From its history rife with war and race issues and its deep south feel, to its beaches and outdoor offerings, Alabama is truly a diverse state with something for everyone. Alabama has a long history with race relations. It was an integral state in the Civil Rights movement and its role is celebrated throughout the state in the form of museums and memorials such as The Civil Rights Memorial Center, The Rosa Park Museum, The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Dexter Parsonage Museum, among others.

Alabama also has plantations and Civil War sites open to the public where you can step into the past and view history from a different perspective. The Slavery & Civil War Museum is a must see and war buffs will revel in preserved Civil War sites like Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines.

Birmingham is a modern city that also pays homage to the past. Kelly Ingram Park, where Civil Rights demonstrators were attacked by police dogs in 1963, serves as a memorial for all of those who fought for equal rights. Sculptures of the police dog attack, Martin Luther King Jr. and other symbolic events and people can be found here.

For some family fun, visit the McWane Center where you can play with science exhibits and catch a show in their IMAX Theater. Nightlife in Birmingham is also a big attraction, with bars legally allowed to stay open around the clock.

For a more relaxing vacation, visit Alabama's beaches in the Gulf Coast or visit one of its many state parks where hiking and biking trails, great fishing and camp trails await you. The mountain regions in Northern Alabama offer a peaceful experience where you can golf, canoe and take in the beautiful scenery.