adventurous things to do in birmingham, al
Museum of Fond Memories at Reed Books. Featuring a complete menu with everything from deep tissue massages to hydrafacials and more. We arrived at 8.50 and was called on @9.05pm We felt abit rushed as we had ordered food and drinks to chill but got called within 10mins. Affectionately known as the Old Gray Lady, the stadium can seat up to 71,000 people and when its filled, the roar and the energy are palpable. 2. Reviewers commented on the clean restrooms, beautiful gardens, picnic facilities and scenic trails. Home to the UAB Blazers mens and womens basketball teams as well as the volleyball team, the Bartow Arena is a great and affordable place to catch a game (or two) when in town and check out the countrys up and coming stars. Then head on over to the open-air drive-in for an evening of classic cinema. Catch a jazz show at True Story Brewing Co. or if metal, blues, or punk rock music is more your vibe, check their calendar to make your plans. A 58-foot tall statue of the god of fire looks out over Birmingham, Alabama. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! more, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. 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. 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. Amzing from Start to Finish Everything you want and expect from a go karting session .. ! 3. If youre a movie buff, then youll love the annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Film Festival. You can choose between a 1 or 2-day pass, and go at your leisure to explore Birmingham, your way. Youre on vacation, after all! Chattanooga offers visitors a beautiful dose of nature at the Tennessee Riverpark or kayaking down the rapids of the Tennessee River. When you return, unwind from your sightseeing at The Pavilion Lounge, and order a signature cocktail. Three floors of cells packed with the history of policing, law & order and Birmingham crime, including the real peaky blinders. The museum also houses an extensive selection of Lotus Cars, if you prefer four wheels to two. Menu includes pulled pork, shrimp, rip tips, smoked chicken, cheeseburgers, pecan pie, barbecue baked beans, and potato salad. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. u can go super fast also did the laser tag super fun so cool , amazing atmosphere, friendly staff music is good and whole experience is very well co-ordinated. Use the airline's app or make an international call if your flight has been canceled. Crack the codes inside The Big Escape Rooms, where each room has a select few numbers of clues that you have to use to solve the mysteries. , 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. 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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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Out the front, dont miss the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument while a little shocking, its a reminder of a reality that isnt too far in the distance. The jazz movement was more than music, it was about humanity, and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame sets out to remember and personify that through fascinating exhibits on some of Jazzs all-time greatest musicians. Everyone had a great time on & off track with great buzz from everyone while at the Birmingham venue. who left us all with the chills after our ghost tour! Megan Johnson|Timothy J. ForsterMay 1, 2023, Holly Johnson|Marisa MndezApril 28, 2023, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge. The room itself was engaging and overall excellent. THE 5 BEST Birmingham Adventure Activities, Best Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham, Wear sturdy shoes, a sun hat and your water to walk the site after checking into the. Hint: getting a beer with friends and a retro bar arcade! Caves, in Alabama? (Patience Itson / Bham Now) When it comes to family entertainment, The Birmingham Zoo never disappoints. 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 Once one of the largest producers of pig iron in the world. Covering 19 acres, Birmingham's Railroad Park has playgrounds, skate parks, an outdoor gym, a history wall, picnic areas, and a ranger's house. For all the sugar-lovers out there, Cookie Fix boasts three tantalizing locations in Homewood, Cahaba Heights, and Huntsville, each serving up a lip-smacking range of sweet treats that are especially good to share (or not). Hot tip: rather than worry about having a designated driver, consider booking a pre-organized tour that includes transport to and from your hotel! Just check out their attractions: Animal encounters Train + carousel rides Park + playground areas Splash pad And more! Plus, with a cafe on-site, you can refuel before your next jump. of the factory given by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Recent visitors were impressed with the museum's noteworthy collection of Wedgwood, along with the Samuel Kress collection of European art and its Remington works. Birmingham Museum of Art - Take the entire family and set off on an interesting adventure through history together. 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.. Unclaimed Baggage Center Scottsboro. Clearly, the city has a thing for statues, as the 36-foot replica is one of three enormous statues in the area. From old standbys like the Hidden Meadow Vineyard (known for its fruity and southern muscadine wines) to new favorites like the Cat-n-Bird Winery, there are plenty of places where you can sample the local flavors while enjoying an impromptu tour from the friendly sommeliers. Throw in at some of the finest motorcycle collections in history, towering statues, and a stack of happening rooftop bars and underground breweries, and youve found yourself a seriously worthy destination. Lovers of true rock music, visit The Nick, a grungy, rock and roll concert venue that has hosted everyone from Kings of Leon to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. 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 When youre fed up with slow-paced walking tours and run-of-the-mills tourist attractions and are looking for something off-beat to do together with the family, try your hand at an Amazing-Race-style scavenger game! No problem! THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham, Best Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham. 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). 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. As the former largest manufacturer of pig iron in the South, Sloss Furnaces produced over 30 million tons of iron between 1882 and 1971. The exhibits displayed at the Southern Museum of Flight pertain to both the military and the civil domain. We also had fun with our guide, Clover . Ask any local and theyll agree: Rickwood Field is a Birmingham treasure. The gardens also feature several paths for walking and jogging, making it a great spot for both recreation and relaxation. Scary, exhilarating and sweaty! Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. Unique & fun experience surrounded by great, helpful employees who are awesome & so much fun! We both enjoyed our time here. Moss Rock Preserve is located 21 minutes south of Birmingham. 1. 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. 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? There are Korean War Jet collections, Vietnam War helicopters, Tuskegee Airmen collections and others. With entertainment often provided by local musicians, the market doubles as a fun shopping experience with family-friendly activities on offer too. and were honestly the highlight of the event. A common stop on most civil rights tours (while confronting, these tours are essential when visiting) that wander through Birmingham. All of the staff at the venue were friendly and helpful and ensured we all had a lovely time. From professional guides, open top buses and attraction specific tours, take your pick in a city that feeds the curious. 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. 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. Open in Google Maps. When you book an airport transfer, you are relieving yourself of the stress of finding public transportation. Hands-on exhibits include the Fox 6 Weather Lab, the High Cycle (a high-wire bicycle that teaches visitors about the laws of gravity), the Itty Bitty Magic City and the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. 2.4 Miles 23% 48 votes 5 Legion Field Birmingham is home to some of the finest golf courses in Alabama and, with sunny days nearly year-round, these lush and manicured greens present as a great place to spend an afternoon perfecting your drive. 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! 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. The other local course, Ross Bridge, is one of the longest in the world and features two large lakes connected by a stunning waterfall. In Memphis, get your tickets for the Riverboat Cruise, then afterward go to the historic Stax Museum of American Soul Music. With over 1200 vintage motorcycles, Barber Motorsports Museum & Park attracts bikers and the general public alike with its two-tiered platform display of bikes. When youre looking for things to do in Birmingham, dont skip over the botanical gardens. Most said the trails not particularly long or challenging are more for walkers than hikers, including families with strollers and small children. Get Active At Oak Mountain State Park. 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. Definitely coming back soon! The Highland Park Golf Course, which holds its own as the oldest golf course in the state of Alabama (opened in 1903), has 18-holes just a 5-minute drive from downtown. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Spend the time to speak to them and your experience here will be so much better. And with various events happening throughout the year, theres always a chance to revel in the high-energy atmosphere. (205) 699-7275. Avondale Brewing Companys taproom features over a dozen homegrown blends as well as a dedicated sour room! Head north towards Tennessee, and visit its amazing cities and attractions. Here, at the infamous Talladega Speedway (which is less than an hour from Birmingham), you can whiz around the race track at speeds as fast as 165 mph and feel what its like to be a real-life Nascar champion. With countless fun and adventures to get up to in The Magic City we hope that you spotted your next activity on our list of the best things to do in Birmingham! So take a break from the usual and check out one of Birminghams many tasting rooms for a little afternoon delight. An absolutely excellent and fascinating guided tour of the factory given by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Social Media. University of Alabama-Birmingham - If you're a fan of modern-day architecture and design, add this attraction to your must-see list. At 56 feet tall and weighing in at over 100,000 pounds, this colossal figure has been overlooking the city for over a century, serving as a longstanding iconic landmark of the city. Any true motorhead cant pass up the opportunity to buckle up for the high-octane NASCAR experience. 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. A quirky little spot that is bound to put a smile on your face, this Instagram-famous landmark is just what it sounds like: a tunnel made up of LED lights and multi-colored paint panels. In collections from all over the world, the Birmingham Museum of Art has gathered more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other, some of them dating back to 4,000 years ago. One of the best ways to learn about the bygone decades, the Church, and the evolution of the city is on one of the districts many walking tours. The monument in Birmingham, Alabama, became a flashpoint in the fight for racial justice. Recent travelers said this local favorite is a gorgeous green space. 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. Extraordinary. So we missed getting inside the facility. 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. Plus, with a wide range of ticket prices to choose from, theres something for every budget. They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. Once you arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the best way to get to your hotel or downtown is to book an airport transfer. Cost: $40 per group of 2 (ticketing) Address: 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206. The largest city in Alabama, Birmingham is a beautiful historic destination offering an array of exciting things to see and do, from museums and historic landmarks to sports, theater and great restaurants.Visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, explore the Birmingham Museum of Art, and take a self-guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Most agreed that the museum is interesting, and noted this is a good attraction to visit on Sunday mornings, when most other attractions are closed. Every city has a dark side, one that only comes out among the shadows of the night. Afterward, head down to the County Music Hall of Fame to see items that belonged to some of the Countrys biggest artists! Will be going back with the kids. 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! With a savvy guide, this tour will take you to the most important civil rights sites, including Dynamite Hill. 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. Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner. 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. Most visitors call this museum a moving experience and a wonderful way to learn about the civil rights movement and its impact on our nation. Step inside the Alabama Wildlife Center, which is a space that has been dedicated for the last 45 years to help care for injured and orphaned birds. I decided to take my younger brother here during the Christmas holiday to get him out of the house. East Lake Park is a vast park containing a swimming pool, playground, sports fields, and a sizable fishing lake. The Greystone Golf and Country Club with its 36-holes offer a range of challenging fairways with wonderful scenery to boot, and if you really want to test your skills. And top it off with a tipple at the rooftop terrace for good measure. Named after the Roman god of fire and smithery, the Vulcan Park & Museum is guarded by the third largest cast iron statue in the world, weighing 50 tons. Steeped in rich Civil War-era history, Alabamas largest metropolitan region takes visitors on a fascinating, sobering, and eye-opening journey that few other Southern cities can match. This is one place to visit near Birmingham, and it's something you definitely don't want to miss! 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. The 1,500-acre park features more than 15 miles of trails, two scenic overlooks, three treehouses, an off-leash dog park and adventures from zip lining and climbing to a ropes course. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark NatalieSchorr / Shutterstock This National Historic Landmark is by far one of the most interesting places to visit in AL. 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. After youre exhausted with all the activity, you can head on over to the picnic area, enjoy a nice meal, and, if youre up for it, set up camp for the night! 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). Discover the top options for this specially designed legwear that can help travelers. Nowadays, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the furnaces, as well as the on-site museum, which contains artifacts and information about the furnaces history and its workers. Overall me and my partner really enjoyed ourselves, took him their for his birthday in the evening we never did it before so it was good laugh. Moonlight on the Mountain has a small theater where performers perform folk, Americana, roots, country and bluegrass music to intimate settings of 85 to 100 people. If youre celebrating something special, then look no further than a stop at Half Shell Oyster House of Birmingham known for its New Orleans inspired seafood dishes, and the Highlands Bar & Grill, known for seasonal upscale dining. 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. Home to all types of mammals, birds, and reptiles, the Birmingham Zoo was first opened in 1955 and now hosts more than 170 animals. 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. Looking over Regions Field, Bar Sebastian is an ultra-secretive rooftop bar that requires a code to get in (text CODEWORD to (855) 782-0225 before you go). With a handful of lanes plus billiards tables, a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, and an arcade filled with all the classics (plus some new favorites), not to mention plenty of food and drink to boot, this is the perfect spot to unleash the competitive beast. Looking for a fun place to spend an afternoon with friends? Grab the popcorn! From Birmingham Museum of Art to McWane Science Center, Birmingham offers a variety of rainy day activities and other fun things to do indoors including 27 indoor attractions with ratings over 90%. 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. Willow & Wine Distinctive Gift Baskets 1 Speciality & Gift Shops Wine Bars By mikebham01 The store is fairly new. This little-known memorial honors those who have donated their bodies to medical training. 6030 Barber Motorsports. Other local favorites are the tacos and refreshing drinks at El Barrio, while the Original Pancake House offers comfort, top-tier pancakes, and bonus breakfast options. 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." At the turn of the 20th Century, the city decided to erect several different skyscrapers all in the same area: the intersection of 1st Avenue, North Street, and 20th Street. Tours of Avondale Brewing Company are held 5 times a week, last about an hour and include a pint of beer and glass. or take the wheel yourself. We felt like our tour of the cave was unique to us, not a tour where everyone hears the same thing and follows the exact path for each adventure. A charming institution in Pepper Place, the Saturday Market is a true community event, held every week from 7am to 12pm (rain or shine) in the Lakeside District. Built in 1927 and affectionately referred to as the 'Old Gray Lady', Legion Field has a long legacy of hosting memorable sporting events. Little-known to most, but college football (especially here) can draw larger, most rowdy crowds can most NFL matches. The season typically runs from late March to early September, so be sure to check the website for more details on upcoming events. Whats better than getting a beer with friends? We really enjoyed the axe throwing today. A side-splitting venue on the outskirts of Birmingham in the city of Hoover, the StarDome Comedy Club is just what you need to round out your vacation with a hearty dose of good-natured humor. A crowd favorite among architecture buffs, this 1840s construction serves as a stark reminder of the Greek Revival style of architecture and the style of mansion that was oh-so-common during the Civil War era. For those looking to burn some energy a journey to Oak Mountain State Park will see to that, at 9,940 acres it is the largest state park in Alabama and very close to Birmingham. Enjoy the oil and moisturizing treatments designed to leave your skin feeling renewed and smooth. Yep, you read that right! And theyre every bit as awe-inspiring as you might imagine. Since 1880, 16th Street Baptist Church has been active on this site ever since, and On September 15, 1963, a bomb exploded at the church killing four young girls and escalating the race wars. With a wonderful collection that includes everything from WWII-era aircraft and helicopters, to rocket ships and even flying saucers (okay, maybe not that last one). Best of all, admission is free! Do you have a thing for motorsports and speed? 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. Breakout Games Birmingham is the number 1 escape room in the area, which includes games for families and friends to do together. Set up to honor all those who have fallen from the 20th century to today while serving the country, the Alabama Veterans Memorial park is a somber but peaceful place to visit, especially if youre looking for some time away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Some reviewers do caution, though, that the open grated floor on the observation deck may be a problem for those with a fear of heights. Birmingham, AL 35094. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. I recommend this for families, couples, or anyone with a bored teenager. Tucked away in Bessemer, just 20 minutes from Birmingham, this waterpark is home to a variety of slides and rides for all ages, as well as a lazy river, the Kahuna Wave Park, and plenty of opportunities to dip your toes in the water. Feel like its just you and the music at Saturn, swaying to the music of local and national artists of different genres.