Alabama in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just a short drive north from Montgomery, the city of Wetumpka offers a surprising glimpse into Alabama’s cinematic past. The nearby Alabama River and the historic downtown district provided the backdrop for scenes in “Big Fish,” Tim Burton’s whimsical 2003 film. Visitors can stroll along the revitalized streets where the charming storefronts and old brick facades evoke the Southern small-town atmosphere that helped bring the story’s quirky characters to life. Beyond the film connection, Wetumpka is known for the nearby Blue Springs State Park, where a peaceful walk around the spring pools offers a natural contrast to the town’s movie magic. Spring and fall are especially lovely times to visit, when mild weather encourages exploration and photography of the town’s quaint corners.
About two hours south of Birmingham lies Fairhope, a picturesque town perched on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. Fairhope’s quaint downtown area and charming pier have served as filming locations for multiple Southern dramas, including parts of “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” Walking along the Fairhope Municipal Pier at sunset reveals why filmmakers are drawn to this spot: unobstructed views of Mobile Bay meet stunning skies, perfect for capturing mood and light. The town’s art galleries and gardens add to the creative vibe, making Fairhope a delightful stop not only for movie buffs but also for those who appreciate coastal charm paired with a vibrant arts scene. Spring’s azalea blooms or autumn’s golden evenings enhance the town’s cinematic beauty.
In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about an hour east of Birmingham, lies the quaint town of Mentone, perched on Lookout Mountain. This area was a key filming site for the 1987 movie “Fried Green Tomatoes,” adapted from the novel set in Alabama. The nearby DeSoto State Park provides miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, immersing visitors in the lush landscape that so captivated filmmakers. The park’s DeSoto Falls, plunging over 100 feet, is especially stunning and features a moderate 2.4-mile loop trail that winds through hardwood forests. Mentone’s cozy bed and breakfasts and the local crafts scene make it a perfect base for film-inspired excursions. Visiting in late spring or early summer allows for the fullest bloom of wildflowers and vibrant greenery.
Mobile, Alabama’s historic port city about 30 miles east of the Gulf of Mexico, has been a hotspot for filmmakers thanks to its eclectic architecture and waterfront charm. The city’s downtown streets and neighborhoods showcased in movies like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “The Gingerbread House” highlight a mix of antebellum mansions and funky creole cottages. Exploring the Oakleigh Historic District reveals stunning examples of Mobile’s signature Victorian “Gingerbread” trimwork on homes that transport visitors back a century. The city’s lively Mardi Gras celebrations, the oldest in the U.S., add a colorful, festive layer to the cultural experience. Fall and early winter, outside of the humid summer months, provide the most comfortable conditions to explore Mobile’s historic streets and bayfront parks.
Heading southeast from Birmingham, one finds the peaceful town of Eufaula on the shores of Lake Eufaula, about a two-hour drive. The town’s stately antebellum homes and tree-lined streets were featured in the film “The Rosa Parks Story.” Eufaula’s Barbour County Courthouse, with its classic architecture, stands as a poignant symbol of the civil rights history that influenced the movie’s narrative. Visitors can take guided walking tours of the historic district to admire well-preserved mansions dating from the 19th century, many with grand columns and wraparound porches. The nearby Lakepoint State Park offers hiking trails and lake access, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Springtime, when magnolias and azaleas bloom profusely, offers the most enchanting setting for soaking in Eufaula’s Southern charm and cinematic importance.
About 45 minutes south of Huntsville, the town of Scottsboro invites visitors to explore a key chapter in Alabama’s legal and cultural history, brought to life onscreen in various documentaries and films about the Scottsboro Boys trials. The Scottsboro Railroad Depot Museum preserves artifacts and exhibits about these trials, which took place in the 1930s and became a landmark moment in civil rights history. Walking through the museum and the nearby courthouse grounds gives a tangible connection to the stories that inspired filmmakers to revisit this pivotal time. The surrounding Appalachian foothills offer hiking and scenic overlooks, such as at the nearby Goose Pond Colony, which adds a natural counterpoint to the weight of history. Fall brings crisp air and fiery foliage, creating a reflective atmosphere well-suited to exploring the site’s historical significance.
In the heart of downtown Montgomery, the Alabama State Capitol building and its surroundings are featured prominently in many films depicting civil rights history, including scenes from “Selma.” The imposing dome and grand staircases of the Capitol provide a powerful backdrop for reenactments of the Selma to Montgomery marches. Visitors can tour the Capitol grounds and the adjacent Rosa Parks Library and Museum, which offers immersive exhibits on the movement’s leaders and events. Nearby the Edmund Pettus Bridge, about 25 minutes east, stands as the iconic landmark where marchers crossed during the 1965 voting rights struggle. Spring and early fall bring comfortable temperatures, encouraging visitors to take in the full gravity and inspiration of these historic filming locations and nearby memorials.
Just outside of Birmingham, in Hoover, the Barber Motorsports Park recently gained attention as a filming site for racing scenes in documentaries and movies about motor sports. The park’s 2.38-mile road course features rolling hills and challenging turns, set amid beautifully landscaped grounds with a notable collection of motorcycles and race cars. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest motorcycle collections, showcasing over 1,600 bikes spanning more than a century. The blend of motorsport history and scenic natural surroundings makes this a unique filming spot and a must-see for both film and racing enthusiasts. Spring and fall race weekends are the best times to feel the excitement and witness live action.
Further south, in the Gulf Coast city of Fairhope’s neighbor, Daphne, the scenic Eastern Shore Trail and the nearby Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provide a natural setting featured in documentaries about Alabama’s coastal ecosystems. The reserve’s boardwalks and observation towers allow visitors to experience the marshes, bayous, and tidal flats that give southern Alabama’s coastline its distinct beauty. This rich environment has been showcased not only in environmental films but also in dramatic scenes requiring authentic coastal landscapes. Kayaking through Weeks Bay or hiking the reserve’s trails is best during the cooler months of fall and winter, when mosquitos are fewer and wildlife viewing is at its peak.
In the center of Alabama, just west of Auburn, lies the quaint town of Opelika, whose historic downtown area was the backdrop for