Montgomery Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Montgomery, Alabama - AL, USA)

The list of sights and attractions in Montgomery is surprisingly long, ranging from theaters and zoological gardens, to stadiums and motorsports racing, not to mention the entertainment and dining hotspot named 'The Alley'.

If you are a tourist spending time in Alabama's state capital with children, then it is very likely that you will plan to visit Montgomery Zoo. These spacious zoological gardens opened back in the middle of the 1930s, at Oak Park. The attraction moved to its present location in the early 1970s, following a period of racial tension, and covers an area of roughly 16 hectares / 40 acres.

For an infusion of culture, try to catch a show at the Capri Theater or the Davis Theater for the Performing Arts. If sport is more your kind of bag, then you may be lucky enough to join the crowds of spectators watching a football game at the New ASU Stadium or the Cramton Bowl. Baseball fans should check the listings at the Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium and the Paterson Field.

Montgomery Zoo

Address: 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36110, USA
Tel: +1 334 240 4900
Exhibits at Montgomery Zoo are themed into continent / region and include Australia (kangaroos), Asia (various deer), Africa (gazelle, giraffes, pygmy hippos and zebras), South America (jaguar, monkeys, snakes, tamarins and vultures) and North America (bison and wild turkeys). There are many other animals living here, with the river otters' enclosure being a relatively recent addition. Visitors often enjoy hiring pedalo boats on the lake, riding on the miniature train ride named the Zoofari Skylift (a 15-minute elevated chairlift journey), or having a bite to eat at the Overlook Cafe, which boasts superb views across the grounds of the zoo itself.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children two years old and under are free

Alley Station

Address: 130 Commerce Street, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36104, USA
Tel: +1 334 277 1077
This lively and friendly part of Montgomery is something of a trendy district, offering tourists a good choice of enticing dining establishments, live entertainment options and plenty of shops. The Alley Station covers parts of Adams Avenue, Columbus Street, Commerce Street, Coosa Street, Dexter Avenue, Jefferson Street, Mildred Street, Monroe Street, North McDonough Street, South Bainbridge Street, South Jackson Street, Tallapoosa Street, Washington Avenue and Water Street. Attractions in this part of the city include the Alabama Artist Gallery, the Alabama Department of Archives and History, the Alabama Judicial Building, the Cattlemen's Association 'Mooseum', the Civil Rights Memorial, the Court Square Fountain, the Davis Theater, the Dexter Parsonage Museum, the First White House of the Confederacy, the Hank Williams Museum, Old Alabama Town, the Riverwalk Amphitheater, the Rosa Parks Library and the State Capitol, amongst many others.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Montgomery Motorsports Park (MMP)

Address: 2600 North Belt Drive, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36110, USA
Tel: +1 334 260 9660
The city's very own Motorsports Park resides on the northern outskirts of Montgomery, where it is approximately a 15-minute drive from the center. Each year at the end of May / early June, the Southern Outlaw Tour is a particular highlight, with some races featuring upwards of 100 cars. Further Southern Outlaw races follow in June and July, and in late August, the Super 7 Series Season Finale draws large crowds. The X-treme Drag Racing events are also well worth looking out for.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Capri Theater

Address: 1045 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36106, USA
Tel: +1 334 262 4858
The first neighborhood theater in the city and currently the only independent cinema, the Capri Theater dates back to 1941, when it was known as The Clover. Following a major renovation and remodeling program in the early 1960s, the theater was renamed as The Capri and today screens both current films and classic movies, including children's afternoon matinees.
Open hours: hours vary according to film times
Admission: charge, discounts available for members and children

Davis Theater for the Performing Arts

Address: 251 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36104, USA
Tel: +1 334 241 9567
With 1,200 seats and regular performances, the Davis Theater for the Performing Arts dates back to the beginning of the 1930s, when it operated as both a movie theater and a venue for popular Vaudeville shows of the era. After being closed for a number of years, the Troy University stepped in and purchased the theater, restoring it and reopening it in the early 1980s. Regular shows take place here once again and include performances by local organizations such as the Alabama Dance Theater Company, the Montgomery Ballet (the River Region's professional ballet company) and the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. Touring shows from Broadway also often make an appearance on the listings, along with local conventions.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 08:00 to 17:00, Friday - 08:00 - 12:00
Admission: charge for shows

New ASU Stadium

Address: University Drive North, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36104, USA
Tel: +1 334 229 6750
Residing on the campus of the Alabama State University, the New ASU Stadium was completed as recently as 2012 and cost in excess of US$60 million. The stadium functions as the homeground of the Alabama State Hornets football team and boasts more than 26,000 seats, although possible future expansion plans could see that figure almost double. As well as hosting American college football games, the stadium is also used to stage concerts, local festivals, soccer games and additional sporting events.
Open hours: hours vary according to game
Admission: charge

Paterson Field / Cramton Bowl

Address: 1201 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36101, USA
Tel: +1 334 240 4200
Opened in 1949, the Paterson Field is a sizeable baseball stadium able to accommodate roughly 7,000 spectators. Over the years, several regional minor-league baseball associations have called this stadium their home, such as the Montgomery Rebels and the Alabama State Hornets. Just across the road (Madison Avenue) is the Cramton Bowl, where up to 25,000 people can watch the Faulkner University Eagles playing American football.
Open hours: hours vary according to game
Admission: charge

Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium

Address: Coosa Street, Montgomery, Alabama (AL), 36104, USA
Tel: +1 334 323 2255
Located on the northwestern side of the city center and just past the Court Square Plaza Shopping Center, the Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium stands alongside the Riverfront Park and the Alabama River, on the corner of Coosa Street and Tallapoosa Street. This minor-league baseball ballpark is called home by the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, who regularly compete in the Southern League. The stadium was built between 2003 and 2004, at the cost of roughly US$26 million. It made use of an existing historic railway shed and can currently seat a total of 4,500 spectators. In the past, the NCAA Division II National Baseball Championships have been staged here. Visitors may like to note that there is a good nightlife scene in this part of the capital, with a number of bars and restaurants being in close proximity, together with several notable hotels.
Open hours: hours vary according to game
Admission: charge