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 ₹24,941 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹24,941
₹28,682 total
3 Aug - 4 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! (718 reviews)
"Very Nice atmosphere!!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa
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 ₹5,830 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹5,830
₹6,704 total
24 Jul - 25 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 property condition ...
7.2/10 Good! (817 reviews)
"Night shift worker was really nice and helpful, easy check in, it was quite, pool was warm which i found was awesome, good breakfast, room was clean and presentable"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Florence/Muscle Shoals
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! (719 reviews)
"Cute hotel with lots of personality."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

The Stricklin 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.
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (169 reviews)
"The design of the property is great. It has secure entrances and all rooms open to a courtyard. The layout provides a window on each side of every room. The room itself was very spacious. It felt very much like an apartment. The room and property were very clean with the exception of the elevator, ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 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! (746 reviews)
Slow elevator
"The elevator was slow had to wait over 15 to 30 minutes every time you used them. Other than thay everything else was great."

Reviewed on 21 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! (458 reviews)
"Absolutely loved this place. Definitely will use this place again."

Reviewed on 15 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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