24 Hours in Huntsville, Alabama

I recently visited Huntsville for a work trip, and while I wasn’t there long, I loved what I saw.  A charming – and walkable – downtown area, clean streets, beautiful scenery, and the kindest locals (the southern charm is REAL in Alabama).  For a small town down south, I have to say that I was impressed.  This one-day itinerary covers the best of downtown Huntsville and the number one visited site in Alabama – the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.  This is how to spend 24 hours in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

Spending the Morning in Huntsville:  Downtown Huntsville

Start your morning downtown with a coffee (I suggest Honest Coffee Roasters) and head to Big Spring International Park to enjoy.  From the park, make your way to Constitution Hall Park to learn about how and when Alabama became a state.  The museum is only open Thursday-Saturday from 10:00 am-2:00 pm so plan accordingly.

While walking around, keep an eye out for the colorful murals that have been painted on the walls throughout the downtown area.  Huntsville is home to many independent artists and their work is celebrated throughout the city with the mission to inspire others and spark discussion.

 

Spending the Afternoon in Huntsville:  U.S. Space & Rocket Center

No trip to Huntsville is complete without visiting Alabama’s number one tourist attraction – the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.  The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is known as “Earth’s largest space museum”, and is home to rockets, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.

 

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER HERE!

 

Spending the Evening in Huntsville:  Downtown Huntsville

After you visit the space museum, it’s back to downtown Huntsville to check out the boutique shops (like Harrison Brothers Hardware) and visit the Huntsville Museum of Art.

For dinner, I highly recommend the Revivalist for classic, southern cuisine.  (Another restaurant that I wanted to try but didn’t get the opportunity to, was Purveyor).

 

Where to Stay in Huntsville

When picking a hotel in Huntsville, I would recommend staying downtown so that you can easily walk around.  My number one recommendation would be 106 Jefferson Huntsville, Curio Collection by Hilton.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN HUNTSVILLE HERE!

 

FAQ

Q:  “Is one day enough for Huntsville?”

• A:  I think that depending on what you want to get out of Huntsville it will depend on how much time is sufficient.  I think that one day is plenty, but if you want to explore outside of downtown and the space center, you might find that two days is better for your goals.

Q:  Do I need a car in Huntsville?

• A:  If you’re staying in the downtown area and not planning on doing much outside of downtown, you don’t need a car.  However, if you plan to stay for more than one day and venture to other areas, then you’ll probably want to rent a car.

Q:  “What’s the best time to visit Huntsville?”

• A:  The best time to visit Huntsville is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, the skies are clear, and the city’s parks and gardens are at their best.  This is an ideal time for exploring downtown, visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and enjoying events without the high humidity of summer.  Summer (June to August) brings hot, humid weather and more tourists, especially families visiting on school break.  Winter (December to February) is cooler and quieter, with fewer crowds

 

Alabama Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Alabama

 

If you’re planning on visiting Huntsville, I hope that this 24-hour Huntsville travel guide helped with your plans.  Let me know if you have any questions in the comment!

 

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