Florence Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Florence featuring heritage architecture and a park
Located on the Tennessee River banks, this city benefits from cultural sights, a rich musical heritage and easy access to outdoor fun and adventure.

Florence is a diverse destination that is equally appealing to history lovers, music enthusiasts and art fanatics. The rich culture of Alabama is visible almost everywhere you look, from guitarists and painters performing on the streets to ancient landmarks of Native American heritage. Visit more than once to take in everything this varied city offers.

Walk around the downtown area of the city, which was founded in 1818, and discover its history. Stop at Pope's Tavern Museum and browse exhibits documenting the importance of the historic building during the Civil War. Kids can learn more about the area at the Children's Museum of the Shoals, which tells the story of the valley and its people. The Indian Mound and Museum is dedicated to the first residents of the Shoals Valley.

Marvel at the organic designs of Frank Lloyd Wright at Rosenbaum House, a stylish, tiered building containing furniture that also showcases the architect's inimitable style. See more art at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, which features rotating exhibitions.

Florence is part of the Shoals area, the home of Southern soul and the region where such esteemed artists as Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin recorded their music. See where they cut some of their tracks at Fame Recording Studios. Learn more about the region's impressive musical heritage at the W.C. Handy Birthplace, the home of the “Father of the Blues.”

Drive out of the city to enjoy the natural environment. Hike along wooded trails and rivers at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and McFarland Park. Hop on a boat at Joe Wheeler State Park for a relaxing cruise around the lake.

Reach Florence via Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, which has regular daily flights to Nashville. Alabama is almost always warm. Visit in fall when the countryside around Florence is particularly colorful.

Where to stay in Florence

Default Image

East Florence

If you're spending some time in East Florence, Wilson Lake and Tennessee River are top sights worth seeing.

East Florence
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
2.5 out of 5
140 Matthew Paul Ct, Florence, AL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$207 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$207
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (621 reviews)
"Nice , new and clean"

Reviewed on 17 Oct. 2024

Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
The Stricklin Hotel
The Stricklin Hotel
3.5 out of 5
317 N Court St, Florence, AL
The price is NZ$307 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
NZ$307
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (583 reviews)
"Convenient and clean. Small room but very efficient and convenient to downtown venues and restaurants."

Reviewed on 23 Oct. 2024

The Stricklin Hotel
Baymont by Wyndham Florence/Muscle Shoals
Baymont by Wyndham Florence/Muscle Shoals
2.5 out of 5
115 Ana Drive, Florence, AL
The price is NZ$144 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
NZ$144
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
7.4/10 Good! (714 reviews)
"Decent hotel"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Baymont by Wyndham Florence/Muscle Shoals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Cottage  Less than 10 mins to Pickwick Lake & Conference Center & Downtown!
Cozy Cottage Less than 10 mins to Pickwick Lake & Conference Center & Downtown!
Florence
Stay at this cottage in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Shoals Conference Center and River Heritage Park are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7 reviews)
Cozy
"Very clean and nice"

Reviewed on 3 Sep. 2024

Cozy Cottage Less than 10 mins to Pickwick Lake & Conference Center & Downtown!
Charming Florence Getaway w/ Fireplace & Grill!
Charming Florence Getaway w/ Fireplace & Grill!
Florence
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Florence. Enjoy a garden, furnished patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Larimore ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Great House
"The beds were comfortable. We enjoyed watching football with everyone in the living room. I enjoyed sitting on the back porch in the mornings."

Reviewed on 4 Sep. 2024

Charming Florence Getaway w/ Fireplace & Grill!
Rare Find Downtown Florence 2 Br
Rare Find Downtown Florence 2 Br
Florence
Stay at this vacation home in Florence. Popular attractions W.C. Handy Home and Shoals Community Theater are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Great place
"Everything was neat and clean. It included everything we needed"

Reviewed on 10 Oct. 2024

Rare Find Downtown Florence 2 Br
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities