Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Vestavia Hills, AL

Vestavia Hills is a suburb of Birmingham, situated approximately 6 miles to the north. Numerous visitors touring Alabama select Vestavia Hills as a welcoming area to stay, given its balanced proximity to the vibrant cities of Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama.

As a Birmingham resident, I have frequently visited the charming Vestavia Hills. The city is recognized for its expansive parks, recreational activities, shopping opportunities, and closeness to the Alabama Wine Trail.

The following is my curated list of the top attractions to experience in and around Vestavia Hills.

1. Temple of Sibyl

The Temple of Sibyl is widely regarded as the gateway to Vestavia Hills and stands as one of the city’s most distinguished landmarks. This structure was erected by former mayor George Ward, who designed it as a replica of the Temple of Sibyl found in Tivoli, located just outside Rome.

The temple was originally a significant part of his extensive estate, where numerous gatherings took place beneath its ornate gazebo-like structure. Although the vast 2.5-story estate designed to mimic the Temple of Vesta no longer exists, the Temple of Sibyl remains a prominent symbol. This iconic city landmark is visible from Highway 31 and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks.

2. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Located 4 miles north of Vestavia Hills, these expansive 67.5-acre gardens feature a diverse array of floral, themed, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can wander along meandering pathways to discover rare plant and flower species native to the southeastern United States.

Alternatively, one can explore Herb Terrace and Hill Garden, which showcase picturesque lily-pad-covered ponds, before transitioning through the torii gate into the elegant Japanese Gardens. This tranquil setting is ideal for relaxation and meditation alongside the tea gardens, and visitors may also engage in enjoyable Bonsai classes offered at the pavilion.

3. Vulcan Park & Museum

This area of Alabama is celebrated for its industrial heritage, prominently displayed at Vulcan Park and Museum.

Vulcan, the ancient Roman ‘God of the forge’, is represented by a 50-ton cast iron statue that surveys the city of Birmingham from its perch atop Red Mountain. The sculptural work, crafted by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti in the early 1900s, was made using locally sourced iron, and today, the park and museum encapsulate this rich history through various displays, photographs, and exhibitions.

Perched on the mountain, the location offers 360-degree panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding countryside. Given the abundance of scenic photo opportunities and the wealth of Alabama’s historical context to explore, Vulcan Park & Museum is a recommended destination.

4. Klingler’s Café

For enthusiasts of European-style pastries and cakes, a visit to Klingler’s Café in Vestavia Hills is a delightful experience. Established in 1982, Klingler’s initially served sweet treats to local restaurants and hotels; however, since opening their own bakery, the family-run business has thrived.

Utilizing high-quality ingredients, their Black Forest Cake has been recognized as one of the “100 dishes to eat in Alabama.” Therefore, if you happen to be in Vestavia Hills, you should consider indulging in a slice of their decadently rich Chocolate Bavarian Cake, enjoying a slice of Turtle Cake adorned with caramel icing and pecans, or sampling a delicious cookie and cupcake.

5. Byrd Park

This charming park in Vestavia Hills honors local developer Charles Byrd, known for constructing several early neighborhoods throughout the city. The park suffered significant damage from a tornado in 2011, but since then, the community has dedicated itself to revitalizing the area, including planting numerous new trees.

Presently, it serves as an excellent location for walking, cycling, hiking, or having a family picnic. Additionally, a playground area is available to entertain children without diverging too far from the adults.

6. Birmingham Zoo

Lying just a 10-minute drive north of Vestavia Hills, Birmingham Zoo encompasses 122 acres and is home to over 950 animals, including many endangered species from around the globe. Visitors can explore the Alabama Wilds trail, observe sea lions swimming, or meet flamingos, elephants, and African lions—all in one location.

Birmingham Zoo is also a leader in conservation research, allowing guests to engage in various educational programs. Furthermore, there are numerous attractions for young visitors, such as a Splash Pad, carousel, and dedicated children’s section.

7. Alabama Wine Trail

Explore more of Alabama while sampling some of the region’s finest wines. Just south of Vestavia Hills marks the beginning of the Shelby County Wine Trail Loop.

One of the nearest wineries is Corbin Farms Winery in Calera. Set on 5 acres of lush farmland, this winery is one of the oldest in the area. At Corbin Farms, guests can savor a wide array of wines, from a light and fragrant Strawberry Chardonnay to their most popular selection, the Tuxedo Junction—a full-bodied red featuring delightful notes of chocolate, raspberry, and caramel.

Enhance your wine-tasting experience by pairing your choices with delectable food from the winery’s cozy bistro, where you can relax and enjoy live music from local performers on the patio.

8. Riverchase Galleria

While Vestavia Hills offers excellent shopping options, if you venture a few miles to Riverchase Galleria just outside Hoover, you will discover an even greater selection.

This shopping center features a mix of independent and popular chain retailers, including Aveda, Sears, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Forever 21, catering to a variety of fashion and beauty needs. If you wish to take a break during your shopping excursion, numerous dining options are available to satisfy your appetite and fit your budget.

9. Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls

Located just outside Vestavia Hills lies Moss Rock Preserve and Waterfalls. Offering over 12 miles of hiking trails and cascading waterfalls, it serves as an idyllic destination to reconnect with nature.

Photographers will find the ‘Waterfall Loop’ particularly rewarding, as it provides incredible opportunities to capture images of the falls and the diverse wildlife. This 1.5-mile circuit guides you over rocks and through woodland paths to the most scenic lookouts.

Bring family, a picnic, and possibly your rock climbing gear if desired to uncover the beauty of this picturesque Alabama preserve.

10. Vestavia Bowl

For a delightful night out with friends and family, consider visiting Vestavia Bowl. If you enjoy the excitement of bowling and the pursuit of strikes—while evading the notorious ‘gutter ball’—this establishment is an excellent choice.

In addition to bowling on your own private lane, you can savor a variety of delicious, albeit indulgent, snack options, combo meals, and beverages while enjoying some friendly competition.

11. Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art features a collection of over 27,000 sculptures, prints, paintings, and decorative arts spanning across centuries. The museum presents an array of artworks from European and Pre-Columbian to Native American, showcasing a rich diversity of creativity that appeals to all.

Whether you are interested in exploring early Navajo textiles, European oil paintings, or Asian bronze sculptures, there is always something new to discover, thanks to the museum’s constantly changing exhibitions.

12. Christenberry Planetarium

If you are eager to explore the mysteries of the universe, Samford University’s Christenberry Planetarium offers an excellent opportunity. Lecturers present the wonders of space through an array of live and interactive shows that cover topics in astrophysics, planetary science, and observing the Alabama sky at night.

For those seeking individual attention to pose questions, you can arrange for a private session by calling in advance to greatly expand your knowledge about the galaxies that lie beyond our own.

13. Birmingham Railroad Park

Birmingham Railroad Park encompasses a 19-acre green space along the banks of Railroad Park Lake in Downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The park was established to honor the city’s industrial past and serves as a delightful location for jogging, walking, picnicking, and discovering nearby landmarks and attractions.

Optimize your visit by walking or cycling along the Railroad Lake Path, enjoying lunch at Boxcar Café, or detouring to view the art installation at the Rainbow LED Tunnel underpass.

14. Southern Museum of Flight

The Southern Museum of Flight ranks among the largest aviation museums in the southern United States. The museum features an extensive collection of engines, models, photographs, and over 100 aircraft. Visitors can step back in time at the Vietnam War Helicopters Exhibit, telling the true stories of American heroes from the 16th Cavalry Regiment, or explore the many aircraft on display in the museum’s outdoor collection.

Learn about the design of crop dusters and their impact on American agriculture, visit exhibits on Korean War jets, or attend engaging talks led by knowledgeable guides about various aviation topics.

15. Lake Purdy

This picturesque 990-acre reservoir, surrounded by lush woodlands, is a favored destination for birdwatching, hiking, and walking. Depending on the season, you might be fortunate enough to spot Great Blue Herons, Hooded Mergansers, Ospreys, and even the occasional Bald Eagle. Boat rentals are available on Lake Purdy for those wishing to venture onto the water.

The lake is also popular among anglers seeking to catch bass, catfish, and crappie. If you appreciate nature, consider bringing a picnic, binoculars, and walking shoes, as you may want to linger in this serene environment.