The 19 Best Things To Do In Huntsville This Year

Rocket City is a place ever on the rise.

Huntsville has many claims to fame, one of which is its history with NASA and space exploration. Rocket City, as it’s affectionately known, is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a place that preserves and showcases the history of the space program and offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of the machines and stories that powered the 20th century’s race to space. According to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, "It is here in Huntsville that rockets were developed that put the first U.S. satellite into orbit and sent men to the moon, propulsion for the space shuttle was developed, and modules for the International Space Station (ISS) were designed and built."

This city in northern Alabama is on the rise in many ways–not just space-age ones. With restaurants worth revisiting, arts and culture to write home about, and outdoor activities ideal for adventures, this city makes for a great weekend trip. Read on to find out about a few fun things to do in Huntsville on your next visit.

Where To Eat And Drink In Huntsville

Stay Awhile at Yellowhammer Brewing

When you're looking for a locally-brewed beverage, look no further than Yellowhammer Brewing, which has a taproom and lounge on Clinton Ave W. According to them, "[Yellowhammer] remains focused on and dedicated to creating premium ales and lagers that draw on Belgian and German brewing traditions with a Southern interpretation." It's a laid-back place to spend an afternoon, and the brews can't be beat.

yellowhammerbrewery.com; 2600 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL

Grab a Pint at Other Breweries Along the Craft Beer Trail

There’s a burgeoning brewing scene in Huntsville, and the city even has its own craft beer trail. You can refer to the handy map to find your way from location to location. Places like Green Bus Brewing and Rocket Republic Brewing are on the roster. At Rocket Republic, you'll find live music by local and touring artists as well as plenty of space for events. Beers on tap may include regional favorites like Rocktoberfest, a fest bier; Six Iron, a pilsner; and Vapor Trail, a cream ale. Also be sure to check the tap board at Green Bus to see what's currently on offer. You'll usually find a selection of beers and ciders, with some slushies and kombucha available for good measure.

Relax with a Drink at a Cocktail Bar or Pub

There are more than a few places to grab a drink in Huntsville, from the sleek to the cozy. Try the drink menus at the open-air The Bar at 805; The Brass Tap for craft beers; Pourhouse, which is located at Stovehouse; The Martin Bar & Bistro, a place for drinks and food; and Pints and Pixels, where you'll find a laid-back experience with both a pub and an arcade. Another favorite spot is Catacomb 435 speakeasy, a 1920s inspired haunt with craft cocktails.

Shop, Learn, and Eat at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

Housed in a historic textile mill that's been renovated and re-imagined, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment is a hub for arts and creativity. It’s home to a huge concentration of galleries and studios for artists, some of which you can peek into to see the creative process at work. Here, you can find spaces with artisans working in varied mediums including bookbinding, glass, ceramics, drawing, jewelry-making, mixed-media and painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles. Lowe Mill also houses places to shop and hear live music.

When you've worked up an appetite exploring all of the creative hubs, check out the center's culinary offerings. Food and drink options here include Pizzelle’s Confections, which has a menu of beautifully crafted small-batch chocolates; Irons One Distillery, which turns out whisky with a history; Chef Will the Palate, which offers gluten-free and vegetarian dishes; Poftà Bunà International, an eatery serving what they describe as "Mediterranean and Eastern European foods with a Romanian influence"; Piper and Leaf Tea and Coffee Shop, where you'll find Alabama-favorite blends; Dragon's Forge Cafe, which has a cozy atmosphere; and several more.

lowemill.art; 2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville, AL

Museums To Explore In Huntsville

Explore Interstellar Phenomena at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center

This city has its astronautical bonafides. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, is one of the biggest draws to the city. It’s the visitors center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and it’s filled with galleries and displays explaining the stories and technologies behind the United States’ history of space flight. (It’s also home to Space Camp.) Virtual reality programs and simulators enliven a visit to this can’t-miss museum.

rockcenter.com; One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 

Admire the Flowers at the Huntsville Botanical Garden

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is fun to visit at any time of year, but when the flowers bloom in spring, it’s a sight to see. The botanical garden is a public green space covering 118 acres, including the Bush Azalea Trail, Purdy Butterfly House, and Damson Aquatic Garden. In addition to beautifully landscaped gardens, throughout the year there are special events, educational programs, and plant sales too.

hsvbg.org; 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL

Channel Your Creativity at the Huntsville Museum of Art

Located in Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville, The Huntsville Museum of Art has fourteen galleries and a permanent collection of more than 3,200 objects. The collection spans the globe and many artistic periods but has a primary focus on 19th and 20th century American art. The works in the collection span media, with many contemporary wood, glass, metal, clay and fiber pieces added more recently.

hsvmuseum.org; 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 

The Sights And Sounds Of Huntsville

Venture Outdoors at Monte Sano State Park

Once you’ve had your fill of extra-terrestrial exploration, embark on an adventure in nature. At Monte Sano State Park, which is located near Huntsville, you’ll find lodging options at campgrounds and Monte Sano Lodge. According to Alapark, “In the late 1800s, visitors from across the United States came for ‘the season’ to experience and enjoy Monte Sano’s fresh air, spectacular views and mineral springs.” The park stretches over 2,140 acres of vibrant foliage in fall, blooms in spring, and overlooks for taking in the northern Alabama scenery.

alapark.com; 5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL

Experience Burritt on the Mountain

This historic home and park is located atop Round Top Mountain with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mansion was built in the 20th century as the home of Dr. William Henry Burritt and today welcomes visitors to experience the architecture and museum through a self-guided tour. There are also nature trails along the grounds at Burritt on the Mountain which invite quiet walks on sunny days.

burrittonthemountain.com; 3101 Burritt Drive SE, Huntsville, AL

See a Concert at The Orion

A lot of great bands come through Huntsville, and you can see them at The Orion Amphitheater, an 8,000-seat venue and the city's premiere location for big musical events. In addition to concerts, The Orion has events like Movies in the Meadow, which screens family-friendly movies outdoors, and festivals of all kinds.

 theorionhuntsville.com; 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL

Take in a Show at the Von Braun Center

No matter what kind of entertainment you're looking for, Huntsville's Von Braun Center has it. According to the center, it is "named for rocket pioneer Dr. Wernher Von Braun [and] is located in the heart of historic downtown Huntsville, Alabama. This multi-purpose facility is equipped to accommodate major conferences, conventions, concerts, Broadway performances, ballets, symphonies, a full range of sporting events and more." Check the calendar to see what's currently playing.

vonbrauncenter.com; 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL

Hear Live Music Around Town

Once you've seen a concert at The Orion, check out some of Huntsville's other music venues. Places like Mars Music Hall, which is the Von Braun Center's newest stage, host local and touring acts. It also has a restaurant and rooftop bar called Rhythm on Monroe for hanging out before or after a show. The Electric Belle is another popular spot for live music. You can find it at the very end of Gas Light Alley at Stovehouse events space. The Electric Belle also has a bar experience with a menu of beers, wines, and more.

Outdoor Activities In Huntsville

Enjoy a Walk in Big Spring Park

There's no better place in downtown Huntsville for a walk than Big Spring International Park, which has shaded sidewalks, fountains, and views of the city skyline. According to Visit Huntsville, some of the park's draws are festivals and events like the Panoply Arts Festival and Concerts in the Park, as well as the ducks and geese that frequent the spring and waddle beneath the spring-blooming cherry trees lining the paths.

huntsville.org; 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL

Embark on a High-Flying Zip-Lining Excursion

Once you've explored the Huntsville landscape at the botanical gardens, add some elevation to your adventures with a Vision Zipline Tour. According to the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, "The Vision Zipline Tour is the latest high-adventure addition to The Vision [a Christian camp and retreat center], located in south Huntsville, Alabama. It promises an unforgettable experience, featuring 10 zip lines, the longest reaching 1,100 feet." An experience here includes views of the wooded grounds as well as a picturesque valley.

Take a Hike on Green Mountain Nature Trail

Located in southeast Huntsville, this nature trail traverses the wooded acreage along Green Mountain. Also known as the Madison County Nature Trail, according to Madison County, it is "open free to the public each day from seven in the morning until thirty minutes prior to sunset. [It] encompasses Sky Lake, a 1.5 mile walking trail, pavilion, chapel, outdoor classroom, picnic tables, covered bridge, and accessible restrooms." The trail also passes Alabama's oldest champion winged elm tree, so keep an eye out as you walk.

Where To Dine In Huntsville

Grab a Cup of Coffee

You would expect a city on the rise to have some great coffee shops, and Huntsville delivers. If you're downtown, check out Honest Coffee Roasters, which serves acai bowls and breakfast sandwiches in addition to coffees, espressos, and seasonal drinks (which include the Banana Split Nitro, Peach Tea Lemonade, and Dreamsicle Latte).

honesthsv.coffee; 114 Clinton Ave. E #106, Huntsville, AL

Book a Food Tour

If you want to explore Huntsville but don't want to plan the itinerary yourself, hop on an excursion with Scene That Tours. Hosted by Denise Swain and Calvin Havens, the tours you'll find through this organization will introduce you to countless hidden pockets of Huntsville through informative and entertaining jaunts around town. Don't miss the Historic Homes Walking Tour, Downtown Food Tour and Civil Rights Landmarks Driving Tour.

Dine in Downtown Huntsville

Downtown Huntsville has a strong culinary scene, and it's home to bars and restaurants including The Poppy and Parliament, which is a British-themed pub, gourmet store, and butcher shop with a red phone box outside. There's also Sea Salt, an oyster bar; Domaine South, which overlooks Big Spring Park; Purveyor; The Standard Social Market; Revivalist; La Esquina Cocina; and MELT, all of which keep hungry (and thirsty) visitors coming back for more. Additionally, Commerce Kitchen serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with a lineup of weekly specials (like cornmeal-crusted fried catfish, buttermilk fried chicken, and prime rib) worth the visit.

Enjoy an Upscale Meal

If you'd like to sit down to a fancy dinner, locals love Nick's Ristorante for steaks, fresh seafood, and Italian specialties. The Bottle, which is located downtown, has a menu of showstopping appetizers and excellent mains. Cotton Row is another dinnertime favorite serving oysters, salads, flavorful pastas, and entrees such as mushroom ravioli, beef short ribs, and hot honey salmon.

There’s lots to do, both space-themed and otherwise, in this vibrant city. Shop, dine, and explore to your heart’s content, and you just might learn something new about Rocket City along the way. 

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