Selma Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Selma, Alabama with our comprehensive travel guide showcasing the best things to do, places to stay, and local tips on things to eat, see, and experience.


Introduction to Selma

Selma is a small city located in the heart of Alabama’s River Heritage region. It is a majestic southern destination that is best known as the nerve center of the Civil Rights Movement. The city played a pivotal role in the struggle for African American voting rights, where dozens of marchers were attacked by police in 1965 during what would become known as “Bloody Sunday.” Selma is also rich in cultural landmarks and historic sites and is a popular destination for those interested in experiencing Alabama’s unique cultural attractions amidst picturesque natural backgrounds.

List of Places to Visit in Selma

Selma’s landmarks are a diverse mix of heritage sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions that promise to entertain and inform you. Here is a list of the must-visit places in Selma:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are interested in history and culture, Selma is the ideal place to learn about the civil rights movement. You will visit historical sites with fascinating stories that shaped America’s present and future:

  1. Edmund Pettus Bridge: It is a landmark known worldwide as a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement.
  2. National Voting Rights Museum and Institute: You can learn more about what happened during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March.
  3. Selma Interpretive Center: It offers a glimpse of the march from Selma to Montgomery.
  4. Old Live Oak Cemetery: It is a historic burial ground dating back to the 19th century, located on the grounds of the historic Sturdivant Hall.
  5. St. James Hotel Selma: Established in 1837, the building has been restored to serve as a hotel that currently has 42 contemporary guest rooms. It is a perfect base for your Selma trip.

Natural Attractions of Selma: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Selma’s outdoors are spectacular and offer a serene setting that showcases its natural beauty. You can explore the area’s natural attractions and outdoors through:

  1. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: The trail is an ideal place to explore Selma’s green landscape while learning about the history and culture of the area.
  2. Paul Grist State Park: This beautiful park offers excellent campsites, hiking, fishing, and swimming opportunities in the park’s three lakes.
  3. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park: Old Cahawba Archaeological Park is Alabama’s most significant and picturesque archaeological site. The old town’s ruins stand on the banks of the Cahaba River and are open to the public.
  4. Safe House Black History Museum: A small museum exhibit that helps visitors learn about the area’s underground railroad and Civil War history.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Selma

Selma is an ideal spot to get your hiking and biking fix for both short and long excursions. The city has amazing bike trails, both paved and unpaved, set amidst beautiful backgrounds. Here are a few options:

  1. Alabama Scenic River Trail: A beautiful water trail that offers some of the best kayaking, paddling, and other water-based activities.
  2. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: The trail is ideal for both biking and hiking since it connects several historical sites and landmarks.
  3. Paul Grist State Park: An ideal destination for mountain biking lovers, since it has over 12.5 miles of single-track trails.

Best Things to Do in Selma: Activities and Tours

Selma provides unique and interesting activities and stimulating tours that will entertain and challenge you. Here are a few things to do while in Selma:

  1. Selma’s Historic Walking Tour: Take a walking tour of Selma’s historic district to learn about real stories and fascinating events.
  2. Civil Rights Heritage Tour: Take a tour of African American heritage sites in Selma organized by the 20th of November Foundation.
  3. Selma Economic Development Tour: Take Selma’s economic development tour and learn about various companies that contribute to Selma’s economic development.
  4. Riverboat Tour: A riverboat tour is a relaxing way to enjoy the Selma skyline and riverside scenery along the Alabama River.

Week-Long Itinerary for Selma

Here is our week-long itinerary for Selma, to help you plan your trip:

Day 1 - Visit the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, Edmund Pettus Bridge, and St. James Hotel Selma. Day 2 - Explore Paul Grist State Park and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, fishing, or hiking. Day 3 - Go on the Selma to Montgomery Trail, and explore the scenic views and landmarks. Day 4 - Take the Civil Rights Heritage Tour that will immerse you in Selma’s history and culture. Day 5 - Plan on the Historic Walking Tour and Riverboat Tour to see the Selma skyline and enjoy the riverside scenery along the Alabama River. Day 6 - Go on an Economic Development Tour and learn about the companies contributing to Selma’s economy. Day 7 - Enjoy your final day in Selma by visiting the Safe House Black History Museum and the famous Old Cahawba Archaeological Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Selma

Selma’s food scene is an attraction worth savoring. The city is known for its southern-style comfort food, and you will savor some of Alabama’s best cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

Here are some of the dishes that you must try in Selma:

  1. Must-Try Fried Chicken, prepared just like grandma’s.
  2. Peach Cobbler, prepare to experience more satisfaction than you may have ever felt before.
  3. Collard Greens, classic southern comfort food for your soul.

Local Beverages

Here are some local beverages to try while in Selma:

  1. Sweet Tea, a well-known beverage and a key part of the southern culture that you can find in almost every restaurant.
  2. Slow-Brewed Coffee, give yourself a break, and enjoy some locally roasted coffee.
  3. Southern-style Soda, traditional soda with a southern twist.

Where to Stay in Selma: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Selma provides various accommodation options that cater to different budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay in Selma:

  1. Hampton Inn Selma: A perfect option if you are looking for a comfortable and affordable stay.
  2. St. James Hotel Selma: The iconic hotel was established in 1837, and has been restored and converted into boutique accommodation.
  3. Holiday Inn Express Selma: Budget-friendly accommodations with clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Selma: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Selma has various souvenir shops and stores that sell various local products. Some of the places where you can buy souvenirs in Selma include:

  1. The Selma Art Guild: It is a fantastic place to purchase local handicrafts, arts, and souvenirs.
  2. Broadway Antiques and Market: A market where you can find a wide variety of antique products and souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Selma

Selma is a friendly and welcoming city that values tradition, history, and culture. It is common to find people greeting each other warmly, and you should try to do the same to fit in.

Best Time to Visit Selma

The best time to visit Selma is during the fall (late September to mid-November) when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Moreover, spring (late January to mid-April) has beautiful blooming flowers, which makes everything enchanting, especially when exploring the outdoors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Selma

Here are some essential things to consider when in Selma:

Do:

  1. Try local cuisine in Selma.
  2. Visit National Voting Rights Museum and Institute.
  3. Be respectful of different cultures when visiting various areas in Selma.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter the environment.
  2. Don’t use foul language in public places.
  3. Don’t be disrespectful towards locals or their traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Selma

Selma is a safe city, but it is still essential to take precautions since it is better safe than sorry. Here are some tips:

  1. Always know your surroundings and avoid any deserted or poorly lit areas.
  2. Keep your belongings safe, and never leave them unattended.
  3. If you need emergency assistance, dial 911 for help.

Health in Selma

When travelling to Selma, it is advisable to have all necessary immunizations, medications and, health insurance in case of any health emergency.

Getting to Selma: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Selma

The nearest airport to Selma is Montgomery Regional Airport, which is approximately 50 miles away. It is a regional airport with regular flights from major US cities.

Bus Stations Near Selma

Greyhound Bus Lines operates several daily trips to Selma from other major cities in Alabama and other nearby states.

Other Options

You can hire a car, take a taxi, or ride-share services like Uber or Lyft to Selma.

How to Get Around in Selma

You can easily get around Selma by car, bike, or walking. Several car rental companies operate in Selma, and bike rentals are available at the Paul Grist State Park.

Where to Go Next from Selma: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the destinations near Selma worth exploring include Montgomery, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa. These cities offer similar cultural experiences and attractions as Selma.

Conclusion

Selma is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. It is a city steeped in history and culture, and you are guaranteed to have an experience you won’t forget soon. Be sure to check out the must-visit heritage sites, food scene, scenic routes, and places to stay that we’ve highlighted in this comprehensive Selma travel guide.

View of Broad Street View of Broad Street Edmund Pettus Bridge Edmund Pettus Bridge