About Birmingham
As a nerve center of the civil rights movement, Birmingham invites reflection as well as a deep dive into the city’s cultural and historic attractions
That's true whether you visit the sites in the storied Civil Rights District or peruse one of the finest art museums in the South. Located in northern Alabama, the state's largest city has roots in the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era, when it was founded as a steel town and grew so rapidly it became known as "Magic City." The more time you spend in Birmingham, the more its heritage becomes evident.
Bright Birmingham Days
Expect plenty of pleasant weather in Birmingham, where the sun shines more than two-thirds of the year. Like the rest of the state, March has historically been the rainiest month in Birmingham; October sees the least precipitation. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 32 F and often rising to the 50s in December, January and February. Summers are hot; July sees highs in the 90s.
Do it All
The Civil Rights District encompasses the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a moving museum that looks at the history of racial discrimination in the U.S. and the riots that shook the city in the 1960s; Kelly Ingram Park, a place that witnessed countless public demonstrations; and the 16th Street Baptist Church, site of a hate crime bombing in 1963 that sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Other points of interest, such as a colossal statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of metalworking, and the Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark, recall the city's days as a steel industry town. The highly touted Birmingham Museum of Art, where it’s free to view 21,000 works of art, rounds out the city's top attractions. Have a speed racer in the family? A few miles east of Birmingham, the legendary Talladega Superspeedway is a magnet for racing fans.
“Pittsburgh of the South”
You might encounter the phrase "Pittsburgh of the South" while visiting Birmingham. This refers to Birmingham's identity as a major steel town at the turn of the 20th century. Thanks to the presence of iron ore, limestone and coal, the Greater Birmingham area still has a footing in the world of metal manufacturing, but other industries, such as health services, have become more prominent. Businesses involved in warehousing, wholesale trade and the transportation of goods make up another key component of the city's economy, which is also one of the most important banking centers in the southern U.S.
Getting Around Birmingham
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is a mere five miles from downtown—a 10-minute drive—making flying a convenient way to arrive in the city. The airport is serviced by five major airlines: Delta, Southwest, United, American and U.S Airways. Partial to train travel? Birmingham lies on the route of Amtrak's Crescent train, which originates in New York City on its way to New Orleans. Three interstate highways—I-59, I-20 and I-65—intersect the city, making it easy to get to Birmingham by car from various starting points.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Birmingham.
More to Explore
Things to Do in Birmingham
Find out what to do on your next vacation Birmingham, one of the South's gems.
Birmingham’s Best Restaurants
Enjoy classic comfort food and memorable down-home cooking in Birmingham.
Motorsports in Birmingham
Talladega Superspeedway is the place to watch adrenaline-filled racing.