Top 30 Huntsville, AL Attractions & Things To Do You Shouldn't Miss

If you’ve got outer space enthusiasts in your family, then the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is one of the Huntsville attractions you wouldn’t want to miss.

With a real Saturn V rocket on site, this space museum offers a wealth of information and knowledge on the intricacies of space travel.

The museum has fixed exhibits that showcase the development of space programs in the United States.

They also have changing exhibits and planetariums that provide information on different celestial bodies, the details and challenges of space travel, and the wondrous and mysterious world surrounding our planet.

Looking for some outdoor fun on your upcoming Huntsville excursion? Don’t miss a trip to the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

One of the favorite places to go in Huntsville for tourists and locals, the Huntsville Botanical Garden sits on 112 acres of beautifully manicured open spaces that showcase gorgeous flowering plants, shrubs, and trees.

The perfect background for your Instagram-worthy pictures, Huntsville Botanical Garden also showcases a butterfly house and a children’s play area where you can take your kids to enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze.

The garden is free to enter and open every season, meaning it can put on some seriously creative displays, like seasonal festivals, programs for kids and adults, and much more.

Walk through the gardens, trails, and over the wooden bridges while enjoying the wildlife and scenery. 

Occasionally, the Garden will also host live shows and performances from local groups, adding a touch of entertainment to an otherwise relaxing visit.

This federally licensed nature preserve is a drive-by safari that might surprise you with its exotic and even endangered animal collection.

Packed with animals like ostriches, deer, emu, peacocks, llamas, turtles, and even wild and endangered species of primate, Harmony Park Safari makes an ideal tourist attraction for visitors who want to see wildlife at a safe distance.

The drive-by safari is about 40 minutes away from downtown Huntsville, giving off a true, rural safari feel.

The location itself is also quite breathtaking, featuring beautiful tall trees, aged fallen logs, and flowering bushes that give the destination undoubted photogenic appeal.

Huntsville has many unique museums, but none of them compare to the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, a unique collection of military equipment and artifacts that date back to the Revolutionary War.

On display or items like uniforms, weapons, and over 30 historic vehicles used in wars ranging from WWI to the present.

You can check out tanks, aircraft, watercraft, and even novelties like a Ford Pygmy, the world’s oldest “jeep.”

There’s also outdoor space for picnicking or watching a special event.

If you're looking for unique things to do in Huntsville, Burritt on the Mountain is a must-see open-air museum.

Apt for couples and families, the 14-room mansion is on the same grounds as Dr. William Henry Burritt's retirement home on a whopping 167 acres.

Built in the shape of an "X," the mansion is insulated with 2,200 bales of wheat straw!
If you want to step back in time without compromising on anything else, the architecture won't disappoint.

Besides a nature trail, dense forest, and day camps, group and self-guided tours help you learn more about this vital piece of Alabama's history.

Of all the places to visit in Huntsville, Big Spring International Park provides the most immersive experience you could ask for.

This centerpiece of downtown Huntsville brings together people from the local community, providing visitors an opportunity to rub elbows with locals and make friends with new faces.

According to records, Big Spring International Park drew in settlers over 200 years ago.

Today, the expansive green space is a place for locals and tourists to get together, hang out, relax, and enjoy local programs, entertainment, music, and more.

The family-friendly park is built around the ‘Big Spring’ – the main water source for settlers and historic Huntsville communities that started out in the area centuries ago.

Located a stone's throw from Big Spring International Park, the Huntsville Museum of Art is an experience like no other.

Besides permanent exhibits, you'll come across interactive ones and traveling exhibitions to help you learn how the future was shaped and the events that cemented their way into the modern times we live today.

You can spend a day observing art, shop at the museum's story and then dine at Pane E Vino Pizzeria!

The museum is home to over 2,500 historical pieces and the world's most extensive collection of Buccellati silver animals.

Remember, the Huntsville Museum of Art is closed on Mondays, so plan your trip accordingly.

If your definition of entertainment is a fun day out without moving places, the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is a great place to be.

In 1901, Arthur H. Lowe founded Lowe Mill, which produced textiles to exploit North Alabama's cotton rush.

Unfortunately, in 1937, due to the Great Depression and the consequences of multiple ownerships, the mill stopped production. Today, however, the Lowe Mill's restoration will drop your jaw.

Home to over 150 studios and over 200 artists, you'll find art galleries, boutiques, an arcade center, restaurants, a foundry, a chocolate shop, and a community garden at the Lowe Mill.

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment aims to provide locals and tourists an insight into various forms of arts, entertainment, and culture.

If outdoor shopping tickles your fancy, you won't regret visiting the Bridge Street Town Center.

Walk down cobblestone paths that'll remind you of European architecture while walking past modern storefronts, including Michael Kors, Sephora, and Anthropologie.

When you're done shopping, step into Bravo! for authentic Italian cuisine, P.F. Chang's for Chinese dishes, Kona Grill for mouth-watering American cuisine, or Connors Steak & Seafood for delicious coastal delicacies.

On weekends, you'll find local musicians performing for the general public! If you want to spend an entire day out, Bridge Street Town Center has you covered.

The EarlyWorks Children's Museum upholds the idea that children learn best with their hands.

So this dynamic, interactive space offers exhibits that children can touch, pull, climb, and explore for a truly immersive learning experience.

Often called one of the best things to do in Huntsville if you’ve got kids with you, the EarlyWorks Children's Museum is full of activities guaranteed to keep your children fully entertained for a whole day.

Inside, the children can learn about African-American history, explore new and old toys, get creative with building spaces and experiments, hear stories from a talking tree, and climb aboard a 46-foot keelboat.

Entrance fees for the EarlyWorks Children's Museum are also reasonably cheap, making it a fantastic choice for families who want to explore and enjoy on a budget.

A sister museum of the Earlyworks Children's Museum, the Alabama Constitution Hall Park is one of the places to visit in Huntsville for family-friendly fun that also provides a wealth of knowledge on historical Alabama.

This Museum gives visitors a glimpse of life in 1819 and features authentic artifacts and items that date back hundreds of years.

Here, visitors can learn about the State of Alabama, how it was formed, and stories from its community.

The Museum also hires actors and presenters that bring life to the history held in the Museum.

Get your facts from personnel dressed in authentic 1819 clothing, making the experience all the more realistic.

Once you’re done with the 90-minute tour, you can step into the Park + Piper Leaf Cafe for some tea, biscuits, and bread.

The Historic Huntsville Depot is a must-see in Huntsville.

An operational passenger station until 1968, the Historic Huntsville Depot is listed in the National Register of Historic Places because of the way it depicts the development of the Alabama transport system.

At this Museum, visitors can tour the local train station and discover how things used to be for Huntsville locals.

The Historic Huntsville Depot also features a miniature model train exhibit that showcases the routes of local trains in the Civil War Era.

The museum also touts a collection of civil war graffiti and an auto house where visitors can hop into vintage cars to take pictures.

For kids, the Museum offers miniature trains they can ride and exhibits that let kids explore their imagination and pretend to be train conductors.

Located at 300 Gates Avenue, The Weeden House Museum and Garden is another one of the must-see historic spots in Huntsville.

Built in 1819, The Weeden House was owned and lived in by many individuals who assumed various levels of public office in Huntsville.

In 1845, the house was acquired by Dr. William Weeden and had since remained in possession of his family after he died.

Much later, The Weeden House was purchased by the City of Huntsville, which turned the site into a historical museum open to the public.

The house features preserved 1800s architecture and an assortment of historical artifacts that shed light on the history of Alabama and the City.

Tours of the Weeden House are given daily for a minimal fee, and it’s also rented out as a wedding venue.

If you were looking for things to do in Huntsville that are a little less crowded and fast-paced, you might enjoy a walk around the Monte Sano Nature Preserve.

Over 1,100 acres in size, this sprawling nature escape is home to a diverse range of natural flora and fauna.

Its relaxing trails and winding paths are outlined by gorgeous flowering bushes and towering trees that cast their cooling shadows on the trail.

There are five trailheads throughout the property, so you can choose a trail that takes you as far away from the crowds as you’d like.

The property also touts historic building sites like shacks and small houses that give character to its trails.

Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture each breathtaking turn.

Circling the streets around Clinton Avenue, the Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail features local artworks by Huntsville natives.

The art trail features painted murals, eye-catching installation art, and creatively painted backdrops for your photo-taking needs.

You can start the trail by taking a pamphlet and map from the Downtown Huntsville Visitor Information Center.

They’ll also give you a drink in a purple cup to identify you as a Secret Art Trail visitor.

Then you can go at your own pace, enjoying the sights and sounds of the trail.

You’re also likely to meet new friends – locals and tourists – who might make the entire experience a little more worthwhile.

Another creative trail that you’ll find in the downtown area, the Secret Artemis Trail, features twelve local artworks that provide a unique spin on the SLS rocket.

Visitors can get their trail pamphlet and guide from the Downtown Huntsville Visitor Information Center and scan the QR code to learn more about the Artemis Rocket.

Each artwork is cleverly hidden throughout the inner streets of downtown Huntsville, making the trail a bit of a hunt if you’re into that kind of thing.

Needless to say, every artwork is unique and beautiful in its own creative way, so you’re going to want to make sure you’ve got your trusty camera at the ready.

If there's anything to know about Huntsville, it's that the local community knows how to value old, unique items.

That's why Firehouse Antiques and Collectibles has become one of the most interesting attractions in Huntsville, whether or not you’re a tourist.

Here, you’ll find a wondrous assortment of well-maintained knick-knacks and collectibles that might tug at your heartstrings.

The emporium of sorts features items from various vendors and even includes some historical artifacts.

Find valuable toys, working antique typewriters, and just any random item you might fancy.

The best part is that most items come at bargain prices, so you won't have to worry about spending a fortune on your newest collectible.

One Man's Vintage is one of the destinations in Huntsville specifically targeted at people who want to get the best bang for their buck.

This clever thrift store even has an online storefront where you can check their available products and purchase them without having to step in.

But of course, with thrift shopping, hunting through the piles of clothes is part of the enjoyment.

This thrift store features a broad collection of well-maintained vintage items, from sweatshirts, jackets, shoes, kids' clothing, and more.

They have some pretty exciting items in stock, and you might just find a high-value original in their clothing stocks.

You'll be surprised how far your $50 can go when you spend it at One Man's Vintage.

Looking for things to do in Huntsville that don’t necessarily involve the kids? You should check out Catacomb 435.

Dubbed ‘Huntsville’s best kept secret,’ this bar and resto offer an expensive selection of craft cocktails and delicious bite-sized food servings that you'll love.

The place is beautifully decorated in art-deco-style interiors that might make you feel like you're in a 1930s classic.

But more than just its stellar menu, Catacomb 435 also serves fun and entertainment with its unique Murder Mystery program.

You can book their bar for a Murder Mystery activity with your group of friends.

Exercise your mental prowess and enjoy drinks while you try to solve the mysterious murder at Catacomb 435.

The combination of modern, contemporary fixtures and furniture with the historic 1800s architecture gives the Cotton Row Restaurant a truly unique look and vibe.

The interiors of the restaurant can be reason enough to draw in customers.

But what really gets them to stay is the establishment’s delectable selection of food and drink.

Another thing that sets Cotton Row apart from other restaurants in the area is that its menu isn’t fixed.

The establishment shakes things up by changing its offerings through the seasons.

Most importantly, the restaurant opens its doors only for dinner, giving you a limited time to secure your seats.

Make sure to call in for reservations so you don’t miss the chance.

Tired of all of the walking and exploring? Then you might appreciate a visit to The Cozy Cow.

Just a stone’s toss away from the Big Spring International Park, The Cozy Cow is a local business that sells heartwarming coffees, comforting ice cream, and lots of smiles.

Locals highly patronize the place for its friendly atmosphere and lightning-fast Wi-Fi connection, making it an ideal resting spot after a day of fun in the sun.

The Cozy Cow also hosts music nights now and again.

While locals invite some performers, mostly, The Cozy Cow hands the mic over to their staff, who are surprisingly immensely talented in the singing department.

Enjoy an iced latte and some ice cream as you sing along to familiar favorites when you visit The Cozy Cow.

Young singles and couples looking for things to do in Huntsville should enjoy a trip to Sammy’s Music Hall.

Located downtown, this club has breathed life into Huntsville nightlife for 25 years.

Hosting a range of events with cheap entrance fees and a whole lot of drinks, Sammy T's Music Hall is the place to be if you're looking for some electrifying adults-only excitement.

Opening just twice a week, Sammy T’s Music Hall makes things interesting by hosting special monthly events.

Make sure to check their website before you pay a visit so you know what to expect once you step through their busy doors.

An ode to the first primates to survive space flight, Baker & Able is a posh restaurant and bar that sits atop 106’s Jefferson’s highest point.

Here, guests have the best view of the Huntsville cityscape below.

The beautiful, chic interiors tout mid-century modern aesthetics that can make any guest feel warm and welcome.

Aside from its breathtaking views and gorgeous interiors, Baker & Able also serves up an assortment of craft cocktails and small bites that tickle the tongue with dynamic flavors and textures.

The high-class bar and restaurant make the perfect spot for a date night with your special someone or a night on the town with your very best friends.

When was the last time you tried something dangerous and daring?

The Civil Axe Throwing center at the heart of downtown Huntsville might get your heart pumping and your adrenaline rushing as you learn to throw an ax.

This fun activity center teaches visitors the art of ax throwing and provides clear, easy instructions so you can practice your newfound skill immediately.

The Civil Axe Throwing establishment lets you work with an instructor who provides information on how to throw an ax safely and effectively.

They also let you practice your skill in a pretty interesting facility that allows visitors to just throw at their whim and fancy without worrying about breaking any windows.

Of all the places to visit in Huntsville, Harrison Brothers Hardware makes it especially easy to find a unique souvenir.

This shop of knick-knacks and random items lets you browse through shelves upon shelves of interesting finds.

It’s easy to get lost in their accumulation of unique, bespoke pieces that range from local art to antiques and artifacts.

The general store was first opened in 1897, and today, it continues with its original objective of providing customers with one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

They have particularly extensive collections of toys, local art, and kitchen items that you’ll be happy to take home as a souvenir of your stay in Huntsville.

Featured across numerous articles and TV shows, Pizzelle’s Confections is the sweet pride of Rocket City.

This quaint local bake shop offers a wide selection of sweet treats that are guaranteed to bring you back for more.

Their hearty pastries and baked goodies are made with love, using traditional recipes passed down through the generations.

And just like many other establishments across Huntsville, Pizzelle’s Confections features beautiful interiors that echo the history of the City.

Enjoy a delicious donut paired with a hot cup of coffee, and bask in the unique interiors that beg to be featured in your next Instagram post.

If you want to experience real Huntsville cuisine, you should try the local grub.

And what better way to get a taste of it than through The Camp.

This cozy outdoor situation features over a dozen local food trucks offering food and drinks stamped with the heritage and culture of Huntsville.

Tourists often call The Camp one of the must-visit places in Huntsville because of their fair prices, wide selection, and of course, the friendly community.

The Camp is open all week long, and at night, the venue showcases local talent through mini-concerts that draw in the crowds and lighten the place’s overall mood and ambiance.

Considered one of the best restaurants in the downtown Huntsville area, Church Street Wine Shoppe is a well-loved bar and resto that serves delicious, rustic meals and handpicked wines.

The establishment boasts a collection of over 1,000 wines, some of which were made locally by Huntsville-based companies and small wine facilities.

Their menu features a wide spread of sandwiches, breads, tapas, and desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy even the most discriminating guests.

They also boast a comfortable, warm, and chic ambiance that will have you feeling right at home as you sip on their vetted selection of wine.

If you’re big on music, you won’t want to miss a trip to Voodoo Lounge.

In business for over a decade, the Voodoo Lounge is a bar and nightclub that features live music every night, seven days a week.

Considered one of the best places in Huntsville to hang out with friends, meet new people, and simply unwind at the end of the day, the Voodoo Lounge provides a venue for local artists who want to break into the scene.

Voodoo Lounge also offers the usual spread of cocktails, beer, and other drinks to keep you happy and tipsy throughout the night.

Their bite-sized menu has also earned them quite the reputation among locals as a must-try for visitors who want to know what Huntsville is like.

Huntsville Escape Rooms is one of the best things to do in Huntsville if you’ve got teens and kids in tow.

The fun activity features various rooms in different genres, including horror, sci-fi, and mystery.

Your objective? Escape the room using clues and codes hidden in the space.

The Escape Rooms offer a fun and creative way to bond with your teens and may even help you figure out how you'd fare in a horror situation.

Prices per person decrease the more people you include in your party.

Just make sure you book ahead of schedule since Escape Rooms in Huntsville is a pretty popular activity, even for locals.