Who doesn’t love a day trip to somewhere new?
Of course, the problem with a day trip is that it needs to be somewhere relatively close-by to make that whole “day” part work. Thankfully, Alabama is full of small towns, often overlooked, that are filled with history, art and good food.
So with that in mind, we thought we’d come up with a calendar of Alabama small towns worth a visit and shine a light on the outdoor activities, one-of-a-kind attractions, historical sites, shopping and restaurants they have to offer.
Who knows, you might even want to stay a whole weekend.
Here’s a look at 12 Alabama towns to visit in 2026, one for each month.
Noccalula Falls in Gadsden. (Joe Songer | [email protected]).Joe Songer | [email protected]
Janurary: Gadsden
Lets kick the year off with a small-town destination that offers up one of the most breathtaking views in the state, and that’s Gadsden. Home to Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall surrounded by Black Creek Gorge, Gadsden often attracts visitors from all over the South and beyond to see the natural landmark, which is located within a 250-acre public park that also offers a petting zoo, fly-fishing, hiking trails and other activities. That said, there’s more to the town than just the falls. You can also take a relaxing stroll through Gadsden’s beautiful Riverwalk Park, which runs along the Coosa River adjacent to Coosa Landing, and grab dinner at local eateries like Pruett’s BBQ, The Rail Public House, Clover on Court and more.
The 1840 post office in Mooresville, Ala., is the oldest operating post office in Alabama.Kelly Kazek
Feburary: Mooresville
The small town of Mooresville isn’t necessarily known for being at the top of anyone’s travel list, but the scenic and underrated town has plenty to offer if you’re looking to spend a day off the beaten path. For beginners, the town is full of interesting state history. After all, the entire town, one of Alabama’s oldest, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. So while there, be sure to take a walking tour to see some of town’s well-preserved, 19th-century architecture as well as historic sites like the Stagecoach Inn and Tavern, built in 1825, and the Mooresville Post Office, which dates back to 1840 and is the oldest continuously operating post office in the state. You can also take a dried flower wreath workshop at charming 1818 Farms on Feb. 14 and grab a sweet treat at Lyla’s Little House.
Rock ‘N Roll Pinball in Opelika, Ala.Amber Sutton
March: Opelika
While Opelika often comes as a pair with Auburn in the minds of a lot of folks, the charming town has plenty to offer all on its own, including a picturesque downtown area filled with restaurants and local events worth planning a visit around. While there, you can explore the Museum of East Alabama, check out the Art Haus or catch a performance during the 2026 Opelika Songwriter’s Festival, which brings more than 40 singer-songwriters from across the country to play more than 80 shows in seven venues each spring. You can also grab a bite at some noteworthy restaurants, like Botanic, Stinson Bread, Cafe One Twenty Three and Zazu Gastropub before getting in a little nostalgic fun at Rock ‘N Roll Pinball.
Charming downtown Eufaula is home to a variety of shoppes and restaurants.Amber Sutton
April: Eufaula
When we think of charming small towns in Alabama, Eufaula usually comes to mind pretty quick, thanks to its picturesque downtown area, unique attractions and historic sites. By visiting in April, you can take part in the 2026 Eufaula Pilgrimage, which allows you to tour an array of historic homes like Fendall Hall and the Shorter Mansion. In addition, be sure to walk the two-mile Yoholo Micco Trail, which begins downtown and offers views of the area’s natural beauty as well as Lake Eufaula. While downtown, you can also browse the local specialty shops like Superior Pecans & Gifts, and restaurants, including The Cajun Corner. Plus, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention there’s plenty of fishing to enjoy given that Eufaula is known as the “Big Bass Capital of the World.”
Lake Guntersville State Park (al.com)al.com
May: Guntersville
As the weather gets warmer (and warmer and warmer…) out on the water sounds more and more like the ideal way to spend a day or weekend, which is why we picked Guntersville as the perfect small-town destination for May. While there, you can rent a boat, or bring your own, and spend time fishing, seeing the sights and just relaxing on scenic Lake Guntersville, which boasts more than 900 miles of shoreline. You can also spend your time in the Northeast Alabama town exploring the many hiking trails or testing your skill on the 18-hole championship golf course at Lake Guntersville State Park as well as learn pampering yourself at The Soak House, learning more about local history at the Guntersville Museum and grabbing a good meal at Top O’ The River.
Oak Alley in Magnolia Springs, Ala.Brian Kelly
June: Magnolia Springs
We all know that by May, the heat is really setting in around Alabama. Luckily, the picturesque town of Magnolia Springs, located in South Baldwin County, is an idyllic place to relax and cool down thanks to the shade of its massive live oaks and breezes blowing in from the nearby Gulf. For a weekend with a slower pace, book a room at the Victorian-era Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, which is located on beautiful Oak Street and offers stylish comfort, as well as grab a meal at the popular Jesse’s Restaurant. The beloved eatery has a menu that offers everything from fried green tomatoes and crab cakes to shrimp & grits, short ribs, fresh seafood, pasta and more, all of which you can enjoy on their scenic outdoor patio.
Scenes around Fort Morgan, Ala.John Sharp
July: Fort Morgan
When summer comes around, we all want to spend a little more time at the beach. While Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the better known Alabama beach towns, Fort Morgan is another option that offers a more laidback spot to sink your toes in the sand and listen to the waves crash away from the crowds. Plus, the quaint area, situated on a peninsula that runs between the Gulf of Mexico and the Mobile Bay, is home to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, the Fort Morgan Historic site, a preserved fort from 1834, as well as several restaurants, like Tacky Jacks and Jesse’s on the Bay, where you can grab a memorable meal, and waterfront view, without having to endure hours of waiting.
Drone photo of downtown Scottsboro. (Joe Songer | [email protected])Joe Songer | [email protected]
August: Scottsboro
If you’re looking to have a little getaway and do some shopping before school starts back up, a day trip to Scottsboro is a good way to kill two birds with one stone. That’s because the scenic small town is home Unclaimed Baggage, where the contents of lost luggage from major airlines is sold at bargain prices. You can snag some back-to-school gear (and plenty of other stuff too) while you’re there — there’s even a museum inside the facility where some of their most interesting and unexpected finds are on display. Plus, you can do learn more about the local history at the Scottsboro Boys Museum and stop in at Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain, which has been in business for more than 150 years, for lunch and a sweet treat.
An amazing Roland Cooper State Park sunset over the lake. (Joe Songer | [email protected]). al.comal.com
September: Camden
Camden might not be as well known as some of the other small towns on our list, but it’s got plenty to see if you’re interested in history, art, spending time outdoors and good eats. For starters, you can spend a little time at the Camden Shoe Shop & Quilt Museum, an African-American history museum that focuses on African American life and culture, from slavery to the Civil Rights era, in Camden, Gee’s Bend, and the surrounding areas. Afterward, browse what’s on display at the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, which sells a wide range of fine arts and heritage crafts before heading over to Roland Cooper State Park, located on the Alabama River, to get in a little fishing, boating or even camping. Just don’t forget to stop by Jackson’s Station, known for fried chicken and other Southern cooking, while you’re there.
Majestic Caverns is located in Childersburg, Ala. (Tamika Moore/AL.com)(Tamika Moore/AL.com)October: Childersburg
Childersburg is a small Alabama town known for attracting visitors from all over the country eager to spend time in one of the most historic caves in America. Majestic Caverns, formerly known as Desoto Caverns, is naturally 60 degrees and offers year-round, hour-long tours that will give you the chance to see some of its one-of-a-kind formations, including the longest hanging draper formation and the largest accumulation of onyx in the United States. It also offers a laser light show and other family-friendly activities. Afterward, you can take a scenic walk across the 105-foot covered bridge and still operating mill, both built in the 1800s, at Kymulga Mill Park before grabbing dinner with the locals at Old Towne Grill.
The iconic sign outside of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Ala., pays tribute to the “Hit Recording Capital of the World.”(Bob Carlton/[email protected])
November: Muscle Shoals
If you’re a lover of music and history, there’s not a better Alabama day trip or weekend getaway than Muscle Shoals. After all, while there you can take a backstage tour of FAME Recording Studios, which Rick Hall led beginning in 1960, as well as the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, which was opened by The Swampers in 1969 in nearby Sheffield. The legendary studios are known for their role in helping iconic artists like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more produce hit songs. Afterward, you can check out the 100-year-old Wilson Dam, which span more than 4,500 feet over the Tennessee River.
Christmas lights in Prattville, Alabama along Main Street and several adjoining blocks along Autauga Creek. (Joe Songer | [email protected]).Joe Songer | [email protected]
December: Prattville
Given that Prattville took home the top spot in our contest to name the best Christmas lights display in the state at the end of 2025, it feels fitting to send folks there in December when its charming and historic downtown area will be all ‘aglow with lights, festive decorations and family-friendly entertainment once again. While in the area, you can also visit another unique feature to the area, The Wilderness Park, that offers a serene setting to take a walk through the unexpected — a bamboo forest located right in the middle of the town — that circles a large frog pond. Plus, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the Fountain City’s popular local restaurants, including Uncle Mick’s Cajun Cafe and Fat Boy’s Bar-B-Que Ranch.
