Summer's here, and there's no better way to kick off the season than a vacation. You don't have to travel far to have a good time, and even if there isn't room to budge in your budget, you can still get away for the weekend at one of our state's many travel hot spots. Let's check out some of the greatest destinations right here in sweet home Alabama!

  • Alabama State Parks
    Alabama State Parks
    loading...
    1

    Lake Lurleen State Park

    Lake Lurleen is just 12 miles northwest of Tuscaloosa and offers over 23 miles of hiking trails perfect for any adventurer. Beat the summer heat with a swim in the lake or soak up the sun on the public beach. There are paddleboats, a Nature Center, fishing spots, and 91 cabins available to rent.

  • Alabama State Parks
    Alabama State Parks
    loading...
    2

    Oak Mountain State Park

    Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama, and it's got so much to offer. The park is renowned for its hiking and biking trails; it even has a BMX course. You can swim at the public beach, have lunch at the picnic areas, or check out a nature program. If you're feeling adventurous, try Flipside Watersports Cable Skiing or go horseback riding. The park also has 10 cabins available for rental year-round.

  • Alabama State Parks
    Alabama State Parks
    loading...
    3

    Rickwood Caverns State Park

    Rickwood Caverns is home to a massive cave that contains formations that are over 260 million years old! Travel 175 feet beneath the earth on a cave tour; it's a perfect summer getaway--the caverns stay around 60 degrees! Rickwood Caverns State Park also offers the Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail, gemstone mining, and an Olympic-sized pool that's fed by chilly waters from the cave!

  • City of Gadsden
    City of Gadsden
    loading...
    4

    Noccalula Falls Park

    Noccalula Falls is one of Alabama's most beautiful spots, and legend has it that a young Native American princess jumped to her death from the waterfall to avoid an arranged marriage. Noccalula Falls Park features mini-golf, playgrounds, a train ride, and plenty of places to have a picnic. Step back in time when you tour the Pioneer Village or stay the night at the park campground or in one of Noccalula Falls Parks' new cabins available for rental.

  • Wikipedia
    Wikipedia
    loading...
    5

    U.S. Space and Rocket Center

    Huntsville's U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers so many exciting attractions that it's hard to fit them all in to one paragraph! It doesn't get more exciting than space travel, and here you can tour the extensive (and awesome!) museum and exhibits where you'll see everything from the Apollo 16 capsule to an actual space shuttle. There's also an IMAX theater, a gift shop, and don't forget the thrilling space simulators: the Space Shot, the G Force Accelerator, the Mars Mission and Climbing Wall, and a space station replica for the kids!

More From 95.3 The Bear