The Montgomery Zoo is a perfect place to stop whether you’re traveling solo or with the kids. Located on 40 acres of various recreated environments, the zoo is home to giraffes, condors, elk, cheetahs, and numerous other creatures from all parts of the animal kingdom.

About 9 miles southeast of the zoo is the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Its art collections include 19th and 20th century American works, as well as prints by the old masters. The museum, which sits over a lake, includes an art reference library full of magazines, tapes, CDs, and more for research purposes.

In downtown Montgomery, you will find the Montgomery Riverfront. Besides the riverfront park—where you can ride a riverboat or attend a concert—the downtown area includes the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre and a number of restaurants and bars for you to sample. Whether you’re after an oyster dinner or hearty Irish fare, you’ll find something to whet your palette.

The rental cars in Montgomery, AL are your ticket to seeing other parts of the state. Why not head 90 miles north to Birmingham, AL? Sports fans will find much to love at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, which celebrates athletes born in and fetes reflecting on the state. Birmingham is also home to the Southern Museum of Flight, a celebration of mankind’s efforts in the sky. Whether you’re interested in the Tuskegee Airmen or are curious about crop dusters, the museum has something for you.

You might also consider a trip to Columbus, GA, located 80 miles east, to explore some of Georgia’s military history. The National Civil War Naval Museum is here, where you can spend hours studying exhibits dedicated to the conflict’s naval battles and the men and ships that fought them.

When Montgomery was incorporated in 1819, it officially merged Alabama Town and East Alabama Town, two smaller settlements along the Alabama River. The cotton industry helped Montgomery grow by leaps and bounds. After the Civil War, Alabama became the first community with electric street cars in 1886. In the 20th century, Montgomery was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus. In the most recent decades, Montgomery has devoted a great deal of energy in revitalizing its cultural offerings, and has established numerous museums and artistic ventures in the downtown area.

Montgomery’s location in the deep south means it enjoys long, hot summers and relatively mild winters. If you’re visiting during the summer, you can expect average highs in the 80s and 90s, though the occasional spike up to 100 degrees is not out of the ordinary. Montgomery receives about 52 inches of rain per year, scattered fairly evenly throughout the four seasons, though fierce thunderstorms can strike during the summer. Winters see average highs in the 50s and 60s, and while there is very little snow on a yearly basis, every now and then Montgomery does see substantial snowfall.

When you’re ready to browse the car rentals in Montgomery, AL, head to CarRentals.com to see what kind of deals you can land. We offer a variety of vehicles from the best car rental companies in the nation, all at prices that won’t leave your wallet reeling. Reserve a car rental today and get your Montgomery adventure started on your terms.