Montgomery is a city with a lot to offer. You can spend your time at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, or take advantage of all the things to do outdoors in Montgomery. We have compiled this list of the best things to do in Montgomery, so you know what’s available for you and your family!
Montgomery is the capital of Alabama and also one of its most charming cities. It lies in the center of a river, which provides it with some beautiful landscapes to enjoy from all over town. In Montgomery, you can find many family attractions like zoos or museums designed for children that will bring their best smiles out! The history here has been preserved very carefully so visitors are able to get a sense of what life was like before they were born while exploring these historic landmarks around every corner. Visitors who love old buildings should not miss this part of town because there’s something fun waiting at each turn-a new discovery just waiting for exploration by those willing enough!
Visitors can experience some of the top tourist attractions in Montgomery like the birthplace of Civil Rights through visits to its historic attractions. One example is where a young Martin Luther King, Jr., served as pastor for an African American Baptist Church on Dexter Avenue during 1954-the 1960s when it became the gathering place for early civil rights activists.
Montgomery became a battleground for the rights of African Americans, with historic figures such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr being among those who rallied against racial segregation in public places like buses. These landmarks on the Civil Rights Trail are not only reminders of this turbulent time period but also serve to educate people about its significance today.
Montgomery is home to a rich history and it’s easy for visitors to learn more about the city. Montgomery offers plenty of museums on Civil Rights, as well as its own history. If you are still not sure what to do in Montgomery, we are going to help you out! We are going to show you the best places to visit in Montgomery for an incredible time!
Discover the best that Alabama has to offer! Check out our article on Things To Do In Alabama for a comprehensive list of must-see attractions.
Best places to visit in Montgomery Today!
We have tried to place the best places to visit in Montgomery into specific categories to help you plan your day a little easier. The following categories will help you plan by weather, budget, or simply what would interest you the most! And of course, there are some attractions that fit into multiple categories. So please keep that in mind and always verify information and additional details with the specific venue as details are always changing.
Fun Things To Do In Montgomery Alabama
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, in Montgomery, has become a major cultural attraction with performances for everyone. The facilities and actors are top-notch and the productions will keep you entertained week after week.
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is not just about watching plays; it’s an entire family experience that offers theater, music programs, children’s theatre as well as American classics like “Oklahoma” all on one site! There are different performance options each year to choose from so there really is something for everybody – no matter what your taste or preference might be.
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is an annual event that brings the Bard’s classics to life. Beyond performing these timeless stories, they also bring you works from other playwrights such as George Bernard Shaw and Tennessee Williams! The unspoiled nature of this state provides a beautiful backdrop for their outdoor performances. Their gardens are equally exquisite including one garden dedicated solely to plants featured by William Shakespeare himself.
Riverfront Park
355 Commerce St, Montgomery, Alabama
Riverfront Park is the main attraction for outdoor activities in Montgomery, AL. Located on the banks of the Alabama River near downtown, it offers a boat ramp to access water sports like kayaking and fishing. You can also enjoy biking or walking along scenic paved trails with benches that overlooks trees and river birds flying by while enjoying an afternoon picnic at one of two green spaces available here-a large covered area perfect for larger events such as concerts or plays which are hosted frequently there by The Amphitheatre located nearby where you will find more amenities including restrooms if needed!
Riverfront Park is situated right next door to Union Station Train Shed so when visiting this park keep your eyes peeled towards all around because many other attractions surround these grounds too!
Montgomery Zoo
2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama
At Montgomery Zoo, visitors can find animals from all over the world. They will be able to catch a glimpse of some rare and endangered species like Sumatran tigers or Indian rhinos, while also encountering more common creatures such as kangaroos in their Australian habitat. To anyone interested in seeing many different types of animal life rather than just one type at once, this zoo is perfect for you!
Visitors to the South American exhibit will find a variety of animals, including an emerald tree boa and Chilean flamingos. The endangered golden lion tamarin is also on display here as well as a petting zoo where kids can feed African pygmy goats!
There are so many cool opportunities to see animals at the zoo. You can get up close and personal with them, or even feed a giraffe! There are also some special experiences you can book ahead of time like walking among birds in Parakeet Cove or learning about African elephants during an elephant keeper talk.
The zoo has always been considered one of the best things to do in Montgomery by locals and visitors alike! Be sure to check it out and have a great time!
Montgomery Ballet
2101 Eastern Blvd. Ste. 223, Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is home to the Montgomery Civic Ballet, which has been providing community enrichment for over 50 years. Founded in 1958 and only one of three professional ballet companies in Alabama today, this company went pro back in 1987. The Montgomery Civic Ballet hosts many performances throughout the year!
Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium
200 Coosa St, Montgomery, Alabama
In 2004, Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium was opened and it is the home of the minor league baseball team, The Montgomery Biscuits. This stadium includes 7,000 seats with a general admission lawn in the right-center field for fans to enjoy an up-close view of all their favorite players!
The score is in your favor with the 20 luxury suites at this stadium. Fans will enjoy their picnic on the left-center field, or along the third baseline, and up to 4,000 people can fit there. There are even children’s playground areas near the 3rd baselines for a family-friendly time! Get ready because you’ll be watching as it happens thanks to an instant replay video board with large LED screens that show what went down from every angle imaginable.
Historical Things To Do In Montgomery Alabama
Old Alabama Town
301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, Alabama
If you are looking for things to see in Montgomery, keep Old Alabama Town in mind. This is not just another run-of-the-mill tour. Each of the 50+ properties has been restored to its original state, and each room is authentically furnished with accurate artifacts from 19th and 20th-century life in Southern America! But don’t take our word for it – you can see how things were done back then by asking one of the many interpreters that roam around this historic downtown Montgomery neighborhood. Come visit Old Alabama Town today, a truly unique experience worth living through!
The Ordeman House is a historic landmark from the 1800’s, and admission to this house includes an in-depth tour of its history. The other homes on site are just as remarkable with their unique architecture styles that date back for centuries; these include Adams Chapel School (1895) Corner Grocery Store (1892), Ware-Farley Hood House built around 1850.
First White House of the Confederacy
644 Washington Ave, Montgomery, Alabama
The First White House of the Confederacy is a historic mansion in Montgomery, Alabama that served as President Jefferson Davis’ home from 1861 to 1865. Mrs. Davis received many lavish parties and receptions while she was president’s wife and this house became the social center for all southerners during her reign over the south.
The Davis family house is a charming old home that was built near the Alabama River and then moved to its current location in the shadow of City Hall. The restoration work, done by many volunteers with donations from Ms.Davis herself during 1921-1922, brought this vernacular architectural treasure back into service for public enjoyment not only as a historic site but also as a museum displaying furniture made specifically for its inhabitants who were one powerful southern clan living through turbulent times after Civil War Reconstruction. Visitors can stroll through any room on display including kitchen or dining areas.
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
454 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama
The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is a place of worship with deep ties to the civil rights movement and is one of the top points of interest in Montgomery. The history of this church can be traced back through two centuries, and it was founded on land which once served as slave traders’ pens. Rev Martin Luther King Jr pastored here from 1954-1960 before his untimely death in 1968 at age 39.
Dexter’s oldest building, the parsonage was an important part of King family life. The nine-room home is now a museum that has been restored to its former glory including some original furniture and decorations.
Dexter Parsonage Museum is a hidden gem in Montgomery that contains an interpretive center with photographs, exhibits, and timelines. The civil rights movement which took place here was so influential because of the church ministers who made it their mission to spread equality through non-violent protests against racism and segregation laws. Behind this space lies King-Johns Garden for Reflection where visitors can reflect on what they have just learned at this historic site about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by meditating or reflecting as one would do in any garden setting.
Unique Things To Do In Montgomery Alabama
The MOOseum
201 S Bainbridge St, Montgomery, AL
Montgomery’s MOOseum is a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages and truly one of the most unique places to go in Montgomery. This museum will educate you on Alabama cattle, starting with its start in 1495 and how it has evolved to the present day through timelines, history exhibits, and video presentations.
The Mooseum is a fun and educational place for kids to learn all about cows. They can dress up as cowboys or cowgirls in the play arena, learning how beef production works on an interactive tour of Slim’s Kitchen where they will find out more information on food safety, before finishing with photo-ops at The Beef Wagon -a popular spot among families looking to capture some memories!
Hank Williams Museum
118 Commerce Street, Montgomery, Alabama
The Hank Williams Museum is full of fascinating stories about this country music legend. Visitors can see his powder-blue 1952 Cadillac, the Steinway piano he used to play on tour, and even some personal items from when he was a baby!
The most fascinating items in the exhibit are Hank Williams’ personal effects. His home is filled with artwork, instruments, and everyday objects that make him seem more like a regular person. There’s even his shaving kit!
The legacy of country music icon Hank Williams remains alive through memorabilia on display at this museum dedicated to exploring every facet of one man’s life – from his humble beginnings to international fame. Other items include trophies for Platinum Records, autographed vinyl records, photographs capturing moments throughout Williams’ career, and sheet music for use in concerts he performed all over America.
Hank Williams, who is the king of country music with songs like “Lovesick Blues” and “(Your Cheatin’ Heart),” was buried in Montgomery at Oakwood Annex Cemetery. The gravesite can be found on Commerce Street and draws a crowd from all around to pay their respects until this day.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory Tour
700 Hyundai Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama
The Hyundai Factory Tour is a must-see for anyone interested in manufacturing. Visitors get to see everything from robots stamping car parts, to installing carpets – it’s like stepping into the future! The tour provides an up-close look at how Sonata and Elantra models are made by both humans and machines working side-by-side.
The factory is able to produce up to 1500 cars per day and the tour takes visitors through every step of the process from beginning to end. Reservations are required, which can be made by visiting their website. There’s no cost for this experience, but a gift shop–of course!–is available at the conclusion!
Haunted Montgomery Tours
When the sun sets, Montgomery’s secrets are revealed. For those who dare to explore and venture into its darker side of life, a night tour will be full of mystery and suspense as you inadvertently find yourself at some places that have been described by locals as “haunted.” You’ll get an inside look from someone with personal experience in law enforcement about these locations- exploring them firsthand is guaranteed to make for an exciting evening out! The tours only take six passengers though so it’s best not wait too long if you want your spot secured.
Alabama Safari Park
1664 Venable Rd, Hope Hull, Alabama
Imagine a day at the zoo with all of your favorite animals in their natural habitat. With 350 acres to explore, you can take an adventure through this amazing animal park from inside your vehicle- so no need for any hiking! This is the perfect way to spend quality time together as a family and enjoy nature too.
The park has a variety of animals from around the world, including many native to Africa. Nearby residents are zebras and gazelle, camels, and more!
Get up-close and personal with the animals at the zoo, hand-feeding them lettuce leaves or feeding friendly budgies a delicious meal. With so many activities to take part in like petting goats and pigs that are waiting for you just around the corner, this is an event not to be missed!
Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Hall
425 Coliseum Blvd Montgomery, Alabama
If you love the thrill of treasure-seeking, but not so much getting your hands dirty in a real archeological dig, Eastbrook Antique Hall is for you. This extensive space houses antiques on one floor and vintage furniture with flea market finds, upstairs in addition to having an attached thrift store! Search through boxes upon boxes full of rare treasures hidden amongst clutter or simply stroll up and down each aisle until something catches your eye- it’s sure to be buried somewhere within these walls of shared memories.
The Alley
This is an area of Montgomery, Alabama that hosts a variety of unique bars and shops. It was revitalized only 10 years ago to pay homage to the 1920s jazz scene with several underground clubs playing great music all night long! Alongside these venues are amazing eateries like Fitzgerald Museum, a baseball-themed restaurant called The Biscuit Company, and Railyard Brewing Co., which brews craft beers for your enjoyment. The Alley is one of the top tourist attractions in Montgomery and if you are looking for something interesting, it should not be missed!
Indoor Things To Do In Alabama
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
One Museum Drive, Montgomery, Alabama
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts contains a vast collection of works from all over the world and spanning four centuries. Among these, there is an extensive number that stands out as true American gems: Winslow Homer’s watercolors and John Marin’s delicate etchings.
In addition to the world-renowned American art, this museum has a collection of regional folk artists and self-taught painters that will leave you speechless. The exhibit includes paintings, drawings, crafts, quilts examples from Europe as well as Africa with their unique sculpture furniture textiles masks.
Another highlight of the Montgomery museum of fine arts is its decorative arts gallery, with examples from both domestic and imported porcelain. The Weil Atrium Gallery houses exquisite glassworks by celebrated artists such as Dale Chihuly and Tiffany Studios. It also hosts traveling exhibitions to keep things fresh for visitors, in addition to hosting educational programs that teach about a variety of different art forms within each exhibition.
Garrett Coliseum
1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, Alabama
The Alabama Agricultural Center is a multipurpose complex that houses the world-famous Garrett Coliseum. The coliseum has hosted such legendary acts as Prince, Elvis, and Elton John with seating for up to 12,500 people!
The Garret Coliseum hosts a variety of sports and performances, including the annual Southeastern Rodeo Association Black Rodeo. Visitors looking for an exciting time should check out this site to see what’s going on while they’re in town
Rosa Parks Library and Museum
252 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, Alabama
The Rosa Parks Library and Museum is a place where people can learn about the life of famous civil rights activist, Rosa Parks. You’ll be able to see items that she used during her time in Montgomery such as an original 1955 city bus from when segregation was still legal on public transportation. The museum also has station wagons that were used by boycott participants protesting segregation.
The Rosa Parks Museum is an interactive museum that offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits, including personal stories from the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Visitors will be able to experience what it was like for blacks during this time period by walking through recreations of how segregated seating worked in bus transportation or watching videos about black history before emancipation. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year such as screenings of documentaries related to social justice movements.
Freedom Rides Museum
210 South Court Street, Montgomery, Alabama
On May 20th, 1961 the Freedom Riders got off their bus at Montgomery’s Greyhound station. The station has been restored to appear as it was in that fateful year and now houses a modest collection of exhibits about the movement that eventually succeeded in ending segregation on public transportation.
This amazing museum is an official stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, and it’s full of photographs, documents, and biographies of each brave young man or woman who was part of this momentous statement in our country’s history!
Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
919 Felder Ave, Montgomery, Alabama
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery, Alabama is the world’s only museum dedicated to writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, best known for his book The Great Gatsby, and his wife Zelda who was an icon of her time and founder of the “Flapper Movement.” She grew up locally before moving with him to their two-story brick home near Cloverdale after years spent traveling through Europe together.
In 1986, Julian McPhillips bought and renovated the house into a museum. The now-famous Fitzgerald Museum is open to the public throughout the year as well as other events such as galas, etc. It has many displays of photos including some with famous people like Humphrey Bogart or Ernest Hemingway along with letters and books that belonged to them in their lifetime!
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Alabama
The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art 1800 seat venue that provides an intimate experience for any performance. The theatre, located in Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at Convention Center, offers modern conveniences like onsite parking and bathrooms with ample space to accommodate everyone’s needs throughout their entire stay here.
The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre is the place to go for your theater, comedy show, and even rock concert needs. It’s got everything from Broadway shows to comedians in one location! For more information on what they have coming up visit them at their website!
Free Things To Do In Montgomery Alabama
Civil Rights Memorial
400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama
The Civil Rights Memorial is a beautiful monument commemorating those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of equality. The granite memorial stands tall, with “until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream” engraved onto its black surface for all passersby to see in remembrance every day.
The memorial is a beautiful reminder of the sacrifices that have been made. It rests on top of an engraved granite disc, with water flowing over it and etched into its surface are all those who lost their lives fighting for civil rights. The memorial can be found in the open area next to Civil Rights Memorial Center, which you could reach by walking up from our parking lot or driving down Main Street towards your left when coming off I-75.
As the visitor walks through the museum, they will be able to see a variety of exhibits and displays that are meant to educate them about tolerance. There is also an interactive wall where visitors can pledge their names towards working for justice in our world today. The Civil Rights Memorial Center is one of the best places to visit in Montgomery for quiet reflection and thought.
Alabama State Capitol
The Greek revival State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama is a historic landmark that has served the state as its government house for years. The original building was destroyed by an accidental fire and rebuilt with the same style to maintain continuity after it reopened in 1851. This iconic location hosted not only legislative meetings but also played host to one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s most famous speeches which culminated at end of the Selma-to-Montgomery march where his voice rang out strong among those on hand demanding voting rights be recognized under the law–a battle he fought until November 3rd when President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation banning all restrictions prohibiting African Americans from registering to vote or participating in elections.
The Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark and destination for the U.S Civil Rights Trail, allowing visitors to tour Senate Chambers as well as House of Representatives – all while admiring historic murals in Rotunda or trompe l’oeil paintings on the ceiling of Congress’s Senate Chamber. A five-acre garden with statues that are reminiscent of an earlier era awaits those interested!
Governor’s Mansion
1142 S Perry St, Montgomery, AL
The Alabama Governor’s Mansion is an architectural gem. Originally built in the neoclassical style, it opened its doors to all of Alabama’s first families for over 50 years now and continues this tradition today with tours guided by our knowledgeable staff members.
The Alabama Governor’s Mansion is an architectural gem. Originally built in the neoclassical style, it opened its doors to all of Alabama’s first families for over 50 years now and continues this tradition today with tours guided by our knowledgeable staff members.
Alabama State Archives and History Museum
624 Washington Ave, Montgomery, Alabama
The State Archives and History Museum is the perfect location for any history buff to spend a day. The museum offers an ever-expanding selection of artifacts, documents, multimedia presentations about Alabama’s past, as well as interactive exhibits that put visitors on both sides of historic events from Civil War battles all the way up through present times.
In 1901, Montgomery became the first state archives in America. The building’s marble walls and staircases are made of Tennessee gray marble while its floors use Alabama white. This turn-of-the-century construction also houses a second floor on which former Vice President William Rufus King is honored with his personal furniture, silverware, china sets, and some pieces of clothing among other documents that allow visitors to find out more about this man from an interesting period in American history.
Huntingdon College
1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, Alabama
Established in 1854, Huntingdon College is Alabama’s oldest and most prestigious private college. Its motto of “Enter to Grow in Wisdom; Go Forth to Apply Wisdom In Service” has guided graduates for more than 160 years out into the world with a sense of purpose and direction.
The College’s beautiful Montgomery campus was designed in 1908 by the son of Frederick Law Olmsted who is known for designing New York’s Central Park. The design also includes ideas from his father, John Charles Olmstead, and other members of the family long-known for their work on parks such as Washington Square Park (in Manhattan). A walking map can be found at the Huntingdon College website to help visitors explore this idyllic 70-acre space.
National Memorial for Peace and Justice
417 Caroline Street, Montgomery, Alabama
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is the first memorial in America to commemorate African Americans who were affected by slavery, lynchings, and racial injustice. This six-acre space contains sculptures honoring major figures from the Civil Rights movement as well as monuments that bear witness alongside beautiful artwork of Alabaman history.
The stark, monolithic monuments that stand tall and erect in the National Memorial for Peace and Justice have become both a symbol of America’s past racial violence as well as an opportunity to change our future. Each monument represents one county where lynchings occurred with each engraved name serving not only to remember those who died but also to be a reminder of what we can do differently tomorrow.
Legacy Museum
115 Coosa Street, Montgomery, Alabama
Dedicated to preserving the history of racial injustice and bringing its many aspects into public awareness, The Legacy Museum is located on a site where thousands of slaves were once warehoused while awaiting their unknown fates. Utilizing video footage from lynchings in America’s past as well as contemporary issues like racial profiling and mass incarceration, this museum shows that there are no easy solutions for our country’s troubling legacy.
Court Square Fountain
The Court Square Fountain is a popular tourist destination. Locals and tourists throw pennies in the fountain for wishes every day, but it was once used as an auction site where slaves were sold to their new owners from foreign countries. The perfect place for photo opportunities, this impressive landmark offers a chilling reminder of American history not so long ago with its statue that pays homage to Ancient Greek goddesses like Hebe who served gods by providing them with water or drinks during rituals.
Montgomery is a beautiful city with much to offer. From the gorgeous architecture and great shopping to fun destinations like the Montgomery Zoo or the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, there are plenty of reasons for visitors to return again and again. We hope this list has given you some ideas about what else might be waiting in Montgomery that may not have been on your radar before! If you’ve never visited Montgomery before but have always wanted to get away from it all south of the Mason-Dixon line, we think now would be an excellent time to finally plan that trip into our big little town. Looking for a perfect vacation spot? You just found one!