Hoover is a fast-growing city in Alabama and was incorporated recently in 1967. This relatively new city is known for offering some of the best and unique attractions for visitors to explore. Opportunities are huge in this touristry city. Wonderful hiking trails, beautiful gardens, nice boulders, streams and waterfalls and many other amazing natural stuffs make this growing city a worth visiting spot for your next vacation. Read on the list of some of the best things to do in Hoover, AL, to make your upcoming family getaway more enriching with these fine attractions of Hoover, Alabama.
1. Aldridge Gardens
A trip to Aldridge Gardens allows visitors to discover natural resources in a very unique way. The botanical gardens were open to the public in June, 2002 and it specializes in hydrangeas. The 30-acre garden area was formerly owned by Eddie Aldridge and his wife, until the couple decided to deliver the gardens to the City of Hoover.
Aldridge Botanical Gardens is now a major crowd puller and is beloved by locals and tourists alike. You will definitely get amazed when you’ll explore and experience the variety of species of plants.
The botanical gardens is a year-round destination. Several art exhibits, colorful events, learning classes and plant selling are hosted throughout the year. Plus, visitors can also explore a gallery that is set up in the couple’s former house.
The inside 6-acre lake offers great fishing opportunity. For having more fun, must cover the nearby nicely maintained half-mile walking trail.
Address: 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, Alabama 35216
Phone: 205-682-8019
2. Moss Rock Preserve
To experience a jaw-dropping natural beauty, have a visit to the beautiful Moss Rock Preserve. The 349-acre natural preserve is one of the favourite spots among people who want to experience serenity. To get the most satisfying experience, visitors need to spend an entire day in this preserve.
The preserve features 5-miles of natural hiking trails. Must complete the trail to witness gorgeous waterfalls, natural boulder formations and stream beds. The entire land is very scenic and offers great photographic opportunities.
When talking about the waterfall, the best views can be experienced after heavy rainfall. You’ll get the nice view of the waterfall from a bridge over the creek.
Address: 617 Preserve Way, Hoover, AL 35226
Phone: 205-444-7777
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3. Veterans Park
Veterans Park is an 82-acre park and a spot to behold! The park was opened to the public in 2007. For enjoying outdoor activities, Veterans Park is a great spot to choose. You’ll see many people are gathering here for enjoying a nice evening stroll.
If kids are with you, take them to any of the two playgrounds. The useful amenities, the park features are restrooms, three picnic pavilions, two playgrounds and sand volleyball courts. Locals make this park their favourite walking and running space. On weekends, the park gets over crowded and then it’s almost impossible to get a safe parking space until you reach there early morning.
You may also enjoy the small lake by sitting on the bank and simply enjoying the natural setting along with fresh air and serene atmosphere. Many local families make this park a favourite outdoor destination on weekends.
Address: 4800 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
Phone: 205-444-7777
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4. Hoover Metropolitan Complex
Hoover Metropolitan Complex is another popular spot that you must explore during your visit to the city. This metropolitan complex offers amazing sports facility and sporting events throughout the year. Hoover Metropolitan Complex/stadium was formerly known as Regions Park. Several competitions and concerts are hosted in this complex year-round.
Baseball is the most popular sport, and the other fun-loving games include football matches and volleyball tournaments. The amenities are locker rooms, training rooms, a banquet hall and private skyboxes. Must try to catch a game in this baseball stadium as it gives a fantastic atmosphere for enjoying the game to everyone.
Address: 5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
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5. New Life Art Gallery
New Life Art Gallery is a hidden gem in the city. Art appreciators must not miss this spot at any cost. Get ready to be amazed by watching the collection of Alabama prints. The art gallery also features the most famous art works of Daniel A. Moore.
Daniel A. Moore is famous for painting sports events using oil paints, brushes and canvas rather than pictures made with computers. Other stunning art works in the gallery include customized frames for several types of objects.
All-together, inside New Life Art Gallery, visitors of all ages and with different taste can enjoy a world of beauty. So, this place is definitely a worth-visiting spot. Each painting present here, will not only give you a sense of appreciation but also you will come closer with history during your exploration through these masterpieces!
Address: 3600 Lorna Ridge Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 979-2158
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6. Riverchase Galleria
Riverchase Galleria is a large shopping mall in Hoover, AL. This shopping mall has been ranked 43rd on the list of largest shopping malls in the United States. Don’t miss the opportunity for doing shopping in the largest enclosed shopping center in Alabama.
With several entrances, the shopping mall includes two large parking decks. The galleria is housed under the world’s largest skylight. The views are unique and entertaining possibilities are really high.
Here you can explore four department stores. These are JCPenney, Belk, Macy’s and Von Maur. There are more than 200 shops visitors can explore. In addition, multiple restaurants and salons are also there.
If kids are with you, experience the train ride and carousel with them. And must visit the Disney store. For all its amazing entertaining facilities, visiting the Riverchase Galleria is one of the best things to do in Hoover, AL.
Address: 2000 Galleria Cir, Hoover, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 985-3019
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7. Hoover Public Library
Hoover Public Library is truly an impressive place to visit. The library has a huge collection of history and current affairs books, magazines and periodicals. For book lovers, this is a great place for burning a few hours.
The staffs are very friendly and they have made the place well-organized with different sections for children to teens. Technology and research sections are also available inside the library.
The library is more than just an ordinary library. Here you can experience live theatre, learn about new technology, listen to music and much more other options are always available. Several fun events are also hosted here on a regular basis.
Address: 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 444-7800
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8. Hoover Historical Society
Founded in 1989 by a group of local residents, Hoover Historical Society offers great knowledge about the past. It has a great folklore center and you must spend minimum one hour in this place.
The society is a non-profit organization and the aim of the members of the society is to promote knowledge regarding lifestyles and people who founded the city. Must participate in the educational programs and events organized for the public.
Lots of activities keep happening here throughout the year. The society welcomes public warm-heartedly for joining these fun-packed social activities. Several workshops and field trips are hosted. In addition, the society also operates a museum and research center on the site.
Address: 2020 Valleydale Rd S. 108, Hoover, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 739-7316
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9. StarDome Comedy Club
Started in 1983 as a traditional comedy club, StarDome Comedy Club is now one of America’s premier comedy clubs. The entertainment club suits the taste of all ages. And what could be a better place from this one where you are allowed to laugh immensely and joyfully!
Must get into this comedy club and allow yourself to forget the stress of life, instantly. The club is also a nice venue for hosting special corporate events. With comfortable seating and some other fine features, StarDome Comedy Club’s first priority is the visitors’ need! So, it’s a worth checking out venue if you’re around the area.
Address: 1818 Data Dr, Hoover, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 444-0008
10. Vulcan Park and Museum
Opened in 1904 and home to the Vulcan Statue, world’s largest cast iron statue, Vulcan Park and Museum, only 8 miles from Hoover and lying in Birmingham’s front porch, is an excellent place to learn about the fascinating history of the city.
The 56-foot-tall Vulcan statue, being the nation’s one of the tallest statues, and representing the city symbol of Birmingham, was first and originally sculpted by Italian-born prominent sculptor Giuseppe Moretti in 1903, using a 6-feet tall model to study the form.
Later, another clay model was designed by him and was transferred to the Birmingham Steel and Iron Company for making today’s cast iron statue.
For restoration purposes the park and museum were not accessible to the public until it was reopened in 2004, and celebrated Vulcan’s 100th birthday with more than 100,000 visitors.
Operated by Vulcan Park Foundation, a non-profit organization, the historic Vulcan Park and Museum is a must-visit landmark to know a little about Birmingham’s history and culture.
Address: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205) 933-1409
11. Georgetown Lake Park
Georgetown Lake Park, one of the area’s premier outdoor destinations, features a three-acre lake with the wooden walkway lighted track that surrounds the water body, and a great playground and nice area to stroll around under nature.
Complete with picnic tables, playground swings and nice shaded areas, Georgetown Lake Park is a visually stunning landmark in Hoover and a great outdoor attraction for nature enthusiasts.
More facilities include a grill and two gazebos, but no bathrooms, making the city park a perfect family day trip destination with little kids and pets also, as the park allows dogs.
Address: 2899 Georgetown Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 444-7781
12. Gabriel’s Sports Café
When it comes about one of the best bars in the Birmingham region, with great services, good food and a fabulous karaoke night, turn your head to Gabriel’s Sports Café without any doubt.
The illuminating atmosphere with its friendly staffs, also offers great cocktails and outdoor seating facility. This is the place filled with extreme fun and live music and a must check out place to hang out with friends when you’re around the area.
Address: 3706 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 985-0983
13. RTJ Golf Trail at Ross Bridge
Located in Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail simply known as RTJ Golf Trail, the 18-hole Ross Bridge course, offers one of the top golfing opportunities in North America.
Beautifully carved into the rolling terrain of Shannon Valley, the RTJ Golf Trail, complete with indigenous landscape and around the resort, featuring the fifth-longest course in the world, stands ready for golfers of all ages.
A favourite of Golf Digest editors for the past four years, Ross Bridge is an old parkland-style course with the holes scattering around the two significant lakes.
The panoramic views of the terrain adds much-needed spice when the spectacular waterfall, dropping from 80 feet, gets the attention!
The beautiful and challenging courses with many tempting pin locations, make the RTJ Golf Trail at Ross Bridge a tempting destination too, even among the most-traveled golfers!
Address: 4000 Grand Ave, Hoover, AL 35226
Phone: (205) 949-3085
14. Ross Bridge Historical Park
The beautiful and tranquil Ross Bridge Historical Park, popular with some of the area’s best hiking, mountain biking, and road biking trails, is a year-round fantastic outdoor destination to visit whenever you’re in this part of Hoover.
The 3.1-km out-and-back trail, considerably an easy route, takes around 40 minutes to complete and allows leashed dogs unlike other trails. Moreover, the trails are regarded some of the most beautiful trails to explore with family.
Popular with thick woodlands, a Civil War-era bridge and a well-maintained playground, the Historic Park at Ross Bridge is a great outdoor inspiration and a perfect outdoor venue to burn a few happy hours!
Address: Ross Bridge Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35226
Hours: Open everyday, from 7 am to 8 pm.
15. Oak Mountain State Park
Located near Alabaster, Bessemer and Birmingham, the 9,940-acre Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park, established by the state legislature on August 18th, 1927, featuring the large area and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, is one of Alabama’s premier outdoor attractions for nature enthusiasts.
Initially, with just 940 acres area, serving as a local park for its residents with the facilities such as picnic area and hiking trails, Oak Mountain State Park gradually started increasing and expanding its facilities and spanning area after the World War II.
The huge facilities include vacation cottages, golf, pro shop with snack bar, improved camping, backpacking, hiking trails, mountain bike trails and much more. There’s a lake inside the state park and it’s popular with swimming, boating and fishing.
The two forms of primitive camping, 18-hole championship golf course (designed by Earl Stone), nice picnic areas, horseback riding facilities, all these resources make Oak Mountain State Park a must-to-visit outdoor attraction among nationwide travelers.
Address: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 620-2520
Hours: Open everyday, from 7 am to 7 pm.
16. Painting with a Twist
Painting with a Twist, the painting studio in Hoover, AL, could be anyone’s a fun and entertaining destination when they attend the easy-to-follow painting classes with their friends and families. Also, a popular destination for social gathering, Painting with a Twist is the perfect place to sip your favorite beverage and create your own work of art.
There’s always something fun happening at Painting with a Twist. Great music, relaxed atmosphere and the creative inspiring classes, make the venue a favorite for date night, or a great time with family or for girls’ night out as well.
Virtual events are another fun. To participate in one of the most interesting Pop in & Paint, you may visit their studio during the designated hours, or you could check their website to do a reservation in advance.
Address: 701 Doug Baker Blvd #106, Birmingham, AL 35242
Phone: (205) 637-7777
17. Oak Mountain Lanes
Oak Mountain Lanes is a bowling alley and an overall fun destination for the whole family. The family entertainment center, featuring fun games such as bowling, arcade, laser tag, high ropes adventure, including ultra modern accessories, is an absolute hit with visitors of all age and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life!
From birthday parties to group bowling events, the ultimate fun place is always busy with something to make it more thriving and alive among more visitors through a number of activities and events. To check Oak Mountain Lanes’ operating hours that vary everyday, and to catch their upcoming events, visit their website.
Address: 300 Bowling Ln, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 403-7466
Final Thoughts
For its enthralling attractions that take visitors on a trip beyond the earth, and a variety of outdoor recreational pursuits, Hoover has grown to become one of Alabama’s most-visited cities. The city is a fantastic destination and offers many delightful tours to some unique landmarks, cultural institutions with many other enriching opportunities. More can’t miss attractions include state parks, fun gaming spots, creative art studios and large terrain with adventurous activities. With all these tempting things, make your vacation in Hoover one of the epic vacations!
FAQs
1. What are top sights to visit in Hoover Alabama?
One of the fastest growing cities in Alabama, Hoover is the state’s one of the most-visited cities. The city is packed with multiple recreational opportunities. The best places you must visit in Hoover include Hoover Metropolitan Complex, Veterans Park, Aldridge Gardens, Riverchase Galleria, Vulcan Park and Museum, Ross Bridge Historical Park, Painting With a Twist and Oak Mountain State Park.
2. What are the most popular things to do in Hoover at night?
For nightlife fun, there are many popular places you will find in Hoover, the best part is, most of these fun and entertainment places come with family-friendly environment. Hooligans Family Fun, Birmingham Rage Room, Oak Mountain Lanes, Dave and Buster’s Birmingham, Activate are some of these most popular places you can check out for nightlife fun in and around Hoover.
