Florence Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Florence showing heritage architecture and a garden
Florence
Florence featuring a house
Florence which includes a house
Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House showing a house and interior views

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 Centre 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 colourful.

Where to stay in Florence

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East Florence

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

East Florence
Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa

Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa

3.5 out of 5
10 Hightower Place, Florence, AL
The price is Rp4.707.232 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp4.707.232
Rp5.413.317 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Florence. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (726 reviews)
"Great facility, location, service."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa
The Stricklin Hotel

The Stricklin Hotel

3.5 out of 5
317 N Court St, Florence, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (736 reviews)
Love it!
"Absolutely love this precious hotel. Love the friendly staff, the beauty of the rooms and building and the location. Will stay here every time we are in town! 15/10⭐️"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

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 Rp1.099.440 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp1.099.440
Rp1.264.437 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.2/10 Good! (829 reviews)
"Loved it!"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

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.
stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier

4 out of 5
26800 Success Dr SW, Madison, AL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Wheeler National ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (195 reviews)
"I didn’t see a single bug in or outside. It smells amazing in the rooms. The quality of the rooms was fantastic. Cleanliness 10/10 (No Notes) No trash in or around the property. The staff was super friendly. my dog felt safe I felt safe. I had to take my dog out to use it at 2am and I felt very safe ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
Placemakr Huntsville - MidCity District

Placemakr Huntsville - MidCity District

3.5 out of 5
945 NW Mid City Drive, Huntsville, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Huntsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions The Orion Amphitheater ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"This was an excellent spot. I loved the location with all of the restaurant and cafe. My room was excellent, it was home away from home. Clean, new, cute and comfy. I'll certainly be back."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Placemakr Huntsville - MidCity District
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel

3.5 out of 5
533 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (771 reviews)
Mostly great stay
"We loved the kitchen, all the space, the wonderful view from the balcony, nice shower pressure, and how close it was to the beach. It's definitely getting run down with chunks of tile broken off the bathroom wall and a big chipped spot in the tub. The sofa bed also was uncomfortable and very loud ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
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.

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