What would you say if I told you that you could spend 48 hours in Birmingham, Alabama without leaving the city limits? Well, I’m going to tell you exactly where to go and what to see.
Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama and has a population of over 600,000 people. It is also home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH).
Birmingham is known for its culture, history, and food. There are plenty of things to do in Birmingham, from visiting museums to enjoying live music. Here’s a guide to the perfect itinerary for 48 hours in Birmingham.
1:41 Georgia Aquarium
Check out this massive aquarium located in downtown Birmingham! You can see some amazing sea life like sharks and stingrays.
2:49 Vulcan Park & Museum
This museum was inspired by James Bevelle, an industrialist who made his fortune with a company called Vulcan Materials. Located in Uptown, there is something here for everyone.
3:00 Avondale Brewing Company
When you think of beer check out one of Birmingham’s own breweries. This brewery boasts 100 different beers along with great food and lives music all summer long.
4:21 Homewood Arts Festival
The Homewood Arts Festival celebrates local artists and artisans. Check out works of pottery, photography, jewelry, paintings, furniture, and more.
5:29-10:20 Old Cahaba Riverfront Park
The park itself is free but you’ll have to pay to get into the events or exhibits. Check out the Cahaba Riverfront Farmers Market, which features locally grown produce, plants, flowers, and even handmade crafts.
6:12-8:45 Red Mountain Park
Take a hike up Red Mountain to enjoy the beautiful view of the city. Watch for bunnies, deer, and other wildlife as well.
7:32-9:27 Railroad Park
Railroad Park is a public space created on top of part of the old railroad tracks. You can walk around the park and enjoy the views of the city. Bring your bike because it is perfectly safe and easy to ride.
8:44-11:33 Children’s Museum of Birmingham
See how kids play through interactive learning experiences at the Children’s Museum of Birmingham. They offer programs specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
10:14-11:40 ZooBorns Babyz
Visit the zoo and watch the baby animals nurse. Meet the zookeepers and learn about animal care.
11:47-13:54 ZooBrewery Tours
Try a craft beer brewed just for the zoo. You will be able to sample their brews and take a tour of the facility.
13:55-15:25 Historic Blakeley Village
Explore the historic homes, shops, and restaurants that make up Blakeley Village. You can find everything from antiques to Southern cuisine.
16:00-17:35 Big Spring Park
Spend the afternoon exploring Big Spring Park, which offers picnicking areas, walking trails, playgrounds, and much more.
18:00-19:30 Trussville Heritage Museum
Learn about the area’s rich heritage at the Trussville Heritage Museum. Exhibits include photos and artifacts from the Civil War era.
See also
19:31-22:46 Iron City Trail
Hike the Iron City Trail, which follows the path of the former Louisville and Nashville Railroad. You will pass by old train cars, a church, and many historical sites.
23:01-24:38 Vestavia Hills
Head over to Vestavia Hills where you can visit the Vestavia Hills Public Library, which has a collection of books and movies available to borrow.
24:39-26:42 Lakeview Cemetery
Stop by Lakeview Cemetery, where you can see the gravesites of famous people like Sam Cooke, Miles Davis, and John Lennon.
26:43-28:37 Oakleigh Park
You can spend some time at Oakleigh Park, a large urban park located near downtown Birmingham. There are fields for soccer, football, baseball, cricket, and more.
28:38-30:49 Vulcan Park
Vulcan Park is home to the Vulcan statue, an iconic symbol of Birmingham. Take a stroll around the park and marvel at its beauty.
30:50-34:09 B’ham Hippodrome
Check out the B’ham Hippodromes, one of the largest indoor arenas in the United States. Its capacity is 6,000 people.
34:10-36:59 Museum District
The Museum District is filled with museums dedicated to art, history, science, and technology.
36:60-41:20 UAB Hospital
UAB Hospital is a medical institution that provides education and research opportunities.
41:21-45:29 University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a world-class university that was founded in 1879.
45:30-47:27 University of Alabama School of Law
The University of Alabama School of law is a law school that specializes in legal studies.
47:28-51:08 University of Alabama Medical Center
The University of Alabama Medical Center is a hospital that provides treatment to patients.
51:09-53:33 Regions Field
Regions Field is a sports stadium that hosts events such as concerts, college games, and professional sports.
53:34-56:18 Five Points South
Five Points South is a neighborhood known for its shopping and dining options.
56:19-58:14 Red Mountain
Red Mountain is a mountain that runs through Birmingham.
1:00-2:15 Conecuh National Forest
Conecuh National Forest is a national forest that covers approximately 2,700 square miles.
2:16-3:11 Hoover Dam
Visit Hoover Dam, which generates power for the city of Birmingham.
3:12-4:06 Homewood
Homewood is a suburb of Birmingham.
4:07-5:05 Lake Martin
Lake Martin is a lake that is located in the suburbs of Birmingham.
5:06-6:13 Cahaba River
The Cahaba River flows through Birmingham.
6:14-7:17 Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is home to animals native to the state of Alabama.
7:18-8:25 Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens features plants from all over the world.
8:26-9:40 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the civil rights movement.
9:41-10:52 Birmingham Children’s Theatre
The Birmingham Children’s Theatre offers educational programs for children.
10:53-12:14 Bessemer Cutoff
Bessemer Cutoff is a historic railroad line that connects Birmingham with Bessemer.
12:15-13:23 Railroad Park
Railroad Park is a public park that has a train ride that takes visitors on a tour of the area.
13:24-14:18 Big Spring International Park
Big Spring International Park is a beautiful park that features a waterfall, hiking trails, and much more.
14:19-15:31 Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is a city in west-central Alabama.
15:32-16:46 Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
The Tuskegee Airmen’s National Historic Site tells the story of the first African American military unit in the US Army Air Corps during World War II.
16:47-18:18 Anniston
Anniston is a city in north-central Alabama.
18:19-19:44 Anniston Civic Center
Anniston Civic Center is an arena that holds various sporting events.
19:45-22:01 Anniston/Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area
The Anniston Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area includes several cities and towns in south-central Alabama.
22:02-24:35 Huntsville
Huntsville is a city in east-central Alabama.
24:36-25:49 Museum of Art at Fort Payne
The Museum of Art at Fort Payne is a museum that showcases art from around the world.
25:50-27:54 Museum of Military History
The Museum of Military History is a museum that documents the history of the United States Armed Forces.
27:55-29:20 Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedways is a motorsports complex that hosts auto racing events.
29:21-30:39 Auburn University
Auburn University was founded in 1856.
30:40-31:59 Auburn University Montgomery
Auburn University Montgomery is a branch campus of Auburn University.
31:60-33:34 Auburn University Research Park
Auburn University Research Park is a research park just outside of Auburn.
33:35-34:43 Opelika
Opelika is a town in southeast Alabama.
34:44-35:51 Calhoun Community College
Calhoun Community College is a community college situated in rural Calhoun County.
35:52-37:11 Clanton
Clanton is a small town in eastern Alabama.
37:12-38:29 East Limestone High School
East Limestone High School is a high school in rural Limestone County.
38:30-39:42 Fairhope
Fairhope is a resort town in Baldwin County.
39:43-40:00 Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is a beach town in Baldwin County. It is located along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
40:01-41:28 Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden State Community College is a community and junior college in western Etowah County.
41:29-42:41 Decatur
Decatur is a city in southern Illinois.
42:42-43:58 Northport
Northport is a small town in northern Alabama.
43:59-45:08 Pell City
Pell City is a town in southeastern Alabama.
45:09-46:25 Selma
Selma is a city in central Alabama.
46:26-47:32 Selma Civil Rights Institute
Selma Civil Rights Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching about civil rights in America.
47:33-48:17 Southside Baptist Church
Southside Baptist Church is a historic church in downtown Selma.
48:18-49:23 Talladega
Talladega is a city in central-eastern Alabama.
