11 Alabama small towns you should visit

While Alabama’s major cities have plenty to offer, sometimes it’s better to spend a weekend getaway getting to know one of its many charming small towns.

From fishing villages like Bayou La Batre to artsy mountain towns like Mentone and all the ones in-between, Alabama’s small towns are filled with character and rich history -- not to mention some seriously good restaurants and a lot of one-of-a-kind attractions you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

So next time you’re looking to spend a Saturday wandering, keep these 11 Alabama small towns in mind.

Mentone

If you have ever been to the charming mountain town of Mentone, you won’t be surprised to see it on this list. Located atop Lookout Mountain, Mentone offers visitors plenty of chances to take in the beauty of the great outdoors by visiting nearby Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park and more. Plus, it offers unique dining, like the Wildflower Cafe, and shopping, like the Moon Lake Trading Company and Mentone Market -- all in an artsy and quaint setting.

Monroeville

For lovers of classic literature, a visit to the small town of Monroeville is an absolute must considering it’s the home of author Harper Lee and inspiration for the setting of her iconic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”. While there, fans of the book can visit the Monroe County Museum inside the historic Monroeville courthouse, which has exhibits dedicated to Lee as well as Truman Capote. You can also take a scenic, self-guided walking tour of noteworthy sites and murals throughout the town and even grab a “boo burger” at The Court House Cafe.

Read more: Scenes from Monroeville

Magnolia Springs

With its massive live oaks and proximity to the Gulf, Magnolia Springs is the perfect small town to visit if you’d like to spend a relaxing weekend away from home. While there, you can book a room at the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, which offers a cozy and charming place to unwind, and grab a meal at Jesse’s Restaurant, where you can dine on crawfish mac and cheese, creole spiced redfish and other New Orleans-inspired dishes as well as steaks, oysters, salads and more.

Greenville

Greenville is a small Alabama town that might be off the beaten path but is worth a visit thanks to its rich history and character. While visiting its historic downtown area, you can grab a meal at Alabama Grill, which serves pizzas, salads, pasta and more. You can also catch a seasonal show at the restored Ritz Theatre and browse a variety of shops selling antiques, handmade goods and more. Be sure to stop in Greenville Hardware, which has been in business since 1891 and is the oldest hardware store in the state.

Dauphin Island

Known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” Dauphin Island offers a beach getaway without the crowds. You can either spend your time listening to the waves crash with your toes in the sand at one of its pristine beaches or you can explore some of the island’s popular attractions, like Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and more. Just don’t forget to fill up on fresh catch at one of the popular local restaurants, like Dockside Seafood, Islander’s Restaurant and more.

Eufaula

When it comes to gorgeous small towns in Alabama, Eufaula certainly makes the list. Its scenic downtown area, complete with fountains and lush parks, is a perfect place to spend an afternoon window shopping and trying local restaurants, like the Cajun Corner. Be sure to check out the views of Lake Eufaula while you’re there too from the Yoholo Micco Trail as well as take a tour of one of the many one-of-a-kind historic homes, like Fendall Hall and the Shorter Mansion, you can visit.

Payne's Soda Fountain & Sandwich Shop in Scottsboro, Ala., began as the W.H. Payne Drug Co. in 1869. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Scottsboro

Another scenic small town that’s home to an attraction that draws visitors from all over the state, and country for that matter, is Scottsboro. While Unclaimed Baggage, where the contents of unclaimed luggage from major airlines is sold, is often what brings tourists to Scottsboro, there’s plenty more to see. That includes a visit to the Scottsboro Depot Museum, Goose Pond Colony Resort and more. While you’re there, be sure to also take a walk around the downtown square and grab a sweet treat at Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain.

Alabama State Parks — Fishing is a huge part of the experience at Lake Guntersville State Park. The park hosts many bass tournaments and the lake offers world-class bass fishing as well as other sport fishing. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). al.comal.com

Guntersville

Surrounded by gorgeous Lake Guntersville, it’s no surprise that the small Alabama town of Guntersville is a scenic place with picturesque views almost everywhere you look. While it’s a given that Guntersville offers plenty to do on the lake like fishing, boating and more, as well as lots of activities, like hiking and birding, within its state park, the small town also has an active art scene with shows performed at The Whole Backstage Theatre, local shoppes worth exploring and more.

Wetumpka

Located along the Coosa River and with a thriving downtown area filled with local shoppes and restaurants, Wetumpka is a charming small town perfect for leisurely exploring. While there, you can also take in all of the city’s natural beauty with a visit to Swayback Bridge Trail, grab lunch at Coaches Corner Bar and Grill, grab your favorite latte at Restoration Coffee House and learn more about Wetumpka’s unique history at Fort Toulouse in Jackson Park and the Wetumpka Impact Crater.

Read more: What to do in Wetumpka

Representatives of the Alabama shrimping fleet are seen at dock in 2014 in Bayou La Batre, Ala. (Mike Brantley)Mike Brantley/AL.com

Bayou La Batre

Bayou La Batre is a quaint and charming fishing town located along the Mississippi Sound near the Gulf of Mexico and has garnered the title of “Seafood Capital of Alabama” for good reason. With streets lined by live oaks and boats almost everywhere you look on the water, it’s a scenic little town ready to be explored. Grab a meal at Catalina, which serves fresh seafood daily, then stroll through one of the city’s many parks or along a dock for the kind of relaxing day only a small town can offer.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne is a quiet little town with plenty of natural beauty and interesting sights to see, making it a great place for a relaxing weekend getaway. You can spend some time enjoying the great outdoors at Desoto State Park or learn more about its role in musical history at the Alabama Fan Club and Museum. While in town, you can also spend a day antiquing at the Big Mill and other little shoppes as well as try the Cuban sandwich, named among the “100 Alabama dishes to eat before you die” at Vintage 1889 Cafe.