From space-age marvels to Civil War history, Alabama never fails to dazzle. Tour giant space rockets at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center or watch epic sunsets from the shores of Dauphin Island. See where history was forged.

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Alabama Cheese Grits

From side dish to Sunday morning staple, cheese grits are a part of daily life in Alabama. Loaded with butter and cheddar cheese, this comforting, creamy treat is hard to resist in its simplest form, but recently top Southern chefs have elevated the everyday dish with fanciful toppings like pork belly and spicy shrimp.

Wild on the Water

For some of the heftiest bass in Dixie, motor over to Guntersville Lake in the state’s northeast corner. These waters are also great for boating and water sports. Experienced paddlers will want to head to northeast Alabama’s Little River Canyon National Preserve for some scenic views and whitewater rapids. For a more relaxed paddling experience, check out the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, a National Wild and Scenic River. Lewis Smith Lake in the Bankhead National Forest is another favorite for fishing, paddling and boating.

Outdoorsy ‘Bama

Alabama packs a bounty of fun along its 60 miles of coastline to the Gulf of Mexico, where visitors will encounter sugary white sands and endless emerald waters. From beachside towns like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to the beauty of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a delight. Northeastern Alabama is home to recreation on the Tennessee River and in the Appalachian Mountains.

Magical Metropolises

Steeped in history, Birmingham celebrates its past. On the top of nearby Red Mountain, a massive statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, overlooks the city in a nod to the town’s vibrant steel industry. Take a trip up the tower that forms the pedestal to check out the views. Less than 100 miles to the south, Montgomery, the state’s capital, celebrates the arts with a vibrant cultural scene. On the southern coast, Mobile is an action-packed hot spot.