North Alabama, AL

Travel Guide

Huntsville showing a pond and a park
Huntsville
North Alabama
North Alabama showing a river or creek
North Alabama featuring signage

Alabama’s colorful culture and energetic cities combine with its spectacular scenery in the northern third of the state, a region rich with classic Americana.

Many of the images associated with the Deep South find their origins in North Alabama. This picturesque region has strong links to its past and offers insight into the state’s soulful musical history. Come here to discover Alabama’s technologically significant cities and vast swaths of tranquil countryside in the southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains.

Explore the picturesque town of Mooresville to get a sense of North Alabama’s history. It was founded in 1818, the year before Alabama gained statehood, and retains its pioneering atmosphere.

One of North Alabama’s most famous exports is its music industry. Go on a musical pilgrimage to the cities of Florence and Muscle Shoals, where legends such as Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett recorded their greatest hits. Learn about the story of Southern Soul in the W.C. Handy Home and Museum, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the FAME Recording Studios.

Experience contemporary Alabama in the city of Huntsville. Art enthusiasts and culture vultures can lose hours in the vast and beautiful Huntsville Museum of Art, which has a large collection of 19th- and 20th-century artworks. Take your family to the US Space and Rocket Center, which features an authentic Saturn V moon rocket and thrilling exhibits dedicated to space travel.

The nearby city of Decatur promises even more to explore. Travel through time on a walking tour of civil war sites in the surrounding area. Spend your evening at the Princess Theatre, which hosts touring Broadway musicals and a wide variety of musical performances.

Escape to the stunning landscape of the southwestern Appalachian Mountains. Follow one of the hiking trails in Lake Guntersville State Park and explore the archaeological sites of Russell Cave.

Fly into Huntsville International Airport from cities around the country to reach North Alabama. The region is warm enough to visit at any time of year. Visit the mountains in fall, however, to witness the spectacular transformation of the foliage when the scenery bursts into a dazzling array of colors.

Where to stay in North Alabama

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Priceville

Priceville is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and Priceville Town Hall.

Priceville
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Providence

5/5(10 area reviews)

Though Providence might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Westside Center and Nature's Apothecary.

Providence
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East Florence

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in East Florence, Renaissance Tower and Wilson Lake are top sights worth seeing.

East Florence
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Sherwood Park

Some popular features of Sherwood Park include its shopping and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Bridge Street Town Centre or US Space and Rocket Center are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Sherwood Park
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Hampton Cove

While Hampton Cove isn't home to many top sights, Hampton Cove Golf Course and Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hampton Cove
Huntsville featuring a park

Quigley

4.5/5(41 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Quigley, Big Spring Park and Von Braun Center are top sights worth seeing.

Quigley
The Westin Huntsville

The Westin Huntsville

4 out of 5
6800 Governors Dr W, Huntsville, AL
The price is ¥18,537 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥18,537
¥21,617 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Huntsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"This place was fantastic and we were right next door to an entire outlet with shopping, music and delicious food options, and a movie theater. Wonderful experience and we will definitely be back."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

The Westin Huntsville
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park

3 out of 5
4870 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL
The price is ¥9,629 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥9,629
¥11,371 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Huntsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (147 reviews)
"rooms VERY clean - a/c worked so good - staff very polite & helpful - big mini fridge - good breakfast - great hotel for a great price!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park
Best Western Plus Madison-Huntsville Hotel

Best Western Plus Madison-Huntsville Hotel

3 out of 5
9035 Madison Boulevard, Madison, AL
The price is ¥11,043 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥11,043
¥12,998 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"I love everything and everyone at this hotel. Kudos to desk staff Vin and late nite staff! Wish they could expand shuttle hours but kniw it's difficult with staffing. Too bad no hard alcohol served in bar, but restaurant is beautiful and good! I wished I was able to stay extra day to enjoy the super ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Best Western Plus Madison-Huntsville Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier

4 out of 5
26800 Success Dr SW, Madison, AL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Wheeler National ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (212 reviews)
"The young lady that checked me in was courteous & professional!"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118

Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118

Guntersville
Stay at this cabin in Guntersville. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Marshall County Park and Guntersville City ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (210 reviews)
"It was nice place to stay with boat"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118
Creekside Cabin Getaway - Only 10 Miles from Downtown Florence

Creekside Cabin Getaway - Only 10 Miles from Downtown Florence

Killen
Stay at this cabin in Killen. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Wilson Lake and Shoals Golf Club are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"GREAT GETAWAY CABIN. VERY CLEAN. THIS WAS MY SECOND TIME HERE AND WILL COME BACK AGAIN!"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Creekside Cabin Getaway - Only 10 Miles from Downtown Florence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near North Alabama