They don’t call it “sweet home, Alabama” for nothing — and indeed, the Heart of Dixie is chock-full of incredible sights to see and things to do. No matter which corner of the state you live in or are traveling to, there are Alabama landmarks worth putting on your itinerary. Whether you prefer the beauty of DeSoto Caverns or the thrills offered at Talladega Superspeedway, there is something for you!
Not sure which landmarks to see while camping in Alabama? The ones in this article are a good place to start.
Top Landmarks in Alabama
Alabama Landmarks
Gulf Shores Public Beach
There are few places that can boast a combination of deep south hospitality and shimmering shoreline, complete with beautiful blue oceans and endless white sand beaches. But at Gulf Shores Public Beach, visitors get just that: the best of both kinds of southern worlds.
Plus, this beach is free — aside from a seasonal parking fee. Sit back, relax, and lose yourself in the rhythmic crashing of the waves… all while getting a killer sun tan.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
In close proximity to Mobile and Pensacola, there is plenty to see and do in the Gulf Shores area. Make sure to check out Gulf State Park and Waterville USA water park.
Gulf State Park offers camping, meaning you can stay right in the middle of the beauty while visiting this amazing spot.
U.S. Rocket and Space Center
Huntsville, Alabama might not be where the U.S. space program launches or coordinates its missions, but it is home to the U.S. Rocket and Space Center. This is a unique museum where visitors can learn about the series of incredible innovations that have made America a leader in human space travel.
Along with traditional explanatory exhibits, this organization also offers flight simulations and shuttle experiences. They even offer the opportunity to take part in multi-axis training, which emulates the intense G-forces astronauts experience when a spacecraft or aircraft tumbles.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Be sure to check out the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Huntsville Museum of Art while in the area. You may also want to take a day trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
As far as camping goes, we recommend staying the beautiful Monte Sano State Park.
Oak Mountain State Park
The largest of Alabama’s state parks at just under 10,000 acres, Oak Mountain State Park stands apart from the others.Located only 20 or so miles south of Birmingham, this state park features a stunning waterfall, pristine lakefront, forest-covered hiking trails and more outdoor recreation opportunities. It is also home to several developed amenities including a Wildlife Center, BMX Track, Interpretive Center, golf course and more.
In short, no matter what kind of adventure you’re after, you can probably do it at Oak Mountain State Park.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just a few miles outside of Birmingham, there are an incredible number of things to do in the area, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Birmingham Zoo.
You can actually camp in Oak Mountain State Park. This is awesome because it means you never have to leave this beautiful natural area.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
While Alabama is home to a number of zoos — the largest of which being in Birmingham — the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is truly special. A nonprofit that relies on visitor admission fees and donations to keep itself operating, this sanctuary is home to over 115 species.
Along with offering the public the opportunity to get up close and personal with some wild new friends, this zoo is also committed to educational and conservational efforts. Plus, it’s close to the beach!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Along with the aforementioned Gulf State Park, visitors to Gulf Coast should also put the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum on their to-do list. If you’re in town at the right time, check out the Gulf Shores Shrimp Fest as well!
If you prefer not to stay at the state park, you may want to look into the camping at Sugar Sands RV Resort for an amazing luxury camping experience.
U.S.S. Alabama (Battleship Memorial Park)
A Mobile must-see, the U.S.S. Alabama in an authentic, historical battleship that was first put into service all the way back in 1940. It has reached its final resting place at Battleship Memorial Park, which offers visitors the opportunity to board the ship itself. People who visit can also explore an adjacent aircraft pavilion, park memorials, and more. This gives you a sound picture of both what life was like aboard the Mighty A and the historical twists and turns that put it into operation in the first place.
Special programs also make it possible to stay overnight onboard the battleship or host a birthday or private party.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The bayside town of Mobile has so much to offer. Check out the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn more about its vibrant Mardi Gras history or see the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico.
For a great camping experience, consider staying at the lovely Meaher State Park.
Noccalula Falls
Tucked away in the small town of Gadsden, Noccalula Falls offers an incredible outdoor experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve travelled far further. A 90-foot waterfall rushing at incredible speeds into the Black Creek below it, these falls are preserved and exhibited by a 250-acre public park.
In addition to the falls, the park also plays host to a playground, petting zoo, souvenir shop, and more. Turn it into a full-on weekend getaway or just stop by to watch the falls, but either way, don’t miss it.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The nearby Gadsden Museum of Art is a total hidden cultural gem, and Cheaha State Park is just a short drive south from the falls.
When it comes time to set up camp, you can just park your RV in one of the campsites located in Noccalula Falls Park.
DeSoto Caverns
Another incredible Alabama natural landmark, DeSoto Caverns is an underground mansion. This series of caves features a main room that is more than ten stories high and larger than a football field.
An important part of history throughout the ages, DeSoto Caverns is now part of a park that is open to visitors. Along with the caverns themselves, the park also offers other attractions such as magic acts, forge demonstrations, fire juggling and more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you’re looking for even more beautiful outdoorsy goodness, head northeast a bit and check out Cheaha State Park. Childersburg, where the caverns are located, is also near the city of Birmingham where you can see the McWane Science Center and Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
You can actually set up camp on the aforementioned Cheaha State Park. This is awesome because it means you can immerse yourself in nature for the entirety of your trip if you choose to do so.
Talladega Superspeedway
For NASCAR fans, Alabama is nearly synonymous with Talladega — and they’re not talking about the forest. The Talladega Superspeedway, sometimes simply known as “Dega,” is NASCAR’s biggest racetrack and the host of some of the most intense and incredible car races in the world.
Even if you can’t make it at the right time to watch a race in person, the Speedway is open year-round for tours. You’ll likely also want to check out the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum. That said, of course, the very best way to experience Dega is by watching a race there.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Less than an hour east of Birmingham, the Talladega Superspeedway is also close to Cheaha State Park as well as a variety of area waterfalls. Local outfitters will even help you enjoy the outdoors with seasonal tubing tours.
If you head to the speedway during a race, you can actually camp onsite, which is a ton of fun and highly recommended!
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
A unique site rising into the skyline of Birmingham, the Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark truly is a sight to behold — and a fascinating piece of history to participate in as well. Originally put into operation in 1882, these furnaces were used to produce pig iron until 1971, at which point it was preserved and restored for the public. By 1981, The Department of the Interior had designated these furnaces a National Historic Landmark, and today it serves both as a kind of living museum and an events space.
Along with learning more about the history of the metal industry in America, visitors can also participate in hands-on metal crafting classes, educational programs, and even food festivals and fun runs.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Yet another Birmingham destination, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is within an easy driving distance of must-see attractions like the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Heaviest Corner on Earth.
Hoover RV Park is a city park campground that is located just a few miles outside of Birmingham. It makes for an excellent homebase as you explore the area.
Dismals Canyon
Yet another often-overlooked Alabama treasure, Dismals Canyon is nestled into the northwest section of the state outside of the small town of Hackleburg. A beautiful sandstone gorge, the canyon would be worth visiting just for the views. That said, there is an additional draw. You see, this site is one of the few on earth where the bioluminescent insects known as Dismalites live.
Emitting their otherworldly blue-green light to find both food and mates, these Dismalites are visible on night tours available to visitors.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked away into the rural northwestern part of the state, Dismals Canyon is close to other outdoorsy must-sees like Bankhead National Forest and Natural Bridge Park.
Camping is available in Dismals Canyon park, so there is no need to go searching for accommodations.
Planning an RV Trip to Alabama
An RV trip is the perfect way to enjoy all of these Alabama landmarks and more. Make sure to check out the best campgrounds in Alabama, as well the most popular Alabama state parks while you’re down there!
