8 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Alabama

Ask any Alabaman, and they'll tell you—fall is the perfect time to explore the state, with crisp air and ideal temps setting the stage for a perfect weekend away. With so many travel-worthy spots, the only hard part is deciding where to go. Whether you're drawn to lounging on white-sand beaches, wandering through nature reserves, or visiting the hometowns of famed American authors, these Alabama towns will certainly spark inspiration for your next adventure.

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is a barrier island along Alabama’s southern coast, known for its white sand beaches and rich biodiversity in bird species. Those wanting to spend the day lounging on the beach have three primary options: East End Beach behind the historic Fort Gaines, West End Beach, and Middle Beach near Dauphin Island Elementary.

After spending a morning on East End Beach, visitors can head over to Fort Gaines nearby, constructed in 1821 and completed during the Civil War, which became a key part of the Battle of Mobile Bay. Also on the island is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, home to 164 acres of woodlands, miles of trails, and, of course, hundreds of migratory bird species. Along Coronado Cove with beachside views, enjoy a stay at Dauphin Island Harbor House, a newly remodeled inn.

Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook is just a 15-minute drive from Birmingham and is an upscale suburb offering boutique shopping, fine dining, and relaxing spa treatments. Nicknamed “The Tiny Kingdom,” Mountain Brook has five distinct shopping districts, each boasting tree-lined streets and boutiques ranging from jewelry and art to clothing and furniture.

In the morning, before starting their shopping spree, visitors can stop by Church Street Coffee and Books, a cozy coffee shop serving delicious homemade cookies. Not a big shopper? Visitors also have outdoor recreational opportunities to choose from, such as Jemison Park Trail, a newly renovated, paved trail that features scenic creek views. To make the stay even more luxurious, travelers can spend the weekend at the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook Hotel, which offers a spa, art gallery, rooftop, and cooking school on its premises.

Magnolia Springs

Magnolia Springs, with a population of just under 850 residents, offers a completely different experience than Mountain Brook, promising visitors the opportunity to disconnect and unwind in a quiet, southern town known for its Alabaman hospitality. Housed in the town’s old post office, many enjoy a Cajun-style meal at Jesse’s Restaurant, a local favorite.

The Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast in town is a historic inn, built in 1897, that offers luxurious rooms and a hot breakfast each morning, the perfect place for visitors to rest and refuel during their weekend away. Just a five-minute drive from town, the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve promises an enjoyable time outdoors, a 6,000-acre park with a boardwalk that takes visitors along the reserve’s boggy ecosystem, where they can appreciate diverse flowers, wildlife, and carnivorous plants.

Childersburg

Childersburg is one of the country’s oldest continually occupied cities, with its founding dating back to 1540. In addition to appreciating downtown Childersburg’s historic district, travelers can visit the Kymulga Grist Mill & Covered Bridge, which dates back to the 1860s and features a 105-foot covered bridge that spans across Talladega Creek.

Childersburg is also prominently known for being home to Alabama’s largest cave, Majestic Caverns, where you can take a guided tour of the underground, learn about its history, and grab a cup of coffee at Cave Cafe. Looking for a historic place to stay? Somerset House in the neighboring town, Talladega, is housed in a restored building from 1905 and offers a delicious hot breakfast each morning.

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is just a half-hour drive from Magnolia Springs, making a great extension for those wanting to add a coastal stay to their itinerary. Branyon Beach, Shell Beach, and Lagoon Pass Park are just a few of the beaches that travelers can enjoy, each, of course, with pristine white sands. Those traveling with families have endless recreational opportunities that kids will love, including Adventure Island, an amusement park that has glow golf, go-carts, and bumper boats, among other rides.

Wanting to head out onto the water? Gulf Shores has plenty of kayak, paddleboard, boat, and snorkeling rental agencies, allowing visitors to explore the ocean and bayous. For a comfortable stay, reserve a room at the Original Romar House Bed & Breakfast Inn along the coast in a home dating back to 1924.

Monroeville

Monroeville is celebrated for its rich literary heritage as the hometown of two iconic American novelists, Harper Lee and Truman Capote. The town served as the inspiration for Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, and you can explore this legacy through landmarks like the Old Courthouse, a prominent influence in her novel. For those eager to experience the story live, Monroeville offers annual performances of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Like Lee, Capote drew inspiration from the local landscape, with travelers able to trace his legacy to sites such as the Truman Capote Historical Marker on the former Faulk family residence. Just five minutes from Moneroeville’s historic district, visitors can stay in Loftin’s Cabin, a cozy log cabin with a sleeping loft that can sleep up to three guests.

Fairhope

Fairhope offers both a coastal and historic experience along Mobile Bay and is home to a traditional French Quarter district. Within the Fairhope French Quarter, expect to see cobblestone courtyards, colorful Crape Myrtles, and artisan boutiques. Fairhope Municipal Pier is a popular place for both tourists and residents to congregate, with beautiful views of the bay, picnic tables, rose gardens, and swimming areas.

To appreciate local art, travelers can stop by the Eastern Shore Art Center, which has an art gallery and offers art classes. The Art Center also puts on a monthly art walk that takes place on the first Friday. For lodging, you cannot go wrong with the Grand Hotel on a lush, green lawn featuring a golf course and spa where guests can unwind.

Eufala

Situated near a canyon, natural springs, and whitewater, Eufala promises a weekend full of outdoor adventures. For a refreshing weekend, Blue Springs State Park, open year-round, is a 103-acre park with a 50-site campground and a spring-fed swimming pool, well worth the 45-minute drive from town. Meanwhile, Providence Canyon State Park is a half-hour drive northeast, across the Alabama-Georgia Border, and is considered to be “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” with gullies plunging up to 150 feet.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a tennis match at Lakepoint Resort State Park or play a round of golf at Eufaula Country Club. You can also stay in one of Eufala’s oldest homes, the Eufala House, built in 1864, with many historic-style suites to choose from.

Why Alabama’s Small Towns Should Be Your Next Getaway

Some of Alabama’s most beautiful spots are in some of the most unexpected places. From historic forts to bird sanctuaries and massive caves, these small towns may have modest populations, but they are rich in attractions and outdoor adventures. So grab your calendar, set a date, and choose one of these destinations for an unforgettable trip!