Overview
Tuscaloosa is a city of over 100,000 people (2020) in Metropolitan Alabama and home of the University of Alabama.
11 sights · 2 things to do · 5 places to eat · 15 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Tuscaloosa
Denny Chimes
Bryant-Denny Stadium
President's Mansion
Moundville Archeological Park
Moundville Archaeological Park is located 14 miles south of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Highway 69 South. The park is open daily from 8AM to 8PM. The Museum is open from 9AM to 5PM year-round. This 320-acre park includes nat…
Paul W. Bryant Museum
Celebrate more than 100 years of Crimson Tide football revealed through photographs, uniforms, and sports memorabilia.
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, also known as Alabama, UA, or Bama, is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa. Founded in 1831, UA is the flagship campus of the University of Alabama System. Within Alabama, i…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Jul. (climate data from nearby Birmingham)
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.
- BHM Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Birmingham — 53 mi away (major hub). Directions
- GTR Golden Triangle Regional Airport, Columbus/W Point/Starkville — 61 mi away. Directions
Birmingham Airport serves a majority of residents and students. It is about an hour's drive north east from Tuscaloosa, an hour and a half going the speed limit.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Denny Chimes, President's Mansion, Alabama Museum of Natural History
- Lunch Lai Lai
- Afternoon The University of Alabama, Bryant-Denny Stadium
- Dinner City Cafe in Northport
Day 2
- Morning Lake Lurleen State Park, Capital Park
- Lunch Dreamland BBQ
- Afternoon Paul W. Bryant Museum
- Dinner The Cypress Inn
Day 3
- Morning Moundville Archeological Park, Gorgas House
- Lunch Buffalo Phil's
- Afternoon Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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.
Get in
Birmingham Airport serves a majority of residents and students. It is about an hour's drive north east from Tuscaloosa, an hour and a half going the speed limit.
By plane
- Birmingham International Airport, 5900 Airport Hwy, Birmingham, +1 205 595-0533, Email: info@flybirmingham.com. The closest airport with commercial airline service is in Birmingham, 60 miles north-east of Tuscaloosa. It is Alabama's largest airport serving the Greater Birmingham area and surrounding Southeastern cities. More than 160 arrivals from and departures to major cities throughout the United States are offered daily.
By train
Amtrak serves Tuscaloosa with its once-daily Crecent service between New York City and New Orleans. Both north- and southbound trains arrive early afternoon.
By car
Tuscaloosa can be reached going north or south on I-59 and East or West on I-20.
By bus
- Greyhound 2520 Stillman Blvd, +1 205 758-6651, Greyhound Package Express: +1 205 758-6653, Greyhound Charter: +1-800-454-2487. Hours of operation are subject to change. Please call to verify hours before making travel arrangements. M-F 7:30AM-6PM, Sa 7:30AM-5PM, Su 7:30AM-9AM, 1:30-5PM, closed on holidays.
By boat
Tuscaloosa is located on the Black Warrior River. It can be traveled upon from the Tombigbee River.
Get around
The best way to get around the city is by car.
Taxis
- Northriver Taxi Service, +1 205-886-0916
Limousine Services
- Ambassador Limousine Service Inc., +1 205 556-5466
- Premier Limousine, +1 205 345-0733.
By bus
The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority Phone number: +1 205-343-2300. The main transit stop is the Intermodal Facility Terminal, 601 23rd Ave. Tuscaloosa Transit Authority offers the following trolley services:
- University Shuttle - Operates along University Blvd. between the Intermodal Facility Terminal and University of Alabama
- V.A./University Mall
See
See Denny Chimes
See Capital Park
See Bryant-Denny Stadium
See President's Mansion
See Gorgas House
See The Colliseum
See Moundville Archeological Park
Moundville Archaeological Park is located 14 miles south of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Highway 69 South. The park is open daily from 8AM to 8PM. The Museum is open from 9AM to 5PM year-round. This 320-acre park includes nature trails, Indian Villages, and a museum. An internationally known National Historic Landmark, Moundville contains 20 prehistoric Indian mounds and an archaeological museum which displays some of the finest Mississippian-era artifacts ever found in North America. Self-guided tour handouts are given to each visitor free of charge. A complete tour of the park will last 2-3 hours. Tour guides are available with advance notice at a reasonable price. Guided tours last about two hours.
See Alabama Museum of Natural History
The Museum is on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Capstone Drive on The University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. Experience the natural diversity of Alabama through exhibits from the Age of Dinosaurs, the Coal Age, and the Ice Age. View extensive collections of geology, zoology, mineralogy, paleontology, ethnology, history, and photography. See the Hodges meteorite, the only meteorite know to have struck a human.
See Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Tour the Visitor Center/Museum and Factory in this state of the art automotive manufacturing facility. This factory located in Tuscaloosa County manufactures the 2nd generation M-Class and the newest members of the Mercedes-Benz line, the R-Class and GL-Class using Mercedes-Benz U.S. International’s original production system which is a combination of American, Japanese, and German automotive best practices. Visitor Center/ Museum M-F 9AM-5PM, closed Sa Su and Holidays.
See The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, also known as Alabama, UA, or Bama, is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa. Founded in 1831, UA is the flagship campus of the University of Alabama System. Within Alabama, it is often called the Capstone. UA is the senior doctoral university in the state. Today, it is one of the state's three major research universities. Alabama offers programs of study in 12 academic divisions leading to bachelor's, master's, Education Specialist, and doctoral degrees. The only publicly-supported law school in Alabama is at UA. Other academic programs unavailable elsewhere in Alabama include doctoral programs in anthropology, library and information studies, music, Romance languages, and social work.
Do
- See a University of Alabama football game. Game Day on the Quad is a not-to-be missed event; among a sea of crimson-clad fans, the smell of hamburgers, hotdogs and barbecue waft from many tents. Saying a heartfelt "Roll Tide" might even earn you a lunch. Or, you can just shout "Roll Tide" into the crowd, and hear the enthusiastic response.
Do Lake Lurleen State Park
Coker. Lake Lurleen State Park is located 9 miles northwest of Tuscaloosa. It is a perfect site for family outings and overnight camping trips. This lake has 91 campsites, picnic areas, beach area complete with a bathhouse and park store, and over five miles of hiking trails. Canoes, fishing boats, and paddle-boats are also available for use on the lake.
- University of Alabama Golf Course, 15th St, Lighted driving range.
- River Road Park East and River Road Park West are connected by the Riverwalk Path. They overlook the Oliver Lake segment of the Black Warrior River along Jack Warner Parkway. Both parks have an abundance of grills, picnic tables, and benches. River Road Park East can be found at the bottom of Hackberry Lane. It features an overlook pier. a separate fishing pier, and a pavilion with eating tables and an extra large grill. River Road Park West features a large elevated gazebo. The whole area is very well lit after dark with modern traditional style street lamps.
Buy
- A Bear Bryant houndstooth hat
Eat
- Hooligans Located 515 15th St has the best burgers in the area, and at a bargain. Also serve Mediterranean food. Gyros, wraps, hot wings, top notch hummus, babaganoush, and more. It’s eclectic in choice and delicious in taste, no matter the order.
- Thai Basil Sushi II, 1402 University Blvd. Formerly Surin, this is a Thai restaurant and sushi bar chain on the strip.
- Quick grill A small kiosk in front of Publix on the strip. Greek food is their concentration (lamb, falafel, hummus, etc.), but you can also get everything from French fries to chicken. They're open very late.
- Full Moon barbeque Located off of 15th Street, this restaurant provides BBQ that is out of this world. Try the fried green tomatoes or one of the several baked potatoes that are the size of a small football.
Eat Lai Lai
Located on the Strip. Great take-out Chinese food as well as some authentic Chinese specials at very good prices. Also serves bubble tea/boba.
- Mugshot's A great restaurant bar and grill with famous hamburgers. Try their best burger, the McDonald.
Eat City Cafe in Northport
Northport. Fried green tomatoes, okra, yams, barbecue, beef stew. Pick your vegetables and your meat, a huge meal for under $6. There's normally a long line during lunchtime, but don't let that fool you. A free table becomes a free for all, so be aggressive. Sweet tea flows freely. Also, don't forget to check it out for breakfast.
Eat Dreamland BBQ
Known nationwide, Dreamland is a must if you're looking for cuisine that is uniquely Tuscaloosa. Be prepared though--the original location only serves ribs, slices of white bread, and banana pudding, but boy is it good!
Eat The Cypress Inn
Located near the Black Warrior River. From the open air porch looking out over the landscaped entrance and the river to the outdoor dining area, every detail here is designed to make your dining an experience, not just a meal. The menu consists of fresh fish, steaks, pastas, and homemade desserts. Great place for banquets.
Eat Buffalo Phil's
Located on the strip and right next to campus. Buffalo Phil's has world-famous buffalo wings and chicken fingers and provides a quaint atmosphere. Buffalo Phil's has been a presence on the strip for more than twenty years. Great drinks, great food.
- Swen. Chinese food, located in the Strip area.
Drink
Many of the popular bars in Tuscaloosa are not true bars, but are instead restaurants that serve more alcohol and less food as the night goes on. Since they are not classified as bars, people under 21 may be allowed in, though they typically will be turned away after 10:00pm (when it becomes too crowded for the staff to keep track of who is underage). They may also ask people under 21 who are already present to leave at 10:00.
- The Strip, a row of bars and shops along University Dr. just off campus. The Houndstooth is a sportsbar that was once voted by Sports Illustrated as the number one college sports bar in the nation. Gallete's doesn't have a sign on the front, and is one of the most popular student bars around. The Strip is geared more towards University of Alabama students due to its proximity to campus.
- Downtown - Tuscaloosa's downtown bar scene includes establishments around the corner of 4th Street and 23rd Avenue including Rhythm and Brews and Mellow Mushroom. Just a block southwest of this area around the corner of 6th Street and Greensboro Avenue you'll find Mugshots, Innisfree Irish Pub, and Catch 22.
Sleep
Stay Best Western Catalina Inn (Northport)
37 rooms with King or Double size beds. Each room is equipped with cable TV including Showtime. They offer special rates for tour groups, senior citizens, government and corporate emplopyees. Small pets allowed at Manager's discretion. Complimentary Continental Breakfast, 24-hour restaurant adjacent, seasonal outdoor pool, playground, free parking, non-smoking facilities, children under 12 free with adult.
Stay Best Western University Inn
118 rooms with Showtime. They offer rooms and suites with microwaves and refrigerators. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet, complimentary USA Today, meeting room, outdoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, safe deposit boxes, photo copy service, valet laundry service, RV and truck parking. Children under 12 free with adult. Located next to O' Charley's.
Stay SureStay Hotel By Best Western Tuscaloosa
At exit 76 on Interstate 20/59 in East Tuscaloosa. Next door to Cracker Barrel, this property offers free deluxe continental breakfast, outdoor pool and interior corridor. Additional amenities also include; free local calls, free USA Today, in-room workspace, in-room coffee, hair dryers, irons and boards. Pet charge: 10.00/night – must sign pet policy on arrival. Winner of Choice Hotels Prestigious Gold Hospitality Award.
Stay Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tuscaloosa, AL
On I-20 & 59 at exit 73 (McFarland Blvd, East). Has an outdoor pool, fitness center, meeting room to accommodate up to 15 people, business center, two phone lines with data ports, celebration & whirlpool suites including microwave, refrigerator and full kitchen available.
Stay Courtyard by Marriott
From I-59 east/west - take exit 71A, turn left at first traffic light onto Skyland Blvd. Turn left (behind LoneStar) onto Old Greensboro Rd, then first left onto Courtney Drive. Courtyard is on the right. Amenities include: rooms and suites, nine King Jacuzzi rooms, in-room coffee service, exercise room, meeting room, Courtyard Cafe serving breakfast daily, fax and copy service, lounge.
Stay Hampton Inn (Interstate)
Located off exit 77 (Cottondale Exit) on the east side of Tuscaloosa with convenient access to major municipal, industrial, residential and business districts. Located near Ruby Tuesdays and Pizza Hut. Amenities include: Free Continental Breakfast bar, Free USA Today, Monday-Friday, Free local calls, Full cable TV with HBO, outdoor pool, interior corridors, in-room coffee and special rates for AAA and AARP members.
Stay Hampton Inn (University)
Located off US Hwy 82, Campus Drive Exit, adjacent to the University of Alabama and D.C.H. Regional Medical Center. This property is next to Bob Baumhower Wings Sports Grill. Amenities include: Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast Bar, offered every morning in the lobby from 6-10AM. Free USA Today, Monday-Friday, Free local calls, Full cable TV with HBO, outdoor pool, interior corridors, in-room coffee and special rates for AAA and AARP members.
- Hilton Garden Inn, 800 Hollywood Blvd. +1 205-722-0360
Stay safe
The Tuscaloosa Metro is relatively safe. The southern and eastern/Alberta City areas of Tuscaloosa are some of the most crime-ridden.
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