Named after a Choctaw chieftain by the name of Tuskaloosa, Tuscaloosa Alabama is the state's fifth-largest city. It's here where you'll find the University of Alabama, so the city's got quite a lot to offer in the way of culture. Also, if you like good barbecue, there may be no finer place in the state. The Dreamland Drive-Inn Bar-B-Que restaurant, which is one of the top Tuscaloosa attractions, is well-known around the world, and it's just one of the places in town where you can enjoy some great food. When you're not dining out or exploring the University of Alabama's campus, there are a few museums here that warrant a visit. Should you be in Tuscaloosa Alabama on the first Thursday of the month, the "Art and Soul" art show is a popular event that you can also consider putting on the itinerary. Art galleries around town display the works of local artists during the "Art and Soul" events, and there's even a free shuttle that runs passengers between downtown Tuscaloosa and downtown Northport, where more galleries await you. You definitely won't have trouble finding things to do in Tuscaloosa, but just be sure to book your lodging ahead of time if the Crimson Tide are playing a home game.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is the pride and joy of the state when it comes to athletics. When they play their home games in Tuscaloosa, the city is full of supporters who take their college football pretty seriously. There are few college football programs in the country that boast the rich heritage that the University of Alabama's football program does, and suffice it to say that you'll do well not to insult the team when you find yourself enjoying an Alabama vacation. The Alabama Crimson Tide football team plays at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and if you're interested in catching a game during your Tuscaloosa vacation, you can check the fall/winter schedule. Getting tickets to a University of Alabama home football game isn't the easiest of pursuits, however, and if you can't manage to come across some, heading to the school's campus to visit some museums is a good way to take in some campus life. The Paul Bryant Museum of Tuscaloosa and the Alabama Museum of Natural History are just two of the museums that can be found on campus. The former is dedicated to the life and career of the school's most storied football coach, while the latter is the top natural history museum in the state. If you like football and history, these museums are two Tuscaloosa attractions that you won't want to miss.

History buffs can not only hit a few museums during their Tuscaloosa vacation, but they can also take in some of the city's more historic landmarks. The Old Tavern is just one of the interesting historical fixtures in Tuscaloosa Alabama, and you can find it downtown. A stroll through the downtown Greenwood Cemetery will reveal some of the headstones of some of Tuscaloosa's most notable citizens, and if you're looking for a unique setting for a wedding or party, the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion certainly qualifies. These buildings are just some of the historic Tuscaloosa attractions that you can include on the agenda, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to take a walk through history. After a full day of exploring around town on a Tuscaloosa vacation, you can head back to your hotel for a brief respite before you gear up for some fun nightlife. Head to "the strip" during the football season, and you'll find it to be a very lively place where bars and restaurants about. Should you be looking for something a bit more low-key when it comes to going out on the town, you can always take in a play, catch a movie, or simply enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring. As mentioned, Tuscaloosa Alabama is a culturally-rich place, and numerous performing arts groups put on show throughout the year, so there's always something going on.

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Playing golf in Alabama is something that many visitors to the state hope to add to their lists of things to do, and you can always fit in a round during your Tuscaloosa vacation. There are two 18-hole public courses here and the greens fees are fair, especially at the Mimosa Country Club. In addition to golfing, those looking to spend some time outdoors in Tuscaloosa can head to Lake Lurleen State Park. Spread over 1,625 acres, this scenic haven boasts a large lake, a campground, piers for fishing, and hiking trails, among other things. If nothing else, the park is a wonderful destination for a picnic. There are plenty of great places to hang out when enjoying a Tuscaloosa vacation, and since this vibrant college town is under 60 miles west of Birmingham, you can plan some very interesting day trips on the side if you please.