Where to Stay in Huntsville – A Guide to “Rocket City”
Huntsville is Alabama’s second-largest city. Located in the Appalachian region, in the north of the state, Huntsville, known as “Rocket City,” is famous for being home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Huntsville, AL.
The main cultural attractions in Huntsville’s center include Big Spring International Park, Bicentennial Park, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville Depot Museum, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, and the Weeden House Museum and Garden. See accommodation in Downtown Huntsville.
Space enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a huge museum with displays of rockets and artifacts related to the U.S. space program. See accommodation around the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Some of the natural attractions in and around Huntsville include the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Monte Sano State Park, Harmony Park Safari, and the Madison County Nature Trail.
Huntsville has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters due to its geographical location. Winter temperatures typically range between 31°F and 51ºF (0 – 11 °C). Meanwhile, in the summer, average temperatures hover around 70 – 90 °F (21 – 33 °C). The best time to visit Huntsville is during the spring and early summer (March – June) and again during the fall (September – December). During these seasons, the temperatures are pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities without the oppressive summer heat.
To get to Huntsville by air, the city is served by the Huntsville International Airport. Located 10 miles southwest of downtown Huntsville, this airport offers short-haul domestic connections to several places, including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Orlando, Washington DC, and others.
Additionally, Huntsville is connected through a network of long-distance buses to other cities in the US South. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
When it comes to moving around the city, the city operates an urban bus system connecting downtown with the major shopping areas. However, cars remain the best way to get around town. Huntsville also has Uber and Lyft services, and you can always choose to rent a car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Huntsville, AL is Downtown. This lively quarter is home to the city’s historic landmarks, main cultural attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and hotels. See accommodation in Downtown Huntsville.
Another area to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Huntsville is around the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Keep reading to find more about the best areas to stay in Huntsville, AL.
The Best Areas to Stay in Huntsville, Alabama
1. Recommended area: Downtown Hunstville
Huntsville’s Downtown area is the historic heart of the city.
This lively area is located on the east side of Pinhook Creek, 5 miles from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and is home to the city’s main cultural attractions and historic neighborhoods.
Centered around Big Spring Park, Downtown Huntsville mixes some of the city’s oldest districts with modern office highrises.
Some of the attractions in Downtown Huntsville include the Old Town Historic District, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville Depot Museum, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, and the Weeden House Museum & Garden.
This area comes alive at night. Downtown Huntsville is home to several bars, artisanal breweries, and coffee shops.
The city’s urban bus system has its hub station at the Huntsville Depot and Museum, located on Downtown’s north end.
Most of the accommodations available in Huntsville are also located here. Several mid-range business hotels, along with some budget options, can be found in this central district.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Huntsville, AL:
- Near the attractions
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area for business travelers
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hampton Inn & Suites – Research Park/Huntsville
The Hampton Inn and Suites Research Park is 4 km from downtown Huntsville. It offers a free continental breakfast and an outdoor pool. All rooms at this Huntsville hotel have free Wi-Fi and cable TV. All rooms and suites have microwaves and refrigerators.
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Budget
Springhill Suites by Marriott Huntsville Downtown
Springhill Suites by Marriott Huntsville Downtown is located in Huntsville, 7 km from Alabama A&M University. This 3-star hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. It is a 7-minute walk from the Von Braun Center.
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Luxury
AC by Marriott Hotel Huntsville Downtown
AC by Marriott Hotel Huntsville Downtown is located in Huntsville, 3.7 km from Southern Adventures, and offers accommodation with a bar and private parking. This 4-star hotel has a restaurant and offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.
2. West Huntsville (Near the University of Alabama and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center)
This area is located about four files from downtown Huntsville.
The University of Alabama is considered one of the most important research centers in the South of the US.
Near the University of Alabama, you’ll find the Space & Rocket Center, a museum that displays rockets and artifacts from the United States space program, listed as the largest space museum on Earth.
The center opened in 1970, just after Apollo 12, the second American mission to the moon. In addition to the Apollo Program hardware, it houses interactive scientific exhibits, space shuttles, rockets, and army aircraft.
This is a good area to stay in Huntsville for families and travelers interested in astronomy and space travel.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Huntsville, AL:
- US Space & Rocket Center
- University of Alabama
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