9 Coziest Alabama Towns To Visit In 2025
Recognized for its captivating coastlines, magnificent mountain scenery, and warm and welcoming Southern hospitality, Alabama is a fascinating state to explore. From the glistening waters of Gulf Shores to the gorgeous waterfalls of Fort Payne and the significant historical exhibits of Florence, “The Cotton State” is filled with natural and cultural wonders. Prepare to make unforgettable new memories that will last a lifetime in these 9 cozy Alabama destinations!
Gulf Shores
If you have been dreaming about picturesque coastlines, soaking up the sun on a powdery white-sand beach as you listen to the turquoise waters splash against the shore, then Gulf Shores is the city for you. Gulf State Park offers 6,150 acres of dreamy lands by the Alabama Gulf Coast, with 28 miles of trails. Go swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, or see what seashells you can find by the shore. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a remarkable spot for animal lovers; Neotropical Migratory Songbirds, Beach Mice, and Sea Turtles are protected here. Adventure seekers can explore the Slides, Wave Pool, and escape rooms in Waterville USA/Escape House; while Craft Farms Golf Club offers a peaceful, serene setting to practice your aim on a 36-hole course. Nearby lies Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms, where spacious accommodations await, with a heated outdoor pool, bistro, and fitness center.
Mentone
The small mountain town of Mentone is teeming with opportunities for adventures. Shady Grove Horse Ranch is the perfect place for horseback riding amidst the breathtaking Alabama scenery. Get a glimpse of the city's past at the Old Union Crossing Covered Bridge, a 110-foot-long landmark rebuilt over the existing 1800s cable bridge. Try a tasty slice of Buttermilk Pie in Wildflower Cafe, where you can order dinner, lunch, and other homemade desserts, and listen to live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Situated 4.4 miles southwest, Bee on the Brow Bed and Breakfast offers unparalleled views atop Lookout Mountain, with several suite options available for a dreamy retreat in one of the most cozy Alabama destinations to visit in 2025.
Magnolia Springs
Known for its incredible natural scenery, Magnolia Springs is a stunning town set along the Magnolia River. Fun fact: this is the only mail delivery river route remaining in the US. Home to just 855 residents as per World Population Review in 2024, what this town lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. Prepare for a blast into the past at Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, where you will experience true Southern hospitality in a restored 1897 inn renowned for its Victorian-era elegance. Unravel the history of the charming 1902 St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel, and enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a comfortable atmosphere at Jesse’s Restaurant.
Fort Payne
Could this city be one of America's best-kept secrets? Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Fort Payne is a nature lover's paradise and a history buff’s dream. Between the breathtaking waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers of DeSoto State Park, and the sandstone cliffs and canyon rims of Little River Canyon National Preserve, you will be in for a real treat as you explore one of the most cozy Alabama destinations to visit in 2025. Nearby, you will find Bear Creek Log Cabins. Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing retreat, where historic 1800s charm meets magnificent mountain views and modern-day amenities. You can also mix nature and history at Fort Payne Depot Museum, an extraordinary site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover notable exhibits featuring memorabilia from World War I and II, the Vietnam War, and the Civil War.
Eufaula
Home to the second-largest historic district in Alabama, Eufaula is a remarkable city. See over 700 structures on the National Register of Historic Places in The Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District. Learn about Eufaula’s past in The Shorter Mansion, a captivating Greek Revival Mansion renovated from 1901 to 1906. From there, see the Italianate-style Fendall Hall, one of the oldest homes in the city. Its interior reflects the 1880 to 1916 time period with exquisite wall paintings, and original decorations, decorative paintings, and artifacts from that era. Lake Eufaula, the border point between Alabama and Georgia, is also known as “The Big Bass Capital of the World”. Rent a boat and see what you can catch at Lakepoint State Park; also a wonderful spot for bird watching, dining, hiking, swimming, camping, and picnicking. Between 101 guest rooms, 29 cabins, eight lakeside cottages, and 192 improved campsites, you can find accommodations that work best for you in the Lakepoint Resort State Park.
Dauphin Island
Dubbed the “Sunset Capital of Alabama”, this picturesque island is not only one of the most cozy Alabama destinations to visit in 2025; but perhaps one of the most underrated beach towns in America. Situated on the gorgeous Gulf Coast, you will find miles of powdery white sand beaches, a fascinating fort, and plenty of wildlife on Dauphin Island. East End Beach is a pet-friendly spot where you can spend time by the water with your furry friends. Nearby lies Fort Gaines; built in the 1800s, its ramparts have guarded the Mobile Bay entrance for over 150 years. You can also see habitats from four coastal state regions in the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. You will find creatures from the Barrier Islands, Mobile Bay, the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. For a lovely getaway close to the beach, the Inn At Dauphin Island offers cozy units overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Mountain Brook
If you are more of a city explorer, preferring to shop in upscale boutiques, while trying sumptuous new eats and discovering beautiful European-style architecture, then Mountain Brook is the place for you. This quaint Birmingham suburb features several distinct villages; English, Cahaba, Overton, Crestline, and Mountain Brook Village. You can also venture through the area’s green spaces like Overton Park, a lovely spot for the entire family with a large playground area, a brick walking path, and a scenic lawn area, perfect for picnicking. Try some fresh, delicious local seafood in Dyron’s Lowcountry, and spend some time by the water in Cahaba River Walk Park. Enjoy exquisite accommodations in Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, where comfort and elegance converge.
Tuscumbia
Spend some time by the Tennessee River in Tuscumbia, where natural beauty meets historic wonders. Visit the incredible American Author and Educator Helen Keller’s Birthplace, Ivy Green, constructed in 1820. Learn about the state’s musical heritage in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, where accomplishments from many genres are celebrated. ColdWater Inn offers cozy accommodations nearby, with complimentary breakfast and warm Southern hospitality in the heart of the Shoals area. If you would like to reconnect with nature, discover Spring Park with its cascading waterfall and stunning fountain dedicated to Princess Im-Mi-Ah-Key, Chickasaw Indian Chief Tuscumbia’s wife.
Florence
Named after the breathtaking Italian city by European surveyor Ferdinand Sannoner in 1818, Florence is undoubtedly one of the most cozy Alabama destinations to visit in 2025. Travel back in time at Pope's Tavern's Museum, where exhibits devoted to Civil War history and daily life in the 1800s are on display in Alabama’s Renaissance City. Learn about the "Father of the Blues" in the W.C. Handy Museum and Library, and enjoy an elegant dinner with views of the Tennessee River in the revolving 360 Grille restaurant. Enjoy exquisite accommodations in the Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa for a stay in a sophisticated resort-style setting.
Takeaways
If you have been dreaming about your next trip, The Cotton State is a wonderful vacation destination to explore. Between the mountainous vistas of Mentone, the historical wonders of Eufaula, and the captivating villages of Mountain Brook, you will be surrounded by beauty left, right, and center. Turn your travel dreams into reality in some of the most cozy Alabama destinations to visit in 2025. Prepare for extraordinary new adventures as you make incredible memories you will never forget.
