Alabama: Discover America’s Best Kept Secret Vacation Destination

Discover Lake Martin

Located in the heart of Alabama, Lake Martin is a favorite hangout spot for locals. With great fishingswimming, 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.

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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.

alabama scaled
alabama scaled

Must-See Attractions

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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

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Lakes to Explore

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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.

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alabama scaled
alabama scaled
alabama scaled

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.
  • 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).

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