Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Pleasant Grove, AL

Pleasant Grove, Alabama, affectionately referred to by residents as “The Good Neighbour City,” is well-known for its welcoming ambiance.

Situated approximately 10 miles west of Birmingham, Pleasant Grove is nestled in the city’s suburbs.

Founded in 1889, this area boasts a wealth of history waiting to be uncovered.

With a variety of parks, golf courses, museums, and indoor activities readily available, visitors will find an abundance of options.

Moreover, it serves as an ideal base from which to explore the attractions of the dynamic city of Birmingham and its surrounding regions.

1. Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events

For those who seek excitement, you can achieve speeds of up to an exhilarating 50mph on the electric pro-racing karts at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events.

As you navigate the challenging double hairpin turns, maximize your chances of overtaking competitors to clinch the title of race winner. For those less inclined towards go-kart racing, axe throwing is also offered at this indoor speedway venue.

This destination is an excellent choice for spending a rainy day with friends and family, or simply as an enjoyable diversion from conventional sightseeing.

2. The Market at Pepper Place

The Market at Pepper Place is a vibrant outdoor market held on Saturdays, drawing nearly a quarter of a million visitors annually.

During the summer months, over 100 tents and vendors offer an array of fresh farm produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, and handcrafted items.

On select weekends, live culinary demonstrations and entertainment can be enjoyed while you shop.

This market ranks among the finest farmers’ markets in the area, located only a 20-minute drive from Pleasant Grove.

3. RTJ at Oxmoor Valley

This 54-hole scenic golf trail near Birmingham, Alabama, accommodates golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

With three immaculate 18-hole courses – the Ridge, the Valley, and the Short Course – you can easily spend an entire day relishing the game.

For those seeking a challenge, the Ridge course presents an ideal option, featuring undulating fairways, abundant tree cover, and significant elevation changes, as well as outstanding par 5s that are sure to enhance your skills.

You may also consider playing the Valley Course, characterized by its narrow valleys, tree-enclosed fairways, and lakes, or, if time is constrained, the Short Course offers 18 single-shot holes that primarily descending.

4. The Atomic Lounge

For those who enjoy an exciting night out and wish to experience something more unconventional than a typical craft brewery, The Atomic Lounge is a must-visit.

This lively retro-themed bar in Birmingham specializes in craft cocktails. The proprietors have a particular fondness for mid-century costumes, offering a closet full of options for patrons to don during their visit! Whether you choose to enjoy cocktails dressed as a Giraffe, Elvis, or a Squirrel, the experience is sure to be memorable.

This venue is perfect for spending time with friends or meeting new acquaintances, and be sure to bring your camera as your social media selfies are bound to be remarkable.

5. Breakout Games

If you enjoy Escape Rooms and seek to explore multiple challenges within a single venue, Breakout Games near Birmingham is the perfect destination.

Your team has precisely 60 minutes to solve puzzles, decipher codes, and follow clues in this exhilarating, engaging escape.

Choose from various scenarios, such as the Mystery Mansion, the Museum Heist, or Operation: Casino, ensuring there is something enticing for everyone.

6. Activities at Red Mountain Park

In addition to scenic nature walks through verdant woodlands, Red Mountain Park offers numerous family-friendly activities.

Experience the thrill of zip-lining beneath a canopy of trees, challenge friends on a cable rope course, or ascend 75-foot leaf and vine walls. Regardless of your chosen activity, a day filled with excitement awaits the entire family.

7. The Bright Star Restaurant

Since 1907, The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer has delighted locals and visitors with its distinctive Greek-style cuisine. Originally a cozy 25-seat horseshoe-shaped café/bar, it has since expanded into a popular 330-seat restaurant serving patrons throughout the southeastern region.

Signature dishes feature seafood gumbo, Greek-style snapper, and an enticing selection of pastries.

This iconic restaurant has earned the designation of an Alabama landmark from Senator Howell Heflin due to its community contributions and has been consistently ranked among Birmingham’s top 3 restaurants for the past decade.

8. Alabama Splash Adventure

A brief drive from Pleasant Grove, Alabama Splash Adventure is an entertaining waterpark suitable for visitors of all ages.

With exhilarating slides such as Upsurge, Neptune’s Plunge, and Kahuna Waves swimming pool, there is ample entertainment to keep you engaged.

If you prefer remaining on solid ground, exciting rides and attractions such as “Rampage,” a 56mph, 120-foot-high wooden roller coaster, and the aptly named “Drop Zone,” which plunges thrillingly with unexpected drops and bounces, await.

This seasonal waterpark, located just 10 miles from Pleasant Grove, offers excellent options for dining, sunbathing, paddling, and a plethora of rides for children, making it a perfect destination for family outings and gatherings with friends.

9. Bessemer Hall of History

Located within an old railway depot, Bessemer Hall of History is as captivating externally as it is within.

Constructed in 1916, the building served passengers traveling to and from Bessemer until the 1970s.

Reopened in 1987 by the city, this educational history museum preserves artifacts and shares information related to the city’s steel and mining industries.

For those eager to explore local history, this museum serves as an intriguing starting point.

10. DeBardeleben Park

While in Downtown Bessemer, consider taking a leisurely walk through DeBardeleben Park.

This 3-acre park spans four city blocks and features the World War I monument, “Spirit of the American Doughboy.” You may stroll along tree-lined paths, enjoy music from the bandstand, or simply relax with a coffee in hand.

The park also hosts several events throughout the year, including the popular Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival and the Bessemer Christmas Parade.

11. Legion Field

No visit to Alabama is complete without attending an American football game, and Legion Field in Birmingham serves as an excellent venue for such an experience.

This stadium accommodates over 80,000 spectators and is currently the home ground of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers.

If you are traversing through Alabama and plan to stop in Pleasant Grove or nearby, ensure to check the game schedule and coordinate your visit accordingly.

Mingle with fellow sports enthusiasts, enjoy an occasional cold beverage, and rally behind the local team.

12. Birmingham Civil Rights Trail

Birmingham is renowned for its significant role during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Trail guides visitors to essential landmarks where pivotal events unfolded, altering the course of American history.

During your exploration of the district, prioritize visiting the 16th Street Baptist Church, the informative Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and Kelly Ingram Park, where various powerful sculptures depict the struggles of the citizens.

13. Birmingham Museum of Art

Featuring some of the most impressive collections of artwork and artifacts in the state, the Birmingham Museum of Art offers an enriching experience for all visitors.

With approximately 24,000 paintings, prints, and sculptures sourced from diverse cultures worldwide, it presents an exhilarating opportunity to explore the history and context of each piece.

Key highlights encompass a range of American art from the 18th to mid-20th century, African textiles, masks, ceramics, and folk art exhibitions, alongside the Kress Collection of Renaissance Art.

This collection includes portraits and paintings from renowned artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Pietro Perugino, and Jacob van Ruisdael.

After discovering more about Native American and Pre-Columbian artifacts inside, be sure to visit The Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden.

This exquisite multi-level garden showcases iconic works by Auguste Rodin.

14. Alabama Theatre

In Downtown Birmingham, Alabama Theatre stands as an architectural marvel, inviting visitors to step back in time even if they are not attending a performance! The exterior is designed in the Mission/Spanish Revival style, while the interior represents a grand and opulent atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.

Offering a wide range of events, including live music concerts, classic black-and-white films, symphony orchestras, and ballet performances, visitors will find numerous entertainment options available.

Be sure to check the schedule for events taking place during your visit, and consider securing tickets in advance to ensure an enjoyable experience.

15. Dine out at Five Points South

Five Points South represents one of Birmingham’s premier dining districts.

This upscale area features independent shops, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife, making it an appealing destination for any time of day.

Food enthusiasts travel from afar to savor the exceptional cuisine offered by Highlands Bar and Grill, which has been showcased in over 30 U.S. publications for its culinary artistry and wine selections.

Also noteworthy is the popular Hot and Hot Fish Club, a contemporary restaurant blending southern flavors with French bistro-style dishes.

You can also discover some of the finest pizzas in Alabama in Five Points South.

Therefore, if you are a culinary aficionado seeking premier dining experiences near Pleasant Grove, this district south of Birmingham is a destination you should not overlook.