Alabama Holidays

Sweet Home Alabama. It’s not just a song — it’s the heart and soul of the South

Soul music and soul food, a Mardi Gras that predates New Orleans, the rolling foothills of the Appalachians and swathes of white sand on Gulf Coast beaches, literary legends along with a Civil Rights past… Alabama is the sweet surprise of the South.

Luxury Holidays in Alabama

Talk about an easy fly-drive destination — you can drive from Huntsville in the north to Mobile in the South in just over five hours. What’s more, none of the major sites are more than 2.5 hours from each other. Alabama is easy to get to as well, with direct flights to Atlanta, Georgia, a two-hour drive from Birmingham. And if you want to combine it with other parts of the Deep South, New Orleans in Louisiana is a couple of hours from Mobile, while Nashville, Tennessee, is the same distance from Huntsville. 

Great Reasons to Visit Alabama

Alabama is a state whose story is told through its people. The place where Harper Lee set To Kill a Mockingbird and F. Scott Fitzgerald penned parts of Tender is The Night is also where Dr. Martin Luther King led the protest to end segregation in America and where Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, her subsequent arrest sparking the Montgomery bus boycott.

This state of creators and innovators, movers and shakers has one eye on the future, the other on the past — it’s home to the world’s largest space museum and to one of America’s most historic streets. Montgomery’s Dexter Avenue played a pivotal role in both the American Civil War and the Civil Rights movement; just steps from the Capitol, where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as first president of the Confederacy, lies Dr. Martin Luther King’s Church, a few blocks from Rosa Parks’ bus stop. Down the road, Chris’ Famous Hotdogs has served everyone from Elvis to Franklin D. Roosevelt.

There’s more on Alabama’s menu, too, with a BBQ trail, vineyards, slow-cooked Southern dishes, and award-winning restaurants in Birmingham, known as the Dinner Table of the South.

Interesting facts about Alabama

  • Musical highs in Alabama - As to the song, Alabama is an entire soul-shaking soundtrack of the sixties and seventies, where everyone from Aretha Franklin and Cher to the Rolling Stones came to record their music.
  • America’s oldest Mardi Gras - Just two hours from New Orleans, Mobile celebrated its first Mardi Gras in 1703, 15 years before New Orleans was founded. Dauphin Street’s wrought-iron railings and pastel facades give it a similar architecture and ambience to New Orleans.
  • Literary greats: from Harper Lee to F. Scott Fitzgerald - The inspiration for the fictional Maycomb in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was Monroeville, where the author grew up and where her friend, Truman Capote, spent his summers.
  • White-sand beaches on the Gulf coast - The 32 miles of Gulf coast beaches in Alabama are the perfect place to kick back. Explore the Gulf State Park’s 28 miles of trails by biking, hiking or even Segway. The park is home to 325 species of birds as well as alligators, bobcats and nesting sea turtles.
  • The world’s largest space museum is in Huntsville - The place for gravity-defying rides, interactive exhibits and planetarium shows, Huntsville U.S. Space and Rocket Centre has developed a range of rockets, from those that put America’s first satellite and astronauts in orbit to NASA’s Saturn V moon rocket and the Space Shuttle.
  • From Civil War to Civil Rights - At Alabama’s State Capitol building in Montgomery, delegates from southern states voted to establish a new nation in February 1861 and inaugurated Jefferson Davis as president of the Confederacy, setting the stage for the American Civil War.
  • Explore the Appalachians - The Appalachian foothills tumble into Alabama, offering hiking, kayaking, fishing, rappelling, bouldering and cycling in scenic settings.

Weather in Alabama

Alabama experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, offering a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are typically hot and humid,  Winters are generally mild, though occasional cold snaps can bring colder temperatures and light snowfall, particularly in the northern regions. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, featuring warm days, cool nights, and moderate rainfall. These transitional seasons are ideal for outdoor activities, as the weather is comfortable and the landscape is vibrant with blooming flowers in spring and colourful foliage in autumn.

Alabama Holidays 2024 / 2025

Beat the rush and book your holiday to Alabama today. Your Southern adventure is just a few clicks away with Kenwood Travel. Explore our guaranteed package offers for 2024 and 2025 and rest assured that you’re getting the best industry knowledge at an unbeatable price. Secure your holiday with ABTOT and ATOL protection with Kenwood and y’all be enjoying the warm South Atlantic states in no time.

Holidays we think you'll like

Where to go in Alabama

Birmingham

Birmingham

Birmingham's unique blend of history, culture, and southern charm makes it a must-visit destination. It boasts a variety of attractions, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the McWane Science Centre, and the Birmingham Museum of Art. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and indulge in local cuisine at numerous acclaimed restaurants. The city also hosts a range of events and festivals, celebrating its diverse heritage and community.

Montgomery

Montgomery

A city steeped in history and culture. Known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, it offers significant landmarks like the Rosa Parks Museum and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Visitors can explore the Alabama State Capitol, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and the scenic Riverfront Park. The city also features vibrant dining and shopping options, reflecting its diverse heritage. Montgomery's blend of historical significance and modern attractions makes it a compelling destination.

Huntsville

Huntsville

Huntsville offers a unique blend of science, nature, and culture. It is home to the renowned U.S. Space & Rocket Centre, showcasing America's space achievements. Visitors can explore the lush Huntsville Botanical Garden, which is open year-round, and the vibrant Von Braun Centre for arts and entertainment. The city's historical sites, museums, and diverse dining options provide a rich experience for all ages. Huntsville's innovation and natural beauty make it a standout destination.

Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is famed for its rich musical heritage, particularly its influential recording studios like FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where numerous iconic artists have recorded. The city also boasts the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, celebrating its cultural and natural resources. Visitors can explore Wilson Lake and the historical exhibits at City Hall that detail the area's development. Known as "Rock 'n' Roll Heaven," Muscle Shoals offers a blend of musical history and natural beauty.

Mobile

Mobile

Mobile is where history meets Southern charm. From its vibrant downtown, lined with quaint shops and delectable dining spots, to its rich cultural heritage showcased in museums like the History Museum of Mobile, there's something for every traveller. Explore the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park or stroll through lush gardens at Bellingrath Gardens. Whether it's catching a Mardi Gras parade or enjoying fresh seafood by the bay, Mobile promises an unforgettable experience.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores beckon with pristine white sands and azure waters. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, these neighbouring beach towns offer endless recreational opportunities, from fishing and dolphin cruises to kayaking and parasailing. Indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants or explore the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Whether relaxing on the beach or exploring nature trails at Gulf State Park, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores promise a quintessential coastal getaway.

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