Here are five underrated places within a couple hours of Birmingham that deserve a spot on your radar.

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1. Montevallo‍

This small college town just 45 minutes south of Birmingham is more than a campus. Stroll the charming downtown square for coffee shops, bookstores, and antique finds, then explore Orr Park, famous for its tree carvings. It's a blend of quirky art, nature, and Southern hospitality.

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2. The Shoals (Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield)‍

About two hours northwest, this set of towns has a rich music history and charm. Tour the iconic FAME Studios, visit Helen Keller’s birthplace in Tuscumbia, and enjoy the shops and restaurants of historic downtown Florence. It’s soulful, creative, and walkable.

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3. Wetumpka

Made famous by HGTV’s Home Town Takeover, Wetumpka still feels like a hidden gem. Set along the Coosa River just 90 minutes south of Birmingham, it offers riverfront parks, boutiques, and a revitalized main street with great food and small-town character.

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4. Cheaha State Park‍

Alabama’s highest point is just under two hours away and often overlooked in favor of more well-known parks. Cheaha Mountain offers stunning overlooks, crisp mountain air, and hiking trails with waterfalls and rock formations. Stay for a sunset that rivals those of the Smokies.

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5. Mooresville‍

Blink and you might miss this tiny town near Decatur, but Mooresville is worth the detour. One of Alabama’s oldest incorporated towns, it looks like a storybook village with white picket fences, historic churches, and tree-lined streets. Don’t miss Lyla’s Little House, a one-room bakery that’s only open occasionally—but always sells out.

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Cover Photo by Zach Searcy