Things to Do in Huntsville

Celebrate the “Rocket City’s” immense influence on modern-day space exploration or enjoy outdoor excursions throughout the city’s nearly 60 parks and 3,000 acres of unspoiled natural spaces. From breathing in the fresh air to stepping back in time, you can do it all when you visit this down home Alabama city.

Trekking Through Nature

Soak up the sun in the 112-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden as you maneuver through a fragrant herb garden and a lush fern glade filled with 170 species of ferns. Little ones can frolic through the children’s garden, as they travel the yellow brick road, searching for exits in a maze and cooling off in the wading pool. Outdoor adventures continue in the 2,140-acre Monte Sano State Park, set atop forest-covered mountains, just 15 minutes east of downtown Huntsville. Walk along the park’s 20 miles of hiking trails, pausing to admire mineral springs and vibrant azaleas, or enjoying a scenic workout along 14 miles of biking trails.

Fun for the Kids

Huntsville has an interesting pedigree when it comes to America's Space Race. Engineers built the first satellite rockets in Huntsville in the 1950s and today, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center teaches visitors about these historic space breakthroughs with exhibits featuring space travel simulators and the Apollo 16 capsule. Catapult the family into "virtual space," at one of the many space-themed films on the 67-foot IMAX screen. Keep little curiosities piqued at the EarlyWorks Children's Museum, which examines local history through interactive exhibits. Kids will marvel at the massive talking tree that recites stories, enjoy working in a 1800s replica of a general store and have fun in the 46-foot keelboat.

Exploring the Past

History buffs and military enthusiasts could lose themselves for hours at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, which showcases military artifacts, including uniforms and weapons from the American Revolution up to modern-day warfare. The museum also features a re-created World War II-era Air Force Briefing Room and more than 30 decommissioned military vehicles, including jeeps, tanks and motorcycles. The past also comes alive at the Alabama Constitution Village, a living museum that shows you what life was like in 1819, the year Alabama achieved statehood. Costumed guides provide demonstrations of everyday activities such as churning butter and hand-dipping candles. You can walk through preserved buildings from the era, including a historic print shop and post office.

Huntsville Eats

Chow down on authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine at Po Boy Factory as you dine on jambalaya, gumbo, etouffee and, of course, po'boy sandwiches. The restaurant’s bold décor and French Quarter-style wrought-iron balconies keeps the New Orleans spirit alive and well. Situated in the city’s Five Points neighborhood, 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern serves up American cuisine with an emphasis on vegetarian fare and local and organic ingredients. The laid-back restaurant also offers a kids' menu for your picky eaters and a brunch menu on weekends.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Huntsville.