Location: Hoover
Top Things to do in Hoover
What to do and see in Hoover, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Hoover is a city in Jefferson and Shelby counties in north central Alabama, United States. The largest suburb around Birmingham, the population of the city was 84,848 as of the 2015 US Census estimate. Hoover is part of the Birmingham-Hoover, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area and is also included in the Birmingham-Hoover-Talladega, AL Combined Statistical Area. Hoover’s neighborhoods and planned communities are located along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Restaurants in Hoover
1. Aldridge Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Ms_Pat - Northwest Florida
Wanting a break from interstate traffic, my husband and I decided to pause for a peaceful walk in Aldridge Gardens. Our first visit here, we found it to be an oasis in an otherwise busy city. A very short distance off the interstate, it is a convenient stop whether traveling on I-459 or I-65. The grounds are lovely with whimsical sculptures, flowers, and a lake. A bonus -- admission is free. I would highly recommend.
2. Oak Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By maloney1969 - Wallingford, Connecticut
My wife and I visited Oak Mountain State Park in October, 2017. I've hiked at many state & National Parks across America, and this park had some of the best marked trails I've encountered. We began our hike at the North Trailhead located on John Findlay Drive (a short distance from the entrance gate). We followed the White trail to the White-Blue Connector and then hiked the Blue Trail back to the car. The hike was about 11miles through and across heavily wooded terrain. I would rate both of the trails as moderate, nothing that an average hiker would have trouble with.
3. Breakout Games - Birmingham
Overall Ratings
5 based on 898 reviews
This isn’t your average outing or everyday experience—Breakout is for those who would rather solve mysteries than watch someone else have all the fun. With different rooms that follow unique story-lines, you and your friends will have 60 minutes to escape your adventure of choice by cracking codes, solving puzzles and following clues. Part problem solving, part adrenaline, end-to-end fun!
Reviewed By Donna U - Gardendale, Alabama
We did this for the first time with family members. We had 5 in our group and a young couple was added. So we had 7 people for Mystery Mansion, which had a max of 8.
Everyone worked well together and all contributed. We made it out with only a couple of minutes to spare.
An evening of fun!
4. Riverchase Galleria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By Robert R - Helena, Alabama
When I visit this mall (rarely) I REALLY try to have a good experience, but always get disappointed. When I visited this mall yesterday I waited until 10 AM to make sure all of the stores were open. As usual, they were not. Some of the unsightly bizarre-like center free-standing shops were not open and several of the shops opened at least 45 minutes late. The shops are generally run by very young sales persons who tend to pay more attention to their cell phone than taking care of customers. And the free-standing shops still have their sales people shouting at shoppers ("sir, sir come here try this sample" etc). Instead of taking my time to shop and walk around and have a nice lunch, I went directly to the store where I had business and departed. This mall has seen its better days. If you want vendors from center isle stores shouting at you, if you want stores not opening on time, if you want to compete with a cell phone for the attention of a salesperson, then this mall is for you. This mall is one of the reasons why shopping on Amazon is so popular.
5. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Overall Ratings
5 based on 992 reviews
This historic museum traces the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who changed the course of American history. The struggle for equality for Black Americans is chronicled here, from the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s.
Reviewed By Joan P - Damariscotta, Maine
We spent the afternoon exploring the Birmingham Civil Right Institute and I found it a very moving and powerful experience. Being old enough to have lived through the 1950s and 1960s, I already knew the history, but the audio, video, and photographic displays brought it all to life again. It is our history.
The building itself is organized in a circular fashion which progresses chronologically from the 1950s to the present time. There is enough variety in the exhibits to keep you interested. Lots to read, lots to learn. Lots to watch.
I would recommend that all Americans go to this Museum. And probably non-American visitors should go there to get some understanding of the Civil Rights movement in America.
6. Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By ksC3328ZN - Alabama
This is a fun place to wander around in. Lots of rock formations, lots of hiking options. If you're a rock climber, there are mild bouldering options. If you seek them out, there are fun semi-hidden locations. A good deal of harmless hippie graffiti. A nice place to spend a morning or afternoon.
7. McWane Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 820 reviews
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
Reviewed By ekkerb - Franklin, Tennessee
Good science center experience. Nice compact museum with something for everyone. Kind of a combination children's museum with a traditional science museum. Our kids had a fun time. Takes a few hours to see everything. It was helpful we were able to use our reciprocal benefits with the Adventure Science Center in Nashville.
8. Hoover Metropolitan Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By rphmcbride - Houston, Texas
Attended SEC Baseball Tournament. Always enjoy the easy in and easy out, no charge parking, great general admission tickets at great prices. The workers are most friendly. The concessions are good. Have added large building for FanFest, a good place to hang out between games or during untimely rain. They always run a great event.
9. Oak Mountain Amphitheater
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By UberUbu - Sarasota, Florida
Was here in August for the Tesla/REO Speedwagon/Def Leppard concert. Overall, it's a good place to see an outdoor concert in the area. Parking is fairly plentiful and free if you park in an official lot. The acoustics are really good and sightings are pretty good, however... unless you are seated in tier 3 seats. Seating tiers are pretty steep in height and where I was if I was up any higher I would need FAA clearance. Food here is expensive as is beer at $10 for a small and $15 for a large. Heck, even a bottled soda which is less than $2 at a gas station costs $5 here. I think movie theaters ate cheaper on snacks than this place! Anyhow, I came for the music, which was great. I just wish they had more events here than the half dozen a summer. Hint, hint.
10. Moonlight on the Mountain
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By edemellier
We love going to Moonlight on the Mountain. It's a small venue where you get to sit close and really hear the musicians. Nothing but music. Bring your own food and beverages or drink their coffee. Singer/Songwriters from all over get booked in for a couple of hours of personal music making. Great fun. Check out the web site. Admission varies depending upon the show. My guess is the average admission is $12.00 per person.
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