Huntsville, Alabama, also known as the Rocket City, is located in North Alabama. It has beautiful mountains, the world-famous US Space & Rocket Center, local art, fantastic restaurants, and tons of kid-friendly activities. It’s a beautiful city that is thriving and growing. If you want to check it out, this 3 day Huntsville itinerary will help you hit all the city’s best spots! I’m convinced it’s the best possible way to spend one weekend in Huntsville!
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Side note: The following post was written by Erin, a local of Huntsville. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate one weekend in Huntsville itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
Table of Contents
How do I get to Huntsville?
Huntsville has its own International Airport, which makes it pretty easy to get to. However, flights into Huntsville can be a bit pricey and sometimes limited. If you do fly into Huntsville, it’s about a 20-minute drive from the airport to downtown.
Sometimes it’s easier to find better deals into Nashville (an hour and a half drive away) and then drive into Huntsville.
For getting around Huntsville, you definitely need access to a car, whether you rent or decide to rely on Uber or Lyft. While downtown is very walkable, some of Huntsville’s best attractions will require a car to access. And if you want to enjoy some of the best outdoor attractions in Huntsville (like Monte Sano State Park) you’ll definitely want your own car.
Tip! Check out the Discover Cars search engine to find the best deals on rental cars in Huntsville!
What is the best time to visit Huntsville?
Spring, early summer, and fall are the best times to visit Huntsville. This is when the weather is the best—warm, but not too hot.
While you can definitely visit in the summer, it can get HOT here since we’re in the humid south.
Average Huntsville Temperatures:
- Summer (June-August): 90/72
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 73/55
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 54/36
- Spring (March-May): 74/54
Where should I stay in Huntsville?
Booking.comThe most convenient place to stay will be downtown Huntsville. You’ll be able to walk to many attractions, although you’ll need your car for others.
Another good place to stay is Bridgestreet, where there are a couple of hotel options and you’ll find shopping and dining within walking distance.
My favorite recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: For the best prices at a hotel that’s still in a decent location, stay near the airport at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Madison Huntsville Airport. From there, it’s about a 20-minute drive to downtown Huntsville.
- Mid-range Option: The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Huntsville Downtown is a solid mid-range option, but while it’s downtown it’s not as walkable as some other options.
- Luxury Option: 106 Jefferson is one of Huntsville’s newest downtown hotels with gorgeous rooms and a popular rooftop bar.
- Dog-friendly Stay: The Hyatt Place at Bridgestreet allows dogs for an additional fee.
Huntsville Weekend Trip Map and Quick Overview:
Before diving into all the details, check out this quick Huntsville weekend trip overview to make sure it’s your type of itinerary!
- Day 1: The Moon Bakeshop, The US Space and Rocket Center, Lowe Mill, Campus 805
- Day 2: Mason Dixon Bakery, Monte Sano State Park, Buritt on the Mountain, Stovehouse
- Day 3: L’Etoile Patisserie, Big Spring Park, Huntsville Botanical Garden, Downtown Huntsville
Sample 3-Day Huntsville Weekend Itinerary
It’s time! Here’s the best way to spend 3 days in Huntsville!
Day 1 in Huntsville:
Morning: Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville, Alabama is also known as the Rocket City, so for our first morning let’s keep it space-themed and have breakfast at The Moon Bakeshop. This chic downtown bakery offers things like scones, muffins, and breakfast sandwiches that you can enjoy at the shop or take with you to go.
Then head to Huntsville’s most iconic attraction: The US Space and Rocket Center. You’ll notice it right away by the huge Saturn V rocket.
The US Space and Rocket Center is home to Space Camp, but there are so many things to do here for general visitors as well. In addition to the inside museum exhibits, you can also explore the outdoor rocket park, watch a show at the Planetarium, or even take a ride in a simulator!
You’ll definitely want to plan for a full morning at the Space and Rocket Center to explore all there is here.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids ages 5-12.
Afternoon: Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
Then head to Lowe Mill, the largest privately owned art facility in the United States. This spot used to be an industrial facility, but now it houses art galleries, unique food offerings, and community events.
This spot always has something going on, and you can spend the afternoon exploring art galleries, stopping in to paint your own pottery at Design by Hart, sampling chocolates at Pizelle’s, getting local tea at Piper & Leaf, and more.
Evening: Campus 805
For the evening, head to another building that has been repurposed: Campus 805. This complex used to be a middle school, but it is now a brewery and entertainment space.
Not only will you find breweries and restaurants to enjoy here, but there are also activities like Civil Axe Throwing and the arcade Pints & Pixels. Plus, be sure to check out the speakeasy hidden behind the old middle school lockers!
Day 2 in Huntsville:
Morning: Hike Monte Sano
For breakfast, fuel up at Huntsville’s Mason Dixon Bakery. This is a gluten free bakery and restaurant, but I promise you will hardly notice it. Everything on their menu is just delicious. Also, be sure to pick up some of their baked goods for snacks and a picnic for later!
Then head out for some hiking! Huntsville is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, which means we have so many beautiful, family-friendly hiking trails!
For some of the best hikes, head to Monte Sano State Park. Pick up a trail map at the Visitor’s Center and find a hiking trail that looks good to you. One of my favorites is the Stone Cuts Trail, a moderate trail where you can explore some fun rock formations.
For lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy at one of Monte Sano’s many picnic areas!
Bonus: If you are traveling with kids, Monte Sano also has a great playground area!
Daily fees for Monte Sano are $5 per adult and $2 for kids ages 4-11.
Afternoon: Burritt on the Mountain
When you are done with your hike, head down the road to Burritt on the Mountain. This is an open-air historical museum that will teach you more about the history of Huntsville.
Here, you can explore buildings from different time periods of Huntsville, including log cabins, a historic mansion, and a replica of a Rosenwald School. Plus there is a barnyard with animals and there are often historic actors on-hand for demonstrations.
Also, Burritt has the BEST views of Huntsville from the mountain, so don’t miss it!
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children and students.
Evening: Stovehouse
For our evening, let’s head to another repurposed building! Stovehouse used to manufacture stoves, but it’s now been turned into an entertainment complex. You can find restaurants and bars here and they often have live music playing. The outdoor area is a great place to relax for the whole family!
Day 3: Classic Huntsville
Morning: Big Spring Park and Downtown Murals
Let’s stick with classic downtown Huntsville this morning. First, hop a few blocks over from downtown to one of my favorite spots for breakfast: L’Etoile Patisserie. This French bakery has some of the best pastries I have ever had.
Then head to Big Spring Park located downtown. Huntsville is named after John Hunt, who discovered this “big spring.” So be sure to check out not just the pond, but the spring that flows across the street from it.
From Big Spring Park, go on a mural tour of downtown Huntsville. There is so much fun art to see downtown, and it will give you a chance to explore some of the streets and alleyways you may not have seen before.
For lunch, find a spot downtown! Some of my favorite downtown Huntsville restaurants include:
- Jack Brown’s Burgers — Some of my favorite burgers in town!
- Sam & Greg’s Pizza — A family favorite serving pizza and gelato.
- Pan e Vino — Pizza, Italian sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Plus they have good gluten-free options.
Afternoon: Huntsville Botanical Garden
In the afternoon, head to the Huntsville Botanical Garden. This peaceful oasis is nestled in the growing city and offers walking trails through several different types of gardens. The Botanical Garden is also home to the largest open-air butterfly house in the nation! Plus, they often have special visiting exhibits going on throughout the garden.
The Botanical Garden is a GREAT place for kids too! There is an entire garden section dedicated to kids, where you’ll find the butterfly house, a splash area, interactive exhibits, and play areas.
Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-15.
Evening: Downtown Huntsville
For your last evening in Huntsville, just soak up the downtown atmosphere. Stroll through the streets, enjoy people watching on the square, and find a great restaurant for dinner.
Here are some of my favorite downtown Huntsville restaurants for dinner:
- Domaine South — Upscale Southern cooking and amazing charcuterie options.
- The Poppy & Parliament — A fine-dining British-style pub and restaurant.
- Commerce Kitchen — More Southern food and one of my favorite spots in town!
- Purveyor — Perfect for a date night. Everything here is delicious.
After dinner, get drinks at Catacomb 435, a small speakeasy that makes custom drinks based on your favorite flavor profiles. (You will need a reservation!)
Other things to do in Huntsville
- Maple Hill Cemetery — Huntsville’s large historic cemetery is full of local history and is where many prominent residents have been buried. Plus it’s a beautiful place!
- Trash Pandas Baseball — Catch a minor-league baseball game at Toyota Field!
- Huntsville Museum of Art — Enjoy a morning or afternoon at the Huntsville Museum of Art.
- EarlyWorks Children’s Museum — This interactive history museum is a must if you are visiting Huntsville with kids!
- Madison County Nature Trail — One of my favorite hiking spots is on Green Mountain. It has an easy one-mile loop around a beautiful lake.
Where Else to Eat in Huntsville:
- Canadian Bakin — Another favorite Huntsville bakery that offers “bagels, bread, and carbs.”
- Superhero Chefs — From a chef who has been featured on Food Network, the pancake stacks here are truly out of this world.
- Phil Sandoval’s — My favorite Tex-Mex dining in Huntsville.
- Cotton Row — A Huntsville staple in fine dining.
- 1892 East — Another upscale restaurant that sources most of its ingredients locally.
Other Tips to know before visiting Huntsville:
Huntsville is in such a beautiful spot in North Alabama and is surrounded by amazing hiking and waterfalls. If you want to take a day trip for a fun adventure, try Cathedral Caverns, Dismals Canyon, or Noccalula Falls.
If you have more time in the southeast, be sure to check out some of the things to do in North Georgia!
One Weekend in Huntsville Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Huntsville that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Huntsville itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Huntsville! Be sure to check ou this North Alabama Road Trip itinerary for more ideas!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend on the Huntsville” Itinerary?!
Author’s Bio:
Erin Burke is the creator of Flying Off the Bookshelf — a travel blog for bookworms. She was born and raised in Huntsville and still lives there with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram here.
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