Hammond Haven, Luxury Log and Timber Cottage on Jack Lake
- 12
- 5
- 3
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nature & Parks
From beaches to wildlife parks and fine dining, the Gulf Shores offers abundant recreational water activities and fun for the whole family.
Nature & Parks
Explore some of Alabama’s most impressive caverns with access to over one mile of caves to tour and explore.
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.
The most prominent man-made lake in Alabama (and one of the largest in the USA), this lake is perfect for wildlife lovers.
Due to the high quality of the water, Lake Wedowee has some of the best bass fishing in the state.
The top lake for water recreational sports, it boasts many vacation rentals, including cabins and cottages.
The beautiful lake is perfect for fishing, where bass, crappies, rainbow, and trout abound.
For an exciting plunge into 21,000 acres of clean, clear, and blue water, jump off the Indian Head Rock.
Guntersville Lake is the perfect base for your Alabama vacation and is suitable for swimming, fishing, and boating.
As Alabama’s second-biggest lake, it offers fishing, swimming, boating, and an abundance of water recreational sports.
Stretching over 50 miles, you can drift through three states before returning to your dock at the end of the day.
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!
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Family-friendly
One Grand Blvd, Point Clear, Alabama
Luxury, Family-friendly
4480 County Rd 44, Leesburg, Alabama
Outdoor, Adventurous
19644 AL-281, Delta, Alabama
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).