We’re constantly on the lookout for hidden gems in Alabama. These destinations are typically off the beaten path, but always worth the journey. Because there are so many hidden gems located throughout the state, it comes as no surprise that we were able to find 12 more hidden gems to add to our original list.
Now, let’s take a look at these 12 other hidden gems in Alabama. Some of these may seem like relatively popular destinations while others are totally obscure. Ready to start exploring?
- Noccalula Falls - Gadsden, AL
flickr/pookie_NY Noccalula Falls, the main attraction at Noccalula Falls Park, is an amazing 90-foot waterfall atop Lookout Mountain. And the coolest part of all? You can actually walk behind this waterfall. Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
- The Bright Star - Bessemer, AL
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM The Bright Star restaurant specializes in Greek-style snapper and steak, seafood gumbo, delicious pies, etc. This historic restaurant has been open since 1907, which makes it the oldest in Alabama. Moreover, it’s the oldest family-owned restaurant in America! Bright Star Restaurant, 304 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020, USA
- Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa - Point Clear, AL
yelp/Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa At the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, guests have the opportunity to relax and experience coastal living at its best. While you’re there, be sure to check out the tiny beach town in Alabama that belongs on everyone’s radar. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, One Grand Blvd, Point Clear, AL 36564, USA
- Cheaha Mountain - Delta, AL
flickr/Shawn Trucks With an elevation of 2,411 feet, Cheaha Mountain is Alabama’s highest natural point. It’s also located inside of the first established state park in Alabama. There’s so much to explore there! Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
- Unclaimed Baggage Center - Scottsboro, AL
facebook/Unclaimed Baggage Center If you’ve ever lost a piece of luggage on a plane, train, or bus, it probably ended up at the Unclaimed Baggage Center – the world’s only lost luggage store. Without a doubt, the Unclaimed Baggage Center might just be the most unique store in Alabama. 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, USA
- Lake Eufaula
facebook/Lake Eufaula, Alabama Lake Eufaula has been referred to as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World" and is definitely one of the true gems of the South. It’s also one of the best small-town vacation spots in the U.S. Lake Eufaula, United States
- Dreamland Bar-B-Que - Tuscaloosa, AL
yelp/Tim S. The original Dreamland Bar-B-Que has been ranked as one of the “Best Restaurants in Alabama.” It’s also one of Tuscaloosa’s main attractions. Learn more about the iconic Dreamland Bar-B-Que. 5535 15th Ave E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, USA
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
flickr/Bill Sutton The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of championship golf courses spread across Alabama, featuring 468 holes at 11 sites. Plus, the trail just so happens to be located inside one of the coolest towns in Alabama. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Ross Bridge, 4000 Grand Ave, Hoover, AL 35226, USA
- Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor - Hazel Green, AL
facebook/Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor The moment you step through the doors of Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This nostalgic ice cream parlor is decorated in 50s and 60s decor, and it offers the best ice cream at the best prices. When it comes to hidden gems in Alabama, it doesn’t get much better than Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor. Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor and Diner / Food Truck, 12835 U.S. HWY 231/431 N Suite E, Hazel Green, AL 35750, USA
- High Falls Park - Geraldine, AL
flickr/Kerry Sanders According to several people, High Falls Park is the best kept secret in Alabama. The park’s main attraction is the 35-feet waterfall that’s pictured above. In addition to the beautiful waterfall, High Falls Park also has six hiking trails and a walking bridge that overlooks beautiful Town Creek. High Falls Park is located at the junction of County Road 394 and 149, off AL Highway 227 (between Grove Oak and Geraldine). Have you ever visited this beautifully blue waterfall in Alabama? 969 Co Rd 144, Grove Oak, AL 35975, USA
- What’s on 2nd? - Birmingham, AL
yelp/Keith C. What’s on 2nd? is an antique and collectibles store that offers a large selection of video games, vintage toys, antique furniture, and so much more. This unique store has just about anything you can possibly think of. What’s on 2nd, 1101 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
- Alabama’s Gulf Coast Beaches
flickr/garrett farlow Alabama’s beaches are ranked among top U.S. beaches and are one of the Gulf Coast’s hidden gems. And even though Alabama’s Gulf Coast attracts millions of visitors each year, many people who don’t live in the South aren’t aware of our beautiful beaches. Looking to avoid the crowds? You might consider planning a trip to the Gulf Coast in the winter. Gulf Shores, AL, USA
Have you visited any of these hidden gems in Alabama? Are there any other hidden gems in Alabama you would recommend visiting? If so, please share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
flickr/pookie_NY
Noccalula Falls, the main attraction at Noccalula Falls Park, is an amazing 90-foot waterfall atop Lookout Mountain. And the coolest part of all? You can actually walk behind this waterfall.
Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Bright Star restaurant specializes in Greek-style snapper and steak, seafood gumbo, delicious pies, etc. This historic restaurant has been open since 1907, which makes it the oldest in Alabama. Moreover, it’s the oldest family-owned restaurant in America!
Bright Star Restaurant, 304 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020, USA
yelp/Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa
At the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, guests have the opportunity to relax and experience coastal living at its best. While you’re there, be sure to check out the tiny beach town in Alabama that belongs on everyone’s radar.
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, One Grand Blvd, Point Clear, AL 36564, USA
flickr/Shawn Trucks
With an elevation of 2,411 feet, Cheaha Mountain is Alabama’s highest natural point. It’s also located inside of the first established state park in Alabama. There’s so much to explore there!
Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
facebook/Unclaimed Baggage Center
If you’ve ever lost a piece of luggage on a plane, train, or bus, it probably ended up at the Unclaimed Baggage Center – the world’s only lost luggage store. Without a doubt, the Unclaimed Baggage Center might just be the most unique store in Alabama.
509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, USA
facebook/Lake Eufaula, Alabama
Lake Eufaula has been referred to as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World" and is definitely one of the true gems of the South. It’s also one of the best small-town vacation spots in the U.S.
Lake Eufaula, United States
yelp/Tim S.
The original Dreamland Bar-B-Que has been ranked as one of the “Best Restaurants in Alabama.” It’s also one of Tuscaloosa’s main attractions. Learn more about the iconic Dreamland Bar-B-Que.
5535 15th Ave E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, USA
flickr/Bill Sutton
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of championship golf courses spread across Alabama, featuring 468 holes at 11 sites. Plus, the trail just so happens to be located inside one of the coolest towns in Alabama.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Ross Bridge, 4000 Grand Ave, Hoover, AL 35226, USA
facebook/Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor
The moment you step through the doors of Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This nostalgic ice cream parlor is decorated in 50s and 60s decor, and it offers the best ice cream at the best prices. When it comes to hidden gems in Alabama, it doesn’t get much better than Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor.
Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor and Diner / Food Truck, 12835 U.S. HWY 231/431 N Suite E, Hazel Green, AL 35750, USA
flickr/Kerry Sanders
According to several people, High Falls Park is the best kept secret in Alabama. The park’s main attraction is the 35-feet waterfall that’s pictured above. In addition to the beautiful waterfall, High Falls Park also has six hiking trails and a walking bridge that overlooks beautiful Town Creek. High Falls Park is located at the junction of County Road 394 and 149, off AL Highway 227 (between Grove Oak and Geraldine). Have you ever visited this beautifully blue waterfall in Alabama?
969 Co Rd 144, Grove Oak, AL 35975, USA
yelp/Keith C.
What’s on 2nd? is an antique and collectibles store that offers a large selection of video games, vintage toys, antique furniture, and so much more. This unique store has just about anything you can possibly think of.
What’s on 2nd, 1101 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
flickr/garrett farlow
Alabama’s beaches are ranked among top U.S. beaches and are one of the Gulf Coast’s hidden gems. And even though Alabama’s Gulf Coast attracts millions of visitors each year, many people who don’t live in the South aren’t aware of our beautiful beaches. Looking to avoid the crowds? You might consider planning a trip to the Gulf Coast in the winter.
Gulf Shores, AL, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Alabama August 26, 2021 Beth C. What are some other hidden gems in Alabama? One of our absolute favorite hidden gems in Alabama is known as Natural Bridge. Dating over 200 million years old, it’s certainly one of the most unique natural wonders in the state. The bridge measures 60 feet high and 148 feet long, and it holds the title as the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. The bridge is the namesake of Natural Bridge Park, and the surrounding town of Natural Bridge, both of which make excellent day trip destinations. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, you can take the 30-minute nature trail within the park. Have you ever experienced this incredible hidden gem in Alabama? Other hidden gems in the state include the town of Mooresville, Orr Park in Montevallo, Harmony Park Safari in Huntsville, the Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham, Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House in Florence, Wilderness Park in Prattville, Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, and Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia. Learn more about these must-visit attractions in Alabama.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Alabama
August 26, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other hidden gems in Alabama? One of our absolute favorite hidden gems in Alabama is known as Natural Bridge. Dating over 200 million years old, it’s certainly one of the most unique natural wonders in the state. The bridge measures 60 feet high and 148 feet long, and it holds the title as the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. The bridge is the namesake of Natural Bridge Park, and the surrounding town of Natural Bridge, both of which make excellent day trip destinations. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, you can take the 30-minute nature trail within the park. Have you ever experienced this incredible hidden gem in Alabama? Other hidden gems in the state include the town of Mooresville, Orr Park in Montevallo, Harmony Park Safari in Huntsville, the Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham, Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House in Florence, Wilderness Park in Prattville, Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, and Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia. Learn more about these must-visit attractions in Alabama.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of our absolute favorite hidden gems in Alabama is known as Natural Bridge. Dating over 200 million years old, it’s certainly one of the most unique natural wonders in the state. The bridge measures 60 feet high and 148 feet long, and it holds the title as the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. The bridge is the namesake of Natural Bridge Park, and the surrounding town of Natural Bridge, both of which make excellent day trip destinations. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, you can take the 30-minute nature trail within the park. Have you ever experienced this incredible hidden gem in Alabama? Other hidden gems in the state include the town of Mooresville, Orr Park in Montevallo, Harmony Park Safari in Huntsville, the Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham, Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House in Florence, Wilderness Park in Prattville, Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, and Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia. Learn more about these must-visit attractions in Alabama.
