Montgomery Travel Guide
Montgomery Travel Guide
Things to Do in Montgomery Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama is one of the most historically significant cities in the United States. Visitors searching for the best things to do in Montgomery Alabama will discover a city filled with important landmarks tied to American history, particularly the Civil Rights Movement. Located along the Alabama River, Montgomery blends historic architecture, museums, and cultural institutions that tell the story of the nation’s past.
Founded in 1819, Montgomery served as the first capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Nearly a century later, it became one of the most important centers of the Civil Rights Movement. Events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helped change the course of American history.
Today, visitors can explore museums, memorials, and historic churches connected to these events. The city also offers parks, riverfront attractions, and a growing food scene featuring Southern cuisine.
Because many of Montgomery’s historic landmarks are located close together downtown, exploring the city on foot is one of the best ways to experience its history and culture.
Explore Montgomery With a Self-Guided Walking Tour
One of the best ways to understand Montgomery’s history is by walking through the very streets where some of the most important events of the Civil Rights Movement took place. A self-guided walking tour allows visitors to explore the city at their own pace while learning the stories behind the landmarks and buildings that shaped American history.
Montgomery Civil Rights Walking Tour
This self-guided tour takes visitors through downtown Montgomery while highlighting some of the most important civil rights landmarks in the United States.
Tour highlights include:
Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor
The Alabama State Capitol, where the Selma to Montgomery March concluded
Historic streets where civil rights demonstrations took place
Monuments and landmarks connected to the struggle for equality
The tour allows visitors to explore these sites while hearing the stories that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. Because the experience is self-guided, visitors can start whenever they want, pause to explore museums, and walk the city without following a large group tour.
For many travelers, a walking tour is one of the most meaningful ways to experience Montgomery’s history.
What's Free and What has a Fee
Montgomery offers many historic landmarks that visitors can explore for free, along with several museums and memorials that require admission.
Free Things to Do
Many important civil rights landmarks are free to visit.
Free highlights include:
Walking around the Alabama State Capitol grounds
Visiting Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
Exploring Riverfront Park along the Alabama River
Walking historic downtown streets
Visiting the Civil Rights Memorial outside the Southern Poverty Law Center
These locations allow visitors to learn about Montgomery’s history while exploring the city.
Attractions With Admission Fees
Some museums and historic sites charge admission.
Popular ticketed attractions include:
The Legacy Museum
National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Rosa Parks Museum
First White House of the Confederacy
Many visitors combine museum visits with outdoor exploration and walking tours.
How to Get Here
Montgomery is located in central Alabama and is accessible by air and car.
By Air
The closest airport is:
Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)
Airport highlights:
Located about 15 minutes from downtown
Direct flights to several major U.S. hubs
Transportation options include:
Rental cars
Uber and Lyft
Taxi services
By Car
Montgomery sits at the intersection of several major highways.
Driving times:
Birmingham — about 1.5 hours
Atlanta — about 2.5 hours
Mobile — about 2.5 hours
Major highways include Interstate 65 and Interstate 85.
Getting Around
Downtown Montgomery is fairly compact, and many historic landmarks are located close together. Visitors often explore the city center on foot.
Where to Stay
Montgomery offers accommodations ranging from historic boutique hotels to budget-friendly lodging.
Historic Boutique Hotels
Typical price range: $160–$320 per night
These hotels offer unique architecture and a historic atmosphere.
Suggested hotels:
The Lattice Inn – A charming historic bed-and-breakfast located near downtown.
Red Bluff Cottage Bed & Breakfast – A cozy historic inn overlooking the Alabama River.
The Trilogy Hotel Montgomery (Autograph Collection) – A stylish boutique hotel located downtown.
These properties provide a more intimate and historic experience for visitors.
Downtown Montgomery Hotels
Typical price range: $150–$300 per night
Staying downtown puts visitors close to major civil rights landmarks and museums.
Suggested hotels:
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery Hotel & Conference Center
DoubleTree by Hilton Montgomery Downtown
Downtown hotels allow visitors to walk to many of the city’s main attractions.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
Typical price range: $70–$130 per night
Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations near major highways.
Suggested hotels:
Sleep Inn & Suites Montgomery East I-85
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Montgomery
Comfort Inn & Suites Montgomery East Carmichael Road
These hotels provide basic accommodations at lower prices.
When to Visit
Montgomery can be visited year-round, though some seasons offer more comfortable weather.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit.
Highlights include:
Mild temperatures
Flowering trees and gardens
Comfortable weather for walking tours
Summer
Summers are warm and humid but offer plenty of events and festivals.
Visitors can enjoy:
riverfront activities
live music and community events
Fall
Fall offers cooler temperatures and is another great season for sightseeing.
Winter
Winters are mild compared with many parts of the United States, making it possible to explore historic sites comfortably.
How Much Time You'll Need
Montgomery can be explored in a short trip, but spending several days allows visitors to experience the city more fully.
One Day Montgomery Itinerary
Many travelers follow one-day Montgomery itineraries that focus on the city’s civil rights landmarks.
Morning
Visit the Alabama State Capitol
Walk Dexter Avenue
Explore Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
Afternoon
Visit the Legacy Museum
Explore downtown historic streets
Walk along the Riverfront Park
Evening
Take the Montgomery Civil Rights Walking Tour
Enjoy dinner at a downtown restaurant
Two Day Montgomery Itineraries
With two days visitors can add:
National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Rosa Parks Museum
additional historic sites and cultural attractions
Montgomery’s compact downtown makes it easy to see many landmarks in a short visit.
FAQ: Visiting Montgomery
What is Montgomery Alabama known for?
Montgomery is best known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement and historic landmarks connected to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Is Montgomery walkable?
Downtown Montgomery is fairly compact, and many historic landmarks are within walking distance of each other.
How many days should you spend in Montgomery?
Most visitors spend one to two days exploring Montgomery’s museums, memorials, and civil rights landmarks.
Are there walking tours in Montgomery?
Yes. Walking tours are a popular way to explore the city’s civil rights landmarks and historic downtown streets.
Explore More Travel Guides
Savannah Travel Guide
Charleston Travel Guide
Santa Fe Travel Guide
Old Louisville Travel Guide
