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While bigger cities are usually at the top of someone's travel calendar, there is much to be said for exploring a region's smaller towns. This is especially true in Alabama, where the smaller towns enjoy a slower pace of life and are surrounded by natural beauty. And, though the towns are small, there are many points of interest and historic sites to discover. Mountains and waterfalls mark Northern Alabama, while the southern region borders Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, each with beautiful appeal. The towns surrounding these two pivotal bodies of water capture the spirit of laidback coastal life, with charming areas packed with friendly smiles and eclectic points of interest. These are 11 of the most captivating small towns in Alabama.

Fairhope

Fairhope is on the banks of beautiful Mobile Bay with an easygoing vibe and a fascinating history. Known as an artist's town, perhaps influenced by the scenic bay, local work is on display at the Eastern Shore Art Center. The center is in the heart of the historic downtown and hosts workshops, live events, and the First Friday Art Walk. Adding to the artistic atmosphere are the noteworthy storybook castles.

Sheldon Castle was built in the 1940s, and the family continued the tradition with Mosher Castle in the 1970s. Mosher has pieces of the Great Wall of China and the Berlin Wall embedded in the otherwise local building materials. Though the castles are private residences, Sheldon Castle offers a B&B for an enchanted visit to this artistic town.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne, Alabama, is a charming country town in the Appalachian foothills between the Said and Lookout Mountains. Little River Canyon Preserve offers stunning vistas, waterfalls, and wooded trails along Lookout Mountain. Desoto State Park, also atop Lookout Mountain, offers breathtaking hiking trails, especially on the Azalea Trail. The town is historically significant and has several historic districts.

The Main Street District has commercial buildings from the first half of the 20th century, including the Classical Revival Post Office. Boom Town has five properties built in the late 1900s, including the Fort Payne Opera House. The Residential Historic District features stunning late 19th-century architecture. All districts are available for tours and provide a tangible glimpse into how the town developed into a thriving community.

Eufaula

Eufaula grew to commercial prominence in the mid-1800s due to its location along the scenic Chattahoochee River, making it a central shipping hub. The area has many natural attractions, including the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. The 11,184 acres of preserved land are home to over 300 species of birds, wetlands, and grasslands. Today, it is known for its many historic structures, like the grand Shorter Mansion, constructed in 1884.

Over 700 buildings are on the National Registry, and there is an annual pilgrimage in April when visitors can take a guided tour of opulent homes like Fendall Hall. The mansion, completed in 1860, is one of Alabama's most glorious examples of Italianate architecture and one of its oldest homes. Downtown is lined with quaint shops and inns, like the Eufaula House, within walking distance of the historic sites.

Florence

Florence is steeped in history and tradition. It was long inhabited by Native Americans and played a central role in the Civil War. Many markers and sites commemorate its history, like the Indian Mound and Museum, over 1,700 years old. Pope's Tavern and Museum, constructed in 1830, includes exhibits from this tumultuous period. Both museums shine a light on Florence's historical significance and development.

Ten historic districts capture the heart of Alabama's architectural importance. Downtown Florence also has boutiques and eclectic dining like the noteworthy Odette. Live events are common and include First Fridays, a chance to meet local artists, and the W.C. Handy Music Festival.

Gulf Shores

Near Orange Beach, Gulf Shores is one of the most attractive and fun beach towns on the Gulf Coast. White sand beaches with azure-colored water offer numerous hiking trails and a fishing pier. Bon Succour National Wildlife Refuge is a short walk away, home to sea turtles and migratory birds. Gulf Coast Zoo is only a few miles away and offers a diverse mix of exotic animals and live events.

Many beachfront restaurants, like Tacky Jacks and The Hangout, embrace the coastal lifestyle with fresh seafood and a beachy atmosphere. Numerous hotels, like The Lodge, provide views of the Gulf of Mexico and are within walking distance of the main attractions. Be sure to visit Gulf Shores in October during the National Shrimp Festival, labeled Alabama's Beach Party.

Orange Beach

Orange Beach is located on Wolf Bay on Alabama's Gulf Coast and is a popular summer destination. Waterfront Park has a pier, while on the other side of the beach, The Wharf provides shopping opportunities and an amphitheater for live music. It is also an entertainment and cultural hub.

Flora-Bama is among the 海角社区's most famous beach bars. It has five music stages and several beach-facing bars and is a must-see hotspot in Orange Beach. Cultural attractions include the Orange Beach History Museum, which focuses on the region's rich Native American and fishing history. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the Nature Center, a living museum of native plants and animals.

Cullman

A traditional southern town, Cullman boasts over 58 historic structures surrounded by tranquil natural scenery. The Downtown Commercial Historic District's most prominent buildings are the Stiefelmeyer and Ruehl. The Cullman County Museum replicates the home of the town's founder and expands on the region's German heritage.

Clarkson Covered Bridge should not be missed if visiting Cullman. The landmark bridge, built in 1904, was used daily by local farmers and now includes a park and a memorial plaque. Ave Maria Grotto is a significant point of interest on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey, the only monastery in Alabama. It contains 125 structures that can be viewed by walking down a block pathway and is incredibly charming at Christmas when decorated with strung lighting.

Tuscumbia

Located in the notable Shoals area, Tuscumbia's history dates back to 1820. The region has a storied musical legacy and is home to 海角社区-renowned Fame Studios. Alabama's Music Hall of Fame is in Tuscumbia and was built in 1980 to showcase the immense talent born here. Ivy Green, Helen Keller's birthplace, is here, where guests are invited to stroll the "whistle path" to experience the traditional clapboard house and expansive grounds.

Spring Park is the cornerstone of Tuscumbia. Over four million gallons of water flow through the 48-foot-tall cliff, one of the most photographed falls in the US. There is also a family park with a roller coaster and a carousel. The charming downtown area has much to see, including the brick Tuscumbia Courthouse with the town's clock tower perched on top.

Guntersville

Located on Lake Guntersville's banks and the Tennessee River's southern tip, Guntersville is defined by its natural beauty. Lake Guntersville State Park provides over 6,000 acres of woodlands, marinas, and a resort-style retreat that makes for a memorable visit. The park includes an 18-hole golf course and the popular Screaming Eagle Zipline.

Downtown hosts many cultural attractions, such as the Whole Backstage Theatre and the Guntersville Museum. Once an armory in the 1930s, the museum includes an art gallery, Native American exhibits, and other fascinating artifacts. This scenic town also boasts several elegant restaurants like Old Town Stockhouse and Homecoming and Company.

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is located at the entrance to Mobile Bay and is famous for its long stretches of white sand. Known as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama," the island has a fun and laidback atmosphere. Historic Fort Gaines was a pivotal outpost during the Civil War and provides sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.

One hundred thirty-seven acres are dedicated to the Audobon Society to protect migratory birds, including several bird-watching trails. Another ecologically important facility is Sea Lab, Alabama's marine research center. Along with being an educational site, the research facility has an aquarium that is open to the public.

Bayou La Batre

Dubbed "The Seafood Capital of Alabama," Bayou La Batre is a quaint fishing village in southern Alabama. Pop culture fans will recognize the name from the landmark film Forrest Gump, as it is the home of the titular character's best friend in the acclaimed movie. Walking around Maritime Park, visitors can take in the shrimp boat fleet's sights and sounds, giving the port town its unique vibe.

As one might expect, the local seafood restaurants are among the best around. Places like Bayou Seafood Company and Catalina Restaurant serve fresh seafood with a charming atmosphere. One of the best times of the year to enjoy Bayou La Batre is during one of the many annual events, like the Blessing of the Fleet, during the first week in May.

Alabama is a gorgeous state steeped in history, so it is not hard to see why it has so many outstanding small towns. Along with its many historical sites, waterfalls, white sand beaches, and mountains provide a stunning natural backdrop. There are also large bodies of water, including Mobile Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Tennessee River.

The communities are another reason small towns are fascinating. The southern charm, eclectic restaurants, and live events make visitors feel at home in the compact downtown areas. The slower pace of life combined with the many cultural and natural points of interest make these 11 towns among the most outstanding in Alabama.