While traveling through Alabama, you'll encounter lots of beautiful places. From parks and preserves, to canyons and lakes, the opportunities are endless. Listed below are 10 astounding places in Alabama that you'll regret not checking out at least once.

1. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve - Pinson

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, which covers nearly 500 acres, is one of Alabama's top outdoor spots. Its main feature is a stunning waterfall, and its main purpose is to protect some of the Southeast's most beautiful scenery.

(3906 Turkey Creek Rd)

2. Cheaha State Park - Delta

Cheaha State Park is perched atop Cheaha Mountain, which is Alabama's highest natural point. Cheaha Mountain, also referred to as Mount Cheaha, offers the most incredible views.

(19644 AL-281)

3. Dismals Canyon - Phil Campbell

Dismals Canyon is one of Alabama's true hidden gems. This beautiful canyon, which is where you'll find insects called dismalites, is an absolute must-visit for the entire family.

(901 HWY 8)

4. Ave Maria Grotto - Cullman

One of Alabama's most unique places is Ave Maria Grotto, which is also known as "Jerusalem in Miniature." This four-acre garden park showcases 125 miniature reproductions of historic buildings and shrines. There's no other place in the world quite like it.

(1600 St. Bernard Drive SE)

5. Bellingrath Gardens and Home - Theodore

Bellingrath Gardens and Home, which is one of Alabama's top outdoor attractions, features a stunning 65-acre garden and estate. It receives visitors of all ages, and it's the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll.

(12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd)

6. Cathedral Caverns State Park - Woodville

The main feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park is of course Cathedral Caverns. This historic cave, which has been open to the public since the 1950s, is one of Alabama's most amazing attractions. Measuring 25 feet high and 126 feet wide, Cathedral Caverns also has one of the world's largest cave entrances.

(637 Cave Rd)

7. Lake Martin

Lake Martin, which is located in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties, is one of Alabama's most beautiful lakes. Covering approximately 44,000 acres, Lake Martin is also one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S.

8. Ruffner Mountain - Birmingham

Ruffner Mountain is a nature preserve that covers 1,040 acres. From the late 1800s to the 1950s, Ruffner Mountain was mined for iron ore. Today, you can see the former quarry from the top of this scenic mountain. Without a doubt, Ruffner Mountain offers the most incredible views!

(1214 81st Street S)

9. Noccalula Falls Park - Gadsden

Noccalula Falls Park is the home of Noccalula Falls, which is one of Alabama's most visited natural attractions. This stunning waterfall plunges 90 feet over a ledge and into a ravine. Noccalula Falls is a must-visit for anyone who loves waterfalls.

(1500 Noccalula Rd)

10. Gulf Coast Beaches

When it comes to beaches, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. The white sand and turquoise-clear water attracts visitors from all over. Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast is one of the state's top tourist destinations.

What other places in Alabama would you suggest people checking out at least once? Let us know in the comments!

For a list of 10 hidden gems in Alabama waiting to be discovered, click here.