Ready for a change of scenery? Birmingham’s mild weather and abundance of family-friendly activities makes it the ideal location for your next getaway. If you’re looking to finish 2020 on a high note, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite safe activities in Birmingham.*
#1 | Get Back into the Swing of Things
Public Golf Courses
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, bring your game to Birmingham where we have some of the finest golf courses around. Try something new with one of our 17 public golf courses located near the city center.
Topgolf
With more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, Topgolf is the perfect place to practice your swing during the Fall. At Topgolf, there’s no pressure to have perfect form or have the best score. It’s all about everyone having a good time.
Guests are required to wear a facemask upon entry to the venue until you get to your table or bay, and while moving throughout the venue. When in your bay, you are not required to wear a mask – this includes while eating, drinking or hitting. Masks are not required for children under the age of 2 or for those with underlying health conditions. To reserve a time slot or learn more, visit the Topgolf Birmingham website.
#2 | Have a Socially-Distanced Evening Out
Birmingham’s food scene is among the most talked about in the world. Andrew Zimmern even called it “the hottest small food city in America right now.” Experience our award-winning restaurants for yourself.
Restaurants and bars in and around Birmingham have taken steps to ensure the safety of their patrons while maintaining the ambiance and class we all love. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Birmingham establishments with outdoor seating, covering everything from casual to high-end, and dinner to drinks.
#3 | Stretch Your Legs with a Scenic Hike
The biggest advantage to being in Birmingham is the easy access to the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for an all-day hike or simply looking for a quick escape, we have several options to help you capture that perfect Instagrammable moment.
Get some fresh air at one of our favorite hikes in Birmingham.
#4 | Shop Around Town
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a new handbag or a bath bomb fix, bring your shopping crew to Birmingham. We have some of the finest shopping locations in northern Alabama just waiting for you to explore. Start your trip at The Summit where you can visit popular shops like Altar’d State, Anthropologie, LUSH, and REI.
Or if you’re looking for something with a more local feel, we recommend a tour of the 7 villages at Mountain Brook. The villages each have their own distinct personalities while providing the atmosphere of small-town shopping in a big city.
The Outlet Shops of Grand River also boasts a wide variety of shops for you to choose from when you’re searching for that perfect gift. Speaking of the perfect gift now is the best time to get ahead of holiday shopping.
#5 | Immerse Yourself in Birmingham’s Civil Rights History
Birmingham’s ties to the Civil Rights Movement are as deep as the iron mines it was built on. During the Movement, Dr. King and other civil rights leaders selected Birmingham as the staging ground for their protests. Their efforts in Birmingham created lasting change throughout the country. In 2017, the Birmingham Civil Rights District was established as a National Monument.
Take time to visit the Civil Rights Institute and to walk where others marched.
In the Birmingham Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, Jacob Lawrence’s The American Struggle series expresses the diverse but mutually linked fortunes of all Americans. This 30-piece series of paintings is intended to depict, in the artist’s words, “the struggles of a people to create a nation and their attempt to build a democracy.”
#6 | Feed Your Need for Speed at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum or Autobahn Speedway
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the world’s largest motorcycle collection. With over 900 bikes on display at any given moment, the museum takes visitors through the complete history of motorcycle design and technology. The collection is certain to impress gearheads and casual visitors alike.
To protect visitors, certain amenities are temporarily suspended and guests are encouraged to maintain safe distances from other visitors. To purchase tickets or learn more about the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, visit their website.
Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Autobahn’s 53,000 sq. ft. facility is the largest indoor go-karting facility in the state. Their F1 inspired “Pro-Karts” can reach speeds of up to 50 mph. They also offer Junior Karting with speeds up to 25 mph for riders over 8 years old.
In response to COVID, the team at Autobahn has introduced enhanced cleaning and safety guidelines – including masks requirement for everybody inside the building – to be compliant with recommendations from the government and the CDC. To purchase tickets and learn more about their sanitation protocols, go to the Autobahn website.
#7 | Experience Some of the Best in Birmingham from the Parkside District
In 2010, Railroad Park opened in Birmingham, offering a 17-acre green-space in the heart of Downtown Birmingham. In the 10 years since many restaurants and shops have moved nearby to be a part of the energy that the park brings to the city.
If you want to experience that energy for yourself, allow the Parkside District to be the launching point of a complete Birmingham experience. Take a stroll down the Rotary Trail or enjoy the Birmingham skyline with a walk around Railroad Park. Dining options include Hero Doughnuts and Buns, Pies & Pints, and the newly opened Monday Night Brewing.
Whenever you’re ready to get back outside, Birmingham will be ready for you.
*All of these activities are open to the public as of October 21, 2020. Hours and regulations are subject to change. For the latest information on closures and requirements, visit our Safe Travel resource or contact the individual attractions.
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The breathtaking natural beauty is just the beginning. Add to that the seemingly countless activities and mild year-round climate and you’ll see why getting out in Birmingham is everything an outdoor adventure should be. Plan your Birmingham trip today to experience the greater outdoors.