alabama is an important component of the Southern United States, and with its hot climate, beautiful natural settings, fascinating history, and loads of welcoming charm, visitors of any age can expect a delightful experience. Affectionately known as the Cotton State, the historic Alabama was admitted to the Union back in 1819, and it continues to create a special allure for guests with a variety of interests. While such major cities like Birmingham and Montgomery continue to be the best well-known, Alabama also boasts a number of smaller, quiet towns that are very much as scenic and inviting as their big city counterparts. From close encounters with American history to relaxing outings in nature, these quiet and picturesque Alabama towns are perfect ways to get acquainted with the Cotton State!
Eufaula
The town of Eufaula lies near the border with the State of Georgia, and it is scenically located close to the Chattahoochee River. Established in the early 1800s and named after Native American people, the historic Eufaula is today the home of just under 13,000 residents. A great place to discover the history, numerous landmarks in the town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering guests a glimpse into the historic growth of Alabama. Amongst the sites of note include the Irwinton and Seth Lore Historic District, the First Baptist Church (1834), and Fendall Hall (1860), amongst many more.
Meanwhile, with a climate characterized by very hot summers and warm winters, spending time outdoors in Eufaula is always a treat. Enjoy days near the Chattahoochee River while at the nearby Lake Eufaula and the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, there are awesome opportunities to bask in the sun. Go fishing, camping, and boating, and marvel at the sights of striking wildlife like bald eagles and alligators!
Dauphin Island
Lovingly named the Sunset Capital of Alabama and situated on the same named barrier island, the town of Dauphin Island is one of Alabama's most splendid, scenic, and relaxingly quiet destinations. Today, a part of the Mobile Metropolitan Area, this historic town traces its foundational roots to Spanish and French Colonists in the 16th century, and it maintains a modest population of just under 2,000 inhabitants. It is a wonderful place to get away from big city life and unwind. Here, pretty beaches, golden sands, hot sun, ocean breezes, and loads of opportunities to go swimming, sailing, and sunbathing make this a veritable paradise.
In addition, attractions like the Alabama Aquarium and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary are fun places to marvel at local and exotic animal species. Do not forget about the unique historic landmark of Fort Gaines (1821), which saw action during the Civil War during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.
Loxley
Also known as the Biggest Little Town in Baldwin County, Loxley is a most charming community in southern Alabama, where just under 4,000 reside. Established in the 1870s as a lumber camp, today, Loxley is considered a suburb of the cities of Daphne and Mobile, giving it all the comforts of the big city but with a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere. Still, there remains plenty of inviting activities and events for guests of all ages to enjoy here. Take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Baldwin County Strawberry Festival in early spring while opportunities to pick local fruit at nearby orchards and markets are as charming as it gets.
From there, why not try a round of golf at the Steelwood Country Club while taking in the hot Alabama sun and pretty green scenery? With an assortment of local eateries, including the Sea & Steak Restaurant and the Waffle House, there is never a shortage of Southern charm and hospitality in this delightful Alabama community.
Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is a scenic residential town developed in the 1920s as a suburb of the city of Birmingham. Today, a population of just over 22,000 reside in this picturesque and quiet place, which serves as an ideal destination to enjoy a slower pace of life with all the amenities of modernity never far away. Marvel at the stunning Shades and Red Mountain Ridges, while a photogenic afternoon at the very cute Shades Creek defines rustic charm. Taking photos with the Old Mill while being lulled by the sounds of the rushing water and birds singing is totally wholesome.
Finish off with one of Alabama's best fine dining establishments and enjoy the best in Southern cooking at the Daniel George Restaurant in the most elegant setting. Finally, for a truly special lodging experience, spend a few nights at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, which offers first-rate comfort and awesome mountain vistas that are sure to please the young and old of any traveling party.
Gulf Shores
The southernmost town in Alabama, Gulf Shores, is a spectacularly scenic spot that lies along the coast of the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). Home to just over 15,000 residents and featuring warm winters and hot summers, this popular tourist attraction presents some of the State's best beaches, ocean breezes, and even acclaimed golf courses. Enjoy great opportunities to go swimming, sailing, sunbathing, and fishing while hitting the greens at the Kiva Dunes Resort and the Gulf Shores Golf Club, which are great ways to unwind and relax.
Meanwhile, for families, be sure not to miss out on the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, featuring more than 100 exotic species from around the world. From there, explore the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a collection of local wildlife, including sea turtles. Add in inviting local businesses and eateries like the Original Oyster House Boardwalk and Souvenir City, and this relaxing, quiet, and alluring Alabama town will surely have any guest ready to plan their next visit.
Tuscumbia
Seat of Colbert County in northern Alabama, Tuscumbia is a historic delight, and it traces its modern roots to the early 1800s, even before the State was admitted to the Union. Home to a modest population of just over 9,000 residents, this quiet and reflective place is full of Southern charm and historical intrigue, and visitors will certainly have plenty to explore here. Spend time in the Historic District and marvel at numerous landmarks from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. Featuring many properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and reflecting such diverse architectural styles as Victorian, Queen Anne, and Tudor Revival, this is definitely one of the most fascinating and photogenic spots in all of Alabama.
And do not forget about the Hellen Keller Birthplace Museum, dedicated to the famed blind, deaf activist who was born in Tuscumbia in 1880. An inspirational and informative place, this is definitely one of the most unique museums of its kind in Alabama. From there, celebrate the Cotton State’s musical heritage at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which lovingly looks back at the many artists and musicians that have called Alabama home. Finally, even just a relaxing afternoon at the pretty Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve may be all that is needed to appreciate this wonderful town. Go hiking and cycling in this most stunning biodiverse habitat, perfect for all ages.
Magnolia Springs
Just over 800 permanent residents call Magnolia Springs home, a pleasing and quiet town beautifully situated along the Magnolia River. Spend time near the River and reflect through such activities as swimming, sailing, cycling, or simply walking, and take in the breathtaking ambiance of the American South.
Meanwhile, history lovers can also appreciate several buildings in town transporting one to the turn of the 20th century. Amongst the buildings of note also included on the National Register of Historic Places are the Sunnyside Hotel (1897) and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1901). Finish your outing with a hot Southern meal at Jesses Restaurant while a cute selection of local boutiques round out the landscape, making for a genuine snapshot of small-town USA.
Traveling through the Southern United States? Then be sure to add the great State of Alabama to the itinerary, where, in addition to the famed Southern charm, loads of natural beauty and fascinating history await all guests. Though tourists will surely gravitate to the larger urban centers like Montgomery, the smaller, quiet, and relaxing small towns of the Cotton State are also worthy of first-hand experience.
From the historic streets of Tuscumbia and Eufaula to the natural allure of Magnolia Springs and Gulf Shores, these pretty Alabama towns are true gems of the American South. Here, quiet reflection, intriguing history, and plenty of hot sun are the norm, and they are always ready to leave their mark on the young and old alike. Come see Alabama through a journey of these pretty, quiet towns, and be ready for a holiday outing that will be remembered for many years to come!
