From Courtrooms That Changed Laws to Churches That Changed Lives, Montgomery Holds America’s Conscience
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The best things to do in Montgomery include touring Civil Rights landmarks and experiencing its lovely Riverwalk. Alabama’s capital city is full of art, culture, and experiences.
Montgomery is Alabama’s gorgeous capital city. It has a population of almost 200,000. The city is famous for being the center of the Civil Rights movement. It witnessed pivotal moments such as the Selma to Montgomery march and the march of the Freedom Riders.
Today, through its legacy and struggles with racial segregation, it looks toward an exciting future. When you visit, you’ll find a city with immense natural beauty, unique charm, and endless hospitality.
It’s also home to a booming food and dining scene that will impress even the pickiest gourmands. Below are the 12 best things to do in Montgomery, Alabama.
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Hire a Tour Guide
Montgomery is full of hidden gems and landmarks worth experiencing. Why not take a tour with local experts to get the full picture?
More Than Tours is a fantastic tour company that takes you through the ins and outs of the city. The tours are conducted by a team of historians and local guides.
Along the way, you’ll see Civil Rights landmarks and learn about the locals who left their mark on the US. Take photos, ask questions, and learn as much as you can. Then, re-visit the landmarks on your own!
Read also: Hidden Treasures in the US
Visit Civil Rights Landmarks
Visit Civil Rights landmarks even if you do a tour or not. Montgomery is one of the most important epicenters of the Civil Rights Movement.
Check out landmarks such as the Dexter Parsonage Museum. This was the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, it’s a fantastic museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
Afterward, head to the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church where Dr. King led his sermons. Then, head to the bus stop where Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of a segregated bus in 1955.
Read also: Unique US Museums
Check out Downtown’s Nightlife
Montgomery’s nightlife is centered around live music and tons of fun. The city is one of the South’s jazz hotspots. You’ll also find tons of Country and Southern rock n roll.
See the top performers at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. From classical to modern electronica, you’ll see tons of the top artists perform here.
Afterward, head downtown to Montgomery’s bars. Don’t miss live local acts and tasty craft beers at Common Bond Brewers.
Read also: Unexpected US Cities with a Vibrant Nightlife Scene
See The Rosa Parks Museum
See the Rosa Parks Museum after seeing the monument to her defiant act. The museum is the site of her famous arrest which helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.
The museum houses tons of artifacts from her life and a replica of the bus she rode. You’ll learn about the city’s history through interactive exhibits and displays.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts lectures and guest speakers. It also hosts temporary art exhibits by local and traveling artists.
Read also: American Cities With a Unique Art Scene
Enjoy a Sip-n-Cycle Cruise
In between historical and reflective destinations, why not head out on the water for the Sip-n-Cycle Cruise? You’ll paddle along the Alabama River on this social cruise.
Meet locals, visitors, and people looking to have the time of their lives. Travel along the river and see landmarks and beautiful nature.
Don’t forget to bring your camera because the views are incredible. During the experience, you’ll learn about the top restaurants, bars, and events the city offers.
Read also: US Natural Wonders
Visit the Freedom Rides Museum
The Freedom Rides Museum is a must-see museum that explains the history of the Freedom Riders. In 1961, a large group of black and white activists traveled around the South to protest racial segregation.
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Before arriving in Montgomery, they prepared for the worst. Their act of bravery inspired millions across the country to take on the cause of ending segregation.
The museum tells the Freedom Riders’ story and the evolution of desegregation in Montgomery and the entire country. You’ll read personal letters written by the riders, who were all under 22 years old.
Read also: American Small Towns With Big History
Pay Respects at the Civil Rights Memorial Center and Memorial
The Civil Rights Memorial Center and Memorial is one of the country’s top museums for Civil Rights history. Montgomery is the birthplace of the movement, and the memorial center tells its story through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Walk through the exhibits and see the faces of the people who died during the violence. You’ll listen to their stories and learn about the complex and troubling history of racial discrimination in the country.
Visit early to avoid school field trips and special groups. Take a tour or enjoy the center on your own. Afterward, walk to the Alabama Capitol building and Dexter Avenue to see the locations of the events.
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Enjoy the Riverwalk
Montgomery’s Riverwalk is an exciting place to explore on foot, with live music, art, and top restaurants. Stop into local boutique shops and boutiques nearby.
Walk onto the historic Harriott II Riverboat to experience live entertainment and daily fun. Cruise along the river and feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Throughout the year, the Riverwalk hosts events, live performances, and festivals such as the 4th of July. Spend the day picnicking and experiencing the laid-back vibes of the city.
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See the home of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald
If you love literary history, check out the Fitzgerald Museum. The famous duo once called this elegant house their home in the 1930s.
The couple wrote their famous works Save Me The Waltz and Tender Is The Night in the building. The city served as a backdrop for much of their work.
Today, you can even stay in this historic and possibly haunted home. Enjoy the history and amenities and explore the beautiful grounds.
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Experience Adventure at the Montgomery Whitewater
Montgomery Whitewater is a summer fun zone like none other. If you love waterparks, you’ll want to spend the entire day at this monumental park.
Get on a boat and experience white water rafting. Kayak or SUP along the artificial rapids. The entire park was built as a base for outdoor sports in a controlled environment.
It’s not just water activities! Try zip lining through the canopy walk and travel through a ropes course. Hike through the trails or try mountain biking on the specialty courses.
Read also: Must-Visit American National Monuments
Sample Delicious Southern Dishes
Southern cuisine is full of diverse flavors that are a mixture of African, European, and Native American flavors and cooking techniques. Why not set aside your trip to Alabama’s capital to sample the best?
Head to Martin’s Restaurant for a traditional Meat N’ Three plate. This combo of one meat and three sides is a Southern staple. Try fried chicken, collard greens, mac n cheese, and fried okra for the ultimate combo—at least it’s mine.
If you’re vegan or want something upscale, don’t worry. There are tons of fantastic options for every budget and palate.
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Watch a Game at the Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium
If you love baseball, check out the Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. The stadium is home to the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team.
The city takes baseball very seriously. You’ll get to share the seats with excited locals and try some of the stadium’s popular comfort food.
The location can’t be beat. You’ll be right on the water downtown. Afterward, join the crowd to afterparties at the local breweries for a truly local experience.
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