
Excellent Outdoor Activities in Birmingham, AL
If You're Looking To Get Outside In Nature, Birmingham is The Place
Published: 2022-06-19 17:58:18
Even though we stay busy doing roofing in Birmingham, occasionally we get out on the town and take in what this great city has to offer.
Birmingham may be best known for its steel production and railroad history, but the city has a lot to offer visitors looking for outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, biking, fishing, or just taking in the scenery, Birmingham has something for you. So next time you're looking for a break from the usual tourist traps, head to Birmingham and check out some of these excellent outdoor attractions.
Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is one of the top attractions in the city. With over 500 animals, it's easy to spend a whole day here. Some of the most outstanding animals in the Birmingham Zoo are the gorillas, lions, and elephants. If you visit during the summer, don't miss the Zoo Train. The zoo also has several educational programs and events throughout the year. The tickets are reasonably priced, and it's a great activity for the whole family. The zoo also has a cafe and a gift shop for visitors to enjoy during their visit.
Oak Mountain State Park
With over 50 miles of trails, Oak Mountain is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The park also offers camping, fishing, and picnicking, so there's something for everyone here to enjoy. The park spreads across 9,940 acres, making it the perfect place to explore and find new adventures. It's located just south of Birmingham, so it's an easy drive for city dwellers. However, most people enjoy that it's quiet and relaxing even during the weekends when more people visit the park.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beauty of nature. The gardens feature over 12,000 different plants and a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. There are also numerous walking trails, a playground, and a picnic area for visitors to enjoy with kids. The gardens are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free for members and $8 for non-members. Plus, the gardens offer a variety of educational programs for both children and adults but make sure to check for more information on the official website.
Vulcan Park and Museum
The Vulcan Park and Museum is an excellent place to enjoy the outdoors while getting a taste of history. The park offers a great view of downtown Birmingham, as well as a variety of activities such as hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The museum is also a great place to learn about the city's history and culture. There are a variety of exhibits that tell the story of Birmingham's growth from a small town to a large city. The tickets for the park and museum are reasonably priced, and the staff is very friendly and helpful.
Railroad Park Foundation
The Railroad Park Foundation offers excellent walking and biking trails, a beautiful lake, and plenty of open space to enjoy the fresh air. The foundation also sponsors various events throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals, that are perfect for family fun. The park has something for everyone, making it a great place to visit year-round. It spreads over 19 acres in downtown Birmingham, making it one of the city's most popular attractions. Visitors can also take advantage of the on-site cafe for a quick bite or drink.
East Lake Park
East Lake Park is one of the best places in Birmingham to spend a day outdoors. The park has something for everyone, with a wide variety of activities and amenities. The park has a large lake where you can go fishing, boating, or swimming. There are also several hiking trails, a playground, and a picnic area. East Lake Park is located in the east part of Birmingham and is easily accessible by car. It spreads over a large area and has plenty of parking. This is an excellent park for spending the day with friends and family. And, you can even bring your dogs.
Kelly Ingram Park
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Birmingham, AL, look no further than Kelly Ingram Park. This beautiful park features a variety of amenities that will make your visit enjoyable, including a playground, picnic areas, walking trails, and more. Kelly Ingram Park is also home to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, making it a perfect place to learn more about the city's history. The park is located in the Five Points South neighborhood and is easily accessible from downtown Birmingham. It spreads over 12 acres and is a great place to enjoy a day in the sun.
Ruffner Mountain
Ruffner Mountain is a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Birmingham, AL. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the views from the top of the mountain are simply breathtaking. If you're looking for a challenging hike, be sure to check out the trail to the summit, as it's definitely worth the effort. In addition to hiking, Ruffner Mountain is also a great place to go bird watching. There are over 170 different species of birds that have been spotted on the mountain, so you're sure to see plenty of feathered friends during your visit.
Aldridge Gardens
Aldridge Gardens is a beautiful 30-acre public garden in Hoover, Alabama, featuring stunning hydrangeas, camellias, azaleas, and other flowers. The gardens also have a lovely pond and walking trails. This is an excellent place to spend a day if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens are located just outside of Birmingham, AL. Aldridge Gardens is worth visiting if you're looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors and take in some beautiful scenery. Best of all, you can always see something new each time you visit.
Moss Rock Preserve
The Moss Rock Preserve is one of the best places in Birmingham, AL, to explore nature. With over 500 acres of hiking trails, rock formations, and streams, there is plenty to see and do at Moss Rock Preserve. The preserve is also home to various plant and animal life, making it a great place for birdwatching or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. The preserve is located in the Hoover area and is easily accessible from downtown Birmingham. It's a great place to visit year-round, but be sure to bring your hiking shoes as the trails can be muddy after rain.
Cosby Lake Park
The Cosby Lake Park has a variety of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The scenery is beautiful, and you can even rent a canoe or paddleboard to explore the lake. Kids should enjoy the playground, and there are also tennis courts and a basketball court on site. Cosby Lake Park is a great option if you're looking for an outdoor activity in Birmingham. It's located just minutes from downtown, and there's plenty to do to keep you entertained. So, whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to check out Cosby Lake Park.
Red Mountain Park
Red Mountain Park is located in the east part of Birmingham and is easily accessible by car. It spreads over a large area and has plenty of parking. This is an excellent park for spending the day with friends and family, and you can even bring your dogs. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the views from the top of the mountain are simply breathtaking. If you're looking for a challenging hike, be sure to check out the trail to the summit, as it's definitely worth the effort. In addition to hiking, there are also picnicking areas, playgrounds, and a dog park.
Avondale Park
Avondale Park is one of Birmingham's best places to participate in outdoor activities. There are plenty of walking and hiking trails, a playground, a basketball court, and a picnic area. The park is also home to the Avondale Library, which has a great selection of books and magazines. Avondale Park is located in the heart of the city and is a great place to visit if you want to do things in Birmingham. You can also find several restaurants and cafes in the area.
Hoover Metropolitan Complex
Hoover Metropolitan Complex is a world-class outdoor recreation destination in the heart of Alabama. The park offers something for everyone, from hiking and biking trails to fishing and picnicking. There are also many excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The Hoover Met is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. It's located just outside Birmingham, so it's a perfect getaway for city dwellers. And it spreads over 1,500 acres, so there's plenty of room to explore.
Other Things Of Interest In and Around Birmingham
Table Of Contents
- Birmingham Zoo
- Oak Mountain State Park
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- Railroad Park Foundation
- East Lake Park
- Kelly Ingram Park
- Ruffner Mountain
- Aldridge Gardens
- Moss Rock Preserve
- Cosby Lake Park
- Red Mountain Park
- Hoover Metropolitan Complex
- Other Things Of Interest In and Around Birmingham