Florence, AL

Travel Guide
Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House which includes a house and interior views
Located on the Tennessee River banks, this city benefits from cultural sights, a rich musical heritage and easy access to outdoor fun and adventure.

Florence is a diverse destination that is equally appealing to history lovers, music enthusiasts and art fanatics. The rich culture of Alabama is visible almost everywhere you look, from guitarists and painters performing on the streets to ancient landmarks of Native American heritage. Visit more than once to take in everything this varied city offers.

Walk around the downtown area of the city, which was founded in 1818, and discover its history. Stop at Pope's Tavern Museum and browse exhibits documenting the importance of the historic building during the Civil War. Kids can learn more about the area at the Children's Museum of the Shoals, which tells the story of the valley and its people. The Indian Mound and Museum is dedicated to the first residents of the Shoals Valley.

Marvel at the organic designs of Frank Lloyd Wright at Rosenbaum House, a stylish, tiered building containing furniture that also showcases the architect's inimitable style. See more art at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, which features rotating exhibitions.

Florence is part of the Shoals area, the home of Southern soul and the region where such esteemed artists as Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin recorded their music. See where they cut some of their tracks at Fame Recording Studios. Learn more about the region's impressive musical heritage at the W.C. Handy Birthplace, the home of the “Father of the Blues.”

Drive out of the city to enjoy the natural environment. Hike along wooded trails and rivers at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and McFarland Park. Hop on a boat at Joe Wheeler State Park for a relaxing cruise around the lake.

Reach Florence via Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, which has regular daily flights to Nashville. Alabama is almost always warm. Visit in fall when the countryside around Florence is particularly colorful.

Where to stay in Florence

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East Florence

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

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

East Florence
Baymont by Wyndham Florence/Muscle Shoals
Baymont by Wyndham Florence/Muscle Shoals
2.5 out of 5
115 Ana Drive, Florence, AL
The price is ¥12,444 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥12,444
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (646 reviews)
"We’ve stayed here several times in the past few years, floors in the rooms cold use some work as the are deteriorating."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Baymont by Wyndham Florence/Muscle Shoals
The Stricklin Hotel
The Stricklin Hotel
3.5 out of 5
317 N Court St, Florence, AL
The price is ¥24,702 per night from May 15 to May 16
¥24,702
per night
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (497 reviews)
"A nice place for a relaxing getaway. The hotel was very quiet. Eventhough my room faced the main street it was very quiet. It has many food options in the area and a block away was a nice little park where I felt safe walking around it."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

The Stricklin Hotel
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
2.5 out of 5
140 Matthew Paul Ct, Florence, AL
The price is ¥17,167 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥17,167
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (563 reviews)
Pleasant stay
"A functional room, plenty of hot water in the shower (and good water pressure too!). The beds were comfortable. Defintiely value for the money and would recommend to those passing through for a 1 or 2 night stay."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
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.
Early check in, late check out! Stay 2 nights, enjoy 3 full days!!
Early check in, late check out! Stay 2 nights, enjoy 3 full days!!
Florence
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Florence. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Blackberry Trail ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Perfect Weekend Getaway
"The home was the perfect experience for us. There was room to hang out and so many ways it provided enjoyment for us this weekend. Between the kitchen and living area upstairs, to the projector and ping pong downstairs and the dock to enjoy the weather and sit by the fire. It made for a really great ..."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2024

Early check in, late check out! Stay 2 nights, enjoy 3 full days!!
Cozy Cottage  Less than 10 mins to Pickwick Lake & Conference Center & Downtown!
Cozy Cottage Less than 10 mins to Pickwick Lake & Conference Center & Downtown!
Florence
Stay at this cottage in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Shoals Conference Center and River Heritage Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
Weekend getaway
"The cottage was so clean and close to great activities! We loved our stay and plan to visit again"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Cozy Cottage Less than 10 mins to Pickwick Lake & Conference Center & Downtown!
The Retreat with  Wilson Dam view & Water Aces
The Retreat with Wilson Dam view & Water Aces
Florence
Stay at this vacation home in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Regency Square Mall and Renaissance Tower are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (55 reviews)
The house with a million dollar view
"The house was the perfect size for everyone to spread out and relax to take in the spectacular view all while having great space to gather. We especially enjoyed the 2 patios on the main level that our handicapped sister had easy access to. Rafi was so easy to work with, as we added extra days to ..."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

The Retreat with Wilson Dam view & Water Aces
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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