Montgomery Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Montgomery

Montgomery serves as the capital city of Alabama and the seat of Montgomery County. Situated on the rolling terrain of the Gulf Coastal Plain along the southern bank of the Alabama River, the city sits slightly downstream from where the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers meet. Known for its historic significance, government institutions, and urban revitalization efforts, Montgomery offers visitors a detailed look into pivotal eras of American history alongside a modernized riverfront district.

Long before its incorporation, the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples including the Alibamu and Coushatta, with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto passing through in 1540. The modern municipality was formed in 1819 through the merger of two neighboring towns and was named in honor of Revolutionary War Major-General Richard Montgomery. Driven by the expanding regional cotton trade, the city grew quickly and became Alabama's capital in 1846, replacing Tuscaloosa. In early 1861, Montgomery briefly served as the initial capital of the Confederate States of America.

During the mid-twentieth century, Montgomery became a prominent center for the Civil Rights Movement. Major events such as the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott—ignited by the arrest of Rosa Parks—and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches took place here, fundamentally influencing national civil rights legislation. Modern visitors can explore several historic sites connected to these historic events, including the National Memorial for Peace and Justice as well as the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor.

The city's downtown area features prominent landmarks set against a skyline anchored by the 375-foot RSA Tower. At the head of Dexter Avenue sits the Alabama State Capitol, with the historic Italianate-style First White House of the Confederacy situated just one block south. Near the river, the former Union Station has been integrated into Riverfront Park, an entertainment and recreation area that features a river walk, an amphitheater, a riverboat dock, and Dabos Park. Cultural attractions across the city include the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Beyond its historic sites, Montgomery supports a large military and academic footprint, including Maxwell Air Force Base and multiple public and private higher education institutions. Travelers can reach the city by highway along Interstate 65 and Interstate 85, or by air via Montgomery Regional Airport, which offers flights connecting to major transit hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston.