Experience Birmingham - The Historic Highlights

4.8
(33 reviews)

3 to 4 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
We always carry premium, ice chilled bottles of water for our guests
This tour includes a stop at the Alabama Peanut Company, with complementary tastings of freshly roasted and boiled peanuts. We also provide Local potato chips for those who might have allergies.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We will pick up from any downtown area Birmingham, hotel or B&B

OR
Meeting 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

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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).

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

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

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (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

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This is an intriguing (and controversial) artwork

    Admission ticket free
  • 4

    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

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Our only remaining Southern Plantation House

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (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

    Admission ticket free
  • 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)

    Admission ticket free
  • 6
    16th Street Baptist Church

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

    30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by The Birmingham Historic Touring Company

Tags

Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Historical Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.8 Based on 33 33 reviews
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