Overview
Huntsville is in northern Alabama, about 20 miles (32 km) from the border with Tennessee. The city is a center for missile defense and aerospace technologies, with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman having major operations here. Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country, is home to many of these companies.
18 sights · 12 things to do · 20 places to eat · 17 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Huntsville
U.S. Space and Rocket Center Museum
Alabama's number one for-fee tourist attraction, this museum is especially of interest to space-amazed kids and kids at heart. In 2008 the aging museum was revitalized with the opening of the $23 million Davidson Center,…
Huntsville Museum of Art
The Museum of Art is in Big Spring Park. It features seven exhibit halls which host many regional and national art exhibits every year and the museum's own 2,500 piece collection. There is a large gift shop and a coffee …
Alabama Constitution Village
See where the state of Alabama was born in 1819. Village includes a cabinet shop, law office, and a post office. During the Holidays, "Santa's Village" is held here. Open Wednesday through Saturday, March through October…
Historic Huntsville Depot
Mid-1800s era railroad depot used as a prison for Civil War soldiers. Various festivals are held here throughout the year, including the Rocket City BBQ Festival in May. Open Wednesday through Saturday, March through Oct…
Burritt on the Mountain
On Round Top Mountain off of US 431 and Monte Sano Boulevard. Features a large early 20th-century mansion, a late 19th-century farm and a petting zoo. There are also nature trails, including one that is handicapped-acces…
North Alabama Railroad Museum
It's in the Chase community in Northeast Huntsville. Features the smallest union station in the country and 90-minute train rides on select Saturdays. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, April to December. Ticket prices for t…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Mar.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HSV Huntsville International Airport, Huntsville — 13 mi away. Directions
- MSL Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, Muscle Shoals — 58 mi away. Directions
- BHM Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Birmingham — 81 mi away (major hub). Directions
Huntsville is served by the following carriers:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $71–$71 a night (typical $71), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, Extended stay in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Huntsville Museum of Art, Alabama Constitution Village, EarlyWorks Children's History Museum
- Lunch Good Company Cafe
- Afternoon Weeden House Museum, Historic Huntsville Depot
- Dinner Bandito Burrito
- Evening Green Bus Brewing
Day 2
- Morning U.S. Space and Rocket Center Museum, Huntsville Botanical Garden, EarlyWorks Museum Complex
- Lunch Gibson's BBQ
- Afternoon Huntsville Land Trust Trails, Hays Nature Preserve
- Dinner Po-Boy Factory
- Evening InnerSpace Brewing Company
Day 3
- Morning Burritt on the Mountain, Monte Sano State Park, North Alabama Railroad Museum
- Lunch Rolo's
- Afternoon Veterans Memorial Museum, Ditto Landing
- Dinner Tenders
- Evening Mad Malts Brewing
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Like most cities, Huntsville does have its fair share of fast-food restaurants, but there are many local eateries as well that serve every budget and taste. Because of Huntsville's diverse population, there are ethnic restaurants that specialize in Greek, Indian, Thai, and many other ethnicities.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Huntsville was founded in 1805 by a Virginia man named John Hunt. For the first 140 years of its history, the city was a sleepy cotton town. In 1950, the US Army transferred Dr. Werner von Braun and his team of German rocket scientists to Redstone Arsenal. Within a decade, the city became a center for rocket design and construction. In 1960, NASA opened the Marshall Space Flight Center, which has played a significant role in the Mercury-Redstone (named after Redstone Arsenal), Gemini, and Apollo manned space programs.
Huntsville is home to almost 200,000 residents (2018). The Huntsville metro area, with 463,000 residents, is the third largest in Alabama, after Birmingham and Mobile, though the city proper became the largest in Alabama as of the 2020 Census. Madison, Athens, Decatur, and a number of smaller cities are generally considered part of the Huntsville metro area.
Climate
Summers are hot and humid, but the thermometer rarely goes above 100°F. It is mostly the humidity that makes for exceptionally high heat indices though. Average heat indices in the summer is around 93°F during the day and 73°F at night. It's not unheard to have a heat index of 107°F during the day and 76°F at night on particularly sweltering days. Strong thunderstorms do come out of nowhere in the afternoons. Autumn is quite comfortable in Huntsville. First frost normally happens around Halloween. In winter, snow is a possibility, but never a guarantee. Most snow in Huntsville is on the light side (less than 2 inches). However, any snow amounts more than 1/3" can close roads and schools.
Being in a "tornado alley", Huntsville gets many tornado warnings in the spring, as well as a second tornado season around November-December.
Get in
By plane
Huntsville is served by the following carriers:
- American Eagle, with service from Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Washington, D.C.-Reagon
- Delta Air Lines, with service from Atlanta.
- Delta Connection, with service from Detroit and seasonal service from Atlanta.
- Frontier Airlines, with service from Orlando and seasonal service from Denver.
- Silver Airways, with service from Orlando.
- United Express, with service from Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston-Intercontinental, and Washington D.C.-Dulles
By train
There is no passenger train service to Huntsville.
By car
Huntsville is accessible from nearby Interstate 65, approximately 20 miles west of downtown. An interstate spur, Interstate 565, runs from I-65 eastward for 21 miles, to and through downtown Huntsville.
- I-565: Spur route to I-65, providing access to Birmingham, AL, Nashville, TN, and Decatur, AL.
- US 72: providing access to Chattanooga, TN (via Interstate 24), Memphis, TN, and Athens, AL.
- US 431: providing access to Guntersville, AL and Anniston, AL.
- US 231: providing access to Fayetteville, TN and Arab, AL.
By bus
see also Intercity buses in the USA
Get around
Huntsville is very car-oriented.
By bus
Public transportation is not popular in Huntsville, but does exist. The city offers 13 bus routes, including a Tourist Trolley, which loops past most of the city's attractions and shopping areas. Turnovers between buses can be between fifteen minutes in downtown and one hour in outlying areas. There are also two free weekend evening routes that serve Downtown, Five Points, and the Medical District.
- Fares
- One way: $1
- Seniors, students, children under 6, one way: $.50
- Tourist Loop: $2 (all day pass)
- Downtown Weekend Trolley: Free
- Hours
- M-Th: 6AM–6PM
- F: 6AM–2AM (Downtown Trolley only after 6PM)
- Sa: 7PM–2AM (Downtown Trolley only)
- Su: No service
By bike
- Downtown Huntsville is served by the Pace bike share program. For fairly cheap rates, there are bicycles in several locations in the city. However, outside of the center of downtown (near Big Spring Park) and greenways, Huntsville is not very bike-friendly.
See
While not widely known as a tourist destination, Huntsville does have a number of attractions of interest.
Museums
See U.S. Space and Rocket Center Museum
Alabama's number one for-fee tourist attraction, this museum is especially of interest to space-amazed kids and kids at heart. In 2008 the aging museum was revitalized with the opening of the $23 million Davidson Center, which features a Saturn V rocket that was never launched and also includes numerous exhibits on program that led up to the moon visits. Outside of the museum are replicas and test units for numerous other space vehicles, including life-size replicas of the space shuttle and a vertical Saturn V. The US Space Camp is also based here and has hosted over 500,000 visitors since its inception in 1982.
See Huntsville Museum of Art
The Museum of Art is in Big Spring Park. It features seven exhibit halls which host many regional and national art exhibits every year and the museum's own 2,500 piece collection. There is a large gift shop and a coffee shop with a patio that overlooks the park.
See Alabama Constitution Village (Constitution Hall Park)
See where the state of Alabama was born in 1819. Village includes a cabinet shop, law office, and a post office. During the Holidays, "Santa's Village" is held here. Open Wednesday through Saturday, March through October, and special hours in November and December.
See Burritt on the Mountain
On Round Top Mountain off of US 431 and Monte Sano Boulevard. Features a large early 20th-century mansion, a late 19th-century farm and a petting zoo. There are also nature trails, including one that is handicapped-accessible. Open Tu-Su year-round, though hours vary between winter and summer months.
See North Alabama Railroad Museum
It's in the Chase community in Northeast Huntsville. Features the smallest union station in the country and 90-minute train rides on select Saturdays. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, April to December. Ticket prices for the train excursion are $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. Prices may vary for special events.
- State Black Archives and Museum, Wilson Bldg, Alabama A&M University, +1 256-851-5846. M-F. On the campus of Alabama A&M University in North Huntsville/Normal. $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free for toddlers and A&M faculty and students.
Parks and greenspaces
Information about parks can be found at the city website.
- Big Spring International Park Huntsville's signature park, located downtown. This is where Huntsville was founded more than 200 years ago. Features various gifts given to the city by countries like Japan (the Red Bridge) and Norway (the lighthouse). Restaurants, hotels, and the Von Braun Center are nearby. It underwent an expansion near the Embassy Suites hotel.
See Huntsville Greenways
A network of bikeways, trails, and bike-friendly roads across the metro area. 73 miles have been completed, and it will eventually grow to over 312 miles. Aldridge Creek Greenway in Southeast Huntsville is the most popular bikeway, but it becomes impassable after heavy rains.
- Green Mountain Nature Trail, South Shawdee Road, +1 256-883-9501. Open daily. A mile-long nature trail that wraps around a 16-acre lake. Features a covered bridge, picnic area, and a "Braille trail." Located off Green Mountain Road in Southeast Huntsville.
See Huntsville Botanical Garden
A 110-acre garden with woodlands, meadows and ponds. Features the nation's largest Butterfly House, which is open from May to September. There is a Nature Center and Children's Garden. In November and December, the Botanical Garden is home to the Galaxy of Lights. Open 7 days a week except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Hours and admission vary between summer and fall/winter/spring months.
See Hays Nature Preserve
And Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. The largest city-owned park and preserve, with ten miles of trails through swamps and wooded areas. Horses and bikes are allowed on some trails. It's off US 431 south of Hampton Cove. Some online map search results may say that the Preserve is permanently closed, but it is not.
Historic districts
- Twickenham Historic District. The Twickenham and Old Town historic districts, located just east of downtown, feature large homes that were built as early as 1814. In June and July, free guided walking tours of the area start at 10AM each Saturday.
See Five Points Historic District
Five Points Historic District is an example of an early 20th-century neighborhood featuring several architectural styles, including California Bungalow, Queen Anne and other modest Victorian styles. The Five Points district has become one of Huntsville's trendiest neighborhoods, with small shops, art galleries, and restaurants lining the streets in the area.
Do
- Canoeing on the Flint River. Several canoeing expeditions are available. The Flint River is in East Madison County, about 7 miles from downtown.
Axe throwing
The fun and stress relieving activity of throwing axes at a wooden target is an activity in Huntsville.
Performing arts
Do Theatre Huntsville
A non-profit, all-volunteer arts organization that presents six plays each season in downtown Huntsville's Von Braun Center Playhouse, and also produces the annual "Shakespeare on the Mountain" in an outdoor venue, such as Burritt on the Mountain. Presentations range from such popular favorites as "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Noises Off" to cutting-edge productions like "The Laramie Project" and "Angels in America," and even a few Alabama premieres, such as "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge." Information on tickets, group rates, special rates for touring and student groups, workshops, auditions by phone; office hours are by appointment only.
Do Huntsville Community Chorus Association
The state's second-oldest performing arts organization, producing both choral concerts and musical theater productions (ranging from "The Pirates of Penzance" to "Guys and Dolls" and "Jesus Christ Superstar"). In addition, HCCA features its Madrigal Singers; "Glitz!" (a show choir); a Chamber Chorale; an annual summer melodrama/fundraiser; and three children's groups, the Huntsville Community Children’s Chorus (HC3), HC3Jr, for the younger set, and HC3Sr, for high-schoolers.
Sports
- Rocket City Trash Pandas: Minor League baseball team playing in the Double-A Southern League at Toyota Field in the suburb of Madison.
Do Alabama–Huntsville Chargers (UAH Chargers)
Sports teams of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, playing mostly in NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference. The Chargers play 18 sports in all, nine for each sex, but football isn't one of them. Unusually for a school in the South, UAH's highest-profile sport had long been men's ice hockey, which played in Division I, but that team was shut down in 2021 due to a combination of conference realignment and COVID-19 impact. The remaining UAH teams play on campus.
- Huntsville will become home to a professional men's soccer team in 2023, specifically the as-yet-unnamed reserve side for Nashville SC of Major League Soccer. The team will play in the third-tier MLS Next Pro, a league made up almost entirely of MLS reserve sides. Joe W. Davis Stadium, which had for decades been the city's home for minor-league baseball, is being rebuilt into a soccer-specific venue for the new side.
Festivals
- Whistlestop Weekend. Held the second weekend in May at the Huntsville Depot. Features music and a Barbecue cookoff.
- Galaxy of Lights. A drive-through Christmas lights show held at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Open from 5:30–9PM nightly from mid-November to New Year's Eve.
Learn
- University of Alabama in Huntsville. A mid-sized university that specializes in engineering and science. Part of the University of Alabama system. Located off Sparkman Drive near Research Park.
- Alabama A&M University. A historically black college located in Normal in Northeast Huntsville.
- Oakwood University. A small Seventh Day Adventist school located in Northwest Huntsville.
- JF Drake State Technical College. A small public technical school in Northeast Huntsville.
- Calhoun Community College. The largest community college in Alabama, with campuses in Huntsville, Decatur, and Redstone Arsenal.
- Athens State University. The state's only 2-year upper-level university. Located in Athens, which is about 20 miles west of Huntsville.
- Florida Institute of Technology. Campus on Redstone Arsenal serving the local high tech community.
Buy
Shop Bridge Street Town Centre
An open-air upscale lifestyle center with 60 shops and restaurants, a 12-story Westin hotel, and a Cinemark theatre. Tenants include Belk's, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Barnes & Noble. Located at the Research Park Boulevard (AL 255)/Old Madison Pike interchange.
Eat
Like most cities, Huntsville does have its fair share of fast-food restaurants, but there are many local eateries as well that serve every budget and taste. Because of Huntsville's diverse population, there are ethnic restaurants that specialize in Greek, Indian, Thai, and many other ethnicities.
Eat Good Company Cafe
In Main Street Shopping Village with fresh salads, sandwiches and soups.
Budget
Eat Bandito Burrito
Vegetarian-friendly Tex-mex dive. Quick service, freshly made.
Eat Tenders
The original location of a local chain known for its chicken fingers.
Eat Nothing but Noodles
Mostly noodles. In the Burlington Coat Factory shopping center.
Mid-range
Eat Sitar Indian Cuisine
The best Indian food in town, and reasonably priced. The lunch buffet (all days but Saturday) at this family-owned chain changes items often, remaining fresh and very popular.
Eat Thai Garden
Excellent, moderately priced Thai food in a comfortable atmosphere resulting largely from its family-run, family-friendly ambience. The longest-running Thai restaurant in the area.
Eat Rosie’s Mexican Cantina
Probably the most famous restaurant to come out of Huntsville since Steak-Out.
Eat Viet Huong
NW; #1. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine, ranging from the familiar pho – the national dish – to clay pots, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese coffees, and more. Condiments allow you to “doctor” your dishes to your liking.
Eat Tim's Cajun Kitchen
Local Cajun restaurant.
Eat Furniture Factory Bar & Grill
Restaurant with a large patio and live music. Artwork and (of course) furniture are for sale. Located between Downtown and Five Points.
Eat Moe's Southwest Grill
Next to Books-A-Million.
Eat Phat Sammy's
Known for its modern and experimental cocktails and comfort food. Phat Sammy's is a fun place for adults. Loud atmosphere, Geek themed.
Splurge
Eat Phuket Thai Restaurant
A stylish Thai restaurant in the village of Providence.
Eat Shogun
Upscale Japanese steakhouse chain.
Eat Humphrey's Bar and Grill
Featuring Southern cooking.
Eat Ruth's Chris Steak House
Upscale New Orleans steakhouse chain. Located within Embassy Suites.
Eat Surin of Thailand
Upscale Thai restaurant. Located near Books-A-Million.
Drink
Breweries
The micro brewery scene in Huntsville is new but growing fast.
Drink Green Bus Brewing
Located in a 150-year-old building just off the historic square. This nano brewery specializes in small batches which creates a diverse and ever-changing tap list.
Drink Mad Malts Brewing
A small and relaxed brewery. Live music and comedy shows most Friday and Saturday nights.
Drink Old Black Bear Brewing Company
Working alongside local companies such as Leavendary at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Old Black Bear embraces innovative strides in how beer is processed. Also has a great food menu.
Drink Rocket Republic Brewing
A brewery started by rocket scientists.
Drink Straight to Ale
Look for the Speakeasy. Free brewery tours are given on Saturdays at 2PM. No reservations required. Also contains Ale's Kitchen restaurant and Ronnie Raygun's, an arcade. This is Huntsville's biggest brewery.
Drink Yellowhammer Brewery
Yellowhammer beers can be found in many fine restaurants, taverns, groceries and craft beer stores across both Alabama and Tennessee.
Bars
Drink Chips & Salsa
Bar with live music.
Drink Humphrey's Bar and Grill (Washington Square)
Live music and a patio area.
Drink Pints and Pixels
Full bar, craft beer, and more than 50 arcade machines.
Coffee
Drink The Green Room At The Camp
Coffee shop located in MidCity
Drink Honest Coffee Roasters
Roaster and coffee shop in Historic Downtown.
Drink Coffee Tree Books & Brew
Popular coffee shop/hangout.
Drink Kaffeeklatsch
This coffee shop is a downtown tradition.
Tea
Drink Piper & Leaf
Artisan tea shop in Lowe Mill Entertainment District.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Extended stay
Stay safe
Though crime levels are above average for a city in its population bracket, most of the crime is restricted to inner city neighborhoods that would be of no interest to visitors. In general, the most dangerous region of the city is the northern neighborhoods (particularly the northwest). In addition to crime, if hiking on Monte Sano or engaging in some other outdoor activity, be aware that during the summer, temperatures can hit triple digits and one can dehydrate quickly. Be sure to consume an adequate amount of fluids during the warm temperatures.
Go next
- Lynchburg – home of Jack Daniel's Distillery. A 45-minute drive from Huntsville.
- Guntersville – this town on Lake Guntersville is a popular weekend retreat for Huntsvillians. About a 40-minute drive from Huntsville on US 431 South.
- Decatur – home of "America's First Wave Pool" at Point Mallard Park.
- Florence – home of many museums and festivals.
- Scottsboro – home of the "Unclaimed Baggage Center." Much of the world's unclaimed airline luggage ends up here, for sale to the public in grossly oversized "luxury" thrift store.
Farther away- all are a 1½-2 hour drive.
Nearby
Athens
City / town · 6 listings · 22 mi away
Decatur
City / town · 9 listings · 24 mi away
Elkmont
City / town · 1 listings · 26 mi away
Arab
City / town · 1 listings · 29 mi away
Fayetteville
City / town · 5 listings · 29 mi away
Guntersville
City / town · 2 listings · 31 mi away
Scottsboro
City / town · 12 listings · 32 mi away
Walls of Jericho
Park · 33 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.