5 days in Alabama Itinerary

Birmingham may be one of America's most controversial cities.

On the 15th (Mon), explore and take pictures at Vulcan Park and Museum and then see the interesting displays at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Birmingham Zoo, get curious at McWane Science Center, then take an in-depth tour of Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of 16th Street Baptist Church.

To see where to stay, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Birmingham travel planner .

New York City to Birmingham is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Traveling from New York City to Birmingham, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In July, plan for daily highs up to 90°F, and evening lows to 72°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Tue) to allow time to travel to Orange Beach.

Orange Beach exists solely as a tourist beach town, with a permanent population of less than 6,000.

Family-friendly places like Fishing Charters & Tours and Gulf State Park will thrill your kids. Get outdoors at Parasailing & Paragliding and Waterskiing & Jetskiing. When in Orange Beach, make a side trip to see Fort Morgan State Historic Site in Fort Morgan, approximately 40 minutes away. It doesn't end there: get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour and meet the residents at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Orange Beach trip maker .

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Birmingham to Orange Beach takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and car. Expect a daytime high around 88°F in July, and nighttime lows around 73°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can travel back home.