2023 was a record-breaking year for the Alabama tourism industry, with 28.8 million visitors, who spent $23.5 billion. The state has 11,308 miles of roads, 11,111 of them drivable.

When planning your Alabama road trip, consider the key destinations and sights you want to see. Decide if you want to focus on a particular region like the beaches along the Gulf Coast, cities like Birmingham and Montgomery, or national parks and wilderness areas. Choose a logical route that connects everything efficiently. Leave room for detours and spontaneity too. Make sure to account for drive times so you don’t try to pack in too much. Apps like Roadtrippers are great for mapping routes.

Drive Carefully and Avoid Car Accidents
A crash happens every 3 minutes and 38 seconds in Alabama, and more than 53% of accidents in 2022 occurred at night.  Make sure you drive carefully while exploring the state, and if you are caught up in a motor vehicle collision, contact a local car accident attorney like Belt, Bruner & Barnett. The injuries after an auto accident can ruin the fun and change the lives of the injured.

The best adventures allow flexibility for unexpected detours and spontaneous stops. If a roadside attraction catches your eye, take the unplanned excursion. Adjust for traffic delays and construction zones. Build in buffer time in case you want to spend longer in one area. Take the scenic route if you have the spare time. Go with the flow and you’ll have an amazing Alabama road trip!

Must See Destinations
Some top destinations and attractions to consider for an Alabama road trip include:

● Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Relax on sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Charter a fishing boat, kayak through coastal wetlands, or hit the area’s famous seafood restaurants.
● Birmingham - Explore Alabama’s biggest city including the Birmingham Civil Rights District, Pepper Place arts and dining district, and the McWane Science Center. Catch a show at the historic Alabama Theatre.
● Montgomery - Visit civil rights landmarks like the Rosa Parks Museum and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. See the state capitol complex and riverwalk area downtown.
● Mobil Bay and Dauphin Island - Spot dolphins and pelicans, historic forts, charming beach houses, and the Estuarium aquarium along the bay and barrier island.
● Talladega Superspeedway - Catch a NASCAR race at this famous racetrack if your timing is right. The Motorsports Hall of Fame is interesting year-round.
● Huntsville - Visit the US Space and Rocket Center for an out of this world experience. Nearby is Cathedral Caverns State Park with amazing rock formations.

Budget for Expenses
From gas and lodging to food and activities, budget accordingly for your Alabama road trip expenses. Lodging like hotels and Airbnb’s can vary widely across the state. Factor in higher prices in popular tourist destinations. Camping and RV sites are very affordable options. With gas prices fluctuating, budget conservatively. Having a cooler stocked with snacks and drinks helps save on the overall food budget. Make sure to save for any big splurge activities like charter fishing trips, amusement park tickets, or golfing.

Pack Properly
Packing well ensures comfort on your Alabama road trip. Bring layers to account for warmer and cooler weather. Be prepared with things like sunscreen, hats, bug spray, sunglasses, umbrellas, and sweatshirts or light jackets. Pack your own snacks, reusable water bottle, and coffee tumbler to reduce stops and expenses. Have phone chargers, batteries, cameras, and other electronics. Bring maps or download offline navigation apps in case cell service is spotty in rural areas. Of course, include the essentials like license, insurance card, prescriptions, first aid kit, and other personal items.