Discover Lake Martin
Located in the heart of Alabama, Lake Martin is a favorite hangout spot for locals. With great fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities, Lake Martin is the ideal spot to make new memories with family and friends on your next trip to Alabama.
The lake spans over 44,000 acres with hundreds of miles of beautiful shorelines and several islands. At the lake, an iconic rock formation known as Chimney Rock is a unique gathering spot for boaters and swimmers. Lake Martin is truly the best place to base your next vacation in Alabama, with its abundance of water activities and vacation rentals.
Unique Facts about Alabama
01
Geographical Diversity
Alabama boasts a diverse landscape, from the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in the south to the Appalachian Mountains in the north. You’ll find prairies, caves, valleys, rivers, swamps, and lakes in between.
02
World Class Events
The first American Mardi Gras event was officially celebrated in Mobil, Alabama, in 1703, and it is still an annual event today. Another popular event is the NASCAR races held at the Talladega Superspeedway.
03
Unique Nickname
Alabama is known as the ‘Yellowhammer State,’ a nickname founded during the Civil War when Alabama soldiers wore gray uniforms with yellow trim, resembling the coloration of the yellowhammer bird.
Must-See Attractions
The Gulf Shores
Nature & Parks
From beaches to wildlife parks and fine dining, the Gulf Shores offers abundant recreational water activities and fun for the whole family.
Rickwood Caverns State Park
Nature & Parks
Explore some of Alabama’s most impressive caverns with access to over one mile of caves to tour and explore.
Birding
Nature & Parks
Alabama is famous for its birdwatching. The state has 449 recognized bird species. Enjoy watching technicolored birds as you hike trails, take in waterfalls, or lay on a beach.
Where to Sleep
Lakes to Explore
1. Lake Martin
51 Miles
The most prominent man-made lake in Alabama (and one of the largest in the USA), this lake is perfect for wildlife lovers.
2. Lake Wedowee
88 Miles
Due to the high quality of the water, Lake Wedowee has some of the best bass fishing in the state.
3. Lake Tuscaloosa
113 Miles
The top lake for water recreational sports, it boasts many vacation rentals, including cabins and cottages.
4. Bankhead Lake
124 Miles
The beautiful lake is perfect for fishing, where bass, crappies, rainbow, and trout abound.
5. Lewis Smith Lake
136 Miles
For an exciting plunge into 21,000 acres of clean, clear, and blue water, jump off the Indian Head Rock.
6. Guntersville Lake
183 Miles
Guntersville Lake is the perfect base for your Alabama vacation and is suitable for swimming, fishing, and boating.
7. Wheeler Lake
198 Miles
As Alabama’s second-biggest lake, it offers fishing, swimming, boating, and an abundance of water recreational sports.
8. Pickwick Lake
234 Miles
Stretching over 50 miles, you can drift through three states before returning to your dock at the end of the day.
Annual Events and Festivals
January 26 – February 13, 2025
Mardi Gras in Mobile
The Mardi Gras in Mobile is a Mardi Gras event suitable for the whole family. The event runs over two weeks and features over 40 parades, live marching bands, and plenty of colorful costumes, beads, and flowers. While you visit Mobile and this spectacular event, be sure to visit the Mobile Carnival Museum with its galleries, presentations, and images, all of which are in a very interesting historic mansion!
March 2 – 3, 2025
Ballyhoo Festival
The Ballyhoo Festival takes place in Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. Fun for the whole family, this arts and cultural festival highlights the history of Native Americans and early settlers in Alabama. Watch a powwow, listen to a live fiddling, and observe art demonstrations such as basket weaving and wood carving. Local seafood is abundantly available throughout the festival grounds, but don’t forget about the live music, including the fiddle and banjo competition!
April 13, 2025
Baldwin County Strawberry Festival
Drive out to Loxley Municipal Park on the second Saturday in April and feast on delicious plump strawberries at this annual strawberry festival. While there, you can enjoy an antique car show, crafts, carnival, music, and all things strawberries. And be sure to try the local favorite: strawberry shortcake. The festival is unique in that it raises funds for local charities. You can have a fantastic time while also supporting great causes! Later in the season, check out these fall festivals in Alabama.
Top Hiking Trails
Walls of Jericho Trail
Walls of Jericho Trailhead, Estillfork, Alabama
The best of Alabama’s trails, this out-and-back trail spans 6.5 miles and takes an average of 3.5 hours to complete. Enjoy lush greenery as you hike the trail through caverns, passing a family cemetery and a breathtaking waterfall. This hike suits the family, and dogs are welcome to join so long as they are on a leash.
Pinhoti National Recreation Trail
Pinhoti Trail – Southern Terminus, Alabama
Stretching over 330 miles long, this trail features several entry points that can be used for short day hikes. Wildlife is abundant on the trail, with deer, turkeys, and woodpeckers making it their primary home. October to March is the best time to hike the trail, as the swarms of bugs can be very irritating during the warmer months.
Kings Chair Loop
Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama
With relatively little elevation gain, this four-mile hike is perfect for all fitness levels and takes an average of two hours to complete. Enjoy stunning views as you walk the well-maintained path, but be sure to wear good footwear as the path is rocky at times. Start at the North Trailhead with the Blue link and return on the Red link.
Best Golf Courses
Capitol Hill
2600 Constitution Avenue, Prattville, Alabama
Capitol Hill is one of America’s premier golf courses overlooking the Alabama River. Three 18-hole courses are spread over 1,500 acres, highlighting some of Alabama’s most beautiful topography.
Grand National
Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, Alabama
Voted the best public golf course by Golf World, the Grand National is a 54-hole facility that is not to be missed. Over half of the holes hug Lake Saugahatchee, giving golfers stunning views as they perfect their sport.
Magnolia Grove
7001 Magnolia Grove Pkwy, Mobile, Alabama
The Magnolia Grove golf course, recently renovated, features 54 holes backdropped by lakes, waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, and creeks. The grounds have also been renovated recently, making the golfing experience more enjoyable than ever!
Water Sports
Reeling in Fish with Extreme Chaos
Fishing
Because of its numerous lakes and rivers, Alabama has become known for its freshwater fishing opportunities. Popular species include largemouth bass, crappies, catfish, trout, and more. For an amazing fishing experience, try a chartered tour with Extreme Chaos Fishing Charters on the Gulf Shores.
North Alabama Sailing Marina
Sailing
The vast waters of Alabama’s premier lakes and rivers make sailing a captivating adventure as you enjoy the thrill of harnessing the wind’s power with the serenity of gliding across open waters. Enjoy a sense of freedom as you sail the warm blue waters of Alabama with friends and family. Many lakes in Alabama have marinas with sailboat rentals, such as the North Alabama Sailing Marina at Lake Guntersville.
Watercraft Paddling
Paddleboarding, Kayaking, & Canoeing
Whether you prefer to glide on the water alone or with a partner, watercraft paddling is the perfect way to spend a few hours on the water. It is perfect for a year-round activity and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Enjoy an early morning sunrise paddle and soak up the early morning rays as you tour the lake. Many lakes and rivers offer watercraft and lifejacket rentals, such as Wheeler Lake Watersport Rentals at Lake Koa.
Resorts to Explore
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Family-friendly
One Grand Blvd, Point Clear, Alabama
Chesnut Bay Resort
Luxury, Family-friendly
4480 County Rd 44, Leesburg, Alabama
Cheaha Resort State Park
Outdoor, Adventurous
19644 AL-281, Delta, Alabama
Tips on Vacationing in Alabama
Privacy and Space
Vacation rentals in Alabama typically provide more private and spacious accommodations than hotels. Many rentals have a living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and separate bedrooms.
Local Experience
Staying in a vacation rental allows you to experience the beauty of Alabama as a local. You can explore nearby attractions and experience the local culture at your leisure.
Unique Accommodations
Alabama vacation rentals offer diverse options, from cozy cabins on Lake Guntersville to luxurious condos with breathtaking Gulf views. You can choose the perfect rental to suit your style and preferences, giving you a more personalized and memorable experience.
Affordability
Renting a vacation home in Alabama can be more cost-effective than staying in a hotel. With the option to cook your own meals and enjoy more space, you’ll likely save on dining out and won’t need to book multiple hotel rooms to accommodate larger groups.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alabama
- Ensure the rental location is convenient for your itinerary.
- Check for essential amenities that meet your needs.
- Always read the rental agreement for policies on cancellation, check-in, and additional fees.
Yes, Alabama rentals do cater to pet lovers by offering pet-friendly vacation rentals.
- Pet-friendly vacation rentals are available but may have specific rules and additional fees.
- Confirm the pet policy directly with the rental owner or management.
- Vacation rentals offer more privacy and space compared to hotels.
- They are cost-effective for groups and provide a home-like environment.
- Access to a full kitchen can lead to significant savings on food expenses.
The best areas to stay in for an Alabama beach vacation include Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Dauphin Island. These coastal towns offer beautiful beaches and a variety of activities for all ages.
Popular activities near Alabama vacation rentals include exploring beautiful beaches, visiting local attractions such as the Gulf State Park, fishing, water sports, golfing, and dining on delicious local cuisine. Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers a variety of activities for a memorable vacation experience.
For the best selection and prices, you should book your vacation rental 3-6 months in advance, especially if your vacation will be during the peak season (summer).