The Sacred Ground of 1963: Birmingham’s Civil Rights Struggle
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This isn’t a tour—it’s lived history.
Walk the streets of the most segregated city in America as they were experienced by those who lived through its darkest and most defining hour.
Your guide is Wilhelmina Thomas—storyteller, needlewoman, and “craftivist”—who grew up in Birmingham’s Riley, Wenonah, and Hillman communities. She attended the very schools shaped by this city’s history: Wenonah Elementary, Riley Elementary, and Jones Valley High. Her earliest memories include the church, the civic league, and the Civil Rights Movement itself.
This tour reveals the truth beneath the façade—the daily struggles, the acts of defiance, and the sacred spaces where ordinary people did extraordinary things.
Hear personal accounts of life under Jim Crow
Visit Kelly Ingram Park, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and other landmarks
Reflect at the sites of protest, pain, and perseverance
Includes a free “Witness Packet” digital download for direct bookings
They stood. We walk.
Available options
The Sacred Ground of 1963: Birmingham’s Civil Rights Struggle
What's included
All Fees and Taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Your tour begins at the corner of 3rd ave and 20th street north and proceeds down 20th street toward 4th Ave North covering the Black contributions to the founding of Birmingham
2
This leg of the tour covers the 1926 Red Line Zoning laws, the Palm Leaf Hotel, and the Chitlin' Circut.
3
A park and statues dedicated to our local founder of the Temptations
4
The remnants of our once dynamic "city within a city" with possible stop in Nelson Brothers and Green Acres.
5
This is the center of the Civil Rights National Historic Monument
6
One of the best Black theaters - now the Jazz Hall of Fame...also you will see the Prince Hall "Colored" Masonic Lodge
7
Kelly Ingram Park is an improved public park that contains emotionally powerful sculptures depicting the civil rights struggle in Birmingham. The park served as an assembly spot for activities of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other groups in the movement.
8
The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, stands as a poignant symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, marked by its tragic history as the site of a racially motivated bombing in 1963, which resulted in the loss of four young girls. This historic church remains a powerful testament to the struggle for civil rights and a focal point in the ongoing journey toward racial equality in the United States.
9
The A.G. Gaston Motel, built by prominent African American businessman and entrepreneur, Arthur George Gaston (1892-1996), provided first-class lodging and dining in Birmingham, Alabama, to African American travelers. Designed by Birmingham-based architect Stanley B. Echols, the motel opened in 1954
10
Our only standing theater that allowed mixed (though still segregated) audiences
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
19 reviews
5★
15
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.7
20 reviews
5★
16
4★
3
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
285 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206 - on the SouthEast corner of 20th Street North and 3rd Avenue North...This is DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM - not Irondale (please check your GPS)
About Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, known as the 'Magic City,' is a vibrant destination rich in history and culture. From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to its thriving arts and food scenes, Birmingham offers a unique blend of southern charm and modern innovation.
Top Attractions
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
This museum is dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement and offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate
Vulcan Park and Museum
Home to the world's largest cast iron statue, Vulcan, this museum offers panoramic views of the city and exhibits on Birmingham's industrial history.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
A former pig iron-producing blast furnace, Sloss Furnaces is now a museum and concert venue with a rich history and eerie atmosphere.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
A 67.5-acre botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of plants, gardens, and outdoor art.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
McWane Science Center
An interactive science museum with exhibits on natural history, space, and technology, perfect for families and curious minds.
Educational
2-3 hours
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic, made with unripe tomatoes coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy.
Appetizer
Vegetarian (may contain gluten)
Birmingham-Style Barbecue
Birmingham-style barbecue is known for its unique sauce, which is a mix of tomato, vinegar, and molasses, and is typically served with pulled pork or chicken.
Main Course
Contains gluten (check for vegetarian/vegan options)
Banana Pudding
A classic Southern dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and whipped cream or custard.
Dessert
Vegetarian (may contain gluten)
Popular Activities
Hiking in Oak Mountain State Park
Zip-lining at Gulf Adventure Center
Kayaking on the Cahaba River
Spa treatments at The Club
Picnicking in Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Wine tasting at Alabama Wine & Beer Trail
Visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art
Attending a performance at the Alabama Theatre
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
15-28°C
60-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
CST (GMT-6) / CDT (GMT-5)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Birmingham is generally safe for travelers, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts
Getting there
By air
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport • 6 miles from city center
By train
Amtrak Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The BJCTA bus system covers most of the city and is affordable, but schedules may not be as frequent as in larger cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Five Points South
Avondale
Homewood
Day trips
Gulf Shores
250 miles • Full day
A popular beach destination on the Gulf Coast, offering white sand beaches, clear waters, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Montgomery
90 miles • Half day to full day
The capital of Alabama, Montgomery is rich in history and culture, with numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Nashville
200 miles • Full day to overnight
A vibrant city known for its music, food, and nightlife, Nashville offers a variety of attractions and entertainment options.
Festivals
Birmingham Jazz Festival • Late April
Magic City Classic • Late November
Birmingham Folk Festival • Late September
Pro tips
- Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more immersive experience.
- Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
- Try Birmingham-style barbecue at a local spot like Saw's Soul Kitchen or Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q.
- Attend a concert or event at the historic Alabama Theatre for a taste of the city's rich cultural heritage.
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Gulf Shores or Montgomery to experience the best of Alabama.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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