Introduction
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Montgomery, AL (2026)
1. Visit the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Sites
One of the most moving parts of my trip was visiting the Legacy sites: the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice (also known as the lynching memorial), and the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. The museum opened in 2018 and chronicles the history from slavery to mass incarceration in America.
It’s powerful, thought-provoking, and sets the tone for how this city has embraced its history. I found it best to give myself a few hours, to move slowly, reflect, and allow the emotional gravity of the place to settle in.
Tip: Start here early in your itinerary. It provides context for much of what you’ll see around the city.
See Also: 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Portsmouth, NH
2. Walk through the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church & downtown historic district
Just a few blocks from the Capitol, this church is historic for being the place where Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor during the Montgomery Bus Boycott era.
Strolling the downtown Dexter Avenue corridor, reading historical markers, and imagining the movements that changed America was deeply enriching.
Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby Capitol or a coffee break downtown to make the most of the area.
3. Explore the Riverfront Park & a riverboat cruise on the Alabama River
For a more relaxed, family-friendly stop, Riverfront Park is a delight. You’ll find picnic spaces, a splash pad for kids, and the 19th-century stern-wheeler riverboat (the Harriott II) offering scenic cruises.
It’s a nice counterpoint after you’ve soaked in lots of history—some fresh air, water, views, and simpler fun.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes for walking along the riverfront, and check for scheduled cruise times if you’d like to go aboard.
4. Immerse yourself at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
If theater, performing arts, or simply a unique evening out appeals, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) is a gem. It’s one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world and offers a variety of productions beyond Shakespeare.
I visited an evening show and loved the ambiance: a cultural park setting, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a chance to experience what the locals call “Montgomery’s arts heartbeat.”
Tip: Check their season lineup ahead of your trip, and book tickets if you can—it adds something special to your stay.
5. Visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts & stroll the adjacent Blount Cultural Park
For art-lovers or anyone looking to spend a quiet hour (or two), the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is in the lovely 77-acre Blount Cultural Park.
The museum hosts American, regional and international works, while the grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll. Picture shady trees, ponds, sculptures, and a calm vibe.
Tip: Combine your visit with a coffee or light meal nearby and make an afternoon of it.
6. Have fun at the Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
Travelling with kids? Or simply in the mood for something light and fun? The Montgomery Zoo offers about 750 animals from 140 species and a lovely outdoor setting.
I found it refreshing — a place to laugh, wander, and take photos. The animal encounters are especially good if you’ve got younger company or simply want a joyful break.
Tip: Plan about half a day here, and check feeding-talk schedules for extra engagement.
7. Enjoy a ball game at Montgomery Biscuits in Riverwalk Stadium
One of my favourite “fun and local” experiences: catching a game of the Montgomery Biscuits, the city’s Double-A baseball team. The stadium, Riverwalk Stadium, is historic and charming.
Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, the atmosphere—snacks, casual fans, kids playing near the playground—is a great way to unwind.
Tip: Check the schedule before you go and consider a lawn-seating ticket for more relaxed vibes.
8. Walk the trails at the Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest & Blount Cultural Park
If you’re craving nature and a little escape from city buzz, this is something I highly recommend. There’s a serene bamboo forest with 60-foot-tall bamboo and a quiet trail-walking, and the broader cultural park has plenty of green space.
I went early in the morning and felt the kind of calm that a city vacation sometimes lacks.
Tip: Bring water and good shoes; the trails are shaded but can be humid.
9. Dive into music history at the Hank Williams Museum
If you’re a fan of country music or simply historic Americana, stop by the Hank Williams Museum. It’s a small gem but packed with nostalgia: suits, saddles, guitars, the Baby Blue Cadillac…
It’s a fun detour, especially if you’ve got a few hours to spare and want something off the “standard tourist track.”
Tip: Allocate about an hour here and maybe pair it with a local diner lunch.
10. Taste local cuisine & explore the entertainment districts
One thing I loved about Montgomery: the food is soulful. From classic Southern cooking, fried green tomatoes, biscuits, BBQ, to seafood—you’ll find hearty, authentic meals.
Also, the downtown and nearby entertainment districts offer bars, open-container zones (within certain areas), live music, and a great local vibe after dark.
Tip: Ask locals for their “off-menu” favorite or hidden gem; avoid chains and go local.
11. Step back in time at Old Alabama Town and historic neighborhoods
For more relaxed, self-paced exploration, walk through Old Alabama Town (1810-1950s architecture preserved) or the Cloverdale neighborhood with its charming homes and tree-lined streets.
These spaces allowed me to slow down, absorb the local flavor, and snap photos without feeling like I was constantly in “tourism mode.”
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and perhaps time it near golden hour for beautiful light.
12. Get outdoors at the Wright Brothers Park & other scenic city viewpoints
Finally, a quieter gem: Wright Brothers Park offers picnic shelters, playgrounds, trails with views of the Alabama River, and a full-scale replica of the Wright Flyer.
It’s ideal for an early morning or late afternoon stroll, especially if you want to enjoy a calm moment outside.
Tip: Go just before sunset if you can—the river light is lovely.
Final Thoughts
Montgomery isn’t just a historic destination—it’s a living city with personality, energy, and a blend of serious reflection and fun. From immersing yourself in civil-rights history to enjoying a ball game, from relaxing in green space to exploring local cuisine—there’s something here for many kinds of travellers.
When I reflect on my trip, what sticks out is the balance: meaningful experiences and joyful ones. I left feeling like I’d seen a part of America’s story—yet also had time to laugh, wander, eat well, and take in the scenery.
If I were giving you just one piece of advice: arrive with curiosity. Some places require you to slow down, absorb, and reflect. Others invite you to simply enjoy. Combine them and you’ll come away with a rich visit.