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Alabama, in the springtime, is a must-see destination. The beaches are not as busy, the weather is balmy yet not too hot, and the state’s stunning natural landscape is awash with colorful blooms. If you are sensitive to the heat, spring is the best time of year to explore the state as summer temperatures can climb into the high 90s, with humidity to match. Spring is also a great time to visit Alabama’s charming small towns as their seasonal schedule is packed with fun festivals, family-friendly events, and outdoor activities that make the most of the state’s beautiful scenery and welcoming Southern charm.

Orange Beach

Spring is the best time of year to visit Alabama’s beach towns, skipping the summer crowds and sweltering heat. A tourist hotspot since the 1920s, Orange Beach is a vibrant resort town on the Gulf. With its wide, white sand beaches, and bustling downtown, Orange Beach is a great spot for vacationing families or anyone looking for some spring sunshine. Soak up the sun at Waterfront Park, located on scenic Wolf Bay, with a wide pier, picturesque pavilions, and a large children’s play park. Learn about the history of the area at the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum, a converted old schoolhouse with exhibits that trace the town’s past from the first Native American settlers through to the booming days of its fishing industry.

If you’re visiting in March, you might just catch the town’s legendary Mardi Gras festival. This two-day event begins the day before, on ‘Lundi Gras’, and ends with a huge parade on the day itself. Also in March is the Orange Beach Festival of Art, a lively celebration of musical, visual, and performing arts that kicks off the spring season.

Gulf Shores

If you’d like a bit more buzz with your spring break, head to Gulf Shores. Alabama’s most southern town, this destination is popular year-round but has plenty to offer travelers in spring. Festival season starts in March with the Ballyhoo Festival, a fine arts bonanza that brings together the best of Alabama art, music, and food. The event takes place in Gulf State Park, a 6,150-acre park with over 2 miles of dazzling white beaches. The park is well worth a visit at any time but is perfect in spring when you can rent one of the cute cabins on the shores of Lake Shelby or just enjoy the many walking, biking, and hiking trails.

Spring is the best time to go fishing in Gulf Shores. At this time of year, the fish are clustered along the shoreline before they move to deeper water in summer. Try surf fishing with one of the many tour companies around town and you may just reel in some tasty pompano, whiting, or flounder. Take your catch to Tacky Jacks seafood restaurant in Waterfront Village and they’ll cook it for you!

Fort Payne

Historic Fort Payne is a charming small town in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Downtown, you’ll find the ruins of the Fort Payne military fort along with several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Depot Museum, built in 1891, which exhibits Native American pottery, memorabilia from the Civil War, and artifacts from the railroad. Soak up more history while dining on delicious fare at Vintage 1889, a restaurant courtyard housed in a 125-year-old brick building downtown.

Just a few miles out of town is DeSoto State Park. Located at the peak of Lookout Mountain this stunning reserve offers breathtaking views of Northeast Alabama. Rambling through the park on a clear spring day, you’ll see fields of glorious wildflowers in full bloom, cascading waterfalls, rocky canyons, and winding rivers. Visit on the first Saturday in May to experience ‘Wildflower Saturday’, an annual event featuring guided hikes and speaker presentations that highlight the park’s incredible flora.

Dauphin Island

A barrier island on the Gulf Coast, Dauphin Island is a paradise for birders and nature lovers. This strip of land is the first port of call for migrating birds in spring as they make their way north across the Gulf of Mexico. The island’s Audubon bird sanctuary is listed as an Important Bird Area for several rare species. Stroll the Coastal Birding Trail in spring to see over 300 different species including warblers, kinglets, and tanagers.

Dauphin Island is also home to one of the state’s best-preserved forts, Fort Gaines. On the eastern tip of the island, the fort has incredible views over the Gulf. Take a stroll along the ramparts or join a guided tour to step back in time over 300 years. Another historical site in the north of the island, Indian Mound Park, doubles as a nature reserve and bird refuge. In 1973, the park joined the National Register of Historic Places.

Tuscumbia

An early center for industry in Alabama, Tuscumbia is one of the state’s oldest towns. You’ll see that history reflected in its charming main street and beautiful architecture, some of which date back to the early 1800s. A classic Palladian-style Deep South house, Belle Mont Mansion was built in 1828 and is open to the public year-round. Visit in May to attend Belle Mont Celtic Fest, a celebration of Irish and Scottish culture held on the grounds of the mansion every year. Spring is also a good time to check out the aptly named Spring Park. Located in the heart of downtown, this beautiful recreation area includes pavilions, restaurants, a lighted waterfall, and evening water shows.

Fairhope

Fairhope is a large town on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. Art lovers flock to the town in spring to attend the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, which takes place annually in March, bringing artists, musicians, and performers to the welcoming resort community. The Fairhope Museum of History occupies a 1928 Spanish mansion downtown and tells the story of this unique settlement, first established as a single tax colony in 1894. For gorgeous views of the Bay, head to Fairhope Municipal Pier. This long boardwalk includes restaurants, a rose garden, a marina, walking trails, and a duck pond. Fairhope Outdoor Farmers Market starts its season in April and is a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir, handmade by local crafters.

From the mountainous beauty of Fort Payne in the north to the dazzling beaches of Dauphin Island in the south, Alabama has something for everyone in the spring. Whatever you’re looking for on your spring break—family fun, the great outdoors, rest and relaxation, arts and culture—you’ll find it here. Spring marks the start of the tourist season when towns gear up for an influx of visitors and roll out the red carpet, displaying the famed Southern hospitality that draws over 28 million visitors to Alabama annually!