+12 Things to Do in Birmingham without a car

Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama.

Aside from being the largest, the city is also famous for its tourist sites with historical significance.

The city offers its visitors many exciting things to see and do: museums, historical landmarks, sports-related activities, theater, and a great dining experience.

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a must-see when in town. You can also swing by the Birmingham Museum of Art. Or you can go ahead and take a self-guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

These three are some of the best places to visit in Birmingham.

And if you are with kids, fear no more. Bring them over to the McWane Science Center, Vulcan Park and Museum, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the Sloss Furnaces.

There is also a zoo, the Birmingham Zoo, where you can have your family get up close and personal with the animals.

Birmingham is a walkable city.

Going from one place to another will never be a problem.

Below are twelve of my favorite places in Birmingham.

See for yourself.

1. Birmingham Museum of Art

Established in 1951, the Birmingham Museum of Art contains a permanent collection of over 25,000 objects. The displays cover various cultures, including Asian, European, American, and African cultures.

Some displays also cover Native American and Pre-Columbian cultures, making the museum one of the most extensive.

The museum is in Birmingham’s cultural district.

I adore the museum’s collection of Asian art here the most.

The collection appears to be one of the finest on this planet. It has an extensive collection of Vietnamese ceramics that I consider to be some of the best in the world.

Another highlight of your visit would be the permanent Baroque and Renaissance paintings collection. There are also several decorative arts and sculptures, some 18th-century European decorative arts, and some of the world’s most beautiful Wedgwood China pieces.

If you are lucky, you will also find your visit to coincide with lectures, events, or activities. They cater to different audiences – from school children to collectors of art to donors.

The Birmingham Museum of Art is a must-see when in Birmingham, Alabama.

2. McWane Science Center

Located in downtown Birmingham, the McWane Science Center is a state-of-the-art museum in Alabama.

Established in 1998, the center is ideal for children and curious adults.

The center houses an on-site aquarium. It also has an I-Max dome theater inside. On top of that, the center has several interactive displays that are perfect venues for kids to learn and have fun.

The center has hundreds of interactive and hands-on activities for curious minds.

And that makes the center a perfect place to visit any day of the week.

The McWane Science Center houses a fantastic collection of permanent exhibits. The displays teach about specific topics like the lives of the dinosaurs, sea monsters, marine biology, and nature.

There are also discussions on weather cycles and a lot more.

Aside from the natural sciences, you will also find exhibits that delve into the wonders of engineering and math. The center also has updates on the latest and the up-and-coming technologies.

Finally, the center has a shark and stingray touch tank. This part of the center should sit well with the kids.

And the great demonstrations, art galleries, and other activities will ensure you and your family will have an enjoyable time here.

3. Alabama Theater

For more than half a century, the Alabama Theater was only used as a movie venue for Paramount Films.

It was in 1927 when Paramount Studios built the theater. The purpose was so that Alabama would have a place to show its films.

These days, the Alabama Theater is an excellent destination for romantic dates when in Birmingham.

It would also be common to see the theater used for the Mickey Mouse Club in the past.

The theater served as the official home for The Miss Alabama beauty pageant until 1987.

When the theater changed ownership and became the Alabama Theater for the Performing Arts, numerous changes occurred.

Today, the theater is not limited to films. The theater hosts more than 300 different types of events in a year.

It was also in 1998 when the theater regained its original classic theater look. Most of its original features were back in place.

The theater can accommodate 2,500 people.

4. Rickwood Field

Located at the heart of Birmingham, Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball field.

It is usual to find not just baseball fans visit the field. There are also history buffs that visit.

The baseball field has so much historical significance in the field of baseball. The stadium itself is a fantastic sight.

If you are a history buff, a baseball fan, or want to add something exciting to your Birmingham itinerary, look no further than Rickwood Field.

The baseball field was constructed in 1910 and is home to the Minor League Baseball team – the Birmingham Barons.

You will find the field jampacked with fans throughout the baseball season. The stadium is your perfect place to watch a baseball game live.

Also, the baseball field is host to a wide array of seasonal events. On certain occasions, reenacted baseball movie scenes are also played here.

However, if no games are happening, you can take a tour of the baseball field. You can take a self-guided tour of the stadium.

When you get the chance, be sure to visit.

5. Kelly Ingram Park

Spanning four acres, The Kelly Ingram Park is another tourist destination in Birmingham.

The park sits right in the Birmingham Civil Rights District.

It was also the site for many large demonstrations at the time of the American Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s.

The park’s name was from a local firefighter, Osmond Kelly Ingram. It is also home to many sculptures and monuments.

In 1963, protesters composed of children and high school students were at the height of their demonstrations. The Birmingham police and firefighters confronted the protesters with firehoses and police dogs.

The images led to a public outcry. It ended the public segregation. It also resulted in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

6. Southern Museum of Flight

Another must-see museum when in Birmingham is the Southern Museum of Flight.

The museum is home to almost 100 aircraft. The exhibits here will leave its visitors in awe.

Being one of the largest aviation museums in the region, the Southern Museum of Flight has exhibits that showcase civilian and military aircraft.

There are also several memorabilia and other exciting aviation artifacts displayed here.

There is an admission fee for civilians. Military personnel can enter for free.

The museum has more than 75,000 square feet of space. The distance ensures enough exciting aircraft displays that could astound its visitors.

You will also find some biographical plaques, old war jets, and airmen exhibits within the museum premises. There are Vietnam choppers here, too.

Also, there is a vast outdoor space that contains aircraft displays, including an A-12 Blackbird.

The museum is a perfect destination if you are a history buff. If you are a flight enthusiast, the museum is also an ideal place to visit.

7. Birmingham Children’s Theater

This theater is one of the largest theater companies in the country.

It is also one of the oldest.

Situated at the Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard N, the Birmingham Children’s Theater is the only professional touring theater company in the state.

It operates out of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

The theater company utilizes three theaters. It includes the Dominick Studio Theater, which can seat about 150 people.

The company also uses the Wee Folks Theater, which can seat 250 people. The theater is mostly for performances for students about three to six years old.

The company’s third theater is the Mainstage Theater, which can seat 950 people. Students aged six and up usually use this third theater.

Additionally, the theater also provides educational outreach programs. One such example is the Young Actors Theater Academy and several school field trips.

8. Red Mountain Park

With 1,500 acres, the Red Mountain Park is another destination to visit in Birmingham.

The park is central to the city’s culture and offers its guests different recreational activities.

The Red Mountain Park is one of Birmingham’s best places to visit when you want some time outdoors.

Surrounding the park is the majestic Red Mountain. It provides guests with a beautiful backdrop for the garden.

Also, the park has several historical artifacts on display. And these artifacts draw tourists from far and wide to visit.

One of these historical sites within the park is the closed mines. Aside from the mines, there are also industrial relics that exemplify the rich history of Birmingham.

If you are not checking out the historical displays, the park is ideal for its hiking trails. Also, it has an adventure park that is perfect for team-building events.

And the best part about the park is its dog park.

When you want to bring your furbabies with you, you can.

The Red Mountain Park is ideal not only for you and your family but for your four-legged friends, too.

9. Avondale Brewing Company

Situated at the 41st Street S in Birmingham, the Avondale Brewing Company is a locally-owned brewery.

You can find the brewery in a historical building. The building used to be many many things before it became a brewery.

Over the past decades, it used to be a bank, a firehouse, a pharmacy, and a post office. It was also a bar in the past named the Long Branch Saloon.

Some of the hand-crafted brews I like here are the Kings Wit Belgian Wheat and the Pachyderm Pale Wheat.

You can also try out Miss Fancy, Spring Street Saison, and Streetcar Kolsch, a German-style ale.

When you visit, the brewery offers tours. They also have a taproom.

10. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

If you are a sports enthusiast, drop by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum when you are in town.

The museum is a state museum. It shares and highlights the rich athletic history of Alabama.

To be specific, the museum honors the men and women of sports. Included in the displays are these athletes’ records and contributions to the history of sports in Alabama.

Opened in 1967 by a retired Major League Baseball player, the museum connects to many famous names. Mike Donahue, Jimmy Hitchcock, and Bo Jackson are just some sports celebrities whose displays are inside.

The museum is a perfect destination for both children and adults.

It has about 35,000 square feet of space and houses thousands of memorabilia and artifacts.

11. Virginia Samford Theater

The Virginia Samford Theater in Birmingham is a historical venue for dance, music, and several theater performances.

Located on the 26th Street S, the theater adapts to a Romanesque style of architecture.

It first opened in 1927 and was, at the time, called The Little Theater.

It was famous for its productions but closed during the Second World War.

After the war, the theater reopened and became a new name – the Clark Memorial Theater.

It was in 1999 when the university decided to close the theater. The Metropolitan Arts Council restored it using the funds they sourced from Virginia Samford Donavan, hence, the name.

These days, you can watch theater performances and musicals here.

12. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Constructed in 1978, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is a museum that focuses on the Jazz era and the style of music.

The goal is to propel, educate, and eventually generate interest in the genre.

The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is everything a jazz lover could want.

It pays homage to the pioneers of jazz music. It also provides information and displays artifacts essential to the jazz demographics.

You can find the museum at the Carver Performing Arts Theater downtown Birmingham.

It can seat 515 people in its 2,700-square-foot theater. It has also hosted hundreds of shows since its inception.

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Whether you are visiting Birmingham for relaxation or to explore its arts and culture scene, there will never be disappointments.

Birmingham is a delightful city with a rich heritage. And what is more, is that it has several entertaining attractions to keep you busy for the whole duration of your trip.

It has a legendary music scene, bustling nightlife, and several other natural attractions. Plus, the food here is exceptional.

Do you have any attractions you would like to see in Birmingham?

Let me know.