Alabama’s location in the Deep South makes it easy for groups to travel to nearby major cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Nashville. But why leave the state? You’ll find an array of nature escapes, historic landmarks, and one-of-a-kind attractions within Alabama’s borders that are well worth a day trip. Whether you’re a local exploring new corners of your state or an out-of-towner on a Southeastern road trip, there’s so much to experience in Alabama.
Partybus.com is here to help your group explore with reliable transportation around Alabama’s best attractions. Choose from our large network of charter buses and minibuses to find the perfect coach for your group, whether that’s a 56-passenger charter bus or a compact 20-passenger minibus. Enjoy comfortable, reclining seats, climate-controlled interiors, and additional amenities like WiFi and TVs with DVD players to make your day trip even better. Plus, you’ll have a driver to handle the navigation and parking, which will give your group the chance to relax and enjoy the journey.
Now let’s see the places you’ll DEFINITELY want to visit!
Where to go in Alabama
Get your itinerary rolling with these Alabama day trip destinations:
Cheaha State Park
Travel time from Birmingham: ~ 1 hour or 45 miles
Good for: enjoying the fresh mountain air and the fall foliage.
There’s something enchanting about Alabama’s Talladega Mountains. These rolling peaks have always attracted travelers and outdoor enthusiasts with their abundance of hiking trails, lakes, and waterfalls, and the many scenic overlooks that showcase the majesty of the Appalachian foothills. If your group is looking for a place to connect with nature, plan to visit Cheaha State Park, home of the highest point in Alabama!
Explore the park’s Native American heritage by walking the trails leading to the ancient rock formations of Devil’s Den or taking in the beauty of Bald Rock, a rocky overlook with stunning panoramas. (Pro tip: visit during the fall, and your group will be wowed by the vibrant red and gold foliage blanketing the mountainsides.) Once you’ve worked up an appetite, treat your group to a meal at the Cheaha Restaurant on Cheaha Mountain.
Cheaha Restaurant
Address: 19644 State Hwy 281, Delta, AL 36258
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Travel time from Mobile: ~1 hour or 45 miles
Good for: soaking up the sun, swimming with dolphins, and enjoying a seafood feast.
While Florida’s Gulf Coast may be more popular among beach-loving tourists, Alabama’s stretch of the Gulf Coast offers a laid-back alternative for a day at the beach. The most well-known cities along this part of Alabama are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Both cities have perfect beaches, family-friendly water parks, and a variety of seafood restaurants.
For a quiet, leisurely stroll along the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores is the place to be. You can enjoy the views from the pier or head to the beach to swim, sunbathe, or fish. You can also plan a day of watching sea turtles on the shores or maybe you’d prefer to kayak, paddleboard, or try to spot dolphins. If your group is looking for a beach with less foot traffic, head over to Orange Beach for pristine, white sand beaches with fewer tourists and a less commercialized feel.
Round out your day at one of Gulf Shore’s or Orange Beach’s many seafood eateries. In Gulf Shores, locals adore The Hangout for its casual beachfront atmosphere and its menu of gulf shrimp, oysters, and fish. If you’re traveling in a bigger group, you’ll want to make reservations at Lulu’s Gulf Shores for its massive, multi-tiered patio and its tasty selection of shrimp tacos, hush puppies, and more. Over in Orange Beach, visitors can enjoy upscale seafood and steak at Voyagers, or sample regional favorites like blackened mahi-mahi, and jumbo lump crab at Cobalt, The Restaurant.
Lulu’s Gulf Shores
Address: 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Huntsville
Travel time from Birmingham: ~2 hours or 100 miles
Good for: science lovers, aspiring astronauts, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Huntsville is nicknamed “The Rocket City,” for good reason. Since the mid-1950s, the city has served as a major center for space and defense research. Even if you aren’t employed by NASA or the U.S. Army, you’ll still be fascinated by Huntsville’s history and the attractions it has to offer.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is where your group can walk among rockets that were used during historic missions and imagine what it would be like to experience zero gravity. Here you’ll find rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs—including the Saturn V, the most powerful rocket ever built, which once launched humans to the moon. The center has a variety of interactive exhibits where your group can learn about the history of rocket design, and kiddos can experience a mock space mission in the Shuttle Park. If your space enthusiasts need a little extra immersion, book a reservation to stay overnight and experience space camp!
You can also take your group to explore Alabama’s largest enclosed botanical garden, Huntsville Botanical Garden. If you’re traveling in the spring, you’ll be wowed by the blooming dogwoods, azaleas, and daffodils. And during the holidays, you can witness the Galaxy of Lights display that’s been charming visitors for nearly 30 years.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Address: One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
Mentone
Travel time from Birmingham: ~2 hours or 115 miles
Good for: groups of foodies.
If you’re looking for a day trip that combines beautiful scenery, handcrafted art, and delicious food, then look no further than Mentone, a tiny mountain town on Lookout Mountain that’s home to less than 500 people.
Mentone’s downtown area is a haven for antique shoppers. The town also has a variety of eateries that prioritize fresh, seasonal ingredients. Treat your group to a meal at Wildflower Cafe, a popular Mentone spot with dishes like stuffed chicken breast, butternut squash ravioli, and local trout—all paired with craft beer from the nearby breweries. After your meal, make a quick stop at Kamama’s Fudge to pick up a few sweet treats for your ride back to Birmingham. And for that long ride, how about playing some bus games, a better way to sleep on a bus or reading a book — we have some guide to help with some good recommendations!
Wildflower Cafe
Address: 6007 AL-117, Mentone, AL 35984
Montgomery
Travel time from Birmingham: ~1 hour and 45 minutes or 90 miles
Good for: touring important Civil Rights landmarks and learning about pivotal historical events.
Montgomery, Alabama’s capital city, offers an abundance of museums, historic landmarks, and beautiful greenspaces. This city has plenty to keep visitors occupied, but for a group trip, it’s essential to prioritize.
One place your group shouldn’t miss is the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration. This powerful museum chronicles the history of slavery, segregation, and the ongoing effects of systemic racism in the U.S., through interactive exhibits, videos, and first-hand accounts.
To take in some of the city’s history, visit the Hank Williams Museum, a music history haven dedicated to the Father of Country Music, or head over to the Alabama State Capitol Building. This massive building has served as the state capitol since 1851. Enjoy the stunning architecture and gardens as your group learns about the long history of Montgomery.
Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration
Address: 400 N Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Eufaula
Travel time from Montgomery: ~1 hour or 80 miles
Good for: architecture buffs and history lovers.
The charm of Eufaula lies in its historical homes, of which the city has nearly 700. This rural Alabama town has been named the “Big City of the 1850s,” as it was a major center for commerce thanks to its position on the Chattahoochee River.
Although Eufaula offers many tours through its picturesque downtown district, the most popular place to visit is Shorter Mansion, a historic home that’s open for tours year-round. This mansion was built in the Italianate style and is filled with original, antique furniture. You can also tour the Fendall Hall Italianate Villa and Museum, which houses an impressive art collection and offers a historical glimpse of Victorian-era life in Alabama. If your group loves history, plan to make a stop at the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce to pick up a guide book and map of the historic district.
Shorter Mansion
Address: 342 N Eufaula Ave, Eufaula, AL 36027
Florence
Travel time from Huntsville: ~ 1 hour or 55 miles
Good for: music fans and history lovers.
From its downtown district of local shops and cozy cafes to the grounds of the University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama has much to offer visitors. This charming city is also a major stop along the Alabama Music Trail—which makes it a popular destination for groups who want to hear the music of North Alabama.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was the recording space for artists like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, and more. Take a guided tour of the studio and listen to behind-the-scenes stories from some of the most acclaimed recording sessions in music history.
Florence also has a rich Civil War history to explore. Take a tour of the Rosenbaum House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home that’s now a museum, or stroll through Pope’s Tavern, which served as a hospital for Confederate troops. If you’re a group of outdoorsy folks, plan to have your driver drop you off at McFarland Park, a 600-acre riverside space where you can kayak or paddleboard.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
Address: 3614 Jackson Hwy, Sheffield, AL 35660
Guntersville
Travel time from Huntsville: ~1 hour or 60 miles
Good for: groups of anglers and outdoor adventurers.
Guntersville sits on the edge of Lake Guntersville, which is the largest lake in the state of Alabama at 69,100 acres. This area of Alabama attracts visitors from around the country with its beautiful scenery, fishing opportunities, hiking, and laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re traveling with outdoor enthusiasts, be sure to have your charter bus take you to Lake Guntersville State Park. This park offers more than 6,000 acres of natural woodlands and trails, a large campground, and a waterfront lodge. Rent a paddle boat or kayak, and coast along the picturesque shores for an afternoon. For an even more immersive experience, book a reservation to stay overnight in one of the state park’s modern chalets. If you want to bring along some gear, don’t worry! Your charter bus will have undercarriage space – you can learn more about charter bus luggage sizes here.
Lake Guntersville State Park
Address: 1155 Lodge Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976
Mobile
Travel time from Montgomery: ~3 hours or 170 miles
Good for: a Mardi Gras experience outside of New Orleans.
Although many associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, Mobile, Alabama is where the celebration actually began in 1703. This coastal city is filled with history and has plenty of attractions to entertain visitors—even when there isn’t a parade rolling down Dauphin Street.
Your group can explore the exhibits at the History Museum of Mobile to learn about local history. You can also enjoy the art at the Mobile Museum of Art, which showcases Southern and American works from the 18th century to the present day. If you’re a group of outdoor lovers, have your driver drop everyone off at Battleship Memorial Park. Wander around the historic USS Alabama Battleship, and see a replica of a submarine before heading back to the bus for a ride to the Oakleigh Historic Complex. This complex of preserved buildings offers a glimpse into 19th-century life in Mobile.
History Museum of Mobile
Address: 111 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602
Book Your Tour With Partybus.com!
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weeklong vacation in Alabama, Partybus.com can provide you with the right charter bus or minibus rental. Our transportation experts are here to help you every step of the way. Call us at 877-563-2133 to request your free, no-obligation quote today!