✈️ Traveling Solo Through Alabama: My First Stop on a 50-State Journey

6/8/20256 min read

🚗 The Road to Huntsville: Long Drive, Big Feelings

After a 14-hour solo drive from Illinois, I arrived in Huntsville. I’d never been to a Buc-ee’s gas station before, so obviously, I had to stop—and yes, the hype is real. Giant, spotless, and full of every snack and souvenir imaginable. I even snagged a T-shirt because nothing says “I road-tripped to Alabama” like repping Buc-ee's.

My Airbnb was walkable, solo-traveler-friendly, and close to a gym where I got a $5 guest pass (pro tip for anyone trying to stay active on the road).

🌄 Foggy But Fun: Cheaha & Monte Sano State Parks

The next morning, I hit up Cheaha State Park, home to Alabama’s highest point. It was so foggy I could barely see 10 feet in front of me, but honestly, that kind of added to the mystery. For just $5, I got to explore, hike, and imagine what the view would look like on a clear day.

Later on, I checked out Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville. Same fog, same quiet beauty. I took the Bucca Family Trail (2.5 miles of peaceful, woodsy vibes) and even spotted a lone deer. Not bad for a foggy February morning.

After Monte Sano, I decided it was a little too foggy for me to attempt to see anything outside, so I headed to the Hunstville Rocket and Space Center. If you know me personally now, you know that this museum would not be my typical first-pick. Mind you, I was trying to figure out whether I could even handle going to a museum alone without feeling awkward, let alone a museum that I'm not interested in. Maybe my review of this place is biased, but I just didn't think that this was worth $30 admission for me. There are SO many activities and exhibits for kids and families, but it just didn't seemed geared toward solo adults unless you are EXTREMELY interested in space.

🐖 Coffee Shops, Mini Pigs in a Blanket, and Roadside Surprises

I drove an hour to my last destination, Fort Payne, Alabama. I stopped before getting to my hotel at this very tiny park with a waterfall, called Little River Canyon. Right off the bridge was a small parking lot where you could walk to the 3/4 mile trailhead or the bridge to overlook the waterfall. The waterfall is gorgeous and this was a free roadside activity for me, so I had no problem stopping to walk around.

In Talladega, I stumbled into a cozy coffee shop called The Daily Grind. I asked the waitress to surprise me with her favorite drink and snack—she brought me a salted caramel coffee and mini pigs in a blanket. We ended up bonding over my alphabetical travel challenge, and now we follow each other on Instagram! (Solo travel win.)

Later, I hit Majestic Caverns, which was more like a family-friendly theme park than a serious cave tour. Still, it was affordable and fun—and if you’re into history, Cathedral Caverns nearby offers a more classic cave experience with a surprisingly cute backstory.

🏨 Haunted Hotels and Midnight Drives

Let’s talk about Hotel Finial in Anniston. It’s gorgeous… and maybe haunted? I couldn’t sleep after visiting the historic (and formerly scandalous) Peerless Saloon nearby. I had an awesome salad and got a tour of the Peerless Saloon and headed back to Hotel Finial. I ended up checking out at 4 AM and driving through the early morning to Gulf Shores instead of sticking around.

🌊 Gulf Shores + BBQ + Beach Walks

I made my way down to Gulf Shores, a charming beach town. It’s more retirement vibes than party central—so don’t count on Ubers on the island at all, they are non-existent. I stopped at Tacky Jack’s, a local spot where you can literally leave your mark with a piece of tape on the wall, and at Hog Wild BBQ, where the white BBQ sauce changed my life. Tangy ranch vibes, but better.

🦒 A Giraffe, a Zoo, and More Whataburger, Please

Next up: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where I saw a giraffe up close for the first time! They have feed stations, lots of animals, and a great restaurant I wish I hadn’t already been too full to try (thanks again, Whataburger… I stopped there two more times before leaving the state). You have to try a Whataburger patty melt... it'll blow your mind!

💬 Final Thoughts: What Alabama Taught Me

Alabama wasn’t just the first pin on my travel map—it was a mirror. It showed me how homesick I can get, but also how capable I am. I learned that while I can talk to strangers, I prefer conversations that actually matter. I tried new foods, explored towns I'd never heard of, and proved to myself that I can travel solo. I don’t have to wait on anyone else. If nobody wants to go with me, I’ll go anyway.

Next stop? Arkansas. And I’m just getting started.

When planning my trips around the U.S., I LOVE using Google Docs and My Scenic Drives, a Trip Planning website that you can use to set up your own road trips using the search feature and many other features of the site!

I also love using TikTok, Instagram, and Google to search up spots that I'd like to visit. I make a huge list first of everything that I found to be interesting, and I plug it into My Scenic Drives. Then, I go through and look up about how long on average people spend at those certain places, how far the destinations are apart by car, and how many days I am free to take a vacation. That's what my vacations depend on, how many days free do I have?

🧳 What I Used and Loved in Alabama

Here are some of the must-have products that made my first solo trip smoother, comfier, and way more fun. These are all things I genuinely used and would bring again in a heartbeat—especially for road trips and solo adventures!

🎒 Travel Essentials

  • Portable Phone Charger – I never left my Airbnb without it. Perfect for long hikes and exploring without worrying about outlets.

  • Travel Backpack with Hidden Zipper – Lightweight, roomy, and perfect for solo travelers who want to keep things secure and hands-free.

  • Car Phone Mount – A game changer for using Google Maps and My Scenic Drives safely on the road.
    [Link to car mount]

👟 Comfort & Clothing

  • Oversized T-Shirts – My go-to souvenir! Buc-ee’s had some great ones, but I also love these soft, breathable ones from Amazon.

  • Supportive Walking Shoes – These saved my feet during all that hiking and zoo exploring.

  • Anti-Chafing Stick – Lifesaver for long walks in humid weather. I use this one on every active trip.

🏕️ Outdoor Gear

🧼 Personal Favorites

  • Lavender Pillow Spray – Helped me relax in unfamiliar beds, especially after that haunted hotel night 😅

  • Reusable Snack Bags – Great for storing mini pigs in a blanket or leftover ribs from Hog Wild BBQ!

Disclosure: Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Ashley Travels! 💛

In 2023, I set out on a mission to visit all 50 U.S. states—in alphabetical order. First up? Sweet home Alabama. This wasn’t just a state line on a map—it was the start of something big. It was my very first solo trip, and wow… it taught me more in five days than I’d learned about myself in 24 years. As a first-time solo traveler, my planning for this trip was minimal, which added to the thrill of the journey.

From foggy mountaintops and quirky roadside stops to haunted hotels and surprise connections with strangers, Alabama was full of the kind of magic that only shows up when you’re doing something for the first time—and figuring it out as you go.

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