Music Lovers Itinerary for Rocket City USA - Huntsville, Alabama!
Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in the charming city of Huntsville, Alabama! Discover the unique blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty that makes our city a must-visit destination. From the stunning views of the Tennessee Valley to the rich cultural experiences awaiting at every corner, Huntsville invites you to explore its treasures and create unforgettable memories.
Begin your exploration of our vibrant city with these fantastic itinerary recommendations. For a complete guide to all the wonderful activities, accommodations, dining options, and attractions, visit Huntsville.org.
With 14 direct flights from U.S. cities and the addition of New York City in April 2025, flying to Huntsville is convenient. Huntsville International Airport, rated the Best Small Airport in the country, is just a few minutes from Downtown. If you're driving, Huntsville, Alabama, is easily accessible from Interstate 65, two hours south of Nashville, Tennessee, and just an hour and a half north of Birmingham, Alabama.
Make your first stop at one of our welcoming Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Centers! Our main location is downtown at 500 Church Street, and another is at Huntsville International Airport, both open seven days a week. Our Visitor Centers are staffed with friendly local experts who are excited to share their knowledge with you. Explore an extensive array of local guides, pamphlets, and brochures to enrich your experience and make your visit truly stellar.
Day One:
Keep it light with coffee and pastries, or have a full Southern breakfast at many local eateries. Stroll through Huntsville’s historic district, Twickenham, which features beautiful antebellum homes and businesses (a self-guided walking tour is available, or you can book a private tour with SceneThat Tours, Avalon Tours, or Touronimo).
- U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum - A collection of military history and stories of the people who shaped our country. You won't want to miss it.
- Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment – (open Wednesday-Saturday) One of the nation's largest privately owned arts facilities. Visit over 200 artists of all types, including Jeff and Tara at Cigar Box Guitar Store and Danny Davis Guitars at Tangled String Studios. Grab a bite to eat at one of the eateries and stay for the music at Concerts on the Dock (Fridays during Spring and Fall).
- Stovehouse, with its food, drinks, shopping, and live music, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy. Another is Campus No. 805, a schoolhouse turned entertainment complex. If you plan to sample the area’s craft beer, hop on the Craft Beer Trail early in your stay.
Photo: Josh Weichman
Day Two:
- Fuel up for a full day with a good breakfast, an amazing brunch (click to see our latest blog post covering brunch spots), or a lunch that will keep you going! The Downtown Huntsville area is full of locally-owned culinary options.
- Then, stop into the Huntsville Museum of Art, featuring a permanent collection of more than 3,000 pieces as well as internationally acclaimed traveling exhibits.
- Stroll through beautiful Big Spring International Park (site of many annual festivals) to see the ducks that inspired the Lucky Duck Scavenger HuntTM and watch the koi swim effortlessly down the shaded canal to the pond.
- Take a look at the Huntsville Music Calendar to end your day harmoniously! If you plan it just right, your visit can include a show at the iconic Orion Amphitheater or Mars Music Hall. Orion, an 8,000-capacity destination venue, marks a bold new chapter in the Southeast’s unparalleled musical history. Since opening in the spring of 2022, The Orion has received widespread accolades as it was featured on Billboard’s 2024 global Top Music Venues list, nominated for Amphitheater of the Year at the 2023 and 2022 IEBA Awards, and nominated for New Concert Venue of the Year at the 2022 Pollstar Awards.
Day Three:
Ready for your next fun-filled day?
- While downtown, visit Harrison Brothers Hardware, the oldest running hardware store in Alabama, to grab a souvenir, get a glimpse of local history, enjoy local/regional art, and stroll through Alabama Constitution Hall Park.
- Burritt on the Mountain, atop beautiful Round Top Mountain, features Dr. Burritt’s 1938 mansion, an 1800s historic park with a barnyard, and beautiful views of Huntsville.
- Ascend to Monte Sano State Park, only 15 minutes from downtown, with its miles of nature trails and Japanese garden.
Day Four:
- Relax in the beauty of Huntsville Botanical Garden. Walk the pathways and experience the blooms, foliage, butterfly house (seasonal), and coming in Spring 2025, “Mother Earth Troll Garden” by artist Thomas Dambo.
- A short launch down the road is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to Space Camp©. You can’t come to the Rocket City without experiencing the wonder of the origin of space travel. Walk through Rocket Park and see the progression of launch vehicles of the U.S. space program, experience simulators, then make your way to the Davidson Center for Space Exploration and be awe-inspired as you walk under an authentic Saturn V moon rocket and marvel at the Apollo XVI command module! Engage with former NASA astronauts and engineers who serve as docents while marveling at their presentations in the INTUITIVE® Planetarium.
We’ll be waiting for you at one of our Visitor Centers. Visit our website at Huntsville.org for the latest information on how to make this a trip you’ll always remember!
All are welcome in the Rocket City, and we know you will have a blast!


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