Birmingham was once a thriving steel town, but now it's more of a cultural hub with a fascinating past to explore. Numerous markers commemorating significant events in the Civil Rights Movement took place there, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offers a more in-depth look at African Americans' historical and contemporary challenges.

There are several museums and parks in Birmingham and other fantastic tourist destinations, such as the McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Zoo, perfect for bringing the whole family.

There are several beautiful parks in Birmingham, including the urban oasis of Railroad Park, the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, and Red Mountain Park, which features sweeping vistas of the city and the city's most recognizable landmark, a statue of Vulcan.

Visit Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and Civil Rights District

In the bombing, four young women lost their lives. This legislation united the country and was instrumental in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

With the support of donations from all across the world, the church was renovated and reopened in 1964. As an integral part of Birmingham's rich Civil Rights history, it is now a popular destination for visitors.

A guided tour of Birmingham's Civil Rights monuments is the best way to view the key locations and learn about Birmingham's significant role in the battle for desegregation and equality. The Civil Rights District is one of Birmingham's most visited places.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Civil Rights Institute, found at the intersection of Sixth Avenue North and Sixteenth Street, is the backbone of the Civil Rights District.

The museum has displays on the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and human rights fights up to the current day to educate the public about the importance of promoting civil and human rights across the world.

The center has permanent exhibits that use multimedia to educate and entertain visitors. The exhibition's four primary themes are human rights, the 20th-century Civil Rights Movement, violent conflicts, and institutionalized racism. Rooms at the museum are set aside for changing displays.

Explore McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center is a popular destination for families in Birmingham and beyond, thanks to its immersive science adventures and hands-on displays. Anything from prehistoric life to interstellar travel is covered. Children and adults of all ages will be captivated by the interactive exhibits, which incorporate moving parts, electrical currents, light, and music.

The upper floor of the center features special events, touring exhibits from other museums, and an exhibition exploring the intersection between art and technology. The exhibit comprises habitat tanks of aquatic species and allows visitors to interact with them.

Visitors may play in the surf on a deteriorating beach, observe wildlife in a salt marsh, and learn more about the history and significance of water in human culture.

Visit Birmingham Art Museum

Over twenty thousand works of art from antiquity to the present day from all corners of the globe may be found in Birmingham's Museum of Art. European ornamental arts make up roughly half of the museum's total collection.

There are almost two thousand individual pieces in the American decorative arts collection. These works span many mediums and time periods, including things like porcelain, vases and containers, metals including fine silver, furniture, textiles, and more.

The museum also has a substantial Asian art collection, with over four thousand individual pieces spanning everything from ancient ceramics and bronzes to works on paper and multimedia.

The Barber Museum of Motorsports

George Barber, a former racing car driver, founded the Vintage Motorsports Museum to honor his love of classic vehicles. The collection quickly rose to prominence after some pieces were loaned to the Guggenheim Museum for the landmark exhibition "The Art of the Motorcycle," which also visited Chicago and Bilbao, Spain. Barber's collection grew as he expanded his complex to include a 2.38-mile racetrack and a testing facility.

Visit Birmingham's Botanical Gardens

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are an attractive feature of a 67-acre park and a major resource for students interested in gardening. Passing through the Queen's Gates, the magnificent glass conservatory will be the first thing visitors notice, as it is located just behind the beautiful Formal Garden.

There are two rhododendron gardens, one formal rose garden, and others including lily, iris, hosta, and more; these gardens are referred to as the Gardens of Collections.

The Gardens of Nature showcase indigenous flora, while the Gardens of Culture feature exotic species that reflect different cultural traditions. Among them are gardens with various themes, such as those dedicated to Japanese culture, herbs, and others.