15 Best Things to Do in Fairfield (AL)

The city of Fairfield, Alabama was founded in 1910. It was originally planned as a new city to house workers from the local steelworks.

The city is known for its steel industry, although in recent years the workforce has become smaller, some plants remain and can be viewed as you walk through the city.

Fairfield’s proximity to Birmingham makes it a popular place to live and allows easy access to all the city attractions.

Whether you wish to explore verdant parks, splash around in waterparks, visit local markets or play a round of golf, you can do it all near Fairfield.

1. Railroad Park

Railroad Park is a pretty green space of 19-acres in Downtown Birmingham.

It’s a great place for jogging, walking or stopping for a bite to eat following a morning of sightseeing.

The outer loop trail at its highest point boasts incredible views of Birmingham, so don’t forget to bring your camera! The lake, streams and wetlands give way to bird-life, flowers and over 600 trees, making this a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a moment of peace within a busy city.

2. Five Points South

Five Points South, Birmingham, Alabama — Five Points South

Five Points South on Birmingham’s Southside dates to the 1880s.

When the furnaces of Birmingham were at their peak, affluent residents were looking for a place to live with clean, healthy air, and Five Points South was founded.

The suburb is abundant with historic buildings, churches and magical fountains, but today, it’s perhaps better known for its culinary prowess and speciality shops.

Five Points South is home to some of Birmingham’s best restaurants and cafes, from the award-winning Highlands Bar & Grill to the Hot and Hot Fish Club.

Foodies will relish the selection of International eateries in this leafy suburb, and shoppers seeking a one-of-a-kind gift, or souvenir of their stay in Alabama will adore their visit.

3. Vulcan Park and Museum

High on a hillside above the city of Birmingham stands the statue of Vulcan, God of fire and forge.

This 100,000-pound iron statue represents the city and its industrial heritage and can be seen for miles around.

It stands 56 feet tall on top of Red Mountain, close to Vulcan Museum, an interactive space which shows a historical timeline of Birmingham through a range of exhibits.

You can hike to the mountain via picturesque walking trails or enjoy a picnic on top while taking photos of the spectacular skyline.

The park is open till late and well-lit, so you can enjoy sunsets and the statue’s light show at dusk.

4. Birmingham Civil Rights District

Alabama was at the heart of the Civil Rights issue which grasped the nation during the 1950s and 1960s.

The district in Birmingham covering six-blocks allows you to visit prominent locations which were affected or made a difference to the movement.

Visit sites such as 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, Fourth Avenue Business District and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and discover the struggles which African Americans of all ages encountered during this tumultuous period in Alabama history.

5. RTJ at Oxmoor Valley Golf Course

If you love playing golf, you will enjoy a day out at RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley.

This 54-hole golfing facility near Birmingham was constructed on former mining land owned by the U.S. Steel company.

With fairways surrounded by scenic forests, peaks, creeks and valleys, it’s a challenging course for all levels of expertise.

You can choose to play all 3 courses in one day, or select from the Ridge, Valley or Short Course.

The Ridge is flanked by dense forests, featuring 150-foot elevation changes with superb par 5’s to play, whereas the Valley is sprinkled with tranquil lakes and rolling fairways offering a gentler introduction to the trail.

If you prefer to play the 18-hole Short Course, it consists of one-shotters and plays downhill on almost every hole.

After you’ve perfected your game and beaten the competition, head for the clubhouse for dinner, drinks and good conversation.

6. Alabama Splash Adventure

There’s no better way to spend a summer’s day than at Alabama Splash Adventure.

Located 10 miles southwest of Fairfield, it offers a superb day out for families and friends with a whole host of water slides, fairground rides, splash pools and play areas.

Whether you wish to slide down 216 feet high, 5 storey towers with hairpin twists and turns, want to splash around in the Kahuna Wave Pool, or leisurely float down Warrior River on a rubber tube, you can do it all here.

Bring family, friends, a picnic and your sense of adventure and spend a fun-packed day at this cool waterpark.

7. Magic City Grill

Located in the heart of Fairfield, Alabama, Magic City Grill is a laid-back diner popular for its breakfast, brunch and dinner.

With home-cooked favourites like the BLT sandwich, succulent fried chicken, and buffet-style dishes and salads, it’s a family-friendly joint with a lively atmosphere.

If you are heading out sightseeing and want to take a sandwich with you, it’s the perfect place to pick up breakfast or lunch to-go, or if you wish to relax and dine with friends in the evening, there’s an extensive menu to suit adults and children.

8. Red Mountain Park

For a fun-packed day of adrenaline and team building sports, head for 1200-acre Red Mountain Park.

You can take to the skies on a thrilling zip-line adventure, experience a challenging treetop rope and obstacle course, or climb the 75-foot high Kaul Adventure Tower! The activities are suitable for adults and kids over the age of 6, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or have a waiver signed.

If that sounds a little too much for you, you can still walk, mountain bike, or jog the 15-mile tree-lined trail or take the dog for a woodland stroll.

You can see glimpses of iron ore mine entrances and historic sites on your travels, so don’t forget your camera.

9. The Market at Pepper Place

The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham was established in the year 2000. It’s a place where locals and tourists can support Alabama businesses and farmers during the summer months by purchasing fresh produce and souvenirs.

The colourful market attracts almost a quarter of a million visitors each year and is open whether there’s sunshine or rain.

With over 100 stallholders selling fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, jams, flowers, arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone.

During summer months, you can watch live cooking demonstrations, listen to music, and there are activities to keep the kid’s happy too while you browse!

10. Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens

If you enjoy architecture and local history, venture to Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens 5 miles from Fairfield.

This striking former plantation house features 6 acres of manicured gardens surrounded by towering oaks and floral borders.

The two-storey structure was constructed by William S. Mudd around 1845 in a Greek Revival style with columns and balconies.

It was commandeered by Union troops during the Civil War, and it is said they planned the burning of the University of Alabama here.

Today, the house has been transformed into a fascinating museum showcasing a collection of artwork, silverware, textiles and period furniture.

11. Western Hills Mall

When you stay in Fairfield, Alabama, you don’t have to venture far to go shopping. Western Hills Mall is located on the southside of the city and boasts several high street stores selling sporting goods, jewellery, perfume and clothing.

You can stop for a spa treatment, have your nails painted, enjoy deli, Chinese or pizza food in the mall, or venture to nearby fast food restaurants for a quick snack.

12. Bessemer Hall of History

If you enjoy unique museums containing unusual collections, then you will love Bessemer Hall of History.

This museum is home to Martin Luther King Jr’s cell block door, Hitler’s typewriter from World War II, a miniature replica of Downtown Bessemer and lots of history from the early days of the railway.

It’s an eclectic, diverse collection set in an old railroad depot, offering a great learning experience about the local area and a chance to see items you won’t see in larger museums.

13. DeBardeleben Park

Following your visit to the Bessemer Hall of History, make a stop at beautiful DeBardeleben Park.

Located in the historic downtown area, the entire green space covers 4 blocks.

It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a family picnic, or walk tree-lined nature trails, plus throughout the year you can enjoy special events including the Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival!

14. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Alabama — Birmingham Botanical Gardens

One of the region’s most popular attractions, Birmingham Botanical Gardens are an oasis of rare flowers, plants, trees and themed displays.

Whether you wish to stroll through a Bamboo Maze, discover errant wildflowers of a Cottage Garden or meditate in the Japanese and Bonsai Garden, you can do it all here.

Ornate tropical glasshouses are home to rare orchids, plants and trees such as cocoa, banana and sugar-cane, and feature colourful koi carp in pretty ponds, and outdoors, you can wander outdoor nature trails with Regal Lily’s, Handkerchief Trees and rare Wollemi Pines.

15. Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo, Alabama — Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo is home to elephants, lions, red pandas, birdlife and more.

With themed lands, endangered species and over 700 animals from six continents, there’s much to see and learn about.

You can enjoy educational talks about the animals, join the keepers for feeding time, or adopt an animal and gain regular updates on their progress.

A variety of seasonal events take place within the zoo, including Wildlife Photography Exhibitions, a Zoolight Safari experience where illuminations and sparkling lights adorn the trails, and a Zoo Camp where youngsters can learn about animal conservation and resident animals.

If you enjoy being around animals and wish to learn more about them, you will love to spend a day at Birmingham Zoo.