8 Offbeat Alabama Towns To Visit In 2025
In the heart of the South, Alabama offers something for every traveler. The historically significant state has white-sand beaches along the Gulf Coast, mountainous topography in the northern reaches, and funky little towns that are just a blast to visit. These eight offbeat towns are the best to visit in 2025 because of their historical or artistic flair, live events, and incredible downtown areas for shopping, dining, or lodging.
The Yellowhammer State, named after the state bird, is rich in natural attractions that draw hikers, campers, and anglers for its abundant opportunities. Alabama also has a deep cultural history and is the birthplace of notable figures, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Hank Williams, and Nat "King" Cole. Whether you seek a Caribbean-inspired beach vacation, cultural history, or a quintessential Southern small town, Alabama has it all.
Orange Beach
Orange Beach is a lively Gulf Coast town known for more than just its sand and surf. It is also home to one of the world’s largest beach bars, the Flor-a-Bama, which sits right on the state line between Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key, Florida. The bar is famous for its five stages featuring live music year-round, the Mullet Toss, and fishing rodeos.
Many cultural attractions tell the story of this coastal town, like the Orange Beach History Museum. Another landmark museum is the Orange Beach History Museum. It is dedicated to preserving the Gulf Coast and local history and exploring the diverse culture through exhibits. While many come for a vacation on the sugary sand, Orange Beach's vibrancy and offbeat funkiness draw visitors back.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is right down the coastline from Orange Beach and is famous as a family beach getaway. Nature lovers flock to Gulf Shores State Park for its abundance of hiking, the pier, and ziplining over the dunes. Gulf Shores is also home to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which has over 188 species, 22 of which are endangered.
Waterway Village was designed with the pedestrian in mind. Its tree-lined streets, decorative light posts, restaurants, and local shops showcase the town's uniqueness. Acme Oyster House has been shucking oysters for over 100 years. Lulu's at Homeport Marina offers a local flair from Lucy Buffett, sister of late singer and beach bum Jimmy Buffett. It features free live music every night of the week with a lively atmosphere.
Fort Payne
Historic Fort Payne is notable for being the hometown of the famous country music band Alabama. It is also noteworthy for its natural beauty between the Lookout and Sand Mountains. The downtown area is filled with friendly shops and stops along the World's Longest Yard Sale in August and Antique Alley in May.
The friendly community pays homage to its cultural past and heritage with museums, perhaps none as unique as the Depot Museum. The 1891 pink sandstone Richardsonian Romanesque architecture was once operated by the Alabama Great Southern Railroad. Now, it houses railroad memorabilia, handcrafted dioramas from 1913, Indian artifacts, and exhibits showcasing local history.
Eufala
Scenic Eufaula sits along Lake Eufaula, which is fed by the Chattahoochee River. The town features traditional brick storefronts and reflects classic Americana, part of Alabama's National Main Street Program. The historic district boasts 300 events over the past few years, including the artistic Eufalafest and Pilgrimage, which tours Alabama's Oldest Tour of Homes every April when the Dogwoods and other scenic flowers start blooming.
The Pilgrimage is one of the best times to visit and includes an art walk, home and church tours, and afternoon teas in select homes. Historic Downtown offers year-round appeal and includes Antebellum homes like the 1850 Hart House, the oldest in town, and numerous boutiques, such as the Pampered Belle on Broad Street.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a Gulf Coast Island on the southern coast and is considered the "Sunset Capital of Alabama." Several live events celebrate the natural scenery and cultural flair, such as Warblers and Wine, the Bird Banding Event 2025, and the weekly Market in Green Park. Dauphin Island is an offbeat town to visit year-round and is home to many cultural attractions like the Arts of Dauphin Island and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Arts of Dauphin Island is an art gallery with diverse canvases displayed by local and regional artists, from clay to canvas. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo features species from the Delta to the Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the heart of Alabama's marine research initiatives for the past 40 years. There is something for all age groups, with classes, exhibitions, and workshops highlighting the diverse ecosystems and how to preserve them.
Magnolia Springs
Picturesque Magnolia Springs captures the essence of Alabama with its canopy roads and Southern charm along the banks of the Magnolia River. Its history dates back to 1800, and several architectural marvels are to be explored, including the landmark Victorian Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast and the popular Jesse's Restaurant, serving fresh Gulf seafood housed in the old Post Office.
A fascinating way to view this sleepy town is by booking a tour on a hot-air balloon at Taking Off. The piloted ship flies over the Gulf Coast, Mobile Bay, and other landmarks in Southern Alabama, and it is one of the most unforgettable experiences while visiting. Several live events celebrate the local beauty and heritage, such as the Southeastern Indian Festival in April and the Firefighter Festival in October.
Mentone
Mentone is a charming town on Lookout Mountain, featuring panoramic views and a 104-foot waterfall. Natural and cultural attractions, such as DeSoto Falls and Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel, abound in this mountain town. The falls once powered nearby mountain communities and now serve as a popular recreation site, underscored by the need to preserve wild rivers.
Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel is a loving tribute built by prominent citizen Milford Howard to his first wife, even as his health was failing. The unique structure was built around a boulder as a tribute to their love. Another historical church is St. Joseph's on-the-Mountain Episcopal Church, originally built as a log cabin in 1870. For an unbeatable sunset, visit Brow Park on top of the mountain, which also features views of Sand Mountain, for a memorable occasion.
Fairhope
Fairhope, along the banks of Mobile Bay, is notable for its eclectic French Quarter, which features the largest Crape Myrtle in Alabama. The cobblestone sidewalks are lined with upscale boutiques and refined lodging at the Grand Hotel. The hotel also features a golf course, resort, spa, and grand autograph collection. The "Queen of Southern Resorts" is over 175 years old and is an icon in the Southern region.
The Fairhope Pier should not be missed. It is considered the local "Town Square," featuring a marina, rose gardens, beaches, and other attractions. Eastern Shores Art Center offers monthly art exhibits and First Fridays Art Walks in the historic district for those looking for artistic offerings. The art walks are among the best ways to view this landmark district and offbeat town and are a great day to plan a trip.
Why These Alabama Towns Stand Out in 2025
Alabama is an engaging state to visit any time of the year. Its diverse topography ranges from coastal beaches to mountains, and the offbeat towns in these areas authentically reflect this multifaceted culture. The small communities celebrate their unique towns with several live events throughout the year, making it one of the best times to visit and capture Alabama's essence.
From Spring Break party towns like Orange Beach to gorgeous natural scenery at Dauphin Island, Alabama, there is something for every visitor. These towns reflect the best of the region, with eclectic cultural murals and galleries that blend seamlessly with the town's historic heritage. This mix of nature and art explains why Alabama has inspired many legendary artists.
