Birmingham is the transportation centre of and the largest city in the state of Alabama. A rich history, discovered through many tourist attractions, permeates the city. Birmingham has a past heavily linked to Civil Rights struggles, the Great Depression and steel mills. Along with all this history is a multitude of daytrip possibilities and attractions by car rental from Birmingham.
Getting there
Numerous daily connections arrive at Birmingham International Airport from around 50 cities in the US. By train, Birmingham is situated on the Sunset Limited line, running from Florida to California, as well as the line from New York to New Orleans, serviced by Amtrak’s Crescent route.
By rental car to Birmingham, the north-south I-65 is the major interstate highway running through Alabama. I-11 meets I-65 in Birmingham, travelling from the northeast to the western side of the state; while the I-31 heads from the east to the southwest of the state, south of Birmingham. Alabama’s driving network includes additional highways and roads throughout the state.
Key attractions
A good starting point for exploring Birmingham is the city centre, with Lynn Park offering a prime area for strolling. From here, the Birmingham Museum of Art is only a short distance away. It features contemporary artwork and houses the city’s ballet company and symphony orchestra. Alternatively, the story of Dr Martin Luther King is recounted at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which also holds exhibits with information on Birmingham’s past history of conflict. National deals on travel to Birmingham are available online.
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame can be found at the nearby Carver Theater. Additionally, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the beautifully restored Alabama Theater, and one of the most interesting museums in Birmingham а the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum are also within walking distance of Lynn Park.
Out and about
A fine example of Greek Revival architecture dating from the 1840s is the Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens just outside of the city. Farther afield by car rental from Birmingham is the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, staffed by former astronauts and built by NASA. Here you’ll find Omnimax movies, NASA tours, and a full-scale space shuttle exhibit offering the worldеs largest hands-on space experience.
Leisure options
Creative exhibits and a 360-degree IMAX theatre make an interesting diversion for all ages at the McWane Science Center. Alternatively, more than 5,000 varieties of plants can be found at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a great place to while away the time on a humid day. Some of Birmingham’s finest restaurants and liveliest bars, as well as numerous interesting and friendly boutiques, are located 15 blocks south of Lynn Park; while the Five Points South district is perfect for shopping and relaxing.
Safety
Birmingham is an incredibly busy and large city due to its position as transport capital of Alabama. This invariably attracts opportunists who often target tourists new to the city. Pickpockets are a danger in most cities, as is travelling by car along unfamiliar roads by rental car. We urge you to take out travel insurance.