In This Article

1. Huntsville - About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Birmingham, AL

Huntsville - About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Birmingham, AL

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Location:

Huntsville, AL

Highlights:

Planning a trip from Birmingham? Huntsville is the perfect weekend escape packed with history, space-age excitement, and outdoor adventures.

Recommended For:

Families, history buffs, space enthusiasts, and travelers who love mixing museums with nature.

What I Love: ♥

Immersive space exhibits, charming historic districts, hands-on kids’ museums, and access to scenic outdoor activities.
  • Visit the iconic U.S. Space and Rocket Center and learn about the space race through interactive exhibits and towering rockets.
  • Explore Alabama Constitution Village, Burritt on the Mountain, and the beautifully preserved Weeden House Museum and Garden.
  • Bring the kids to Earlyworks Children’s Museum and see vintage vehicles at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum.
  • Enjoy hiking, biking, caving, boating, or a relaxing round of golf—there’s plenty of fresh air and trails nearby.

Distance from Birmingham:

About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

How to Get to Huntsville:

Take I-65 North from Birmingham. Merge onto I-565 East via Exit 340 to head straight into the heart of Huntsville.

2. Alabama Museum of Natural History - 50 min day trip from Birmingham, AL

Alabama Museum of Natural History - 50 min day trip from Birmingham, AL

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Location:

Tuscaloosa, AL

Highlights:

If you're looking for a fascinating day trip from Birmingham, the Alabama Museum of Natural History is absolutely worth it—think dinosaur bones, ancient fossils, and hands-on discoveries!

Recommended For:

Families, curious kids, science lovers, and anyone fascinated by natural history and ancient Alabama.

What I Love: ♥

Hands-on learning digs, rare fossil collections, immersive exhibits, and the beautiful Classical Revival-style architecture.
  • Explore three floors of Alabama’s ancient and natural history, from fossils to modern biodiversity.
  • Learn through interactive exhibits like The Expedition, offering real-world paleontology and archaeology dig experiences.
  • Visit special exhibitions and educational programming throughout the year for all ages.
  • Admire the grand Classical Revival-style building that’s been home to the museum for over 150 years.

Distance from Birmingham:

Around 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.

How to Get to the Alabama Museum of Natural History:

Take I-20 W/I-59 S toward Tuscaloosa. Use Exit 73 for McFarland Blvd, head toward The University of Alabama, and follow signs to Sixth Avenue.

3. Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo

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Location:

Chattanooga, TN

Highlights:

If you're up for a fun day trip or weekend from Birmingham, the Chattanooga Zoo is a family favorite with big charm and plenty to explore!

Recommended For:

Families with kids, animal lovers, road-trippers, and anyone looking for an affordable, fun-packed zoo day.

What I Love: ♥

Unique animal habitats, interactive experiences like camel rides and train rides, and a cozy, walkable zoo layout.
  • Discover six distinct habitats including Himalayan Passage, Gombe Forest, and the colorful Corcovado Jungle.
  • Ride the Zoo Choo train or the carousel for extra fun, especially with little ones in tow.
  • Enjoy casual dining at Wild Burger or grab snacks at other concession stands throughout the zoo.
  • Join an educational tour or special event—perfect for deepening your animal knowledge.

Distance from Birmingham:

About 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on traffic.

How to Get to the Chattanooga Zoo:

Take I-59 N from Birmingham. Merge onto I-24 E toward Chattanooga. Exit onto US-27 N and follow signs to North Holtzclaw Avenue.

4. DeSoto Caverns - 1 hour day trip from Birmingham, AL

DeSoto Caverns - 1 hour day trip from Birmingham, AL

© DeSoto Caverns

Location:

Childersburg, AL

Highlights:

Looking for an easy adventure just outside Birmingham? DeSoto Caverns is a magical mix of natural wonder and all-ages fun—perfect for a quick getaway!

Recommended For:

Families, history lovers, geology enthusiasts, and anyone craving a fun and educational day trip.

What I Love: ♥

Fascinating cave tours, outdoor attractions for kids, camping options, and a consistent 60°F inside the caverns year-round.
  • Tour the ancient caverns filled with rich history—from Native American use to Civil War-era mining and moonshining.
  • Play more than 20 family-friendly activities including gem panning, a maze, and mini-golf.
  • Explore the scenic grounds with waterfalls, ponds, and peaceful nature trails.
  • Relax with a meal from the café, shop for souvenirs, or spend the night camping onsite.

Distance from Birmingham:

Less than 1 hour by car.

How to Get to DeSoto Caverns:

Take US-280 E from Birmingham toward Childersburg. Turn onto DeSoto Caverns Parkway and follow signs directly to the park entrance.

Affordable Day Trips from Birmingham:

5. DeSoto State Park - 2 hour day trip from Birmingham, AL

DeSoto State Park - 2 hour day trip from Birmingham, AL

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Location:

Fort Payne, AL

Highlights:

Need a full day of fresh air and adventure? DeSoto State Park is just two hours from Birmingham and overflowing with waterfalls, wildflowers, and trails galore.

Recommended For:

Outdoor adventurers, hiking and biking enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking nature-fueled relaxation or recreation.

What I Love: ♥

Scenic waterfalls, Civilian Conservation Corps history, miles of trails, and options for every kind of outdoor activity.
  • Hike more than 25 miles of trails with stunning views, wildflowers, and peaceful forest paths.
  • Try kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, rappelling, and even rock climbing for an active outdoor day.
  • Visit the Nature Center, Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, and enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.
  • Bring the family to enjoy pavilions, a seasonal swimming pool, and playgrounds—all nestled in mountain scenery.

Distance from Birmingham:

Around 2 hours by car.

How to Get to DeSoto State Park:

Take I-59 N from Birmingham to Fort Payne. Exit at AL-35 and follow signs to DeSoto Parkway NE, which leads directly to the park entrance atop Lookout Mountain.

6. Elvis Presley Birthplace

Elvis Presley Birthplace

© Elvis Presley Birthplace

Location:

Tupelo, MS

Highlights:

Looking for a legendary road trip from Birmingham? Tupelo is a must for Elvis fans and music history lovers—just two hours away and full of nostalgia!

Recommended For:

Music lovers, Elvis fans, cultural travelers, and anyone curious about America’s rock 'n' roll roots.

What I Love: ♥

Intimate glimpses into Elvis’s early life, peaceful museum grounds, and a well-kept tribute to an American icon.
  • See the two-room house where Elvis Presley was born and imagine his humble beginnings.
  • Visit the childhood church where Elvis first sang gospel music in the 1940s.
  • Stroll the beautifully landscaped campus with a statue of Elvis, picnic spots, a reflection pond, and an overlook pavilion.
  • Browse the gift shop, enjoy the on-site theatre, and take advantage of group tour options with bus and RV parking available.

Distance from Birmingham:

Just about 2 hours by car.

How to Get to the Elvis Presley Birthplace:

Take I-22 W from Birmingham into Mississippi. Exit at Tupelo and follow signs to Elvis Presley Drive—it's an easy and iconic stop.

7. Fairhope

Fairhope

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Location:

Fairhope, AL

Highlights:

If you’re craving coastal charm and a little sunshine, Fairhope is a picture-perfect escape just four hours south of Birmingham—ideal for a weekend getaway!

Recommended For:

Couples, beach lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for small-town charm with coastal vibes.

What I Love: ♥

Beautiful Gulf views, local history, charming shops, and the magical Jubilee phenomenon that brings crabs and fish to shore.
  • Relax on the beach, stroll along the scenic pier, or enjoy a picnic in the waterfront park.
  • Explore the Fairhope Museum of History for a glimpse into the town’s utopian roots and early coastal community.
  • Stay in one of Fairhope’s boutique inns or bluff-top cottages with incredible sunset views.
  • Watch for the Jubilee Phenomenon—a rare natural event where marine life floods the shallow waters, making it a fisherman’s dream.

Distance from Birmingham:

About 4 hours by car.

How to Get to Fairhope:

Take I-65 S from Birmingham toward Mobile. Merge onto US-98 E toward Daphne/Fairhope and follow signs along scenic routes to the downtown waterfront area.

8. Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium

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Location:

Atlanta, GA

Highlights:

Ready for a world-class experience just two hours from Birmingham? The Georgia Aquarium is a jaw-dropping day trip packed with marine magic for all ages!

Recommended For:

Families, ocean lovers, road trippers, and anyone fascinated by sea life and marine conservation.

What I Love: ♥

Enormous viewing windows, rare marine species, educational exhibits, and high-tech touches like an app and charging stations.
  • Marvel at tens of thousands of ocean creatures—from whale sharks to playful sea otters and glowing jellyfish.
  • Walk through massive underwater tunnels and enjoy panoramic windows that make you feel like you're diving into the deep.
  • Learn about conservation efforts and marine biology through interactive exhibits and programs featured on Animal Planet’s “The Aquarium.”
  • Stay all day with dining options, free Wi-Fi, and an official app to guide your journey through the exhibits.

Distance from Birmingham:

Around 2 hours by car.

How to Get to the Georgia Aquarium:

Take I-20 E from Birmingham into downtown Atlanta. Exit at Spring Street and follow signs to Baker Street NW—the aquarium is right next to Centennial Olympic Park.

Plan Your Trip