Discover Alabama's Rocket City: The Ultimate Guide To Huntsville & Things To Do (2024)

This article is part of a directory: Central US States: Complete Travel Guide

Since Huntsville’s incorporation as a town in the early 1800s, it has grown up from a mere cotton-producing town to a high-tech hub. In fact, it is today referred to as "Rocket City" because of the pivotal role it has played in the US space program. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is actually one of the city’s most popular attractions with a fascinating space shuttle on display.

With a rich history and a thriving modern-day culture, Huntsville has plenty to offer visitors of all interests. This ultimate guide to Huntsville, Alabama will provide anyone planning a trip with a comprehensive list of things to do, places to visit, and where to stay, reinforcing why Alabama should be on everyone's bucket list.

From exploring the US Space and Rocket Center to taking a stroll in the charming downtown district, and enjoying the city's diverse cuisines, this article reveals why Huntsville is one of Alabama's most beautiful towns.

What To Know When Visiting Huntsville, Alabama

A view ofHuntsville, Alabama.

Huntsville was first made a town in 1811, and then it became a full-fledged city about 50 years later. At the time, cotton plantations were commonplace in this region and the cotton industry sparked the initial growth of the city.

Fast-forward to the 1950s and Huntsville became the launching ground for the country’s first satellite sent into orbit. Then, in 1960, the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center was formed, and the center worked on forming the rocket boosters that were used in the Apollo Lunar Landing Program.

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Today, Huntsville carries the nickname ‘Rocket City’ thanks to its contribution to the space program, and visiting the Space & Rocket Center is at the top of the list of awesome things to do in Alabama.

Huntsville also boasts a scenic location in the Tennessee Valley and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape. The Monte Sano Mountain and its eponymous state park, for instance, are found less than 10 miles from Downtown Huntsville.

Best Time To Visit Huntsville

A bridge inBig Springs Park, Huntsville, Alabama.

Huntsville enjoys mild winters and humid summers with something to do throughout the year.

Winter (December to February)

Winter temperatures in Huntsville aren’t extreme, with lows in the high 30s (3 Celsius) and highs in the low to mid-50s (10 to 13 Celsius). It rarely snows in Huntsville and the city receives just about 3 inches annually. January has the highest chance of snow, but it only averages an inch.

However, light rain showers are common in winter, so visitors should check the weather forecast and pack appropriately.

Spring (March to May)

It gets warmer in this season with temperatures likely to reach the high 80s (27 Celsius) in May. Still, early spring has erratic weather, with it oscillating between warm and chilly on certain days and rainy on others. March and April have the highest likelihood of rain, so visitors should prepare for some wet days.

May is the best month to visit in spring, offering pleasant weather for spending time outdoors and admiring the stunning spring flowers.

Summer (June to August)

It gets hot and humid in summer, with temperatures ranging from the mid to high-80s (32 Celsius) during the day. July and August get quite hot, but June remains bearable. Lovers of outdoor activities can visit Monte Sano, which is cooler due to the higher altitude.

Autumn (September to November)

The heat of summer spills over into September, but temperatures start to drop in October and November. October is a good month to visit for those who want to avoid the heat of the previous months while still enjoying good weather.

Getting Around Huntsville, Alabama

Aerial view of Huntsville, Alabama.

Huntsville is served by the Huntsville International Airport, which receives daily flights from major US cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington DC, among others.

The airlines that serve this airport are American Airlines, Delta, United, Silver Airways, and Breezer Airways.

The most convenient way of getting around Huntsville is by renting a car. This allows visitors to travel on their own schedule. However, there are more budget-friendly ways to get around Huntsville.

Bus

The City of Huntsville offers a public bus service known as Orbit. The bus operates on Mondays to Saturdays, running from 6 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 7 pm on weekends.

10 routes are covered by this bus, passing places of interest like the University of Alabama Huntsville and Downtown Huntsville.

• Fares cost just $1 per ride and monthly passes cost $30.

Bike

Huntsville encourages its residents to bike more and the city has dozens of bike routes around the city. Moreover, there are bike racks on the Orbit buses, allowing cyclists to ride the bus and cycle between their destinations.

Downtown Huntsville has a bike-share program known as Blue Bikes, which has a fleet of 30 bikes across 11 stations in the downtown area.

• This service is available via the Movatic app, and it costs $1.50 for a 30-minute ride.

Where To Eat In Huntsville

Northside Coffee sign in Huntsville AL

Breakfast: Just Love Coffee Cafe - Huntsville

According to past customers, this restaurant offers some of the best breakfast dishes in the city. Most of the reviewers praise the restaurant's excellent service and, of course, its delectable meals.

On the menu, there are beloved treats like the breakfast burrito, avocado toast, and a variety of egg dishes. There are also hash browns, cheese biscuits, and bacon.

• Address: 2317 Memorial Pkwy SW Suite 135, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
• Hours: Mon - Fri: 6 am - 5 pm; Sat & Sun: 7 am - 5 pm

Related: Alabama Has The Most Fast Food Restaurants In The US - Where Does Your State Rank?

Lunch: Drake's Huntsville

For anyone looking for delectable burgers and sushi, Drake’s Huntsville is the place to be. This restaurant is also known for its craft beers that go down well with its dishes. Visitors ought to try out classic sushi options like the restaurant’s California Roll, Spring Roll, Philly Roll, and Fried Calamari Roll, among others.

Those who prefer burgers have a choice of BBQ Burger, Cheddar Burger, Big Blue Burger, or Drake’s Patty Melt. There are also steaks and sandwiches on the menu.

• Address: 4800 Whitesburg SE Suite 14, Huntsville, AL 35802, United States
• Hours: Sun - Thu: 11 am - 12 am; Fri & Sat: 11 am - 1 am

Dinner: Kona Grill - Huntsville

Kona Grill is a multi-location restaurant with a branch in Huntsville. This eatery has gained notoriety among locals and visitors for its sushi and steaks, although it serves many other dishes that are worth trying.

Those who love shrimp can try the shrimp tacos and lovers of BBQ may choose the Korean Spiced Ribs. Kona also has specialty rolls like the Kona Poke, which has sushi rice, seaweed salad, macadamia nuts, and salmon, among other ingredients.

And, those who are here at happy hour can enjoy well-priced drinks like Kona Margarita, Kona Big Wave, Old Fashioned, and Moscow Mule.

• Address: 435 The Bridge St #150, Huntsville, AL 35806, United States
• Hours: Mon - Thu: 11 am - 11 pm; Fri: 11 am - 12 am; Sat: 10 am - 12 am; Sun: 10 am - 10 pm

Related: Iconically Satisfying Desserts From Sweet(s) Home Alabama

Drinks: The Casual Pint

This establishment specializes in craft beer, with a huge collection of options beers on tap. In fact, The Casual Pint has over 30 beers on their draft list. Patrons can also enjoy wines, which are sold by the glass or by the bottle, as well as margaritas.

These drinks pair well with their meals, which include burgers, wraps, and nachos.

• Address: 2 Off Broadway St NW, Huntsville, AL 35806, United States
• Hours: Mon - Wed: 12 pm - 10 pm; Thu: 12 pm - 11 pm; Fri & Sat: 11 am - 11 pm; Sun: 11 am - 10 pm

Things To Do In Huntsville, Alabama

Find Out About Space Travel at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Lovers of everything outer space are drawn to the which is the largest spaceflight museum in the world.

This site teaches visitors about America’s space program through exhibits that include a prototype of the first American satellite, models of the Space Launch System, and a full-stack Space Shuttle.

Visitors can also experience what it’s like to ride in a shuttle in the Discovery Shuttle simulator or ride the G-Force Accelerator in Rocket Park.

• Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
• Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (daily)
• Admission: $30 (adults & seniors 13 yrs+); $20 (children 5 - 12 yrs); Free (children 4 and under)

Wander Around the Huntsville Botanical Garden

Bridge inHuntsville Botanical Garden.

With over 100 acres of lush meadows and stunning flower gardens, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is a relaxing place to spend a morning or afternoon. There are trails that make it easy to traverse the vast area, with different gardens to explore.

For instance, there’s the Garden of Hope, which was dedicated to cancer patients and their families as a place of hope. There are also a herb garden and a vegetable garden.

• Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
• Hours: Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm; Sun: 11 am - 5 pm
• Admission: $17 (adults); $15 (seniors 55+); $12 (children 3 - 15); Free (children 2 and under)

Hike in Monte Sano State Park

Sign ofMonte Sano State Park in Alabama.

The expansive Monte Sano State Park is made up of over 2000 acres, within which there are about 14 miles of biking trails and 20 miles of hiking trails.

This park is a part of the Monte Sano Mountain, making it one of Alabama's most scenic state parks. Plus, the park's higher altitude makes it cooler than Huntsville’s city center.

Within Monte Sano State Park, there are picnic areas, pavilions, campsites, and even cottages.

• Address: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
• Hours: 8 am - sunset (daily)
• Admission: $5 (adults 12+); $2 (seniors 62+ & children 4-11); Free (children 3 and under)

Related: This Alabama State Park Is Ready To Take You On An Underground Caving Adventure

Learn About the American Military at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

This museum pays homage to those who served in the American military in World War I. There are exhibits like military vehicles used in World War I like the Ford Pygmy.

Visitors also get to learn about other wars like the Revolutionary War, the Mexican War, the Civil War, and World War II. Some interesting exhibits include a replica of the Airforce Briefing Room, military tanks, and watercraft.

• Address: 2060 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
• Hours: Wed - Sat: 10 am - 4 pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
• Admission: $5 (adults); $4 (seniors); $3 (children under 18)

Admire the Collections at the Huntsville Museum of Art

Front view of theHuntsville Museum of Art.

Art lovers are fascinated by the Huntsville Museum of Art’s collection of over 3000 artistic pieces from all over the world. There are works by artists like Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, as well as contemporary works made of glass, metal, and clay.

Visitors can admire different collections of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from different eras, a number of which are from the Southeast.

• Address: 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
• Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 am - 5 pm; Thu: 10 am - 8 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm (closed on Mon)
• Admission: $12 (adults); $10 (seniors 60+); $5 (children 6-11); Free (children under 6)

Where To Stay In Huntsville

A sidewalk with benches in Huntsville AL

Huntsville has all kinds of accommodations, from cozy cabins to amenity-rich hotels, Airbnbs, and more.

Cabins

Casa Bohemia

• Address: New Market, Alabama, United States
• Amenities: A-Frame structure, double bed, seasonal pond, fire pit, shared showers & restrooms, WiFi access
• Rate: From $81

Charming Huntsville Cabin

• Address: Huntsville, Alabama, United States
• Amenities: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, fire pit, washer & dryer, smart TV, grill, spacious backyard, full kitchen, free parking
• Rate: From $298

Hotels

Hampton Inn Huntsville/Village of Providence, AL

• Address: 328 Providence Main Street, Huntsville, AL 35806
• Amenities: Indoor pool, gym, EV charging station, business center, smoking area, complimentary breakfast, bath essentials, restaurant
• Rate: From $161

Hyatt Place Huntsville

• Address: 6860 Governors West NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
• Amenities: Gym, bar, meeting facilities, on-site ATM, restaurant, free parking, pool, shared lounge
• Rate: From $110

Comfort Inn Huntsville

• Address: 4725 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
• Amenities: Laundry facilities, free parking, complimentary breakfast, heated pool, hot tub, meeting facilities
• Rate: From $97

Homes

Spacious Huntsville Home

• Address: Huntsville, Alabama, United States
• Amenities: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hot tub, pool table, BBQ grill, washer & dryer, smart TVs, outdoor seating, free parking
• Rate: From $417

Bungalow in Old Town

• Address: Huntsville, Alabama, United States
• Amenities: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, free parking, patio, washer & dryer, full kitchen, smart lock
• Rate: From $201

Historic Downtown Brown Room

• Address: Huntsville, Alabama, United States
• Amenities: Private room, shared bath, queen bed, shared kitchen, free parking, pet-friendly
• Rate: From $69

Spending The Perfect Day In Huntsville, Alabama

Park bench in a Huntsville park at sunset.

Start the day with breakfast at Just Love Coffee Cafe before heading to the US Space & Rocket Center to spend the morning learning about the space program and checking out the fascinating exhibits.

At lunchtime, pick up a takeout meal and head to Huntsville Botanical Garden for a picnic lunch. Then, explore the site before spending the rest of the afternoon at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Spend the evening taking a relaxing stroll in Downtown Huntsville. Visit the Historic Square and Big Spring Park in this area. Freshen up for dinner and enjoy a meal at Drake's Huntsville or Kona Grill before ending the day with drinks at The Casual Pint.

FAQ

Q: Is Huntsville Alabama worth visiting?

Yes, Huntsville Alabama is worth visiting because it is home to the , it has stunning natural sites, and the people are warm and welcoming.

Q: Does Huntsville have nightlife?

Yes, Huntsville nightlife is made up of vibrant nightclubs, bars, breweries, and lounges that open till late. Some of these places have live music performances.

Q: Is Huntsville family-friendly?

Yes, Huntsville is a family-friendly city with lots of things to do for families that include visiting the space center, exploring the parks, touring the museums, and spending time at the city's botanical garden.