Popular Destinations

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama's largest living museum with more than 10,000 different plants in its living collections. The Gardens' 67.5 acres contains 25+ unique gardens, 30+ works of original outdoor sculpture and miles of serene paths. For more information see www.bbgardens.org or call 205-414-3900. Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Route 42 Brookwood will get you there.

The Birmingham Zoo is Alabama's most popular attraction, drawing more than 500,000 visitors annually. Approximately 750 animals of 250 species call the 122-acre Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, kangaroos and endangered species from six continents. Food, gift shop, train, and picnic areas. Phase I of the new Junior League of Birmingham- Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo now open! Take Zoo-Gardens exit off Highway 280. Open 7 days a week from 9 to 5. (Extended summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9 to 7.) Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission is $11 for adults; $6 for children (2-12); $6 for seniors, 65+. Children under 2 are free. For more information see www.birminghamzoo.com or call 205-879-0409. Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Route 42 Brookwood will get you there.

Vulcan Park and Museum is home to the world's largest cast iron statue and features spectacular panoramic views of Birmingham. Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park and Museum tells the story of Birmingham's past, present and promise for the future. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 and has stood as a symbol of Birmingham for over 100 years. A 10-acre urban green space surrounds the 56' high statue and observation balcony that sits upon a 124' pedestal. Vulcan Park and Museum is open 7 days a week from 7 am - 10 pm. Vulcan Center and Tower Observation Balcony is open Monday- Saturday, 10 am- 6 pm and Sunday 1-6 pm. Evening hours for Vulcan Tower Observation Balcony are daily 6-10 pm. Visit the web site at www.vulcanpark.org or call 205-933-1409 for more information. Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Route 42 Brookwood will get you there.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - The institute captures the spirit and drama of the countless individuals--both well known and unsung--who dared to confront racial discrimination and bigotry. This is a "living institution" which views the lessons of the past in a positive way to chart new direction for the future. The institute's permanent exhibitions are a self-directed journey through the Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles of today. Located in the historic Civil Rights District surrounded by the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Visit the web site at www.bcri.org or call 205-328-9696 for more information. Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Route 6 Pratt will get you there.

Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Museum of Art has one of the finest collections in the Southeast. More than 17,000 objects represent a rich panorama of cultures, including Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian, and Native American. Highlights include the Museum's collection of Asian art, considered the finest and most comprehensive in the Southeast, and its collection of Vietnamese ceramics, one of the finest in the world: a remarkable Kress collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the late 13th century to the 1750s; the collection of 18th century European decorative arts, which includes superior examples of English ceramics and French furniture; and the Museum's world-renowned collection of Wedgwood, the largest outside of England. Visit the web site at www.artsbma.org or call 205-254-2076 (Art Gallery) for more information. Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Route 23 North Birmingham, or 40 Hooper City/Fairmont, or 18 Fountain Heights will get you there.

Adventures in science surround you at McWane Science Center!Experience the wonders of our world in action through imaginative, hands-on activities. Explore interactive science exhibits, aquariums, laboratories, fossil & artifact collections and a 5-story tall IMAX Dome Theater! Please visit the web site at www.mcwane.org or call 205-714-8300. Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Route 1 South Bessemer, or 3 Jefferson-Wenonah, or 91 Eastwest Redline will get you there.

Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture dating from the 1840s. The house was built by Judge William S. Mudd, one of the ten founders of Birmingham. The house is furnished with a collection of 19th century decorative arts. Located on six acres in the heart of Old Elyton, the first permanent County Seat of Jefferson County, Arlington is a center for historical, cultural, and civic activities.
For reservations or information, call 205-780-5656.
Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Route 1 South Bessemer or Route 3 Jefferson-Wenonah will get you there.

Riverchase Galleria is Alabama's number one free tourist attraction, boasting one of the largest skylights in North America. Anchor stores include Belk, Macy's, Sears, JCPenney with a four-star, four-diamond preferred Wynfrey Hotel and a 17-story class-A office tower attached to the two-level shopping mall. Other retailers include: Banana Republic, Aldo, Cache, bebe, Arden B and more. Visit www.riverchasegalleria.com or call the main office at 205-985-3020.
Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Hwy 31 bus will get you there.

The Summit Birmingham offers exciting, convenient, and stylish fashion. It's one of a kind. The ultimate in shopping indulgence. It's the way you want to shop, an experience that puts the excitement back into the search for just the right outfit, the perfect gift for a friend, or the accessory that will make that special room in your home all the more special. You'll experience dining sensations that will leave you breathless with anticipation for the next bite, or better yet, dessert. Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority Hwy 280 bus will get you there.

The Peanut Depot - A Birmingham fixture since 1907, the old roasting ovens in this historic building crank out thousands of pounds of roasted peanuts every week-more during football season. If you want to see something Really Southern and Really Historic, then The Peanut Depot is a must! You can sample a 50-cent bag or cart off a trunk load. The Peanut Depot located downtown on 2016 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama 35206 or call 205-251-3314. Within walking distance of Central Station.