Nearest Airport
: Mobile Regional Airport (also 4R9 DI airport)
at 38
Miles
Nearest Ferry
: Mobile Bay Ferry
at 2
Miles
Nearest Motorway
: I-10
at 25
Miles
Nearest Beach
: Dauphin Island
Nearest Golf
: Silver King, Irvington
at 15
Miles
Nearest Restaurant
: Islanders
at 0.1
Miles
Car: recommended
Come to Dauphin Island and experience nature at its finest and a charming, historical town that is both peaceful and relaxing. Off the beaten path, Dauphin Island is a short drive from Mobile, a ferry ride from Gulf Shores, and a world away from crowded beaches, long restaurant waits, and heavy traffic. During your visit, you might consider a day trip to nearby Bellingrath Gardens or visit Mobile’s Gulf Coast Exploreum and IMAX Theatre, USS Alabama, and historic Oakleigh Garden District. Perhaps you might like to day trip to the Mississippi coast casinos to catch a show or just see the sights. We also recommend visiting nearby Malbis and Fairhope for some great shopping and antiquing. There are so many things to do within driving distance from Dauphin Island, even the most energetic visitors will have a hard time seeing it all!
Dauphin Island is one of the top birding spots in the Southeast. An incredible 347 species have been reported on the island. Spring migration is the first landfall for many Neotropical birds who make the 600-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula. Under adverse weather conditions, large flocks of exhausted birds of many species may seek shelter on the Island in a truly spectacular 'fall-out'.
Fall migration, which begins as early as July, can also be a very rewarding time on the Island for birders. During this time, shore birds begin to gather on the Island to store up energy for their long, Neotropical flight. The Island is also ideal for birding in winter, even in the absence of the fall migrants. Many permanent species reside on the Island , and a variety of waterfowl, seabirds, and shore birds fly in during the winter season.
The entire Island is a Bird Sanctuary in which rewarding observations can be made in any of its public areas including parks, beaches, dunes, wetlands and quiet streets. The Alabama Ornithological Society meets yearly on Dauphin Island in both April and October to enjoy the birding, fine fellowship, and great seafood. Visitors are always welcome to participate in field trips and other such activities. Anytime is good birding time on Dauphin Island.
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium is an exciting educational facility highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000 square foot Exhibit Hall and Living Marsh Boardwalk. This facility is a showcase of the plants, animals, and other natural resources found in the Estuary and its surrounding marine habitats.
Take advantage of your choice of fishing guides and charter boats located right on the Island. The fishing is great!
Visit beautiful Bellingrath Gardens. Mr. Bellingrath once said “The Gardens are like a beautiful woman with a different gown for each week of the year.” With the camellia blooms in winter, the azaleas in spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and our famed Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65 acre estate of year-round beauty.
In addition to touring the Gardens, the Bellingrath Museum Home and the Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle River Cruise, come experience the Bayou Boardwalk, Mirror Lake, the Great Lawn, Asian-American Gardens, the 2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the United States, Butterfly Garden, Formal Garden Terraces, and more!
