Ditch the husbands and boyfriends and take a much needed girls weekend exploring the vibrant city of Birmingham, Alabama
Whether you’re former college roommates, lifelong childhood friends or co-workers turned best friends looking to get away for the weekend with just the girls, Birmingham, Alabama is a destination with a bustling nightlife, growing art scene and plenty of pampering and shopping opportunities.
Born out of the iron and steel industry, Birmingham radiates remnants of these early beginnings while transitioning into an up-and-coming destination for entertainment, the arts, outdoor recreation and world-class cuisine.
With endless dining and accommodation options for small to large groups, your girlfriend getaways await in Birmingham.
Art Appreciation
Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Credit: Art Meripol
Get your girls trip started with a visit to the Birmingham Museum of Art. Deemed one of the finest art museums in the Southeast, this local favorite invites girlfriends to stroll through its American, Asian, European Decorative, and Modern and Contemporary galleries. Housing a diverse collection of more than 27,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts, the museum sparks the creativity, imagination and liveliness of Birmingham by connecting its guests to art.
Shopping: Cheaper than Therapy
The Summit
The Summit, the largest and most entertaining shopping center in the state, invites girlfriends to shop ’til they drop. Pottery Barn, Gus Mayer, Chico’s, Ann Taylor, Saks, Bebe, J. Jill and Sephora are just a few of the household names.
If you and your girlfriends need a midday recharge, head to Charm, a quaint little coffee shop offering new, vintage and handmade jewelry, handbags, scarves and other temptations. The locally owned and operated boutique in downtown Birmingham is just a 15-minute drive from The Summit.
Remember to Pamper Yourself in Birmingham
El Barrio
Girlfriend getaways wouldn’t be complete without at least a few hours dedicated to pampering. Santa Fe Day Spa, offering gloriously indulgent pedicures, manicures, massages and facials, exudes luxury at its finest. The 8,000-square-foot, world-class destination day spa, salon and aesthetic center is a one-stop shop for beauty and relaxation products, and specializes in skin peels, microdermabrasion, waxes, permanent make-up and up-do hairstyles.
Another pampering hotspot, The Spa at Ross Bridge invites girlfriend getaway groups to choose from a vast array of custom treatments, including the popular aromatic warm stone massage, the signature organic facial and luxurious body treatments. Step into the hair and nail salon for a signature rejuvenation manicure and pedicure or a brand new hairstyle and color by the spa’s professionally-trained staff. An appointment is required.
Outdoor Adventure Begins in Birmingham
Red Mountain Zip Line
If shopping and pampering aren’t quite your group’s gig and you’d rather partake in some outdoor adventure, head to Red Mountain Park and take a walk with Mother Nature for an afternoon of hiking, biking and enjoying the great outdoors.
Groups can try the zip lines and soar over canopy trees for unparalleled views of the area. Zip line adventures are accompanied by professionally-trained adventure guides.
At Railroad Park, visitors can rent Zyp Bikes and go on a biking tour of the downtown area, a flat and leisurely ride. This 19-acre greenspace celebrates the city’s industrial and artistic heritage, providing a historically rich venue for recreation, family-friendly activities, concerts and cultural events.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens, especially stunning during spring and summer months, is known as Alabama’s largest living museum. Open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk and with free admission, the gardens are an excellent and economical way to spend an afternoon.
The gardens promote public knowledge and appreciation of plants, gardens and the environment, all while striving to be one of the nation’s preeminent botanical gardens. The botanical wonders encompass 67.5 acres and include more than 30 thematic gardens.
A Night at the Theater
Lyric and Alabama Theatre
For a night on the town, head to a show at Alabama Theatre. Established in 1927, the theater is located in the heart of downtown and and has been home to shows and performances ranging from movies, beauty pageants, concerts, silent films and even the Mickey Mouse Club. Tours begin in the ticket lobby, lead up to the balcony and conclude in the auditorium with a demonstration of Big Bertha, the Alabama’s prized Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
The No. 1 destination for plays and musicals in Birmingham, historic Virginia Samford Theatre has offered performances for more than 90 years. Some of the recent productions include Hello, Dolly!, Scrooge: The Musical, Million Dollar Quartet and Man of La Mancha, to name a few of the shows.
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