If you’re traveling to Huntsville, AL for a short visit, you’ll find plenty of history, culture, food and natural beauty to enjoy. To help you explore the city, we’ve created a fun-filled, two-day itinerary.
If you want to travel in comfort when you visit Huntsville, you should consider renting an RV. When you travel in an RV, you’ll never have to worry about finding accommodations or deciding which car to drive. You’ll also be free to experience Huntsville’s local attractions at your own pace. Whether you prefer a luxurious coach or a compact trailer, you can select a contemporary RV that works for you.
Search RV rentals in the Huntsville area.
Preparing for Your Huntsville RV Trip
When you’re planning your trip, start by finding an RV rental in or around Huntsville. If your vehicle is able to tow a heavy load, you can attach a towable trailer. If you’re looking for a drivable home-on-wheels, you can rent a Class A, B or C RV. You can also arrange to have someone bring a furnished RV to your campsite.
Our resources will help you reserve your RV with ease as you prepare for your trip:
• Avoid common RV rental mistakes
• Renting your RV
• Picking the right size RV
• RV parking tips
Once you find the RV you want, you can choose the perfect RV campsite for kicking back and enjoying nature when you’re in the Huntsville area. Several popular, full-service RV campgrounds provide convenient, modern amenities and utility hookups, like West Valley Mobile Home Park, Ditto Landing, Redstone Arsenal Campground and Monte Sano State Park. Reserving a campsite in advance lets you focus on enjoying your time in Huntsville, knowing that you already have a place to stay.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Huntsville.
Day 1: Explore Natural Wonders
Morning: Take a Sunrise Hike
If you’re up for a morning adventure, go on an early-morning trek to see the sunrise at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve. The moderately difficult 2.5-mile hike to Blevins Gap Overlook will reward you with an expansive view of the Huntsville landscape. Be sure to take a headlamp or flashlight, and pack snacks and a thermos of coffee.
Lunch: Enjoy Southern Americana
Head northeast to Mary’s Pit Bar BQ in Gurley to enjoy hearty portions of pulled pork, chicken and ribs outside a charming red BBQ shack. Walk into this Alabama favorite, order plenty, and then sit down at a picnic table and enjoy the view of the country landscape. With origins dating back to 1958, this little spot is an American treasure you won’t want to miss.
Afternoon: Explore the Underground
For an unforgettable experience underground, drive 20 miles southeast of Gurley to Cathedral Caverns State Park. Originally called the “Bat Cave,” the renamed caverns became a state park in 2000. Its stunning natural formations include a 45-foot-tall stalagmite called “Goliath;” a fantastic stalagmite forest; and a skinny, 3-inch-wide stalagmite that rises 27 feet into the air. Reserve a tour and enjoy a break from the heat; the temperature inside the cave stays cool at 60 degrees year-round.
Setting Up Camp
When you’re ready to settle in for the night, drive over to your RV campground to get checked in. You can pull in and park, set up the hookups, and take time to relax. You can also arrange to have your RV delivered to your campsite. As you search for an RV to rent, filter by delivery options.
Dinner: Dine in or Check Out a Huntsville Favorite
Whether you cook in your RV’s kitchen or build a fire outside, a campsite dinner is a great way to end a day of sightseeing. If you want to get dinner in town, try Domaine South, where Chef Jay Hendricks creates wonderful dishes with local ingredients and pairs them with hand-selected wines. Specialties include pan-seared grouper, coquille St. Jacques scallops and New Zealand rack of lamb.
Day 2: Out of This World Excursions
Morning: Take a Trip into Space
If you’re a space and technology enthusiast, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a must-see. You can learn about NASA; see real moon rock and space memorabilia; and view replicas of the International Space Station (ISS), the Saturn V rocket, and the Pathfinder space shuttle. You can also explore the galaxy at the 8K digital Intuitive Planetarium and feel like an astronaut when you take a ride on the Moon Shot.
Lunch: Enjoy the Breeze on the Patio
Come back to Earth and enjoy lunch at Hound & Harvest, a local bistro where you can gaze at art as you eat inside or enjoy the breeze on the patio. The menu includes healthy tacos; bowls; salads; and sandwiches that are full of fresh, seasonal flavors. Round out your meal with a delicious smoothie, dessert or craft beer on tap.
Afternoon: Experience the Magic of Nature
At the Huntsville Botanical Garden, you can enjoy an outdoor sculpture exhibit, take a guided tour through the themed gardens or explore the grounds on your own. The Bush Azalea Trail showcases over 3,000 azaleas that are native to the U.S. and Asia. The formal and serene Damson Aquatic Garden features an aquatic pavilion and a pool with Victoria lilies and tropical water plants. Fern Glade has shady paths lined with deciduous and evergreen ferns that pass by a waterfall and a belvedere.
Evening: Enjoy Culture, Music and Imaginative Games
As the sun sets, stroll around the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex. Check the calendar for evening entertainment, including live music and concerts, open studios, and dance parties.
Day 3 and Beyond in Huntsville
A two-day trip to Huntsville is sure to be memorable, but you’ll have plenty to do if you stay a few more days.
• Take a 10-mile train ride on the Mercury and Chase Railroad at the North Alabama Railroad Museum. You can also hang out at the depot and see a passenger train and a historic watchman’s hut or take a self-guided tour through the museum, which is open seven days a week.
• Enjoy fresh air, gorgeous views and greenery as you trek through Monte Sano State Park. This amazing site has plenty to offer, including hiking and biking trails, a museum, disc golf, a Japanese garden, and a planetarium. The park also sponsors several events throughout the year.
• Burritt on the Mountain is the site of an expansive mansion that once belonged to a Huntsville physician, Dr. William Burritt. Today, you can step back into history as you walk through the home and view a replica of the Rosenwald Schoolhouse. You can also enjoy covered pavilions, walk the trails and take in amazing views from the mountaintop.
Winter Activities
During December, you can enjoy the Winter Park at the Orion Amphitheatre. The winter season is also a great time to find great local beers on the Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail with nine different locations to explore.
Indoor Activities
If you want to have fun without worrying about the weather, you’ll find plenty to do indoors. Locals love to skate at the colorful Roller Time Skate Center, and art lovers can develop their eye for beauty at the Huntsville Museum of Art.
Huntsville is waiting for you with history, dining, art and entertainment. Enjoy natural and technological wonders and vibrant local culture during the day, and then relax in your rented RV. Two days in Huntsville lets you experience a taste of the city. If you like what you see, you’ll want to come back for more.
