Dauphin Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town • Island

Facts and practical information

Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Alabama, Dauphin Island is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure. With its pristine beaches, rich history, and abundant wildlife, this small island is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

One of the main attractions of Dauphin Island is its stunning beaches. Stretching for miles along the coast, these sandy shores offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking to sunbathe, swim, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the water's edge, the beaches of Dauphin Island are the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.

In addition to its beaches, Dauphin Island is also known for its historical significance. The island played a pivotal role in the Civil War and is home to Fort Gaines, a historic fort that still stands today. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its role in protecting the Mobile Bay during the war. The fort also offers breathtaking views of the bay, making it a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

For nature lovers, Dauphin Island is a paradise. The island is a prime spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds passing through during their migration. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary, located on the eastern end of the island, is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. With its diverse habitats, including marshes, dunes, and forests, the sanctuary provides a haven for a wide variety of bird species.

In addition to birdwatching, Dauphin Island offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Whether you prefer casting a line in the Gulf of Mexico, exploring the bay on a boat, or paddling along the calm waters of the island's estuaries, there are plenty of options to satisfy your outdoor cravings.

As the sun sets over Dauphin Island, the town comes alive with a vibrant dining scene. From fresh seafood caught in the nearby waters to Southern comfort food with a twist, there's something to tempt every palate. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

Alternative names: Population: 1.3 thous.Area: 165.95 mi²Elevation: 7 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 30°14'59"N, 88°7'47"W

Location

AlabamaUnited States

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Dauphin Island Top Attractions

Dauphin Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Dauphin Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Forts and castles
Fort Gaines
Fort Gaines is a historic fort on Dauphin Island, Alabama, United States. It was named for Edmund Pendleton Gaines. Established in 1821, it is best known for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.
Aquarium • Science museum • Park
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is Alabama's primary marine education and research center. DISL is the home site of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium and was founded by an act of the Alabama State Legislature in 1971. It also has a public aquarium specializing in estuarine organisms, the George F. Crozier Estuarium.
Area
Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary on the eastern side of Dauphin Island, Alabama, measuring 164 acres. The island is an important stop for many bird migrations, as it is often the first land birds encounter when crossing the Gulf of Mexico. The island was dedicated as an Important Bird Area due to this fact.

Day trips

Dauphin Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Dauphin Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Ladd Peebles Stadium (Mobile), Waterville USA (Gulf Shores), USS Alabama (Mobile).

29 milesN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile
Ladd-Peebles Stadium is a longstanding fixture in the city of Mobile, Alabama, known for hosting a variety of sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings. This venerable stadium, which opened its doors in 1948, has become a landmark in the city's cultural...
26 milesE
Theme park, Amusement park, Water park
Waterville USA, Gulf Shores
Nestled in the heart of the charming coastal city of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Waterville USA offers a refreshing escape from the heat with its array of water-based attractions. This vibrant water park is a popular destination for families and tourists looking to add a...
31 milesN
WWII battleship with self-guided tours
USS Alabama, Mobile
USS Alabama is a retired battleship. She was the fourth and final member of the South Dakota class of fast battleships built for the United States Navy in the 1930s.
31 milesN
Museum, Boat or ferry, Military museum
Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile
Battleship Memorial Park is a military history park and museum on the western shore of Mobile Bay in Mobile, Alabama. It has a collection of notable aircraft and museum ships including the South Dakota-class battleship USS Alabama and Gato-class submarine USS Drum.
31 milesN
Museum, Specialty museum
GulfQuest, Mobile
GulfQuest/National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico opened on September 26, 2015, is a non-profit interactive maritime museum dedicated to the maritime heritage and culture of the Gulf of Mexico.