Alabama small towns to visit in 2025

Looking to get out and see more of the state in 2025?

While Alabama’s cities offer plenty to see, many small towns scattered between them do, too. From the mountains to the coast, our state is full of charming towns that are home to one-of-a-kind attractions, noteworthy restaurants, and breathtaking beauty.

So no matter what month it is, when you hit the road, whether just for a day or for a weekend trip, keep these towns in mind.

Downtown Abbeville, Ala. (Kelly Kazek)

January: Abbeville

The town of Abbeville feels like a good fit to kick things off given that it’s known for being the first city alphabetically listed in the Rand McNally Road Atlas. Beyond that though, Abbeville has plenty to offer its visitors, including noteworthy restaurants, historic sites and a one-of-a-kind downtown filled with nostalgic neon signs for a retro feel that makes window-shopping even more fun. While visiting, be sure to stop in at the old school-style soda shop, Huggin’ Molly’s, to hear the legend of the city’s most popular ghost over some chicken fingers, which garnered a spot on the state tourism department’s list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama, and an ice cream float.

Tuscumbia's Spring Park — Tuscumbia’s Spring Park (Tamika Moore/AL.com) Tamika Moore

February: Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia might be small, but it has several unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else, making it the perfect destination for a weekend trip in February. While there, travelers can visit the birthplace of Helen Keller, browse the variety of exhibits and displays at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and even enjoy the area’s natural beauty with a walk at Spring Park. Of course, another noteworthy attraction the small town offers that you won’t find anywhere else is the Rattlesnake Saloon. Built beneath a natural stone bluff in 2009, the cave eatery offers diners a chance to chow down on massive burgers that are almost as memorable as the one-of-a-kind setting.

The Monroe County Courthouse in Monroeville is a must visit.

March: Monroeville

For lovers of literature, the small town of Monroeville is a must-visit thanks to its ties to the beloved book “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Monroeville’s own Harper Lee. While you can see murals inspired by the novel, have a homecooked meal at the Court House Cafe and tour the Monroe County Museum — where guests can see a variety of exhibits about Lee as well as Truman Capote, their work and even the courtroom that inspired the one used in the 1962 film — year-round, we suggest planning your visit in March, when the Spring 2025 production of Dramatic Publishing’s adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” begins, so you get the full experience.

The Waverly Local is at 1465 Patrick St. in the small town of Waverly, Ala. The restaurant opened in January 2018.(Bob Carlton/[email protected])

April: Waverly

Waverly might be the smallest town to be included on this list — with it making up less than three square miles and with only about 150 residents to its name — but don’t let that stop you from planning a visit this April. For starters, you’ll be able to attend the Old 280 Boogie at Standard Deluxe, which is slated for April 12 and features live music, food, art and attracts folks from all over the South. Plus, while there for the Boogie, be sure to also grab a meal at The Waverly Local, a sweet treat and some coffee at the Wild Flour Bakery and browse some of the local shops, like the antiques at Fig & Wasp as well as the vintage finds at Era Waverly.

Representatives of the Alabama shrimping fleet are seen at dock Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, in Bayou La Batre, Ala. (Mike Brantley/[email protected])Mike Brantley/AL.com

May: Bayou La Batre

Bayou La Batre isn’t just the “Seafood Capital of Alabama,” it’s also a beautiful and charming small town with scenic views and good eats. By visiting in May, you can take in the full depth of its fishing community by attending the 76th annual Blessing of the Fleet, which includes a boat decorating contest, parade, gumbo competition and much more. Of course, a trip to the coastal town wouldn’t be complete without trying out some of its fresh seafood, either at one of its well-known restaurants like Catalina Bayou or Lighthouse, or by catching it yourself through a fishing boat charter.

It's not for nothing that Dauphin Island bills itself as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama." — It’s not for nothing that Dauphin Island bills itself as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama.”Sharon Steinmann/AL.com

June: Dauphin Island

Speaking of coastal small towns, no Alabama summer is complete without a trip to the beach, and this year we suggest you skip the crowds of some of the more well-known beaches and head over to Dauphin Island instead. While there, you can spend time on sandy, white beaches with gorgeous sunsets (without any high-rises ruining the view), in addition to exploring some of the island’s noteworthy attractions, which include the Alabama Aquarium, Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Fort Gaines. Plus, you can grab a meal at local eateries serving homemade dishes and the day’s fresh catch, like Pirate’s Bar and Grill and Islanders Restaurant.

July: Montevallo

In July, head to the quaint town of Montevallo, where you’ll truly find it all — small-townshops charm, one-of-a-kind attractions and a whole lot of history. First, kick off your visit with a trip to the American Village, where you’ll be able to view live re-enactments while touring replicas of major historic sites, including the Oval Office at the White House. After that, take a stroll along Tinglewood Trail at scenic Orr Park, which features one-of-a-kind carvings created by local artist Tim Tingle, and grab lunch, coffee and more while browsing the local eateries and shops that make up Montevallo’s thriving downtown.

August: Wedowee

It’s no secret that summer in Alabama is hot, which is why we think the small town of Wedowee, located on beautiful Lake Wedowee, is the perfect place to spend a weekend in August. While there, you can cool down by spending some quality time on the water, either fishing, relaxing or a little both, by renting a boat for the day before heading over to the Lake Wedowee Winery and Brewery, which offers tastings of wines and beers made on site and also often offers live music and food trucks. In addition, you can browse for antiques and other goods at local shops like The Crow’s Nest or A Brand New Look and grab dinner and dessert at Boondocks BBQ and Creamery.

September: Wetumpka

For a weekend stay in a charming small town with plenty to do, head over to Wetumpka. In addition to a downtown area that features local shops, like Sweet Home Books and The Yellow Daffodil Boutique, as well as restaurants and coffee spots including Coaches Corner Bar and Grill that overlooks the Coosa River and Restoration Coffee House, there are also lots of attractions nearby. Those include Swayback Bridge Trail if you enjoy hiking, biking or just want to spend some time in nature, Fort Toulouse in Jackson Park and the Wetumpka Impact Crater in history is more your thing and Coosa River Adventures, where you can rent a kayak or canoe and spend a day on the water.

Hubert Family Farms in New Market, Ala., is an ideal spot to get a fall bouquet of fresh flowers and much more. (Photo courtesy of Hubert Family Farms)Hubert Family Farms

October: New Market

On a crisp fall day in October, New Market is the perfect place to go as it has a little something for everything. For starters, you can head to Hubert Family Farms, which offers U-pick flowers, including sunflowers and zinnias beginning in September. Plus, if you’re a fan of spooky season, last year the farm hosted a haunted house at night on weekends, called “The Haunting,” that offered plenty of scares. When you get hungry, be sure to head over to New Market BBQ to try the smoked mac and cheese, which made the Alabama Department of Tourism’s list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die”. The dish is smoked in the restaurant’s barbecue pit before being topped with their signature rub, and yes, you’re going to want seconds.

November: Mentone

There’s really no bad time to visit the small mountain town of Mentone, but we’d make the argument that November is the best time to go because it’s when fall foliage is most likely to be on display. Of course, natural beauty isn’t all that Mentone has to offer. While there, you can sit down for a memorable meal at The Wildflower Cafe, where the tomato pie and the peanut butter pie are a must, shop around at local retailers like The Groovy Goat and Moon Lake Trading Co., explore and take in the beauty of Brow Park or learn about history and see the view from Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel atop Lookout Mountain.

December: Andalusia

If you’re looking for an Alabama small town that loves Christmas, look no further than Andalusia, home to “Christmas in Candyland”. While there, visitors can enjoy a range of holiday activities, including ice skating, sledding, photos with Santa and so much more. If you have little ones, they’ll love playing in the dozens of Christmas-themed cottages set up for the event. While there, you can grab a bite at The Crow’s Nest, known for its delicious barbecue, or David’s Catfish House, where everything is made fresh daily.

Alabama News

Alabama small towns to visit in 2025 – one for each month