Experience Birmingham - The Historic Highlights

About this activity

Discover Birmingham’s story of iron, fire, and civil rights on a half-day tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

See the best of the Magic City in just half a day. This guided 3–4 hour driving tour blends Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks with hidden gems only locals know.

Begin at Vulcan Park, home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue, then explore the city’s early days at Arlington House, Birmingham’s only remaining plantation home. Discover the cultural heart of downtown with the Alabama and Lyric Theatres, and stand in the Civil Rights District at 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, where pivotal moments of history unfolded.

Along the way, enjoy stories of iron and industry, sports legends at Rickwood Field, and Southern flavors from tucked-away food stops. The tour is flexible, with time to tailor stops to your interests — from civil rights to architecture, sports, or local cuisine.

Itinerary

1. Heaviest Corner on Earth · 10 min

   The Heaviest Corner on Earth is a promotional name given to the corner of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama, United States, in the early 20th century. The name reflected the nearly simultaneous appearance of four of the tallest buildings in the South, the 10-story Woodward Building (1902), 16-story Brown Marx Building (1906), 16-story Empire Building (1909), and the 21-story American Trust and Savings Bank Building (1912).

2. Stop 2 · 20 min

   Our best preserved Victorian district...gaslights, cobblestones and all

3. Stop 3 · 5 min

   We will stop by the best preserved Victorian District in the city and grab a bag of peanuts roasted in a building that has it's own mysterious history.

4. Five Points South · pass by

   We pass through this ever evolving area (and the center of Birmingham's Foodie revolution) and discuss how our city is becoming a MAJOR food destination

5. Stop 5 · pass by

   This is an intriguing (and controversial) artwork

6. Vulcan Park & Museum · 30 min

   We will see the largest Cast Iron statue in the world, get a great view of the city and learn about the moon that never sets

7. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens · 45 min

   Our only remaining Southern Plantation House

8. Rickwood Field Park · pass by

   The Oldest Ballpark in America - home to both White and Negro League teams and site of several movie locations Currently undergoing renovations for a major League game in 2024 and closed to visitors

9. Civil Rights District · pass by

   This area is the center of the Civil Rights Struggle that defined Birmingham in the 60's (and continues to do so even today)

10. 16th Street Baptist Church · 30 min

    The very moving site of the bombing that slaughtered 4 children and cemented the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Meeting point and pickup

Pickup offered, or meet at the meeting point.

End point: Vulcan Park and Museum...1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209 Meet at the ticket booth by the parking lot and sidewalk going up toward the statue

Good to know

• Service animals allowed
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

• 5 star36
• 4 star6
• 3 star1
• 2 star0
• 1 star2

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