7 Secluded Towns in Alabama
The landscape of Alabama is vast and diverse. From the towering Appalachian Mountains, rolling prairies, swamp lands, and even a short 53 miles of coastline, it’s a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to watch the sunset over the ocean on Dauphin Island or hike the Appalachian Mountains in Tuscumbia, these towns will make you feel right at home. Sometimes, the best-kept secrets lie just off the beaten path. While these towns may be small, they have big hearts. So, pack a bag and get ready to fall in love with these unique Alabama towns!
Mentone
Situated on the top of Lookout Mountain is the Alabama treasure of Mentone. It’s the perfect retreat when you need fresh mountain air and friendly locals to recharge your batteries. While sweeping views aren’t in short supply in Mentone, the close-knit artsy community and hub of local attractions are enough to fill an entire weekend. The Mentone Arts and Cultural Center puts Mentone’s artsy vibe on full display with selections of local art, pottery, jewelry, and treasures to take back home.
Before trekking out to explore the nearby scenery, visitors can relax on the charming front porch with a cup of coffee at The Hatter Cafe for a burst of energy before a day of exploration. The DeSoto State Park is a great spot for outdoor adventure. It offers thrill-seeking activities like ziplining and mountain biking, or more chill activities like hiking and outdoor yoga classes. When visiting in the cooler months, the Cloudmont Ski Resort provides fantastic beginner and intermediate slopes. With a small-town vibe and so much wilderness to explore, Mentone is a must-see while in the great state of Alabama.
Guntersville
Let's take a break from the mountains and head to the delightful lakeside retreat of Guntersville! Whether strolling through a farmer’s market on Sunset Drive, exploring the castle-like structure of the Guntersville Museum, or just walking the paved paths along Lake Guntersville, this lakeside escape has something for everyone. If you love to swim, the Beach Complex and Guntersville State Park have fantastic beaches with lakeside views. The Guntersville Parks and Recreation Department offers not only an Olympic-size pool but also manicured walking trails, tennis courts, and playgrounds.
Lake Guntersville is the largest lake in the entire state, so it should come as no surprise that it’s a top-tier fishing destination. It earned the number two spot in the top 100 Best Bass Lakes of the Decade by Bassmaster Magazine. And if you love birding, Guntersville has three spots along the North Alabama Birding Trail where you can catch a rare glimpse of Bald Eagles or other rare birds. If you love the great outdoors and sleepy little lakeside retreats, Guntersville earned its position as a top Alabama destination.
Magnolia Springs
The coastal towns of Alabama get all the attention (and traffic), but if you travel a little inland, you’ll find the adorable hamlet of Magnolia Springs. Nestled on the Magnolia River, it’s home to some amazing seafood. Jesse’s Restaurant is the place to go for the best seafood in the South. Don’t let the rustic outside appearance fool you! The inside offers views almost as good as its seafood.
Considered one of the prettiest towns in Alabama, it puts the state's old-timey charm on full display. Fun fact: Magnolia Springs is one of the only areas in the United States where residents get their mail by boat! The Victorian-style buildings lie in the shade of old trees lining the streets, peppered with delightful stops like Happy Pappys Coffeehouse or the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast. When you’re ready to head on out on the water, Bemis Bay Community Dock is a great launching pad for a kayak or a small fishing boat. For a land-bound view of the water, Magnolia Landing has a scenic boardwalk and observation deck to enjoy the views. When you think of slow-paced southern charm, there’s no better place to unwind than Magnolia Springs!
Oneonta
Considered the “Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama,” Oneonta is one of the prettiest areas in Alabama, and it’s just 37 miles northeast of Birmingham. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, historical landmarks, and nature retreats. Palisades Park provides restored historical buildings and breathtaking landscapes. It offers a glimpse back in time with two old-timey pioneer cabins and a well-preserved schoolhouse that dates back to pioneer days. The arboretum offers peaceful wooded views, but nothing compares to the views from Inspiration Point.
And if you want to explore the rich history of Oneonta, the Horton Mill Covered Bridge looks like something right out of a postcard. After a day of exploring the rich wilderness of Oneonta, the Blount County Memorial Museum offers an excellent record of the history of this charming little town. From historical structures to amazing views, Oneonta is a must-see for history buffs.
Loxley
Want to experience Southern charm at its finest? There’s no better spot than the humble town of Loxley. While it’s not exactly a bustling tourist attraction, its close-knit community spirit and seasonal events will make it feel like your new home away from home. One of its most popular events is the annual Strawberry Festival held in the lovely Loxley Municipal Park. Come for the Strawberry Shortcake (seriously, there’s nothing like a Loxley Strawberry Shortcake!), and stay for the live music, car show, and special family-friendly events.
Historic Bicentennial Park is the perfect spot to admire the rich history of the area as well as take in the fresh country air. Take a walk through the 367 acres of rolling hills and water views. If you long for a slower pace of life (for even just one weekend) Loxely is a wonderful escape.
Tuscumbia
If you want to experience the best that the Alabaman wilderness has to offer, Tuscumbia is an idyllic weekend retreat. Settled in the foothills of the iconic Appalachian Mountains along the banks of the Tennessee River, it is a hub for fishing, hiking, outdoor exploration, and relaxation. The Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve provides 700 acres of mossy trailheads shaded by dense fauna and maybe pass a waterfall or two. Another great spot in the area is the Seven Springs Lodge, which offers cabin rentals in the woods, miles of hiking trails, and a gift shop for treasures to remember your trip.
While there’s plenty of adventure on the outskirts of Tuscumbia, Tuscumbia Spring Park is the heartbeat of this sleepy Northwest Alabama hamlet. This public park is like a little nature paradise in the center of town! With manicured ponds and waterfalls, nature trails, and public events, it’s the heartbeat of Tuscumbia. It’s home to annual community events like Dickens Day during the holiday season and even has a Christmas train and water show. The tight-knit community and amazing local parks will make you feel right at home.
Dauphin Island
Are you in need of a beachy getaway? Escape the noise and worries with a quick trip to Dauphin Island. Known as the Sunset Capital of Alabama, it’s far removed from all the noise and traffic. In fact, the only way you can access Dauphin Island is via a ferry service or the 3-mile Dauphin Island Bridge. While breathtaking sunsets and lazy beach days on the Gulf of Mexico are certainly an option, there’s so much to see and do on this cozy island paradise. The Alabama Aquarium offers interactive displays and a must-see living marsh boardwalk. You can stay for educational classes about the marine life of Alabama, making it a great stop for the whole family.
If you want to explore nature outside of the beaches of Dauphin Island, Cadillac Square is a lovely nature preserve. It was once the home to the Governor Cadillac, but the home no longer stands. Today, it’s a public park that lies in the shade of old, old trees with hiking trails and picnic spots. And if you love historical landmarks, Fort Gaines is a Civil War-era historical landmark within walking distance from Dauphin Island East End Public Beach. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach or explore the landmarks of Dauphin Island, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Explore Alabama’s Hidden Havens
No matter what you love, there’s something for everyone in Alabama. If you love the solitude of the mountains, Mentone is the perfect mountain retreat, especially for hikers. Craving the best seafood in the South? Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs is well worth the drive! Looking for the perfect fishing trip? Look no further than Lake Guntersville. And for a relaxing ocean-side retreat without the traffic of larger coastal resort towns, there’s no better place than Dauphin Island. Often, the best way to experience the heart of a state isn’t through its bigger cities but through the smaller, tight-knit communities hidden away from the rest of the world.
