Exploring Alabama: 48 hours in Birmingham

Known as the ‘Dinner Table of the South’, Birmingham, Alabama not only serves up world-class cuisine by award-winning chefs, but also a fascinating history, picturesque outdoor spaces, and a flourishing art scene.

Birmingham has both urban and natural living – a vibrant downtown area invites visitors to explore dozens of galleries, theatres, and museums, while its location at the foothills of the Appalachians means rolling hills, scenic wetlands and wide-open spaces are never hard to find.

The renowned James Beard Foundation Award has been presented to several of the city’s restaurants, making it an extremely popular destination among foodies, while history enthusiasts will delight at being present in the city that played such a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement.

how to spend two days in birmingham alabama

Day one in birmingham

Enjoy a round of golf and admire the stunning terrain of Shannon Valley at Ross Bridge, one of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses. Despite being the fifth-longest course in the world, there are multiple tees, making it perfect for professionals and amateurs alike.

In the afternoon, you could go to Barber Motorsports Park, a multi-purpose racing facility that has been the site of the IndyCar Series’ Grand Prix of Alabama since 2010, and home to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Displaying more than 900 motorcycles, this is the largest museum of its kind in the world! If cars are not your thing, then you could take a hike through Red Mountain Park or visit the iconic Vulcan, the world’s largest cast iron statue and a symbol of Birmingham’s industrious past. Alternatively, you can discover the city’s impressive art scene at the Birmingham Museum of Art. You will find exhibits from all over the world, including the largest assembly of Wedgwood outside of England.

After a busy day exploring, reward yourself with a meal at one of Birmingham’s finest restaurants – Chez Fonfon, Bottega and Hot and Hot Fish Club all come highly rated. Finish your night by enjoying a show or concert at one of the city’s stylish entertainment venues, including the Alabama Theatre or the Lyric Theatre.

Image of Barber Motor Sports Museum courtesy of Alabama Tourism

Day two in birmingham

Order a coffee to go and take a leisurely stroll around Railroad Park, a 19-acre green space in downtown Birmingham that acts as a gathering place for recreation, concerts, and cultural events. If you are visiting the city on a Saturday, cycle over to the Market at Pepper Place, an incredible community initiative bringing together small, local farmers and the people of Birmingham.

Next up, explore the Birmingham Civil Rights District. You can visit some of the sites and buildings that made up ‘Little Harlem’, the only area in the city where African American’s were once allowed to work and reside. Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and activists, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, who fought tirelessly to end racial discrimination. During your visit, make time to see the 16th Street Baptist Church, the bombing of which eventually led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.

This evening, enjoy fine dining with a friendly atmosphere at Automatic Seafood & Oysters. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of delicious dishes, including oysters, red snapper, steak, as well as fish and chips, if you fancy a taste of home.

To discover more about Birmingham and Alabama, browse our range of holidays to the Deep South.

Image of the 16th Street Baptist Church courtesy of Alabama Tourism