16 Most Beautiful Places to See in Alabama

Alabama, fondly known as the Yellowhammer State, draws visitors from all over the country. This southern belle is known for its gorgeous gardens, parks, lakes, canyons, and other scenic sights. Alongside all this natural beauty are human-made marvels you can only see in the Heart of Dixie, another state nickname. Hit the road and feast your eyes on these ten most beautiful places to see in Alabama!

1. Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge

Just off the beaten path near Childersburg is Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge. Both the mill and bridge date back to the Civil War and are included in the National Register of Historic Places. The park itself is a tranquil sanctuary that boasts some of the largest and tallest white oak trees you can find east of the Mississippi River.

You can stroll and hike over two miles of pristine nature trails. You can also set up camp in the park and go canoeing for some water thrills. Hungry for a snack? The park’s Country Store offers delicious grits, snacks, and souvenirs. Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge are open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

See also: Plantations in Alabama

 2. Lewis Smith Lake

Lewis Smith Lake is a 22, 000-acre reservoir that’s considered the most beautiful and cleanest lake not just in the Southeast, but in the entire nation. Its crystal-blue waters span across the Winston, Walker, and Cullman Counties.

 3. U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Feel the awe of outer space when you visit the famous Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, known as the largest space museum on Earth. The area contains some of the best things to do in the state, such as lookup to colossal rocket ships and learn all about how they work when you visit the center at One Tranquility Base in Huntsville, Alabama.

 4. Childersburg’s DeSoto Caverns

Go underground into the history-soaked world of Childersburg’s DeSoto Caverns. Its main area, called the Cathedral Room, is 12 stories high and as long as a football field. Childersburg’s DeSoto Caverns boasts some of the highest numbers of beautiful onyx-marble stalagmites in the United States.

With temperatures at a constant 60°F all year long, the caverns become a cool place to escape the heat during the summer.

 5. Battles Wharf

Witness stunning sunsets in Battles Wharf located at Fairhope. Its location on the Alabama Gulf Coast offers some of the perfect places in Alabama to witness all-encompassing views of Mobile Bay. Walk to the very edge of the pier, so you can hear the gentle waves and call of the birds as you watch the sunset off the Alabama coast.

6. Bellingrath Gardens & Home

What used to be the historic home of Bessie and Walter Bellingrath, one of the first Southeast Coca-Cola bottlers, is now a 65-acre blooming garden that’s open to the public. Walk along concrete paths bordered by blooms and plants. One visit is not enough to get your fill of Bellingrath Gardens, which is truly one of the most beautiful places to see in Alabama: drop by during the fall to watch the trees turn red and gold, and return in the spring for an explosion of floral colors.

7. Dismals Canyon

The sandstone gorge of Dismals Canyon is one of only a handful of places you can find an insect species called the dismalites. Aside from its unique insect residents, Dismals Canyon showcases large, mossy boulders, rushing falls, and mesmerizing pools of water.

 8. Cheaha Mountain

See the beauty of Alabama at sky level from the Cheaha Mountain within the Cheaha State Park and the Talladega National Forest. The overlook is Alabama’s highest natural point at more than 2, 400 feet above sea level. Gaze at the lush forests and into the horizon for a bird’s eye view of the Yellowhammer State.

 9. Gulf Shores

Alabama is the place to be for postcard-perfect beaches. The state’s most beautiful beach areas are concentrated in the Gulf Shores. This popular vacation destination boasts miles of white beaches, azure skies, and frothy waves between sun and sea. While you can spend endless hours just lounging on the beach, amp the excitement with thrilling zip lines, golf courses, and adrenaline-boosting watersports.

10. Noccalula Falls

Located in the heart of Noccalula Falls Park is the awe-inspiring Noccalula Falls. This splendid 90-ft waterfall cascades over a ledge and into a ravine so deep, the falls were previously known as “Black Creek Falls.” This one of the most beautiful places to see in Alabama, so don’t miss it during your side trip!

 11. Bankhead National Forest

Another magnificent waterfall in Alabama is located in the north, at the beautiful Bankhead National Forest. Take a stroll through unspoiled greenery within this ultimate waterfall destination. Up for a challenge? This forest is also an excellent place for hiking, with trails spanning from beginner level to expert.

 12. Montevallo’s Orr Park

For something different, drop by Montevallo’s Orr Park in Alabama. Like many Alabama’s preserves, it’s filled with lush forests and hiking trails, but one thing sets it apart – impressive tree carvings from artist Tim Tingle. Take a picture or two with trees featuring carefully-craved faces and other designs. 

13. Cahaba River

Close to Montevallo, just near Bulldog Bend, is the Cahaba River, one of the most stunning rivers in all of Alabama. Rowboat through the river surrounded by majestic rock formations and verdant trees. You can also go tubing or canoeing if you’re up for some water sports. If you can swing it, time your trip with the annual Cahaba Lily Festival for an up-close look at the gorgeous Cahaba lilies.

 14. White Cliff of Epes

Located in the Sumter and Green counties is one of the most beautiful places to see in Alabama, the state’s answer to the White Cliffs of Dover. The pearly-white chalk formations are fringed with thick rows of bright green trees overlooking a river.

 15. Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Reaching the Smith Mountain Fire Tower requires a short hike, but you’ll be rewarded by a stunning bird’s eye view of the beautiful Lake Martin. The pictures are even more dramatic during sunset and sunrise when the changing colors of the sky paint the lake and the surrounding wilderness with intense hues.

16. Lake Guntersville

Lake Guntersville is a beloved destination by both locals and tourists alike due to the raw beauty of the lake and the many recreational opportunities it offers. From the lake, you can hike to the pristine trails of the Russell Cave National Monument. Visit during the winter for some eagle watching. You can even snag a deal or two at the Unclaimed Baggage Center, an Alabama hidden gem with 7, 000 new items that come daily.

How many of these spectacular places in Alabama have you seen so far? No matter if it’s your first time seeing the most beautiful places in Alabama, or you’re a return visitor, the beauty of the state never fades. Plan your Alabama road trip today!