From nature preserves and historic landmarks to trendy bars and restaurants, Huntsville offers all sorts of scenic spots to enjoy city views. While the trails on Monte Sano and other nearby parks have gorgeous elevated panoramas of valleys and rolling hills, views of downtown Huntsville with the Space and Rocket Center in the distance or the twinkling lights at night are a little harder to come by.

That’s why we’ve put together this round up of locations that show off the best of downtown, including the absolute best mountain top lookouts and rooftop decks right in the middle of the action.

 

Blevins Gap Overlook

Blevins Gap Nature Preserve

3470 Cecil Ashburn Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL 35802

Though it doesn’t directly overlook downtown, Blevins Gap Nature Preserve is one of the best spots for wide views of the South Huntsville valleys. It’s also completely free to visit and offers both walk-up vistas and incredible hiking trails.

The easiest viewpoint to reach is the Blevins Gap Overlook off Cecil Ashburn Drive. You can park and walk just a few steps for stunning panoramas. This west-facing spot is especially pretty at sunset when the sky turns shades of gold and pink as the sun dips behind the hills.

For even more views, head out for a hike from the South Trailhead at the same parking lot. Making a loop of the parallel Bill and Marion Certain Trail and West Bluff Trail will lead to expansive views of both sides of the bluff and a beautiful look at the Tennessee River Valley.

 

Burritt Views

Burritt on the Mountain

3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801

When it comes to views of downtown Huntsville, you absolutely can’t beat the sweeping vistas from Burritt on the Mountain. The historic mansion and open-air museum sits on Round Top Mountain, a plateau of Monte Sano, with a west-facing overlook directly above the city. 

From Burritt’s 3,000-square-foot lookout patio dubbed “The View,” you can see downtown, the Rocket, and beyond! 

One of the best times to come is during Wednesday evening Cocktails at the View event that takes place weekly between April and October around sunset. You can also take in the scene during other special events like November’s Round Top Folk Festival, summer City Lights and Stars concerts, and holiday dinners and performances. Burritt is also open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year.

 

Baker & Able Rooftop Bar

Baker and Able Rooftop

106 Jefferson Street South, Huntsville, AL 35801

What better way to see downtown Huntsville than from right in the middle of it. Baker and Able, the rooftop bar at 106 Jefferson, sits atop the hotel’s highest deck with east-facing views of downtown with the mountains in the distance. It’s a beautiful spot at sunset!

The bar serves cocktails, wine, craft beers, small plates, and charcuterie boards that may be enjoyed around cozy lounge areas and a fireplace.

 

Bar Vista

AC Hotel and BarVista

435 Williams Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801

Guests of AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown get to take in fantastic views of Big Spring Park right from their rooms. But you don’t have to stay here to take advantage of the prime location. 

For panoramic Huntsville views, pop in for dinner or drinks at BarVista, the open-air eatery on the hotel’s second floor. 

From here, you can see Big Spring Park’s waterways, the Huntsville Museum of Art, the Japanese Friendship Bridge, the Von Braun Center, and the downtown skyline.

 

Rhythm on Monroe

Rhythm on Monroe

700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801

The VBC’s rooftop bar and restaurant is another prime spot for downtown Huntsville views in the center of all the action. Rhythm on Monroe serves daily dinner and weekend brunch with a rooftop patio that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The rooftop offers traditional tables, bar stools, and several lounge areas with patio furniture. It’s on the second floor, so the views aren’t as sweeping as some of the other spots on this list, but it’s still a nice spot to enjoy a glass of wine with downtown scenery.