Huntsville is teeming with history, culture, art and nature, and you want to explore and experience all of it in 48 hours. It is not possible to take in everything the Rocket City has to offer in a scant 48 hours, but with this itinerary guide, you can check out the best art galleries, museums, outdoors, architecture, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, breweries and more.
Day 1 Tour in Huntsville
9:00am- Breakfast at Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos!
Start your day with delicious Tex-Mex and American classics at the Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos. Grab their specialty burgers and tacos. It is one of the best burger joint in Huntsville. Worth a try!
Address: 1267 Enterprise Way, Huntsville, AL 35806, United States
Phone: 1 256-270-9999
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 6:30am-9:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 6:30am-10:00pm
10:00am- Stroll through the U.S. Space and Rocket Center!
Visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center that features interactive science exhibits, space simulators and artifacts. It also has an IMAX Space Dome Theatre which features space-themed entertainment. Aboard the Space ride and feel the G-Force. Also, check out the Apollo capsule, Saturn V Moon Rockets, space shuttle and other space exhibits. Everything from rockets and missiles to simulators and other space memorabilia is on display at this center.
Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Phone: 1 256-837-3400
Distance from Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos: 4.0miles or 8minutes drive via Bradford Drive
11:00am- Take a walk through the Huntsville Botanical Garden and feel the nature!
Next, head off to Huntsville Botanical Garden that features the largest open-air butterfly house in America. It also has a Japanese garden, azalea garden, day lilies, ferns, children’s garden, nature center, and much more. As walk in the garden, you’ll be greeted by the sweet smell of flowers and plants. The highlight is the butterfly house, should not be missed. Strive to go during summer and spring season because the flowers are in full bloom and it is magical.
Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Phone: 1 256-830-4447
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Distance from U.S. Space and Rocket Center: 1.5miles or 4minutes drive
12:00pm-Shopping at Bridge Street Town Center!
Next, head off to Bridge Street Town Center which features over 70 shops and restaurants, splash fountain, train ride, a carousel, a pavilion for live music, a 14 screen movie theatre, and much more. Peruse books in Barnes and Noble, check out the new gadgets at the Apple Store, or shop at any of the retails stores, including Anthropologie, Michael Kors, Apple, Bath and Body Works, Belk Department store, Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic, H&M, Bed Bath and Beyond, DSW Shoes and more. Shop ‘til you drop at Bridge Street Town Center!
Address: 365 The Bridge Street #106, Huntsville, AL 35806, United States
Phone: 1 256-327-8400
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 10:00am-10:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-7:00pm
Distance from Huntsville Botanical Garden: 3.2miles or 9minutes drive via Madison Pike
1:00pm- Lunch at Bridge Street Town Center!
While you’re in Bridge Street Town Center, grab lunch at one of the numerous eating establishments. You’ll find something to fit your taste buds. Some of the restaurants at the Bridge Street Town Center are-
Connors Steak & Seafood (345 The Bridge Street NW): For seafood, steak and American cuisine
Sage Grille (6800 Governors West NW The Westin): For American cuisine
Scene Restaurant & Lounge (370 The Bridge Street, NW): For Japanese, sushi, Asian and American cuisine
Texas de Brazil (350 the Bridge Street NW Ste 124): For South American cuisine
And, there are many more restaurants around Bridge Street Town Center to fit your budget and taste.
2:00pm- Explore the 200 year old heritage at Alabama Constitution Village!
Visit the Alabama Constitution Village that takes you through the Alabama history. The Alabama Constitution Village has been restored to resemble the original village in 1819. The villagers dress in period costumes and take you through the Alabama history by visiting the restored historic buildings and structures. After soaking up the Alabama history, smell the aroma of the freshly baked cookies, browse the gift shop and check out the items prepared by the local artisans, and get candies and treats in the confectionery shop.
Address: 109 Gates Avenue SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-564-8100
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
3:00pm- Fun at EarlyWorks Children's History Museum!
Visit the EarlyWorks Children’s History Museum that features Alabama history through interactive exhibits. It has a 1860s train depot, a 46 foot keelboat, a cabinet shop from the 1819, a talking tree and clock and other exhibits from the 1800s Alabama.
Address: 404 Madison Street SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-564-8100
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Distance from Alabama Constitution Village: 1minute
4:00pm- Get your fill of culture and art at Huntsville Museum of Art!
Now, make your way over to the Huntsville Museum of Art that features an extensive collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art by the international, national and local artists. Works from America, Europe, Asia and Africa are on display. There are several permanent and temporary exhibits that keep visitors captivated.
Address: 300 Church Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-535-4350
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:00am-5:00pm; Thursday: 11:00am-8:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from EarlyWorks Children’s History Museum: 0.2miles or 1minute drive via William Avenue SW
5:00pm- Experience life in 1800s at Weeden House Museum and Garden!
Take a tour of the Weeden House Museum and Garden that features rich history of Alabama. The museum houses exhibits and displays that demonstrates the life during the nineteenth century in Alabama. Take a walk through the gardens and feel the nature. Know about the life and times of Ms. Maria Howard Weeden, a famous artist and poet. Check out Ms. Weeden’s art which illustrates the spirit of 19th century Alabama.
Address: 300 Gates Avenue SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-536-7718
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:30am-11:00pm
Distance from Huntsville Museum of Art: 0.4miles or 3minutes drive
6:00pm-Wine tasting at Wine Cellar!
Tour the Wine Cellar and sample the latest wines. Wine Cellar has an amazing selection of wines from America, Germany, Italy, Australia, Portugal and other countries across the world. Sip on your favorite wine!
Address: 2304 Whitesburg Drive S, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-489-9463
Opening hours: Monday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am-7:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Distance from Weeden House Museum and Garden: 1.1miles or 4minutes drive
7:00pm- Dinner!
Enjoy German fare at Hildegard's German Cuisine (2357 Whitesburg Dr S). Stop by Steak-Out (2105 Whitesburg Dr S) for American fare. If hankering for Italian food, make your way over to Carrabba's Italian Grill (2801 Memorial Pkwy SW).
9:00pm- Bar Hopping!
Start your night excursion at the Below the Radar Brewhouse which has 32 rotating taps of craft brews, wines and other drinks. Sit down, relax and sip on a craft brew. The setting is intimate, but sophisticated with attentive bartenders and laid-back ambiance. Live music is played on Friday and Saturday nights.
Address: 220 Holmes Avenue NE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-469-6617
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-12:00am; Sunday: 10:00am-10:00pm
Next, make your way over to The Nook that has an extensive selection of beer, about 500 beers from around the world. Unwind in a relaxed atmosphere, mingle with a beer in hand, and savor cheese and salami. Beer lovers spot it is!
Address: 3305 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Phone: 1 256-489-0911
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00am-12:00am
End your nightlife excursion at Amendment XXI, a stylish lounge which serves up the finest locally crafted cocktails. Bartenders come up with eclectic concoctions on the spot. Grab a seat on the patio and sip on a unique drink. From the extensive drink menu to the decor, it is the best spot to hang out.
Address: 123 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-715-0131
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:30pm-12:00am; Thursday to Saturday: 4:30pm-2:00am
Day 2 in Huntsville
8:00am- Kick start your morning at Big Spring Park!
Located in the downtown Huntsville, Big Spring Park includes walking paths, a lagoon and several waterfowls. Relax in the peaceful environment, feel the nature, energize yourself by taking a walk, or go birding. From birding to walking to scenery and history, the park is sure to have something for everyone.
Address: Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
9:00am- Breakfast at A Cup of Everything!
Grab a coffee, sandwich and other breakfast items at A Cup of Everything. From all-day breakfast to espresso coffee and tea to snacks to wine and beer, this cafe has something to please every taste.
Address: 103 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-288-3247
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 6:30am-9:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 6:30am-11:00pm; Sunday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Big Spring Park: 0.6miles or 4minutes drive
10:00am-Tour the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum!
Check out the military equipments, uniforms, artifacts and memorabilia dating back from the Revolutionary War to the present day at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum. It is also home to the oldest jeep in the world- Ford Pygmy. The museum has more than 30 historical vehicles from World War II to the present day, including aircrafts, watercrafts and tanks.
Address: 2060 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-883-3737
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Distance from A Cup of Everything: 3.8miles or 9minutes drive via US-231 S
11:00am-Beat the heat at Southern Adventures!
If adventure and thrill is what you’re seeking, make your way over to the Southern Adventures. There are rides for everyone from kids to adults to thrill-seekers. It features arcade games, kiddie rides, miniature golf, go karts, bumper cars, waterpark, carnival rides, rock climbing, roller coasters and much more. Fun and adventure never ends here!
Address: 2150 Leeman Ferry Cir SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-880-6599
Opening hours: Thursday: 3:00pm-8:00pm; Friday: 3:00pm-10:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-10:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-6:00pm (Hours may vary)
Distance from U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: 1.2miles or 3minutes drive
1:00pm- Lunch!
Step into The Original Public House (3310 Memorial Parkway SW) or Cracker Barrel (2001 Drake Ave SW) for American cuisine. Try Japanese and Asian cuisine at Surin of Thailand (975 Airport Rd.). If craving for Mexican food, make your way over to Taqeria El Cazador #1 (3806 Triana Blvd SW).
2:00pm- Catch a show at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment!
Grab some art and culture at the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. It is the largest center for the arts in the southeast. With more than 120 artists, live performers, artisans, art galleries and small businesses, this historic textile mill is a mecca of art, culture and music. Pop in the studios and talk to the artists, catch a live performance and peruse the art. It is a perfect spot to experience the artistic culture of Alabama.
Address: 2211 Seminole Drive SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Phone: 1 256-533-0399
Opening hours: Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00pm-6:00pm; Friday: 12:00pm-8:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
3:00pm-Catch a concert, sporting event or theater at Von Braun Center!
Next, visit the Von Braun Center, a conference and entertainment venue housing a sports arena, theatre, concert hall and more. From rodeos to concerts, symphonies, Broadway productions to sporting events and more, there is always something going on at the center to keep the visitors enthralled.
Address: 700 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Distance from Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment: 1.1mile or 4minutes drive
4:00pm- Time Travel Fun and Adventure at Burritt on the Mountain!
Next, take a trip back to the 1800s at the Burritt on the Mountain. Dress up in the 1800s garbs, tour the Dr. Burritt’s mansion and see the personal artifacts and galleries, and explore the historic park which includes restored buildings and structures that interpret the history and life of the people from 1850 until 1900.
Address: 3101 Burritt Drive SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-536-2882
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Von Braun Center: 5.2miles or 11minutes drive via Governors Dr SE
5:00pm-Shopping at Parkway Place Mall!
Get your retail fix at the Parkway Place Mall. It features myriad of well-known retailers and is anchored by Belk and Dillard’s. Some of the retailers housed in the mall include Chico’s, Pottery Barn, Ann Taylor, Williams-Sonoma, Brookstone, Abercrombie & Fitch and more. Whether you’re looking for home decor items, latest styles and fashion, accessories, shoes, or unique jewelry pieces, this mall has it all.
Address: 2801 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-533-0700
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
6:00pm- Drink up at Huntsville Breweries!
Beer lovers, step into Straight to Ale that offers tastings out of ten taps. Take a tour of the brewery, sip a beer from the tap and enjoy snacks from local food trucks.
Address: 3200 Leeman Ferry Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 3:00pm-10:00pm
Distance from Parkway Place Mall: 1.4miles or 4minutes drive
Or
Head off to Yellow Hammer Brewery features a wide variety of beers that have German, Belgian and Southern influence. Sample a few unique beers, while enjoying music and chowing down some delicious eats.
Address: 2600 Clinton Avenue W, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Phone: 1 256-489-3510
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 11:00am-9:00pm; Thursday to Saturday: 11:00am-11:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-8:00pm
Distance from Parkway Place Mall: 2.1miles or 4minutes drive
8:00pm- Supper!
There are many world-class restaurants in Huntsville. Dine out at the any of following restaurants-
For American cuisine in an elegant setting, step into Cotton Row Restaurant (100 Southside Square). Each dish is made from locally produce.
Get the taste of Huntsville at the 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern (720 Pratt Avenue NE). It specializes in locally sourced global recipes. Do save a room for its bread pudding.
Sink your teeth into juicy steak and ribs at Grandville's Gourmet Ribs & Barbeque (200 Oakwood Ave NE # U).
10:00pm- After Dark Fun!
Head off to the Voodoo Lounge Bar & Grill, a swanky nightspot which has live music nightly. Belt out your fave karaoke tune and dance to the happening music, while sipping on a drink. The music scene at Voodoo is lively and vast, and can’t be beat.
Address: 110 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-539-0335
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 4:00pm-2:00am; Saturday: 7:00pm-2:00am; Sunday: 8:00pm-2:00am
Distance from Cotton Row Restaurant: 1minute
Or
Head off to Rush Nightclub where the party starts at 7:00pm and goes on until 2:00am. Dance the night away, enjoy drinks and play beer pong or pool at this lively nightspot.
Address: 109 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Phone: 1 256-715-8981
Opening hours: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 7:00pm-2:00am
Distance from Cotton Row: 0.2miles or 2minutes drive
Day 2 in Huntsville Map Guide
