adventurous things to do in birmingham, al
Barber started collecting sports cars that later expanded into motorcycles and these days, the collection has grown so vast that its notched up the official Guinness World Record for the largest motorcycle collection in the world. Joe Minter is only doing the work of God in his yard, he says. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure as well as a custom massage at Poseidon Spa. 1. Loutre Kahului Harbor Crash Crawly's Adventure Fun Centre Okanagan Lake Baxter Harbour Falls Prudhommes Antique and Flea Market Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park Air Park Sarnia Escape Skandinavian Bar Local . Head east towards Atlanta, Georgia, where you can see if you could survive a zombie apocalypse on the Walking Dead Tour. The largest cast iron statue in the world, Vulcan is a reminder of the city's iron mining roots. Led by local historians, youll learn all about the evangelistic perspective of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham, pass by eye-opening sculptures, and develop a newfound understanding of the struggle for freedom. Will you be making it there soon? Nice job of restoring the Historic Site, Beware they don't open until 10AM. These passport holders make keeping your documents in order a breeze while traveling. Enjoy fresh breakfast when you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham, before heading out to the Birmingham Zoo or the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. And theyre every bit as awe-inspiring as you might imagine. Enjoy continental breakfast every morning, and afterward, visit all the main sights nearby such as the Birmingham Museum of Art, and take a stroll through Railroad Park Foundation. Spread across multiple floors and featuring a quaint garden and cozy cafe, the museum displays over 24,000 works in its permanent collection, including an impressive selection of paintings ranging from impressionism to renaissance and contemporary, as well as extensive collections representing a diverse range of cultures and time periods (dont miss the Pre-Columbian masks). Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor. This attraction is great for all ages, with something to see at every turn (including a rhino habitat, an aviary featuring hundreds of colorful birds, and even a petting zoo). The park also features several activities for kids (and the young at heart), including gem mining, award-winning fudge stalls, regular live entertainment including fire jugglers, and arts and crafts demonstrations. This six-block area in downtown Birmingham encompasses several historic sites, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the A.G. Gaston . Helped us when needed Amazing game and amazing service, would 100% recommend!! Party animals, listen up: its no Miami, but there is no shortage of nightclubs in the city of Birmingham that will have you dancing till the sun comes up. Experienced golfers preferred the diversity at the Ross Bridge course and said that it's in great shape, while some described the Oxmoor Valley course as "tired." If youve always loved the theatre classic theatre then the near-century-old Virginia Samford Theatre, which earns its stripes as officially Birminghams oldest performing arts venue, is a must-visit. Recently cracked opened a positive-sounding fortune cookie? This market has something for everyone: from fresh produce and artisanal foods to vintage clothing and baked goods, the selection of locally-grown and made treats is second to none. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. So why not add an element of fear into your travel plans with a tour that will take you through the spookily twisted and haunted side of the Magic City? This six-block area in downtown Birmingham encompasses several historic sites, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the A.G. Gaston Gardens and the Fourth Avenue Business District, among other points of interest. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even try out the parks zip lines, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area, or spend a night under the stars at the Eagles Nest campsite. Fabulous few hours spent here. Stop by some of the off-site education programs to learn more about what they do on a daily basis, and even witness a trained raptor! She let us ask questions and take pictures at points of interest. From the awe-inspiring aquarium (dont miss the Shark & Ray Tank) to the giant IMAX theater, hands-on displays, and expert-led workshops, theres something for the whole family. The 345-acre park overflows with natural wonders, hiking trails, and climbing opportunities. Tucked away in the Mountain Brook area, not too far from the zoo, this park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that make it perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic lunch. From cookie cakes and cookie stacks to gift bags and sampler packs, the bakery has got you covered with a wide-ranging menu of baked goods that will be sure to leave you craving more (thank heavens for the take-home packs). But with an entrance fee of just $2, most travelers say it's an enjoyable stop to see memorabilia, ranging from Ray Charles' piano to Ella Fitzgerald's Neiman Marcus credit card. In fact, there are 30 thematic gardens divided into three categories: Gardens of Collections, Gardens of Nature and Gardens of Culture. Youve excelled yourselves. And for those looking to stay dry, the park also boasts has several regular rides like the Little Bumpers bumper cars and high-octane Rampage wooden cooler coaster. Other reviewers praised the assortment of Lotus Cars and the outdoor track, which hosts the Porsche Sport Driving School. With over 1200 vintage motorcycles, Barber Motorsports Museum & Park attracts bikers and the general public alike with its two-tiered platform display of bikes. The center features go-kart racing, arcade, laser tag, kid zone, miniature golf, miniature bowling and a full service snack bar. There are multiple self-guided scavenger hunts available in Birmingham; most of them dont even require you to do more than download an app! I will be coming back again. The monument in Birmingham, Alabama, became a flashpoint in the fight for racial justice. Oak Mountain State Park is located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, but it is absolutely worth the drive. Youre on vacation, after all! The Birmingham Zoo Lorikeets at the Birmingham Zoo. and it was great fun and the host Shannon was so helpful and , Adam was a great host, informative, helpful, funny.. Made us all feel at ease.. The arena seats up to 8,500 people and has been hosting games since 1988, locking horns with the likes of Lousiana State, North Texas, Rice, University of Texas San Antonio, and a whole lot more. When you book an airport transfer, you are relieving yourself of the stress of finding public transportation. With more than 5 escape room themes, you have a few to choose from. This is so much more We thoroughly enjoyed our night out with Brum Tours and Prof. Carl Chinn. And, as the name suggests, its also home to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Featuring everything from Shakespearean classics to holiday shows and beloved stories like The Little Engine That Could (to name but a few), the list of entertaining performances is diverse and impressive just check the website to see whats on! Put your heads together to solve the riddles at the award-winning Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game. They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. Birmingham Museum of Art - Take the entire family and set off on an interesting adventure through history together. 10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Birmingham, Alabama Updated February 28, 2022 Share Tweet Email Attractions Map Leaderboards Stories Hotel Deals Unusual Attractions in Birmingham No trip to Birmingham is complete without a stop by the Vulcan Park and Museum, home of the world's largest cast-iron statue: the Vulcan Statue. Originally opened in 1910 for the Birmingham Black Barons, the ballpark is currently being restored and features special events and ball games. ), the Topgolf is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Birmingham. Instead, a driver will pick you up promptly at your gate, and transport you easily to your hotels door. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. With both blockbuster new releases and cult classics playing throughout the week, theres no shortage of entertainment on offer and outside of the showtimes, the backyard games, mini-golf course, and Snack Shack remain open for casual hangs and bites. So, where to start? Whatever mix of bars or clubs you end up at, the one thing is for sure: you wont have a shortage of options. We really enjoyed the axe throwing today. Built in 1927 and affectionately referred to as the 'Old Gray Lady', Legion Field has a long legacy of hosting memorable sporting events. If you want to hop on the music train (literally) check out Mojo Tours to pick up music facts! But dont be fooled by its classic appearance: this place has all the features of a modern concert hall, including excellent sound quality and an impressive lighting system (which make its occasional dance parties one hell of a good time). University of Alabama-Birmingham - If you're a fan of modern-day architecture and design, add this attraction to your must-see list. With the oldest building from the site dating back to 1902, the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark produced iron for almost 80 years, until it was transformed into a museum in 1983. Families that visited said they appreciated the option to purchase Imax theater admission separately and enjoyed the convenience of the on-site food court. wants to go to Ask any local and theyll agree: Rickwood Field is a Birmingham treasure. In 1911 this intersection was called "the heaviest corner in the South," and outlandish claim that only grew wilder over the years. Make no mistake, however, this is no regular gallery: all of the weird and wacky objects on display are for sale! Looking for a fun place to spend an afternoon with friends? An absolutely excellent and fascinating guided tour of the factory given by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. It has a Zoo Train and a Carousel, and also organizes special events, such as the Nocturnal Adventure. Take a rollicking ride through Sedona's natural beauty in a rugged SUV. We both enjoyed our time here. Coffin Works. They have done a nice job of restoring the historic site and grounds. Redpoint Birmingham Climbing Centre 72 Sports Complexes Open now By 852cathariner They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. However, despite its checkered past, Birmingham is now thrusting itself back into the tourism limelight, and donning the wondrous Magic City moniker which once made it famous. Then test your luck at the Birmingham Race Course Casino, where visitors can throw a few bucks down casino games, horses, greyhounds, or live sports! Perhaps the most significant site is Kelly Ingram Park, which played host to civil rights rallies, demonstrations and confrontations in the 1960s, including the Children's Crusade. Recent visitors enjoyed the local legend surrounding the statue and said the trip up the tower is well worth the ticket. An old-fashioned music hall and live performance venue, Iron City is one of the coolest places to catch a show in Birmingham, hosting local up-and-comers, traveling superstars, and tribute bands to bygone legends. . Our Wild Cave Adventure Tour will take you down into the depths of Bryant Mountain, hundreds of feet below the ground. TREK BIRMINGHAM Need more fun things to do in Birmingham, AL? Craving a dose of nature and an escape from big city life? Drinks, views, and city lights: what more could you want? If youre after more than a leisurely stroll or bike ride, youll be happy to know that the Foundation offers a multitude of classes, including exercise groups, as well as a playground, outdoor gym, and a climbing dome for the youngsters. The park is also home to the Four Spirits statues, which honor the four African American girls killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. Held by the eponymous NGO since 1999, the beloved festival lasts a week and screens different movies across seven different venues, highlighting all kinds of local filmmakers, independent artists, and international films. Find the best outdoor adventures, on TrekBirmingham.com. Very friendly and helpful staff. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. The sleek and modern hotel features a swimming pool, pet-friendly rooms, and a 24-hour front desk. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Once an industrial hub of the South and ground zero for the civil rights movement, Birmingham is now a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known for its wide array of outdoor spaces and golf courses. So make sure to join in on the tailgating nation, cheer on the home team, and get into the local sporting spirit! Were already planning our second visit and its a 5 hour return trip for us! 2022 The park has multiple sculptures that depict the violence and loss of the civil rights movement, including the iconic Bull Connor statue that highlights the former police commissioners use of attack dogs on protestors. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum, the humbling and sobering Civil Rights Institute keeps the Birmingham Story alive, providing a fascinating insight into not only the local fight for civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s, but the continuous worldwide battle for equality and human rights. Our tour guide, Wes, quickly assesses and gets to know who he is guiding and then bases the tour on their interests and abilities. All Rights Reserved. who left us all with the chills after our ghost tour! East Lake Park - Birmingham, Alabama - A great place to visit! The advice from our instructor Naomi was spot on every time. Makes you appreciate all the modern luxuries we have that we take for granted. The exhibits displayed at the Southern Museum of Flight pertain to both the military and the civil domain. Bring your own clubs or use the ones available; once you have a bay, just take a swing and the technology will do the rest! Although the museum is family-friendly, some say the Confrontation Gallery (where visitors hear recorded voices of children and adults both black and white sharing sentiments they would only say behind closed doors) is disturbing and very emotional. You can take a self-led walking tour through the park to learn about the notable protesters and the significant incidents of this turbulent time in the city's history, detailed by markers along the Freedom Walk route. , friendly helpful staff, Kat, our game leader was brilliant and explained everything very clearly for a non , it was an incredible experience and would highly recommend, Marked as difficult the game really was challenging and we didnt escape but it was. The Birmingham Ghost Walk - Hotels Churches and Riots Tour 47 Walking Tours from $40.00 per adult Wild Cave Adventure Tour 18 Adventure Tours from $125.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Birmingham Area Multi-Attraction Pass 2 Monuments and Memorials from $36.00 per adult Zombie Scavengers Game - Birmingham, AL 1 Self-guided Tours from No matter what time of year, if youre in Birmingham and looking for fun things to do or even just a day trip make sure you check out Legion Field Stadium. A unique book shop with a collection of rare tomes and a nostalgia museum. With multiple ways to get involved to help with wildlife efforts, there are also amazing ways to learn more about local birds, wildlife conservation acts, and how many birds have been cared back to nature. For a more straightforward rooftop experience, check out the Moon Shine Bar at the Elyton Hotel (which boasts sweet views of both downtown and Red Mountain) or the 19th-story Roots & Revelry. Reviewers also appreciated the free admission and free parking, and praised the museum's other facilities, including its on-site eatery and gift shop. It organizes summer camps for children. Whats more, the staff at Ruffner Mountain are passionate about educating visitors on the importance of conservation and sustainability, so be sure to ask them about their work in these areas. If tours and art arent exactly your thing, maybe one of their special events will be! Moss Rock Preserve is located 21 minutes south of Birmingham. Well, at the Barber Motorsports Park, passions come to life in the form of the 880-acre, multipurpose racing track! I will be coming back again. Sitting in the heart of the city in front of Lynn Park, The Birmingham Museum of Art is a wonderful place for anyone who enjoys the fine arts be that paintings, sculptures, photography, or ancient relics. As a centennial anniversary gift to the city, the Rotary Club poured money and love into the abandoned site and greatly improved the economy and environment of the area, with the half-mile stretch now acting as a central point for many of the citys events. Today, it is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and bowl games. The original Wurlitzer theater organ is still in display. Not feeling especially lucky today? You'll also find the only public horticultural library in the United States here. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. It can host special events. Top Things to Do in Birmingham, Alabama: See Tripadvisor's 89,221 traveller reviews and photos of Birmingham tourist attractions. The room can also be rented for private parties. and were honestly the highlight of the event. Incredible experience. Willow & Wine Distinctive Gift Baskets 1 Speciality & Gift Shops Wine Bars By mikebham01 The store is fairly new. Escape Games Game & Entertainment Centres, Bars & Clubs Game & Entertainment Centres, Auto Racing Tracks Game & Entertainment Centres. However, its far from the only notable watering hole. Birmingham Museum of Art 546 Art Museums By Noel78 It ranges from European and American art on the first floor to pre Columbian, African, Native American, and Asian art. Recent visitors said a visit to the botanical gardens is a fun and inexpensive way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Attractions at the park include a nine-story drop slide, an 800,000 wave pool, tube slides, toddler water play area, a 216-foot flume, and a lazy river. Or, just grab a quick cup of tea or coffee at the on-site and simply enjoy the natural surroundings! Cost: $40 per group of 2 (ticketing) Address: 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206. Unique & fun experience surrounded by great, helpful employees who are awesome & so much fun! U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews. Birmingham has acres of green spaces waiting to be explored. Social Media. To guarantee a fun-filled time, look through this list of some of the best things to do in Birmingham, AL, that you can enjoy with your travel buddies. From professional guides, open top buses and attraction specific tours, take your pick in a city that feeds the curious. - venue a little off the beaten track, but staff were friendly, helpful and informative. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. In Memphis, get your tickets for the Riverboat Cruise, then afterward go to the historic Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Theres also a plethora of restaurants, bars, and live music venues at the casino for visitors to unwind in. When it was built in 1927, the Alabama Theatre was intended for silent movies. Great time celebrating my lads 18th with a Grand Prix session. Best of all, admission is free! Last but not least, the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley boasts no less than 54 holes, ideal for beginners and experts alike. Water Parks 4599 Alabama Adventure Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35022 Splash Adventure, formerly Alabama Adventure, is a water park. Their taproom is open daily and they often host live music on their outdoor stage. Museum of Fond Memories at Reed Books. It organizes summer camps for children. However, some reviewers said the exhibits need to be updated more often. With over 1500 acres of green space and 15 miles of trails (that are well-maintained and clearly marked), its easy to spend an entire day exploring every nook and cranny this expansive park has to offer. The evening started off with a fascinating Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks Kayaking & Canoeing. Youll come out feeling refreshed in both mind and body. Most said the trails not particularly long or challenging are more for walkers than hikers, including families with strollers and small children. What was once home to some of baseballs most iconic players (including Babe Ruth) now serves as a popular spot for visitors, who are granted access to walk in and explore the grandstands or see how fast they can run between the bases. With tasty burgers, 20 Beers on Tap, and a full handcrafted cocktail menu, its time to grab some pals and sink into an evening of nostalgia at Birminghams most beloved barcade. You can take insightful classes, join an expert-led walking tour, explore the on-site Art Gallery, enjoy events such as Earth Day, and plenty more! The center's top level is home to traveling exhibits from other museums, special events, and an exhibit about the relationship between art and technology. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I admit I was apprehensive about going to an escape room but now I see the hype not only were the staff friendly welcoming but we talked as if were old friends, when in the rooms they kept well in character, all of these aspects plus cleverly designed puzzles that required more brain and brawn made for a unique enjoyable experience thanks Im sure to look back on this experience fondly. Red Ore Zip Tour 14 Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks By G9958CPdanielw The guides were all very friendly and cool. But, the difference here is that there are real gas flames in the torch that burns through the day (not even the original can claim that). With a variety of easy-to-challenging rooms, solve the mysteries inside The Battleship, or The Laboratory. Oak Mountain State Park. The Lyric Theatre showcases a diverse roster that ranges from drama and comedy to dance and music, as well as symphonies, ballets, and operas. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. With approximately 550 animals of 180 species and endangered species from 6 continents on 122 acres, the Birmingham Zoo is the perfect place to visit any time of the year. Fun, interactive, and sneakily educational for kids and adults alike, the non-profit McWane Science Center dishes up entertainment in spades. And top it off with a tipple at the rooftop terrace for good measure. With entertainment often provided by local musicians, the market doubles as a fun shopping experience with family-friendly activities on offer too. 6030 Barber Motorsports. The park features a lake, jogging trails, skate bowls, an outdoor gym, playgrounds and the partially covered 17th Street Plaza, which offers restrooms and the Railroad Park Dining Car. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark NatalieSchorr / Shutterstock This National Historic Landmark is by far one of the most interesting places to visit in AL. This recognizable diner has a wide variety of traditional southern comfort foods, gastropub cuisine, with a few international influences. Go wild at Bear Grylls Adventure Birmingham If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you'll be sure to find it at Bear Grylls' action-packed adventure experience, one of the best indoor activities in Birmingham. Found in the citys old viaducts, right next to the Railroad Park Foundation (making for the perfect back-to-back itinerary), the art installation has become a photography hotspot for tourists, Grammers, and locals alike. If youre not much of a climber, bring your hiking shoes to explore around 12 miles of hiking trails, zig-zagging throughout the park. Named after George Barber himself, who was a visionary who loved the speed and thrill of a great car, notching up 63 Porsche wins under his built. A sprawling, mostly open-air animal kingdom home to over 950 animals of all shapes and sizes (from some 230 different local and international species). While those titles have been stripped, the intersection remains a focal point of the city, making it a great place to explore the history, culture, and food of Birmingham, and get some good pictures too. With its grandiose auditorium and art deco design, the Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 as a luxury cinema for those who could afford itand today, travelers can enjoy that same luxury and a rich history to boot at one of their events or shows! Splash Adventure, formerly Alabama Adventure, is a water park. Extraordinary. Lots of interesting information and facts delivered in a fun way. Take off your jumpers before you start! Chattanooga offers visitors a beautiful dose of nature at the Tennessee Riverpark or kayaking down the rapids of the Tennessee River. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. If wine tasting is more your speed, then check out North Georgias incredible vineyards on a wine tour! Originally created for the Barons, Americas oldest baseball park has now become a site for all baseball enthusiasts, retaining the longstanding charm of an old baseball field despite undergoing a thorough restoration. We did the back in time room which was enjoyable and interesting. Bring a picnic to enjoy, and afterward, take a scenic walk through the various trails that start out in the parking lot. Spend the time to speak to them and your experience here will be so much better.
