5 ways to vacation in Montgomery, AL like a local

Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher

Reading time: 6 minutes

A group on a raft paddling the rapids at Montgomery Whitewater in Montgomery, AL.
Riding the rapids at Montgomery Whitewater is just one of the exciting options for entertainment making a summer Montgomery getaway “must-do.” (Experience Montgomery)

Montgomery is the perfect pit stop for Alabama’s road warriors headed down to the coast or up to Nashville and beyond.

But instead of just a stop along the way, we’re here to champion Montgomery as a destination in its own right. Whether you stay a night or make it a fun weekend, there’s a rich world of education, fun and enjoyment to dip into across the River Region.

If you find yourself in the driver’s seat this summer—or simply want to share your capital city love with out-of-town visitors—here are five additional reasons Montgomery is well worth a visit.

1. Montgomery Whitewater: Rafting, ziplines + more

Group floating along the rapids at Montgomery Whitewater.
The rollercoaster-like rapids at Montgomery Whitewater make for a fun, refreshing summer ride. (Experience Montgomery)

A wet and wild ride on Montgomery Whitewater’s manmade whitewater channels with their bouncing, bubbling, wave-whipped currents is an action-packed way to keep cool. Choose from tubes, inflatable ducky boats and guided raft trips.

But this huge outdoor adventure attraction makes a splash with its other offerings, too. Build skills on the ropes course. Fly through the air on ziplines. Walk, bike or run the park’s trails. Glide across flat-water on a paddle board. And satisfy the appetite you work up at Eddy’s Restaurant and Bar. Check the calendar for concerts and other special summer events, like trivia nights, nature school, live music and more.

VISITOR TIP: Looking for an event for your next Montgomery trip? Check out Experience Montgomery’s latest event calendar here.

2. Dine in style at Ravello: Indulge in enticing Italian eats

An up-close photo of a bowl of pasta at Ravello in Montgomery, Alabama.
Dig into a wide variety of pastas and other Italian dishes at Ravello Ristorante in downtown Montgomery. (Experience Montgomery)

Housed in a thoughtfully renovated historic bank building downtown, Ravello Ristorante thrills residents and visitors alike with its selection of traditional coastal Italian cuisine — delights like grilled red snapper with Meyer lemon risotto, mushroom tagliatelle and cacio e pepe—plus creative cocktails and an extensive wine list—all in an elegant yet relaxed fine-dining atmosphere.

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3. A Biscuits game: Score some home-run fun (+ delightful merch)

Wide view of Montgomery Biscuits baseball game, Montgomery, Alabama.
Score a seat at a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game. (City of Montgomery)

Take in a Biscuits Baseball game at DABOS Park and find more than just the play on the field: Between-inning antics and contests, giveaways, tasty concessions (including hot biscuits stuffed with Alabama-made Conecuh smoked sausage), ice-cold Montgomery-brewed Common Bond beer and, on some nights, a dazzling fireworks show following the game. Weekly promotions and concession specials like Tacos and Tallboys make catching a game even more wallet-friendly. And don’t forget to grab some Biscuits’ swag at the Biscuit Basket shop before you leave.

VISITOR TIP: Need more itinerary inspo? Find curated plans for history-themed visits, couples’ weekends, family reunions + more here.

4. Where to stay: Swanky yet affordable accommodations

painted mural of three women smiling on wall of hotel lobby in Montgomery
woman in peach shirt sitting on brown couch and smiling in a hotel lobby in Montgomery
hotel room bed at Trilogy Hotel in Montgomery Up)

Montgomery’s Trilogy Hotel is conveniently-located steps from DABOS Park, The Legacy Museum and Riverwalk (Leo Hall / Montgomery Up)

Fully enjoying the variety of activities and attractions in Montgomery requires at least a one-night stay, and Trilogy Hotel promises convenience, comfort and style, all at an affordable rate. Located in the heart of downtown, it boasts a rooftop bar with stellar city and Alabama River views and includes Kinsmith, a full-service restaurant with a jazz-age vibe built into an 1851 Greek Revival house.

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Meaningful Downtown - Montgomery Alabama

VISITOR TIP: Not in a trip-planning mood or looking for some help? Use this cool interactive planning widget that helps you build, share and explore Montgomery with ease.

5. Experience the culture: Witness world-class theatre in a beautiful setting

performers on stage in a production of the Wizard of Oz wearing bright costumes
Colorful characters from last year’s ASF production of “The Wizard of Oz.” (Aubrie Lemon Moates / Alabama Shakespeare Festival)

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Alabama’s state theatre, draws crowds every season with its selection of The Bard’s most famous works as well as contemporary plays (both dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies) and musicals. “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” is currently filling ASF’s Festival Stage with the heartfelt sounds of the singer-songwriter’s beloved music, including the hit “Natural Woman,” as it shares the story of King’s rise to music-legend status.

Don’t miss: ASF just announced an exciting upcoming 2026-7 season! Get the details here, and plan now to check out shows like “As You Like It,” “Elf the Musical” and much more.

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Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - Montgomery Alabama

BONUS: Let the good times roll on the Riverfront

A sunset view of the Riverfront and Harriett II Riverboat in Montgomery, Alabama
Enjoy a relaxing evening on the banks of the Alabama River in downtown Montgomery. (Experience Montgomery)

Head over to Riverfront Park on the banks of the Alabama River and make it a date or go for a girls’ night out with drinks at Red Bluff Bar at The Silos before boarding the Harriett II Riverboat for a Dinner Cruise. 

Find more about all the ways to enjoy a memory-making weekend in Montgomery at Experience Montgomery, and make your plans for a visit now!

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Experience Montgomery Alabama

Jennifer Kornegay
Jennifer Kornegay
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