2 Days in Mobile, Alabama
The drive from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Mobile, Alabama, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via US-98 E and Interstate 65 S. This route offers a direct and scenic drive through southern Mississippi and into Alabama, bringing you to Mobile.
About Mobile, Alabama
Founded in 1702 by the French, Mobile, Alabama, is one of the oldest cities in the United States and has been shaped by French, Spanish, British, and American influences. Originally part of the French Louisiana territory, it was transferred to Spanish control in 1780 before becoming part of the United States in 1813. Mobile has long been a strategic port and trade hub and also a key point of entry for enslaved Africans brought to the United States.
Best Things To Do in Mobile AL
The city is happy to show off days gone by, and there are a few experiences I loved that should be added to your Mobile itinerary. The History Museum of Mobile documents the city’s evolution as a major port, its role in the slave trade, African American heritage, and the Civil War.
Mardi Gras Park commemorates the birthplace of the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration, while the nearby Carnival Museum preserves the history of Mobile’s Mardi Gras festivities, displaying intricate costumes, photos, and artefacts from the iconic parades and celebrations.
A powerful experience I highly recommend is Clotilda: The Exhibition in Africatown. It shares the story of the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States, which illegally brought enslaved Africans to Mobile in 1860. It features voice recordings, personal testimonies, and historical context about the survivors, many of whom established Africatown, where they preserved their culture despite immense hardship.
Whilst I didn’t have time to visit, those interested in maritime history should check out the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, where you can step aboard a WWII battleship and submarine.
Mobile is home to some culinary treasures; The Noble South salutes Southern-inspired dishes, while Squid Ink Eats serves up innovative takes on Southern classics alongside handcrafted cocktails. To cover more ground on Mobile’s food scene, join Bienville Bites Walking Tour to devour oysters, gumbo and beignets across the city.
Craft beer is generally on my list of things to do these days, so I was delighted to discover Braided River Brewing. Not only is it a fantastic place to grab a drink, but it’s also making a real difference for the environment, using biodegradable cups, repurposing grain sacks, and donating proceeds to support local environmental efforts. A brewery with a purpose is even better!
For a taste of the great outdoors, visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island, where scenic trails wind through majestic live oaks and pine trees, leading to restored dunes — just keep an eye out for the resident alligator in the swamp. Alternatively, explore the wildlife-rich Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, often called “America’s Amazon,” the largest river delta and wetland in Alabama.
