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United States
ALABAMA DEEP SOUTH: CIVIL RIGHTS MEMORY TO GULF SHORES
Selma's bridges that changed history, Muscle Shoals studios that captured soul gold, white sand facing warm gulf waters. Alabama moves.
≈ 8
Days
693
Km
7
Stops
Trace civil rights history in Alabama: Selma and Edmund Pettus Bridge, Montgomery and Rosa Parks' legacy, Birmingham and struggles carved in memory. Make Muscle Shoals pulse, studio of pure soul, then end on Gulf Shores' white sands, where the South finally relaxes facing the gulf.
- Selma: bridge crossing, voting rights
- Birmingham: civil rights district, history
- Muscle Shoals: soul music, recording legend
- Gulf Shores: white sand, warm waters
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Jour 1: Step into humanity's greatest adventure at the US Space & Rocket Center, where towering Saturn V rockets pierce the Alabama sky and the dreams of space exploration come alive. Wander through the awe-inspiring Saturn V Hall, home to one of only three remaining moon rockets, and stand beneath the very engines that propelled astronauts to the lunar surface. Don't miss the meticulously recreated International Space Station module, where you'll discover the ingenious solutions astronauts use for everyday tasks in zero gravity.
2
Jour 1: Channel your inner astronaut at Space Camp, the legendary program that has inspired generations of future scientists and explorers since 1982. Whether you're traveling with curious kids or harboring your own cosmic dreams, the center offers immersive experiences from simulated shuttle missions to underwater astronaut training. The gift shop is a treasure trove of NASA memorabilia and space-themed souvenirs you won't find anywhere else.
3
Jour 2: Wander through the tree-lined streets of the Twickenham Historic District, where antebellum mansions draped in Southern grandeur transport you to a pre-Civil War era of cotton wealth and gracious living. This remarkable neighborhood boasts Alabama's finest concentration of historic homes, their columned porticos and wraparound verandas whispering tales of a bygone age. Pick up a self-guided walking tour from the Visitor Bureau and let the free audio guides bring each architectural treasure to life.
4
Jour 2: Discover artistic treasures overlooking the serene waters of Big Spring Park at the Huntsville Museum of Art, a jewel box of carefully curated collections. The haunting black-and-white photographs of the Vietnam: The Real War exhibition offer profound reflections on conflict, while the luminous landscapes of the Ponchin legacy celebrate the artistic bonds between a French father and son. Marvel at the Buccellati silver menagerie, where semi-precious stones and gleaming silver transform into lifelike creatures of extraordinary craftsmanship.
+7 Places visited
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Jour 1: Rise early and join the locals at the beloved Blue Plate Cafe for an authentic Southern breakfast that will fuel your adventures. Sink your fork into fluffy scrambled eggs alongside crispy bacon, impossibly creamy cheese grits, and the quintessential Southern duo of buttermilk biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy. The bottomless coffee flows freely as regulars swap stories at the counter, offering a genuine taste of Huntsville hospitality.
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Jour 1: As evening falls, treat yourself to refined Southern cuisine at Connors Steak & Seafood, where Gulf Coast flavors meet prime cuts in an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. The Cajun Red Grouper, mesquite-grilled to perfection and served with fluffy couscous and tender collard greens, showcases the region's culinary heritage. Start with the legendary Voodoo Shrimp bathed in a spicy remoulade sauce that'll have you reaching for another.
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Jour 2: Savor a leisurely lunch at Pane e Vino, Chef James Boyce's Italian-inspired haven with a terrace overlooking the park's shimmering waters. The handmade butternut squash ravioli, draped in sage brown butter, offers a delicate counterpoint to the hearty Southern fare you'll encounter throughout your journey. Pair it with a crisp glass of wine as you watch ducks glide across the lake.
+2 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
2h36
2
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Push open the unassuming doors of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and enter hallowed ground where the magic of American music was forged by four visionary session musicians. This modest building on a busy highway witnessed Cher reinventing herself, Rod Stewart finding his raspy soul, and the Rolling Stones laying down three tracks during a legendary recording session. Stand on the same porch where Mick and Keith posed for photos, or recreate Cher's iconic album cover shot at the entrance to 3614 Jackson Highway.
2
Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's democratic vision at the Rosenbaum House, the only Wright-designed structure in Alabama and a pristine example of his affordable Usonian concept. Built in 1939 for newlyweds Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, every element from built-in furniture to clerestory windows bears the architect's revolutionary touch. The intimate guided tour reveals how Wright believed families should spend less time indoors and more time embracing nature's beauty.
3
Pay homage to one of history's most remarkable women at Ivy Green, the Tuscumbia birthplace where Helen Keller learned to communicate despite being deaf and blind from infancy. Walk the grounds where teacher Anne Sullivan's patient devotion unlocked a brilliant mind, and visit the pump where Helen first connected the sign for water to the cool liquid flowing over her hands. The preserved family home and gardens offer profound insight into the determination that made Keller a global advocate for the disabled.
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Dig into golden-fried Southern comfort at Champy's, a roadside institution where chicken is cooked to order and arrives crackling hot in red plastic baskets. The no-frills atmosphere of melamine tables and checkered tablecloths sets the stage for seriously good eating, from succulent bone-in pieces to tangy coleslaw and buttery baked beans. Check out the vintage jukebox and neon signs while you lick your fingers clean.
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Cap your Shoals exploration with refined seasonal cuisine at Odette, Florence's destination restaurant where locally sourced ingredients meet Southern flair in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The charcuterie board is legendary, with over a dozen artisanal cheeses, house-pickled vegetables, and cured meats that the server recites from memory like poetry. Reserve a table on the terrace for golden-hour dining.
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Rest your head at the GunRunner Boutique Hotel, a gloriously quirky retreat carved from a former car showroom where an original Harley guards the stairway. Each of the ten suites pays tribute to local legends, from the Sam Phillips room honoring the Sun Records founder to spaces celebrating Muscle Shoals musicians and Billy Reid fashion. Guitars wait to be strummed, the rooftop terrace beckons for nightcaps, and the central bar feels like a rockstar's private living room.
Next stop
Distance:
193 km
Travel time:
2h
3
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Jour 1: Embark on a culinary world tour without leaving Birmingham at the Pizitz Food Hall, a stunning transformation of the city's once-grand department store into a buzzing international food emporium. Sample Ethiopian injera at Ghion Cultural Hall, slurp Vietnamese pho at PhoPho, or build a rainbow bowl of Mediterranean salads at Eli's Jerusalem Grill beneath soaring ceilings and exposed brick. The central bar pours craft cocktails while the upstairs apartments hint at the building's glamorous retail past.
2
Jour 1: Stand in solemn remembrance at 16th Street Baptist Church, where a white supremacist bomb shattered Sunday morning peace in 1963, claiming four young girls preparing for services. The guided tour weaves through this still-active congregation's sanctuary, pausing at the stunning stained glass window depicting a Black Christ, donated by the people of Wales in solidarity. This sacred space crystallizes the brutal reality faced by civil rights activists and the resilience that carried the movement forward.
3
Jour 1: Process the weight of history at Kelly Ingram Park, where powerful bronze sculptures freeze pivotal moments of Birmingham's civil rights struggle in perpetual witness. Four little girls play eternally in innocent joy, forever captured in the instant before tragedy struck across the street. Walk past snarling police dogs straining at their leashes, children huddled against the force of fire hoses, and young protestors behind jail bars, each sculpture a visceral reminder of courage in the face of hatred.
4
Jour 1: Deepen your understanding at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a world-class museum that traces the African American journey from the humiliations of segregation to the ongoing fight for equality. Step aboard a replica Freedom Riders bus, sit at a recreated segregated lunch counter, and hear firsthand accounts that bring the movement's heroes to vivid life. The institute's position facing Kelly Ingram Park and 16th Street Baptist Church creates a powerful trinity of remembrance and education.
+5 Places visited
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Jour 1: Join the locals queuing out the door at Saw's Soul Kitchen in the artsy Avondale neighborhood for BBQ that embodies Birmingham's culinary renaissance. The signature Pork & Greens layers impossibly tender pulled pork over creamy stone-ground grits and tangy-sweet collard greens, crowned with crispy onion rings that shatter satisfyingly with each bite. Arrive early because once the meat's gone, it's gone.
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Jour 2: Experience a uniquely Southern snack at the Alabama Peanut Company on charming cobblestoned Morris Avenue, where vats of peanuts bubble away in Cajun spice and dill pickle brine. These boiled peanuts, a beloved beach-trip tradition, achieve a soft texture and intense flavor that converts skeptics with the first bite. The airy shop also sells roasted varieties and cheeky Southern and Salty merchandise.
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Jour 2: Photograph the iconic Magic City sign, a faithful replica of the neon beacon that once welcomed visitors to Birmingham's train station during the city's industrial heyday. The sign now marks the start of the Rotary Trail, a half-mile green corridor perfect for an evening stroll or morning jog connecting to the city's expanding trail network.
+2 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
163 km
Travel time:
3h16
4
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Make a sweet pit stop at Alabama's Peach Capital, where the whimsical Peach Water Tower rises above Interstate 65 like a giant fruit beckoning travelers to pull over. At Headley's Big Peach farm shop, bins overflow with fragrant just-picked peaches while freezers stock peachy popsicles in multiple mouthwatering flavors. Nearby, Peach Park and Durbin Farms Market compete for visitors with peach cobblers, preserves, and ice cream that capture summer in every spoonful.
2
Begin your Selma pilgrimage at the Interpretive Center nestled at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where rangers and volunteers share the full story of the 1965 Voting Rights marches. Audio-visual displays and artifacts bring those turbulent days to vivid life, from the planning sessions at local churches to the violent confrontation on Bloody Sunday. This marks the official start of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.
3
Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, feeling history beneath your feet on the same span where marchers for voting rights were beaten back by state troopers on March 7, 1965. The images of Bloody Sunday, broadcast worldwide, shocked America's conscience and galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act. Two subsequent marches followed, culminating in 25,000 people completing the 54-mile journey to Montgomery's Capitol steps.
4
Enter the twin-towered Brown Chapel AME Church, the spiritual and strategic headquarters where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and fellow organizers planned their nonviolent campaign for the ballot. Marchers assembled here before crossing the bridge, and wounded protestors returned here for aid after being tear-gassed and clubbed. The monument to Dr. King at the church entrance honors his pivotal role in the struggle.
+1 Places visited
Activities
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Drive slowly through Selma's Old Town Historic District, where antebellum mansions line quiet streets shaded by ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss. Though some homes show their age, the architectural grandeur hints at the prosperity this river port once enjoyed as a center for cotton shipping and Confederate manufacturing. Each columned porch and wrought-iron balcony tells a story of the complicated South.
Next stop
Distance:
80 km
Travel time:
55min
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Jour 1: Step into the Jazz Age at the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, the only museum dedicated to America's most glamorous literary couple, set in the Montgomery home they rented during the 1930s. Letters between Scott and Zelda reveal their passionate, turbulent romance, while Zelda's vibrant paintings showcase talents often overshadowed by her husband's fame. The museum captures both the dazzling promise and tragic unraveling of two bright stars of the Roaring Twenties.
2
Jour 1: Stroll Montgomery's riverfront district, where the Alabama River bends past historic wharves that once bustled with cotton bales bound for Mobile and beyond. The strategic bluff that gave Montgomery its prominence still offers commanding views across the water. Wander up Commerce Street to Court Square Fountain, built on the site of both the city's original water source and, darkly, its slave market.
3
Jour 1: Prepare your heart for the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a profound tribute to the thousands of African Americans terrorized and killed by lynching across the American South. Walking through the memorial, the ground slopes away until 800 weathered steel columns hang overhead, each inscribed with names of victims from a single county, the weight of injustice made physical and inescapable. The memorial's stark beauty offers space for grief, reflection, and reckoning.
4
Jour 1: Continue the emotional journey at the Legacy Museum, housed in a warehouse where enslaved people were once held before auction, now transformed into a searing examination of how slavery's legacy persists. From video testimonies of modern prisoners to holographic figures of enslaved mothers separated from children, the exhibits draw unflinching connections between past and present injustice. Photography is forbidden, making this an experience to be fully present in and carry with you.
+4 Places visited
Activities
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Jour 1: Fuel up on smoky, tender ribs at Dreamland BBQ, a Montgomery institution where families pack communal tables to devour platters of pit-smoked meats. Even if you're watching your waistline, the Smokehouse Cobb salad arrives heaped with enough shredded pork to satisfy your BBQ cravings. The sweet-tangy sauce that made Dreamland famous comes bottled to take home.
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Jour 1: Discover Montgomery's contemporary culinary scene at Central, a sophisticated yet approachable destination in the historic Alley warehouse district. The smoked pork belly with tangy peach chutney bridges traditional and modern Southern cooking, while the iconic wedge salad loaded with bacon, candied pecans, and blue cheese dressing is a meal unto itself. The buzzing room draws everyone from lawmakers to artists.
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Jour 1: Live your Jazz Age fantasy at the Fitzgerald Museum's Zelda Suite, one of two atmospheric apartments available above the museum through vacation rentals. Fall asleep beneath a portrait of the golden-haired beauty herself, surrounded by reproductions of her paintings and framed love letters to Scott. The 1930s decor feels like visiting a stylish grandmother's home, complete with spacious living areas and a vintage kitchen.
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
50 km
Travel time:
35min
6
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Jour 1: Discover Mobile's cosmopolitan soul along Dauphin Street, where wrought-iron balconies and French Quarter-style architecture recall the city's time as capital of French Louisiana. Boutiques overflow with antiques, local art, and quirky curiosities, while the street's name honors the Dauphin, the French crown prince whose flag once flew over these Gulf shores. Pause at shady Bienville Square and intimate Cathedral Square to watch Mobile life unfold.
2
Jour 1: Follow the colorful Oyster Trail past a dozen whimsically painted oyster sculptures scattered through downtown, each transformed by a different artist into marine-themed masterpieces. Beyond their charm, the sculptures raise awareness about the oyster gardening program that helps restore Mobile Bay's crucial shellfish populations. Download the map to hunt them all.
3
Jour 1: Seek out Mobile's vibrant street art scene, from the Heart of Mobile mural perfect for selfies to colorful works tucked down alleys and along warehouse walls. The arts district around Wintzell's Oyster House offers particularly rich hunting grounds for photographers. Each mural adds another layer to this city's creative story.
4
Jour 1: Immerse yourself in the sequined, feathered extravaganza of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum, celebrating the city's claim as the original American home of Fat Tuesday festivities since 1703. Three floors of galleries showcase impossibly elaborate gowns worn by carnival queens, towering float designs, and the traditions that distinguish Mobile's celebrations from New Orleans' more famous party. The self-guided audio tour brings the magic to life year-round.
+6 Places visited
Activities
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Jour 1: Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Moon Pie store, where the marshmallow-and-chocolate treats beloved as Mardi Gras throws come in every flavor imaginable. These Southern snacks originated in Tennessee but found their spiritual home in Mobile, where catching one flung from a parade float brings pure joy. Stock up on assorted flavors and Moon Pie merchandise.
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Jour 1: End your day at Wintzell's Oyster House, the legendary original location where Mobile has slurped bivalves since 1938. The Oysters Rockefeller arrive bubbling with spinach and rich butter sauce, while the West Indies Salad showcases sweet Gulf crab in a simple oil-and-vinegar bath that lets the seafood shine. Quirky signs and decades of character cover every surface.
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Jour 2: Drive through Mobile's historic districts to admire architectural styles spanning centuries, from French Colonial cottages to grand Italianate mansions draped in cast-iron lacework. The Mobile Historic Development Commission maps several driving trails that guide you past the city's finest preserved neighborhoods. Keep your camera ready for columned porticos and flower-filled gardens.
Next stop
Distance:
77 km
Travel time:
1h33
7
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Jour 1: Trade city streets for coastal paradise as you enter Gulf State Park, a 6,000-acre sanctuary where pristine white-sand beaches meet freshwater lakes teeming with wildlife. Rent a bike at Lake Shelby and pedal along trails crossing bridges between three interconnected lakes, pausing at the Nature Centre to learn about the alligators, herons, and sea turtles that call this preserve home. The Leave Only Footprints program protects nesting sea turtles along the shore.
2
Jour 1: Sink your toes into the sugary sand of Gulf Shores Beach, where the Gulf of Mexico's emerald waters lap against Alabama's stunning 60-mile coastline. Unlike the crowded shores of neighboring Florida, these beaches offer space to breathe, with the state park providing particularly peaceful stretches backed by natural dunes rather than high-rise condos. A long fishing pier attracts anglers casting for the day's catch.
3
Jour 1: Experience coastal luxury with a conscience at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a striking wood-clad hotel run by Hilton but owned by Alabama, with all proceeds supporting state parks. Book a beach-view lunch at Foodcraft restaurant, where sustainable Southern cuisine celebrates local ingredients in a light-filled setting overlooking the dunes. Even day visitors can access the hotel's pristine stretch of protected beach.
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Jour 2: Set sail with Cetacean Cruises for an afternoon dolphin encounter, where bottlenose dolphins play in the wake of your vessel as you glide through the calm waters of Mobile Bay. The knowledgeable crew shares fascinating facts about these intelligent marine mammals while steering toward shrimp boats where dolphins congregate for easy meals. With the sail raised and a drink in hand, there's no better way to experience Alabama's coastal waters.
+2 Places visited
Activities
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Jour 1: Start your beach day right at Woodside Restaurant, a laid-back cafe on the edge of Gulf State Park where the South Island Parfait layers fresh tropical fruit and banana bread with creamy Greek yogurt drizzled in local honey. The setting amid the park's natural beauty makes this more than just breakfast, it's the beginning of an adventure.
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Jour 1: Embrace beach club vibes at The Gulf, a buzzing waterfront gathering spot built from repurposed shipping containers painted in cheerful colors. Order shrimp tacos and fresh-squeezed lemonade from one of two outdoor kitchens, then claim a table overlooking the water as the sun begins its descent. Families, friends, and the occasional live band create an atmosphere that captures everything wonderful about Alabama's coast.
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Jour 1: Dress for a special evening at Cobalt, where an expansive patio overlooks Perdido Bay and the menu showcases Gulf seafood at its finest. The tuna salad features ruby-red fish barely kissed by heat, scattered over greens with goat cheese, pecans, and house-pickled vegetables. The BBQ Gulf Shrimp swimming in butter sauce demands crusty bread for sopping every drop.
+3 Optional activities
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.
Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.
Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in United States?
Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.