Best downtowns in Alabama? These 10 towns made the list

Some Alabama downtowns just feel made for a slow walk and a good coffee, and a new ranking says there’s plenty of them.

World Atlas recently highlighted 10 small towns with the best downtowns in Alabama in a recent travel roundup, pointing to walkable streets, historic storefronts and locally owned shops that give each destination its own sense of place.

The list reflects a growing interest in small-town travel, where downtown districts serve as hubs for dining, shopping and community life.

Standout Alabama downtowns highlighted by World Atlas

A few of the towns on the list stand out for especially distinctive downtown experiences. Here’s what World Atlas had to say.

In Fairhope, a waterfront downtown meets a historic shopping district, where Fairhope Avenue leads to Mobile Bay and the city’s iconic pier stretches into wide coastal views. Independent bookstores, antique shops and cafes anchor a walkable core that feels both coastal and classic.

Opelika has transformed its railroad heritage into a lively downtown scene. Brick storefronts line North Railroad Avenue, now home to breweries and distilleries like John Emerald Distilling Company, along with a growing cluster of locally owned restaurants and tasting rooms.

In Eufaula, antebellum architecture defines the downtown experience. Grand historic homes, courthouse squares and the Yoholo Micco Creek Trail combine history and nature in a setting that feels deeply preserved and unusually expansive for a small city.

And in Monroeville, literary history shapes nearly every corner of downtown. The courthouse square and surrounding district reflect the legacy of To Kill a Mockingbird, with museums, sculptures and shaded public spaces that reinforce its identity as Alabama’s Literary Capital.

Some of the most unique features on the list

Several towns also stand out for their one-of-a-kind attractions:

• Montevallo features more than 50 intricate tree carvings hidden throughout Orr Park
• Abbeville is home to Huggin’ Molly’s, a 1950s-style diner inspired by a local ghost legend
• Fairhope’s pier and coastal park system offer one of the most scenic downtown waterfronts in the state

World Atlas’s 10 best downtowns in Alabama

1. Fairhope: waterfront pier, bookstores and bayside views.
2. Opelika: railroad district and craft distilleries.
3. Eufaula: 700+ historic structures and scenic trail.
4. Cullman: German heritage and Oktoberfest events.
5. Wetumpka: Coosa River views and historic district.
6. Abbeville: 1950s neon and Huggin’ Molly’s diner.
7. Tuscumbia: Helen Keller birthplace and Spring Park.
8. Montevallo: arts scene and tree carving park.
9. Monroeville: “To Kill a Mockingbird” courthouse.
10. Sheffield: Tennessee River views and arts venues.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.