12 spring break getaways within 5 hours of Birmingham

Spring break is just around the corner, and whether you’re craving sun-soaked beaches, outdoor adventures or a dose of history and culture, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading for 12 amazing road trips, each five hours or less from Birmingham.

1. Chattanooga, Tennessee

A scenic city nestled along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers cool outdoor spots like Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. Plus—there’s plenty of art, history and good food!

Things to do:

• Lookout Mountain: Ride the Incline Railway, visit Rock City and “see seven states”!
• Tennessee Aquarium: See fresh + saltwater exhibits, a butterfly garden and more
• Ruby Falls: Explore the 145-foot underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain.

2. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is a classic Alabama spring break destination with beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities like parasailing, jet skiing and beach volleyball.

Things to do:

• Gulf Shores Beach: Soak up the sun, swim or stroll along the shoreline.
• The Hangout: A beachfront bar + restaurant with live music and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Waterville USA: A water park with slides, wave pools + go-karts for the whole family.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

If you love live music, Nashville is the place to be. Explore Broadway street, visit the Grand Ole Opry or check out music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Things to do:

• Honky-Tonk Highway: Explore Broadway’s famous bars with live country music.
• Country Music Hall of Fame: Dive into country music history with exhibits + live performances.
• Grand Ole Opry: Visit this iconic venue for a country music show or tour.

4. Lake Martin, Alabama

For a relaxing yet adventurous trip, head to Lake Martin for boating, fishing and hiking. There are also beautiful rental cabins for a cozy stay by the water.

Things to do:

• Boating + water sports: Rent a boat, go kayaking or try wakeboarding on the lake.
• Wind Creek State Park: Enjoy hiking, picnicking + fishing in a beautiful state park.
• Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail: Hike this 5-mile trail with gorgeous views of the lake.

5. Oxford, Mississippi

A charming Southern town with a cool college vibe (home to the University of Mississippi), Oxford offers great food, boutique shopping and historic sites. It’s also a spot for literary lovers, because author William Faulkner called it home.

Things to do:

• The Square: Enjoy boutique shopping, local dining + Southern charm around this historic town square.
• University of Mississippi Campus: Visit the beautiful Ole Miss campus, including the Lyceum + the famous Columns.
• William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak: Tour the home of the famous author.

6. Huntsville, Alabama

A cool mix of science, technology and nature, Huntsville offers attractions like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Monte Sano State Park and great local restaurants and breweries.

Things to do:

• U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Explore space history with interactive exhibits, rockets + IMAX movies.
• Monte Sano State Park: Enjoy hiking, biking + spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
• Huntsville Botanical Gardens: Explore beautiful themed gardens, a butterfly house + seasonal events.

Check out what our friends over @HvilleBlast have to say about what to do in Hunstville!

7. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is never short of things to do for all ages. Cheer on the Braves, explore the aquarium or have an afternoon in Centennial Olympic Park this spring break.

Things to do:

• Atlanta Braves: You know what they say: Baseball season is the best season.
• Ponce City Market: A converted historic building, a food hall + local shops—what more could you ask for?
• Georgia Aquarium: Explore one the world’s largest aquariums.

8. Florence, Alabama

Florence is known for its rich musical history (it’s home to the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio) and offers fun museums, good food and outdoor parks along the Tennessee River.

Things to do:

• Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: Take a guided tour of the historic studio where legendary artists recorded hit songs.
• Rattlesnake Saloon: Experience a unique bar/restaurant built into a cave.
• W.C. Handy Home and Museum: Visit the birthplace of the “Father of the Blues,” William Christopher Handy.

9. Tupelo, Mississippi

This vibrant Mississippi town, two hours from Birmingham, is the perfect destination for a getaway for the whole family.

Things to do:

• Birthplace of Elvis: Dive into the history of one of music’s greatest legends.
• Downtown Tupelo: Support local boutiques in Tupelo’s quaint downtown shops
• Tupelo’s Trails: Cocktails, Elvis Presley’s legacy, murals—you name it, and Tupelo has a trail for it.

10. Mentone, Alabama

Nestled in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains and just an hour and 40 minutes from Birmingham, Mentone feels like another world. 

Things to do:

• DeSoto State Park: See jaw-dropping waterfalls + take your pick of trails that wind past boulders.
• Mentone Arts Center: Check out a community art center created + supported for preserving the area’s artistic, musical + cultural heritage.
• Wildflower Cafe: Try this quaint (and famous!) North Alabama cafe.

11. New Orleans, Louisiana

Head to “The Big Easy” for a blend of Cajun culture, great food and interesting history. Whether you’re exploring Bourbon Street for nightlife or learning about the historic French Quarter, there’s something for everyone in NOLA.

Things to do:

• Bourbon Street: Dive into the classic NOLA nightlife with live music, good food + beautiful balconies.
• French Market: Shop locally-made food, art + more at this unique open-air market.
• New Orleans Pelicans basketball game: Our very own Birmingham Squadron’s NBA team calls NOLA home. Cheer on the Pelicans this spring break!

12. Montgomery, Alabama

Alabama’s capital is full of important landmarks like the Rosa Parks Museum, plus fun adventures like Montgomery Whitewater, the Harriott II Riverboat, Alabama Safari Park and more.

Things to do:

• Alabama Shakespeare Festival: Catch a show—anywhere from Shakespeare to Broadway.
• Rosa Parks Museum: Learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement + Rosa Parks’ legacy.
• Montgomery Whitewater: Whitewater raft, mountain bike + more at one of Alabama’s leading outdoor adventure destinations.

Where are you heading for spring break? Let us know @bhamnow!