Vestavia Hills is a city in Jefferson and Shelby Counties in the Birmingham, Alabama metropolitan area. Nestled at the foot of scenic Red Mountain and located just southeast of Birmingham, Vestavia Hills offers visitors plenty of opportunities for Southern hospitality, outdoor fun, shopping, and fantastic local cuisine.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Parks and Recreation | Engage in outdoor activities at local parks. |
| Cultural Experiences | Visit museums, art centers, and historical sites. |
| Shopping and Dining | Explore local boutiques and savor Southern cuisine. |
| Arts and Entertainment | Enjoy theater performances and art exhibitions. |
| Community Events | Participate in local festivals and community gatherings. |
| Nature Exploration | Hike trails and visit wildlife centers. |
Though a smaller town of less than 35,000 residents, Vestavia Hills packs quite a punch when it comes to must-see attractions and activities in and around the city. From fascinating museums that detail the region’s history to cafes and parks that allow you to soak in that famous Southern charm, this Alabama destination has something for everyone.
Here are 12 of the best things to do in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, to make the most out of your visit to this charming Southern city:
Explore the Outdoors at George Ward Park
Name and Location: Explore the Outdoors at George Ward Park, located in Birmingham, Alabama.
History and Significance: George Ward Park is a historic park that has been serving the Birmingham community since the early 1900s. The park was named after George B. Ward, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist who donated the land for the park’s development. Over the years, the park has undergone several renovations and improvements, making it a beloved destination for outdoor recreation and leisure activities.
What to Expect: Visitors to George Ward Park can expect a beautiful and well-maintained outdoor space, with a variety of amenities for all ages. The park features walking and hiking trails, a playground, picnic areas, and a large lake for fishing and boating. There are also sports fields and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball. The park is a popular spot for family gatherings, community events, and outdoor fitness activities.
Visitor Information: George Ward Park is open to the public daily, from dawn to dusk. Admission is free, and parking is available on-site. Visitors are encouraged to observe park rules and regulations, such as keeping dogs on leashes and properly disposing of trash. The park is easily accessible from various parts of Birmingham and is a great destination for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.
Spanning over 600 acres on the shores of Waldrep Lake, George Ward Park offers visitors plenty of ways to soak in the great outdoors while in Vestavia Hills. Popular park activities include fishing on the 30-acre lake, exploring nature trails that wind through forests and meadows, and cooling down on hot days at the park’s enormous swimming pool complex.
George Ward Park also has numerous sporting facilities, including baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields, a skate park, basketball courts, and a scenic 18-hole golf course with a full-service pro shop and grill. With so much lush greenery and ways to stay active outdoors, George Ward Park is undoubtedly one of the top attractions and recreation destinations in Vestavia Hills.
Peruse Artifacts at the Vestavia Hills Museum
Name and Location: Peruse Artifacts at the Vestavia Hills Museum, located in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Vestavia Hills Museum is a local history museum that showcases the rich heritage of the Vestavia Hills community. The museum was established to preserve and share the stories, artifacts, and memories of the people who have shaped the city’s past and present. The museum is housed in a historic building that was once a school and later served as the city’s first library.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Vestavia Hills Museum can expect a fascinating journey through the city’s history, with exhibits featuring photographs, documents, and artifacts from various eras. The museum’s collections cover topics such as early settlers, the city’s founding, notable residents, and significant events. Visitors can also expect knowledgeable and friendly staff who are passionate about sharing the city’s history with others.
Visitor Information: The Vestavia Hills Museum is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with limited hours. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed to support the museum’s operations. The museum is located in the heart of Vestavia Hills and is easily accessible from various parts of the city. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website or social media pages for up-to-date information on hours, exhibits, and special events.
To gain a deeper understanding of the city’s storied past, schedule a stop at the Vestavia Hills Museum located at the historic Bluff Park School built in 1921. This museum run by the Vestavia Hills Historical Society contains artifacts, photos, clothing, and other treasures that detail the city’s history from 1820 through 1970.
Inside the museum’s cozy rooms, you can check out antique dolls, music boxes, typewriters, and kitchen tools that provide a window into what life was like in Vestavia Hills in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum also contains memorabilia from George Ward, the first settler of modern-day Vestavia Hills, as well as relics from the city’s pioneering Shades Valley community. With free admission and passionate docents leading the tours, history buffs will love exploring Vestavia Hills’ past at this intimate museum.
Shop Local Boutiques and Shops at Vestavia City Center
Name and Location: Shop Local Boutiques and Shops at Vestavia City Center, located in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
History and Significance: Vestavia City Center is a relatively new addition to the Vestavia Hills community, having been developed in recent years to provide a central gathering place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The center was designed to be a walkable and vibrant destination, with a mix of local and national retailers, restaurants, and service providers.
What to Expect: Visitors to Vestavia City Center can expect a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with a variety of shops and boutiques to explore. The center features a mix of clothing stores, gift shops, specialty retailers, and more, offering something for every taste and budget. Visitors can also expect a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, as well as entertainment venues such as a movie theater and a bowling alley.
Visitor Information: Vestavia City Center is open to the public daily, with individual store and restaurant hours varying. Parking is available on-site, with both surface lots and a parking deck. The center is located just off Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills and is easily accessible from various parts of the Birmingham metro area. Visitors can check the center’s website or social media pages for information on special events, sales, and promotions.
In the mood to shop for some local Alabama goods or regional Southern cuisine? Then head to the pedestrian-friendly Vestavia City Center near City Hall on US 31. This outdoor shopping and dining complex filled with locally-owned businesses makes finding gifts and tasty foods in Vestavia Hills easy.
At Vestavia City Center, fashionistas can browse trendy clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories at women’s boutiques like KaleidoscopeConsignment and Vestavia Tootsies. For the guys, gentlemen’s outfitters like Sir Cary’s and Tom Beckbe also call the shopping center home. Once you’ve updated your wardrobe with Vestavia Hills style, stop for a hearty brunch or lunch along the City Center’s central courtyard filled with outdoor dining patios.
From farm-to-table Southern eats at casual Taziki’s Mediterranean Café to flaky pastries and refreshments at The Heavenly Donut Company, Vestavia City Center offers visitors both fantastic shopping and dining just steps apart.
See Exotic Species at Alabama Wildlife Center
Name and Location: See Exotic Species at Alabama Wildlife Center, located in Pelham, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Alabama Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization that has been serving the state’s native wildlife since 1977. The center’s mission is to provide medical care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wild birds and to educate the public about wildlife conservation. The center is located in Oak Mountain State Park and is one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centers in the Southeast.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Alabama Wildlife Center can expect a unique and educational experience, with opportunities to see a variety of native bird species up close. The center features a visitor center with exhibits on wildlife conservation and a viewing window where visitors can observe the rehabilitation process. Visitors can also expect to learn about the center’s work and how they can help support wildlife conservation efforts in their own communities.
Visitor Information: The Alabama Wildlife Center is open to the public on weekends, with limited hours. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed to support the center’s operations. The center is located within Oak Mountain State Park, and visitors will need to pay a park admission fee to access the center. Visitors are encouraged to check the center’s website or social media pages for up-to-date information on hours, programs, and special events.
For families visiting Vestavia Hills, one attraction not to miss is the Alabama Wildlife Center that rehabilitates injured native animals. At this wildlife sanctuary and nature education center located in Oak Mountain State Park, guests can check out red tailed hawks, owls, opossums, turtles and other species receiving care before their release back into the wild.
The Alabama Wildlife Center also has educational ambassador animals living permanently onsite that visitors can observe up close, including hawks, owls, vultures, falcons, and reptiles. Guests can even request special animal encounters to pet or hold certain critters during scheduled programs.
With daily presentations, accessible trails and facilities, and chances for memorable wildlife interactions, the Alabama Wildlife Center makes for an excellent kid-friendly activity in Vestavia Hills.
Tee Off on Award-Winning Golf Courses
Name and Location: Tee Off on Award-Winning Golf Courses, located throughout the Birmingham metro area.
History and Significance: Birmingham and its surrounding areas have a rich golfing tradition, with several award-winning courses that have hosted major tournaments and attracted golfers from around the world. These courses range from historic layouts designed by legendary architects to modern courses with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
What to Expect: Golfers in the Birmingham area can expect a diverse range of courses to choose from, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Some of the most notable courses include the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which features several championship-caliber courses throughout the state, and the Shoal Creek Club, which has hosted multiple PGA Championships and U.S. Women’s Opens. Golfers can also expect well-maintained fairways and greens, top-notch amenities, and friendly staff at most courses.
Visitor Information: Tee times and rates for Birmingham-area golf courses vary depending on the course and the season. Many courses offer online booking and discounts for off-peak times or larger groups. Visitors are encouraged to check the individual course websites or contact the pro shops directly for the most up-to-date information. Most courses also offer rental clubs and other equipment for those who need them. Proper golf attire is typically required, and visitors should be prepared to follow course rules and etiquette.
In addition to boasting scenic parks and nature areas, Vestavia Hills sits in the heart of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, making the city a premier golf destination. For meticulously maintained courses designed by the legendary course architect himself, head to Oxmoor Valley about 10 minutes from downtown Vestavia Hills.
Ranked among the best public golf facilities in the United States, Oxmoor Valley features 72 championship holes spread across three courses: the Ridgepoint Course, the Valley Course, and the Ridge Course. With elevation changes up to 100 feet, strategic bunker placement, and Trent Jones’ signature fast greens, Oxmoor Valley offers golfers an exhilarating test of skill.
After perfecting your swing on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, relax in Oxmoor Valley’s English Tudor clubhouse complete with upscale dining at Arrington’s Bar & Grill.
Travel Back in Time at Sloss Furnaces
Name and Location: Travel Back in Time at Sloss Furnaces, located in Birmingham, Alabama.
History and Significance: Sloss Furnaces is a historic blast furnace complex that played a key role in Birmingham’s rise as an industrial center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The furnaces produced iron for nearly 90 years, from 1882 to 1971, and were a major employer and economic driver for the city. Today, the furnaces have been preserved as a National Historic Landmark and serve as a museum and cultural center.
What to Expect: Visitors to Sloss Furnaces can expect a fascinating glimpse into Birmingham’s industrial past, with opportunities to explore the massive furnace structures, learn about the iron-making process, and see historic equipment and artifacts. The site also features a visitor center with exhibits on the history of the furnaces and the people who worked there. Visitors can also expect a range of cultural events and programs, from concerts and festivals to metal arts workshops and demonstrations.
Visitor Information: Sloss Furnaces is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, with guided tours available at scheduled times. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed to support the site’s operations and programming. The site is located just east of downtown Birmingham and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces. The site is also a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and other private functions, with rental information available on the website.
Just a 20-minute drive from Vestavia Hills in downtown Birmingham, history buffs can explore the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, which produced pig iron and cast iron between 1882 and 1971. These furnaces, which fueled Birmingham’s growth into an industrial powerhouse during the 20th century, now allow visitors to glimpse the city’s bygone blast furnace era firsthand.
At Sloss Furnaces, guests can take self-guided audio tours of the sprawling industrial complex, check out exhibits on 20th-century iron production, and watch metal artisans create decorative and functional items using antique techniques in the onsite iron pouring workshop.
The site also hosts special events like concerts and festivals. For a peek into Alabama’s manufacturing past and Birmingham’s roaring furnace days gone by, reserve an afternoon to wander historic Sloss Furnaces located just a quick drive over the mountain from Vestavia Hills.
Catch a Show at Red Mountain Theatre Company
Name and Location: Catch a Show at Red Mountain Theatre Company, located in Birmingham, Alabama.
History and Significance: Red Mountain Theatre Company is a professional theatre company that has been producing high-quality shows and educational programs in Birmingham since 1979. The company is named after the city’s iconic Red Mountain, which was the source of the iron ore that fueled Birmingham’s industrial growth. Over the years, the company has become a cultural institution in the city, known for its innovative productions, talented performers, and commitment to community engagement.
What to Expect: Visitors to Red Mountain Theatre Company can expect a wide range of theatrical productions, from classic plays and musicals to new works and experimental pieces. The company performs in several venues around the city, including its own Cabaret Theatre and the historic Lyric Theatre. Visitors can also expect top-notch production values, with professional sets, costumes, lighting, and sound design. The company also offers educational programs for all ages, from summer camps to adult classes and workshops.
Visitor Information: Tickets for Red Mountain Theatre Company productions can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the box office. Prices vary depending on the show and seating section, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. The company’s venues are located in downtown Birmingham and are easily accessible by car or public transportation. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find parking and get seated before showtime. The company also offers special events and behind-the-scenes tours for those who want to learn more about the theatre-making process.
Boasting a fast-growing performing arts scene, Vestavia Hills spoils culture vultures with top-notch theatre, music, and dance courtesy of the Red Mountain Theatre Company. This leading regional theatre company calls Vestavia Hills home and stages professional productions in the modern Dorothy Jemison Day Theater complex adjacent to Vestavia Hills City Hall.
From Broadway musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and Peter Pan to plays like 1984 and Sense and Sensibility, Red Mountain Theatre Company’s diverse season showcases the talents of local Alabama actors, directors, and designers throughout the year. Before performances, patrons can enjoy a themed cocktail or meal next door at RMTC’s intimate cabaret theatre The Cabaret at Cyrano, which also hosts musical acts and stand-up comedy.
Thanks to ambitious programming and behind-the-scenes tours available during runs, seeing a locally-produced show at Red Mountain Theatre Company lets visitors experience the thriving creativity of Vestavia Hills’ arts scene.
Sample Southern Eats and Sweets
Name and Location: Sample Southern Eats and Sweets, located throughout the Birmingham metro area.
History and Significance: Birmingham and its surrounding areas have a rich culinary tradition, with a variety of Southern-style dishes and treats that have been enjoyed for generations. From classic barbecue and soul food to artisanal chocolates and craft beers, the city offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences for food lovers of all kinds.
What to Expect: Visitors to Birmingham can expect a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries and food trucks to fine dining restaurants and specialty shops. Some of the city’s most iconic dishes include slow-smoked barbecue, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and banana pudding. Visitors can also expect a growing craft beer and cocktail scene, with several local breweries and distilleries offering tastings and tours.
Visitor Information: Birmingham’s dining scene is spread throughout the city and its surrounding areas, with clusters of restaurants and shops in neighborhoods like Downtown, Five Points South, and Avondale. Many establishments offer online menus and reservations, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to upscale. Visitors are encouraged to check reviews and recommendations to find the best options for their tastes and preferences. The city also hosts several food festivals and events throughout the year, from the Alabama Chocolate Festival to the Birmingham Restaurant Week, offering additional opportunities to sample local flavors.
A trip to Alabama isn’t complete without digging into signature Southern comfort cuisine, which Vestavia Hills excels at serving up. For scrumptious regional specialities prepared from local ingredients, make a reservation at Brick & Tin, a rustic New Southern eatery that dishes up creative takes on favourites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles.
No matter if you stop in for weekend brunch or a weeknight dinner, Brick & Tin infuses traditional Southern flavours into every meal.
To satisfy a sweet tooth after savouring Vestavia Hills’ best entrees, indulge in homemade candies, ice creams, and freshly baked delights at the city’s old-fashioned sweet shop, Swoff’s. Family-owned since 1969, Swoff’s creates delicious fudge, brittles, chocolate-covered goodies, and ice cream flavours daily.
Pull up a seat at Swoff’s counter to watch the shop’s experts whip up creamy candies and then sample the goods for yourself. Between classic Southern cooking and decadent desserts, Vestavia Hills tempts visitors’ taste buds morning, noon, and night.
Spot Art Around Town on the Liberty Arts Trail
Name and Location: Spot Art Around Town on the Liberty Arts Trail, located throughout Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Liberty Arts Trail is a relatively new addition to Vestavia Hills, having been established in recent years to showcase the city’s growing arts scene. The trail features a series of public art installations, murals, and sculptures located throughout the city, celebrating local history, culture, and creativity.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Liberty Arts Trail can expect a diverse range of artworks, from colorful murals and abstract sculptures to interactive installations and functional pieces like benches and bike racks. The trail is designed to be explored on foot or by bike, with maps and guides available online and at local businesses. Visitors can also expect to learn more about the artists and their inspirations, with information plaques and QR codes providing additional context and stories.
Visitor Information: The Liberty Arts Trail is open to the public year-round, with no admission fees or set hours. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a trail map at local businesses or download a digital version from the city’s website. The trail is spread throughout Vestavia Hills, with concentrations of artworks in the City Center and Liberty Park areas. Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, refreshments, or shopping along the way. The city also hosts special events and tours related to the trail, with information available on the website or social media pages.
Beyond theaters and concert halls, Vestavia Hills houses publicly displayed paintings, sculptures, and other artworks scattered throughout the community for all to enjoy as part of the Liberty Arts Trail. To uncover some of these 65 installations, pick up the Vestavia Hills Liberty Arts Trail map available online and at City Hall, then start exploring art gems tucked along sidewalks, inside public buildings, and within area businesses.
Standouts works not to miss include a bronze statue of the city’s mascot, Spiro the Squirrel, out front of Vestavia Hills Elementary Central, whimsical nature-centric mosaics created by locals youth groups installed in New Merkel House’s outdoor classroom, and an abstract steel sculpture dubbed “Verdance” in Wald Park crafted by celebrated Alabama metalwork artist Deedee Morrison.
With treasures around every corner, the Liberty Arts Trail reveals Vestavia Hills as both a charming Southern town and blossoming cultural hub.
Hike Scenic Trails on Red Mountain
Name and Location: Hike Scenic Trails on Red Mountain, located in Birmingham, Alabama.
History and Significance: Red Mountain is a historic and natural landmark that has played a key role in Birmingham’s development and identity. The mountain is named for its rich deposits of iron ore, which fueled the city’s industrial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the mountain is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with several scenic trails that offer stunning views of the city and surrounding areas.
What to Expect: Visitors to Red Mountain can expect a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging backcountry routes. Some of the most popular trails include the Red Trail, which leads to the historic Redding Hoist House and offers panoramic views of the city, and the Smythe Trail, which winds through a lush forest and past historic mining sites. Visitors can also expect to see a range of flora and fauna, from wildflowers and birds to deer and other wildlife.
Visitor Information: The trails on Red Mountain are open to the public year-round, with no admission fees or set hours. Visitors are encouraged to park at designated trailheads and follow posted signs and maps. The trails are maintained by the Red Mountain Park, a non-profit organization that also offers guided hikes, nature programs, and other events throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for hiking on uneven terrain, with sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection. The park also offers amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits on the mountain’s history and ecology.
Nature lovers visiting Vestavia Hills can break a sweat trekking the rugged woodland trails winding across Red Mountain, the iconic ridge paralleling Birmingham’s southern suburbs. Convenient access points to Red Mountain Park’s nearly 15 miles of pathways lie right within Vestavia Hills, allowing hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians to easily enjoy these gorgeous Southern vistas.
Cloverdale Playground at the base of Saulter Road delivers quick trail access, as does the Angel Run trailhead off Columbiana Road closer to Red Mountain’s 1,500-foot peaks. More moderate hikes follow the Altamont School Trail accessed from Altamont Park, while Pike Road Trailhead by the Birmingham Botanical Gardens appeals to families with an easy 1-mile loop.
Rewarding panoramas of downtown Birmingham unfurl at overlooks all along the ridge after a brisk climb uphill. With varied trails for all ages and skill levels, Red Mountain Park’s scenic network can’t be missed while visiting Vestavia Hills.
Relax at Wald Park
Name and Location: Relax at Wald Park, located in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
History and Significance: Wald Park is a community park that has been serving the residents of Vestavia Hills for over 50 years. The park is named after the Wald family, who donated the land for the park’s development in the 1960s. Over the years, the park has undergone several renovations and improvements, adding new amenities and features to meet the changing needs of the community.
What to Expect: Visitors to Wald Park can expect a variety of recreational opportunities, from sports fields and courts to playgrounds and picnic areas. The park features a large outdoor pool complex, with a main pool, a diving well, and a splash pad for kids. There are also several walking trails, a disc golf course, and a dog park for furry friends. Visitors can also expect to find plenty of shade and seating areas, as well as restrooms and concessions.
Visitor Information: Wald Park is open to the public year-round, with varying hours depending on the season and the specific amenity. The pool complex is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with daily admission fees and season passes available. The sports fields and courts can be reserved for team practices and tournaments, with information available on the city’s website. The park also hosts special events and programs throughout the year, from outdoor movies and concerts to holiday celebrations and fitness classes.
For a peaceful green space where you can simply relax and soak up views of Shades Mountain, head to Wald Park bordering Vestavia Hills City Hall and the Liberty Park area.
Recognized for environmental education and sustainability initiatives, this 8-acre park maintains organic vegetable and herb gardens, beehives, a solar-powered fountain/stream system, native plant rain gardens, an accessible treehouse, and educational facilities that can be reserved for programs.
Visitors to Wald Park can wander along the sensory garden trail accented by wind chimes, help tend vegetables in the Community Garden, play games on the lawn, or spread out a picnic blanket and admire woodland vistas of neighboring mountain ridges. As a hub for locals and travelers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Vestavia Hills, Wald Park both calms and delights.
Celebrate at Vestavia Hills CityFest
One of the biggest annual events drawing crowds to downtown Vestavia Hills is CityFest, the city’s signature street festival packed with live music, children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, fireworks, amusement rides, races, and more free entertainment. Held each May in Liberty Park next to City Hall, Vestavia Hills CityFest embodies all the charms of Southern small-town festivals amplified tenfold across three exciting days.
From hot air balloon glows to Cajun cook-offs, CityFest brings the best of Southern culture together alongside beloved community traditions like the annual Liberty Day Parade. Vestavia Hills CityFest thus lets visitors close out their stay by celebrating everything that makes this Alabama town such a beloved place full of that famous Southern hospitality.
Conclusion
Thanks to excellent parks, a thriving arts scene, famous golf courses, historic sites, tasty Southern dining, and numerous community events all through the year, Vestavia Hills serves up big fun wrapped within charming small town charm. Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, culture mavens, foodies, and families looking for entertainment will all find can’t miss attractions and activities while visiting Vestavia Hills.
So whether trying local dishes like fried green tomatoes and homemade fudge, admiring paintings along the Liberty Arts Trail, hiking woodsy trails up scenic Red Mountain, or touring Vestavia Hills Museum’s trove of relics detailing the city’s storied past, this Alabama destination has something for you.
With such an array of things to see, do, explore, and enjoy just minutes from Birmingham, Vestavia Hills is the perfect spot to experience Alabama’s famous Southern hospitality.