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 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

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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 ₹24,679 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
₹24,679
₹28,381 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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! (713 reviews)
Great as always
"Always a great time here. Very clean and service is impeccable."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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! (708 reviews)
10 STARS FOR THIS HOTEL!
"This hotel is my "GO TO". I love the hotel, and the staff are off the charts, incredible/good people. And the hotel is walking distance to many yummy restaurants. Highly recommend!!!! And BBB, just downstairs for Breakfast!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

The Stricklin Hotel
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
2.5 out of 5
140 Matthew Paul Ct, Florence, AL
The price is ₹10,767 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹10,767
₹12,382 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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 clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (693 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and personal was very polite and friendly. The only downside the pool was closed but when we made our reservation we knew about this. I'm pretty sure when they are done with the renovations on the pool area will make it 10 times better"

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Comfort Suites Florence Shoals Area
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! (155 reviews)
"I liked the way the receptionist treated me. The cleanliness of the place, the very clean room, and the very comfortable bed, which is why it deserves 5 stars."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (726 reviews)
Ocean view anniversary
"We really enjoyed the view. The fact that we could slide the door open to the balcony and listen to the refreshing sound of the ocean. Everything was perfect!"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites
Phoenix All Suites
3.5 out of 5
201 East 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. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (447 reviews)
"Nice place to stay. Bathroom needs updating, worth the location."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Phoenix All Suites
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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