Birmingham, Alabama is a vibrant, thriving city in the heart of the Deep South. Home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the city is a center for education, culture, and sports. With an array of great restaurants and lively nightlife, there's always something to see and do.
1. Birmingham parks and places for a walk on a first date
For a leisurely first date, take a stroll through one of Birmingham's many parks. Railroad Park is a 19-acre green space with a pond, walking trails, and a splash pad. Avondale Park is a sprawling 32-acre oasis that features a lake, jogging trails, and a disc golf course. If you're looking for a tranquil spot, head to Red Mountain Park, which has over 1,500 acres of trails, streams, and creeks.
2. Places for a coffee date in Birmingham
If you're looking for a low-key first date, there are plenty of coffeehouses in Birmingham. RISE Coffee on 3rd Avenue has a chill atmosphere with plenty of seating and offers an array of espresso drinks as well as pastries and sandwiches. Below the Radar Brewing Company offers a variety of hand-crafted beer and an assortment of pastries and snacks. For a more unique experience, check out Victrola Coffee, which offers pour-over coffee and nitro cold brew.
3. Birmingham galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
For a more educational first date, Birmingham offers many art galleries, museums and exhibitions. Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art, which features works from antiquity to the present day, including the Rodin Sculpture Garden. If you're looking for a more hands-on experience, head to the McWane Science Center. This interactive science museum features several exhibits and activities, including a dinosaur discovery center, an immersive planetarium, and a 4-D theater.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Birmingham
Birmingham offers plenty of live music and entertainment to check out on your first date. From the intimate venues of Iron City and Saturn to the larger concert halls of the BJCC Concert Hall and the Alabama Theater, there are plenty of options. Be sure to check local listings for upcoming performances.
5. Birmingham pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Birmingham for a night out on the town. If you're in the mood for something low-key and relaxed, check out Hop City or The J. Clyde. If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, check out the craft cocktails at The Marble Ring or the steaks at The Bright Star. For a more outdoorsy experience, visit The Red Cow on the rooftop of the Elyton Hotel, which offers a stunning view of the city skyline.
6. Other date ideas to try in Birmingham
Birmingham has plenty of other fun options for a first date. Check out a local comedy show at The Comedy Club Stardome, or head to Oak Mountain State Park for a day of hiking and exploring. If you're looking for something a bit more unique, check out the Birmingham Zoo, which offers up-close animal encounters and the Vulcan Park, which showcases the world's largest cast iron statue.
