Prepare to be charmed the Southern way when you set foot in Birmingham, the largest city in the state of Alabama. But if you think you only have genteel hospitality to look forward to in this city, you're in for the surprise of a lifetime!

Birmingham is well-known for its immaculately-designed golf courses and is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. Professionals and amateurs alike flock to the golf courses in this city, which are also favored by a number of PGA events. Some of these golf courses include club accommodations in their packages, so golfers have one less thing to worry about on their trip. Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, one of Alabama's most famous tourist attractions.

Enjoy the beauty of nature in Alabama's largest state park, the Oak Mountain State Park, which also offers camping sites, a variety of sports to choose from, vacation cottages and other activities for people who love the outdoors. A few miles from the city center is a 1,000-acre nature preserve, Ruffner Mountain. Home to native animals and plants, this urban forest features miles of hiking trails, perfect for communing with nature.

For kids and animal lovers, a trip to the Birmingham Zoo shouldn't be missed. The zoo is touted as 'Alabama's Number One Tourist Attraction,' and showcases over 700 wild animals - all in the middle of the urban jungle.

A visit to the Vulcan Park and Museum takes you to a trip down memory lane, featuring the world's biggest cast-iron statue. The displays and interactive exhibits give visitors a peek at the city's past, which shaped its present - and most probably its future as well.

The Birmingham Museum of Art has more than 21,000 artworks, possibly the most impressive collection in the Southeast, with works of art coming from different cultures across the globe. It is also hailed as one of the country's best regional museums, and is a must in every art lover's itinerary.

To those looking for some retail therapy, Birmingham has it all, from upscale boutiques, to quaint stores and outlet malls. The Riverchase Galleria is the state's number one free-of-charge tourist attraction, featuring two levels of shopping Nirvana.

Tourists have a wide range of dining options in Birmingham. As you go through your hectic day, you can choose a restaurant or café offering the cuisine you're in the mood for - and sit down for a much-deserved meal, prepared by experts in the culinary arts.

You can choose your accommodations based on the location, price and amenities/facilities you prefer. Birmingham has a number of well-equipped hotels, motels and inns to suit every traveler's preference.

You will never forget your trip to Birmingham with its breath-taking sights, thrilling activities and impressive landmarks - all served with that famous Southern charm. Once you leave the city, you may catch yourself thinking of the next time you'll be there - and start the trip planning all over.