If you are looking for a vacation spot in Alabama, Dauphin Island is a good place to start. It is an island located at the entrance of Mobile Bay and is known for its white sand beaches. There are many things to see and do on the island. Some of the main attractions include the 19th-century Fort Gaines, with its original cannons and blacksmith shop. You can also visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which has wetlands and a living marsh boardwalk.
Shell Mound Park
If you’re looking for an interesting place to visit in Dauphin Island, Alabama, you’ll want to check out Indian Mound Park (also known as Shell Mound Park). This national monument is located on Dauphin Island, a barrier island in Mobile County, Alabama.
This natural park features sea shell mounds and flora and fauna. It is also home to benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. Dauphin Island is known for its wildlife, and its native plants and animals are a major source of pride for its people.
Visitors should take advantage of Shell Mound Park’s many walking trails. These trails are flat, easy to follow, and well-marked. Many of them loop back to the trailhead. You can explore the park’s natural beauty, or explore its historical sites.
Guests can also take part in a wildlife boat tour. The museum also features interactive exhibits and visual displays.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is Alabama’s primary marine research and education center. Founded by the Alabama State Legislature in 1971, it is the site of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium. Visitors to the lab learn more about the aquatic ecosystem and their role in the overall health of the state. The lab is also home to Alabama’s only marine mammal museum, the Gulf Islands Marine Mammal Museum.
The lab’s mission is to advance coastal research in the United States. Students at nearby colleges and universities are able to study coastal environments while gaining practical experience. Additionally, Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers opportunities for faculty and students to learn about coastal issues and access grant funding opportunities. The lab is open to the public during the months of March through August.
Visitors to Dauphin Island Sea Lab can explore the marine ecosystems of Gulf Shores and the Gulf Coast. The center is located on the eastern end of Dauphin Island, a barrier island just three miles from the mainland. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay, and Mississippi Sound. Visitors can easily access the lab by ferry. It is a 40-minute ride across Mobile Bay, and the scenery is stunning.
Dauphin Island Marina
On the Alabama Gulf Coast, the Dauphin Island Marina provides full service for the boating enthusiast. The marina is located on the beautiful Dauphin Island at the foot of the Dauphin Island bridge. Dauphin Island is a popular destination for boaters from all over the country. With its great amenities and friendly staff, it is the ideal place to take your boat out for a sail.
The Dauphin Island Marina is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Mondays. The marina is located at 650 Lemoyne Drive. The facility offers fuel and towing. The Dauphin Island Marina has a pump-out station for all boaters, so there’s no need to worry about running out of gas or oil.
Boat rental is also an option. The Dauphin Island Marina has three pontoon boats for rent, including a 2018 Bennington Cruising Pontoon. It features a captain’s chair, 25 gallons of gas, and under-seat storage for gear. These boats can accommodate up to eight passengers. Other boats available include a 2016 Bennington Fishing Model, which seats up to six people.
Pelican Pub
Pelican Pub is on the north side of the island. You can reach it from Alabama State Route 193. This bar serves classic Tex-Mex cuisine. It is also home to Dority’s Bar & Grill, which serves a wide variety of adult beverages and homemade potato chips.
The Pelican Pub is a popular gathering place for visitors and locals. The restaurant serves a variety of food, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The service is excellent and the prices are moderate. The food is also delicious. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a quick drink, the Pelican Pub is one of the best places to visit in Dauphin Island.
Dauphin Island is a picturesque place to visit. The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Its beaches are covered with shells and cunning seagulls. It’s also home to an 850-foot-long pier, which was once a famous fishing spot. Thankfully, the pier has been relocated to the public seashore and serves as a scenic spot for picnics.
The menu features fresh seafood and Gulf Coast favorites, including a pirate’s po-boy. This sandwich is served on a piece of Gambino French bread with lettuce, tomato, and fried okra. The restaurant also serves burgers and fresh seafood appetizers. The restaurant is dog-friendly, and the outdoor patio is an ideal spot for eating.
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
If you’re interested in birdwatching and nature, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of the top places to visit in Dauphin Island. This sanctuary is 164 acres of marshes, dunes, lake, swamp, and beach with educational signs that guide you through the area. It is a great place for birdwatchers to observe the migration patterns of various species.
Visitors can enjoy the bird watching from a thousand-foot boardwalk. There are hundreds of species of birds in the sanctuary’s swamp, maritime forest, and beach. This sanctuary has been designated by the National Audubon Society as a Globally Important Bird Sanctuary.
This sanctuary is home to 420 species of birds, accounting for nearly 90% of the state’s total species count. It is a vital stop on the migration routes of Neotropical birds. Many birds come here to rest for the night before they continue their journey across the Gulf of Mexico. The island is ranked as one of the top four locations for spring migration by Wild Bird Magazine and has been included in the Top Ten Global Sites list for bird watching.
Whether you want to spend the day bird watching, or fishing, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of the top places to visit in Dauphin Island. The bird sanctuary is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can also book private boat rides, birthday parties, and bay fishing trips. During the summer months, Action Outdoors also organizes field trips for teachers, and offers educational materials to teach students about the bay ecosystems.
Beaches
While on a Dauphin Island vacation, a great way to relax and have fun is to visit one of the public beaches. Dauphin Island’s West End Public Beach offers a large, sandy area that is not crowded. It has plenty of shells to collect and is a popular spot for families to have picnics. There are also beach equipment rentals and a waterslide, which makes this a great option for families.
You can spend an entire day on the water at the many beaches in Dauphin Island. The island is home to several public beaches, and plenty of private residential beaches. The beaches are perfect for catching rays of sunshine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family outing, you’ll find a beautiful beach on Dauphin Island.
Dauphin Island is home to historic Fort Gaines, which was established in 1821 and served until World War II. It is famous for its role in the American Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay. The Fort is home to cannon placements and other artifacts and documents from the battle. There are also several interesting sites of Native American history in the area.
Restaurants
Dining in Dauphin Island is a great way to experience a taste of the South. There are many excellent options to choose from. A favorite among locals is the Pirate’s Bar and Grill, which offers both poolside dining and live music. The restaurant also features an excellent kids’ menu and has breakfast served on the beach.
The cuisine on Dauphin Island features seafood that is fresh and locally harvested. From oysters and shrimp to fish and crab, there is something for everyone. You can also choose from burgers, tacos, and other great options. Many of the restaurants are located right on the water and have great views of the water.
If you’re visiting Dauphin Island during the winter months, make sure you plan your visit to coincide with one of the island’s many attractions. Because the island is open year round, attractions such as Fort Gaines don’t close, even in the dead of winter. Guests can visit this historical attraction, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While Alabama is famous for football and Civil Rights, it is also a great family beach destination. You can enjoy the beach with your kids and watch the sunset over the water. In addition, you can spend some time exploring the area’s many outdoor activities.
