About Huntsville
Huntsville is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Alabama. The population was 215,006 at the 2020 census, making it the 100th-most populous city in the U.S., while the Huntsville metropolitan area has an estimated 542,000 residents and is the second-most populous metropolitan area in the state. As of July 1, 2025, the city's population was estimated to be 233,627 – a 8.7% increase since the 2020 Census. This makes it among the top 20 fastest growing cities in the US. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County, with portions extending into Limestone County, Marshall County, and Morgan County.
Places to visit in Huntsville
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U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Museum · 4 mi from centreHuntsville's top attraction, displaying a Saturn V rocket, Apollo-era artifacts and a full-size Space Shuttle stack. It explains the city's role in NASA rocketry and is home to the famous Space Camp program.
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Huntsville Botanical Garden
Park · 3 mi from centreA large garden with woodland paths, themed plantings, a seasonal butterfly house and a children's garden. It is a relaxing half-day stop and hosts popular seasonal light displays and events.
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Twickenham Historic District
HistoricA walkable neighborhood near downtown packed with antebellum homes, including the Weeden House Museum. Its tree-lined streets show off one of Alabama's largest concentrations of pre-Civil War architecture.
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Monte Sano State Park
Nature · 5 mi from centreA mountaintop park just east of downtown with miles of hiking and biking trails, rustic cabins and overlooks across the Tennessee Valley. It is a quick escape into forest without leaving the city.
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Big Spring Park
ParkA downtown park built around the spring where Huntsville was founded, with a lagoon, footbridges and koi. It is a pleasant place to start a walk to the nearby museums, courthouse square and historic streets.
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Huntsville Museum of Art
MuseumOverlooking Big Spring Park, this museum shows American art, Asian decorative works and rotating exhibitions. Its convenient downtown location makes it an easy addition to a stroll through the city center.
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Burritt on the Mountain
MuseumA historic mansion and park on Monte Sano with restored nineteenth-century farm buildings, nature trails and sweeping views of the city. Living history demonstrations bring rural Alabama life of the past to visitors.
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Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
EntertainmentA former cotton mill converted into a large arts center with working studios, galleries, shops and cafes. Visitors can watch artists at work and buy pieces directly from the makers.
Where to stay in Huntsville
Popular hotels in Huntsville, out of 67 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville/Research Park Area
From $142 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville Airport
From $110 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Huntsville-Village of Pr
From $152 per night
Home2 Suites Huntsville/Research Park Area
From $120 per night
Best Western Plus Madison-Huntsville Hotel
From $85 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville/Space Center
From $173 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville Hampton Cove
From $125 per night
Hampton Inn Huntsville-Arsenal/South Pkway
From $131 per night
Homewood Suites By Hilton Huntsville Downtown
From $132 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites By Hilton Huntsville Downtown
From $155 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville South/Redstone
From $137 per night
Clarion Pointe Huntsville Research Park
From $76 per night
Best time to visit Huntsville
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Huntsville is October, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Huntsville weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 78° 52° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 74° 52° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 75° 53° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 72° 53° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 72° 52° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 73° 52° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Huntsville
These are the airports closest to central Huntsville. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- HUA Redstone Army Airfield6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
- HSV Huntsville International Airport12 mi (19 km) from the city centre
Getting around Huntsville
Public transportation is not popular in Huntsville, but does exist. The city offers 13 bus routes, including a Tourist Trolley, which loops past most of the city's attractions and shopping areas. Turnovers between buses can be between fifteen minutes in downtown and one hour in outlying areas. There are also two free weekend evening routes that serve Downtown, Five Points, and the Medical District.
Huntsville travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Huntsville?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Huntsville is October, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Huntsville?
July is usually the warmest month in Huntsville, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 28°F (-2°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 188 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Huntsville?
Redstone Army Airfield (HUA) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (10 km) from the centre of Huntsville. Other nearby airports include Huntsville International Airport (HSV, 12 mi).
What time zone is Huntsville in?
Huntsville uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Huntsville?
Public transportation is not popular in Huntsville, but does exist. The city offers 13 bus routes, including a Tourist Trolley, which loops past most of the city's attractions and shopping areas. Turnovers between buses can be between fifteen minutes in downtown and one hour in outlying areas.
What are the best places to visit in Huntsville?
Top sights in Huntsville include U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden, Twickenham Historic District and Monte Sano State Park. Huntsville's top attraction, displaying a Saturn V rocket, Apollo-era artifacts and a full-size Space Shuttle stack. It explains the city's role in NASA rocketry and is home to the famous Space Camp program.
Where should I stay in Huntsville?
Popular areas for hotels in Huntsville include Huntsville. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville/Research Park Area and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville Airport.
How many hotels can I book in Huntsville?
Destina Holidays currently lists 67 properties in and around Huntsville, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
