Your Guide to BHAM’s Charming Highland Park Neighborhood
As one of Birmingham's oldest neighborhoods, Highland Park is full of character and charm. Here's your guide for where to eat, play, and enjoy the great outdoors. Image: Facebook / Bottega
With its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and lush green spaces, Highland Park is one of Birmingham’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Just south of downtown, it’s the kind of place where a morning walk leads to a favorite coffee shop, afternoons are spent in the park, and locally loved restaurants make it easy to stay through dinner. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this beloved area of Birmingham!
Highland Park History
Highland Park dates back to the 1880s, when the Elyton Land Company — the developers behind Birmingham itself — planned a residential neighborhood in the foothills of Red Mountain. Highland Avenue was designed to follow the area’s natural hills and valleys, creating the winding streets and scenic setting that still define the neighborhood today. Later, a streetcar line connected Highland Park to downtown, helping establish it as one of Birmingham’s earliest suburbs. Today, it remains one of the city’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods.
Where to Eat + Drink
- Rojo: Owners Laney DeJonge and Clark Lopez opened Rojo back in 2002. A casual, family-friendly restaurant that serves American and Latin cuisines, Rojo offers seated dining, to-go, and catering options. Serving brunch alongside vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, this funky eatery also includes outdoor seating with an expansive view of nearby Rushton Park.
- O’Henry’s Coffee: A neighborhood staple since 2013, this Birmingham coffee shop is committed to local roasting. Whether you’re grabbing your morning latte before a walk through the park, settling in with a laptop for a productive afternoon, or meeting a friend over coffee and a pastry, this neighborhood favorite makes it easy to support a hometown business.
- Freddy’s Wine Bar: This neighborhood favorite is a spot to linger over a thoughtfully selected wine, paired with chef-driven small plates, including a handcrafted charcuterie board or a variety of flatbreads.
- Bottega: As one of Birmingham’s most iconic dining destinations, Chef Frank Stitt’s beloved restaurant has been drawing locals and visitors alike to Highland Avenue for decades. Whether you’re indulging in the elegant dining room for a special occasion or stopping by the café for a wood-fired pizza or fresh pasta, Bottega delivers the kind of memorable meal that has helped put Birmingham’s culinary scene on the map.
- The Garage: The Garage may be on the very edge of Highland Park, but this hidden gem is a must-visit when you’re in the area. Offering drinks and sandwiches, and featuring a beautiful courtyard filled with antique statues and planters, it’s a Birmingham institution.
Where to Explore + Play
- Virginia Samford Theatre: As Birmingham’s oldest performance arts venue, this theater opened in 1927 under its original name, The Little Theatre. In 1955, UAB purchased the building and announced its closing in 1999. Thankfully, the Metropolitan Arts Council restored the historic landmark and renamed it after its most generous donor, Virginia Samford Donovan.
- Highland Park Golf Course: Earning the distinction of being the oldest golf course in Alabama, Highland Park Golf Course was initially established in 1903 as the Country Club of Birmingham. It’s not only a beautiful course with spectacular views, but it also has an adjoining tennis club and clubhouse facilities.
- Highland Park Racquet Club: This club has clay courts and offers lessons for all ages. They also host tournaments and have leagues for all skill types!
- Rushton Park: Named for former Birmingham alderman and Board of Education president Dr. William J. Rushton, Sr., this 4.37-acre park features a sand volleyball court, a playground, and open lawn space, making it a favorite for both recreation and everyday neighborhood life.
- Caldwell Park: A gathering place for neighborhood events, celebrations, and more, this 2.69-acre park was named in honor of Dr. Henry Caldwell, who helped shape the design of Highland Avenue. The park has become an even more active destination since a permanent stage was added in 2005. Today, it remains one of the neighborhood’s favorite spots for connecting and enjoying the outdoors.
- Rhodes Park: Known for its four-legged visitors and community traditions, this park is often affectionately called the neighborhood’s unofficial dog park. It’s also home to the annual Do Dah Day celebration in May, which brings together music, a pet parade, and fundraising for local causes. Named in honor of Birmingham news publisher Rufus Rhodes, the park remains a lively reflection of the neighborhood’s welcoming spirit.
Take a stroll through Highland Park for a fresh perspective on all there is to love about the Magic City!
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Paige Townley
Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.