Huntsville, AL

Travel Guide

Huntsville featuring a park and a pond
Huntsville which includes a church or cathedral and a sunset
Huntsville Botanical Garden featuring a park and a fountain
Huntsville which includes a pond, marine life and bird life
Huntsville
Lush mountainous landscapes surround this northeastern Alabama city, known for its fun-filled festivals and its role in the Revolutionary War and space age.

Known as the “Rocket City” for its ongoing involvement in space exploration, Huntsville is a historic city in northeastern Alabama. Visit grand Federal-style architecture and fascinating museums and learn about Huntsville’s important role in space. Explore lush Alabama wetlands and see wildflowers and scenic vistas in the Tennessee River Valley.

Huntsville’s 200-year history shines at the city’s engaging museums and historical districts. Be transported to 1819 at Alabama Constitution Village, an open-air museum with reconstructed buildings and guides dressed in period style. Visit the Twickenham Historic District where the city was first settled. Learn about Huntsville’s Revolutionary War role and see the city’s preserved railroad depot.

In 1958, Huntsville was put on the map as a technology hub after America’s first satellite was launched nearby. Visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Museum to see a Saturn V rocket used for a moon launch and learn about groundbreaking work on the International Space Station.

Stroll through Big Spring International Park, one of Huntsville’s finest green spaces. The park is home to the Huntsville Museum of ArtOpens in a new window, the Von Braun Center performing arts venue and a series of festivals. Visit in April for the dynamic Panoply Arts Festival or in September for the Big Spring Jam music festival. The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra is Alabama’s longest continuously operating professional orchestra. Nearby Muscle Shoals features delicious food and a famous music scene.

Learn about the Alabama wetlands ecosystem at the Huntsville Botanical GardenOpens in a new window, an informative park featuring an awe-inspiring plant collection. Wander along forested paths, dappled by warm Alabama sunshine, and relax in the garden’s wide, grassy meadows.

Huntsville is located in northeastern Alabama, a 102-mile (164-kilometer) drive north from BirminghamOpens in a new window. Reach Huntsville by plane to Huntsville International Airport, 14 miles (22 kilometers) west of downtown. No passenger trains reach the city but bus services are available. Summers in Huntsville are hot and humid. Visit in spring or fall to enjoy the city’s comfortable temperatures and exciting festivals.

Where to stay in Huntsville

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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 MidCity Huntsville.

Providence
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
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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
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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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Twickenham Historic District

While Twickenham Historic District might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Big Spring Park and Huntsville Museum of Art.

Twickenham Historic District
The Westin Huntsville
The Westin Huntsville
4 out of 5
6800 Governors Dr W, Huntsville, AL
The price is ¥19,220 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
¥19,220
¥22,390 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
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! (1,004 reviews)
"When I ask a late check out, reception has no idea. From 11:00 to 15:30 is USD57."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 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 ¥9,176 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥9,176
¥10,839 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (59 reviews)
"Smooth check in and quick. Very clean, spacious room and everthing worked. Parking lot amd pathway could use a cleaning. Would atay again."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park
WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Huntsville
WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Huntsville
2.5 out of 5
1550 Perimeter Pkwy, Huntsville, AL
The price is ¥14,647 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥14,647
¥17,130 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Huntsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (386 reviews)
"Overall a perfect stay"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Huntsville
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (154 reviews)
"I liked the way the receptionist treated me. The cleanliness of the place, the very clean room, and the very comfortable bed, which is why it deserves 5 stars."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
Cozy Electric Blue Cargo Cottage - Lot 25
Cozy Electric Blue Cargo Cottage - Lot 25
Athens
Stay at this cottage in Athens. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, air conditioning, and a hot tub. Popular attractions Mallard Creek Beach and Lawrence County Park ...
7.2/10 Good! (8 reviews)
Quick stay
"It was good loved the little store on the premises wanted to try something different for an overnight stay with my partner away from the kids and it was a pleasant surprise"

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Cozy Electric Blue Cargo Cottage - Lot 25
1 bedroom Quonset hut tucked in the mountains of north Alabama near Huntsville
1 bedroom Quonset hut tucked in the mountains of north Alabama near Huntsville
2 out of 5
Gurley
Stay at this vacation home in Gurley. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attraction Madison County Lake is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"It was the perfect setting for a getaway and the hut is absolutely adorable and well stocked. The hosts were very attentive and welcoming. We are already planning our next trip and we will for sure be staying here again! Thanks again Matt and Crystal"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

1 bedroom Quonset hut tucked in the mountains of north Alabama near Huntsville
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Huntsville

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
458
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
432
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
117
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
11
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

planning to move here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I loved Huntsville...and I will return in the fall

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I live in Huntsville for the last 12 years moved from Wisconsin is nice and quiet it's mainly feels like it's for retired people but I don't mind is very peaceful to me and my children

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We visited the Madison County Wildlife Park Area and enjoyed it immensely! Huntsville offers some great things to enjoy overall.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful and growing city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Will enjoy moving to the area

Cities near Huntsville