To me, Dauphin Island is a place like no other. The family-friendly beach town has all the charm of a perfect beach vacation while being far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This has been my family’s beach vacation destination for years! Here, you will find white, sandy beaches, historic landmarks, diverse plant and animal life, homegrown boutiques, and a variety of restaurants featuring live music and fresh Gulf seafood. Come along as we make a splash on Dauphin Island!
Dauphin Island is known to many as the Sunset Capital of Alabama. Spend the daytime hanging out on the beaches while enjoying the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. If fishing is your thing, charter a boat to reel in a big one, or explore the waterways that meander throughout the island. But before you leave, to truly experience all that Dauphin Island is, you must stay for sunset! The beautiful sunsets can be witnessed from any point on the island, but the west-end is the best seat in the house.
Take a ride over to historic Fort Gaines, and step back in history. Fort Gaines was one of the key sites in the famous Battle of Mobile Bay. It has guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. You can tour this site and have panoramic views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. You can often catch a real-life reenactment while you’re visiting!
Visit The Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. This is a fascinating 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. The aquarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth largest estuary system in the United States. But, don’t be fooled, there is plenty of hands-on fun for kids of all ages!
If you are looking for a Dauphin Island t-shirt or an outfit for dinner, look no further than The Happy Octopus. Located steps away from the beach, this is the perfect boutique to find quality styles and innovative designs. This boutique is locally-owned and thrives on making you look good! Don’t miss this hot spot to get all of your Dauphin Island swag for you and the family!
Lastly, what is a beach day without some grub?! The island has many restaurants to offer, from Gulf seafood to pizza to tacos! Here are a couple of must-try places. If you need a break from the beach but didn’t pack a lunch, head to Island Rainbow across from the public beach and try the best pizza on the island! After you finish your pizza, be sure to cool down with a yummy sno cone. Ready for a night out on the island? Head to Pirate’s Bar & Grill at the Isle Dauphine Country Club. Their menu features local seafood and one of Alabama’s best Bushwackers. They also offer live music on the weekends.
Dauphin Island has so much to offer and many more places to check out. I hope you enjoy exploring the island as much as I do!