Dauphin Island

As a small fishing community, Dauphin Island holds an abundance of history and adventure for explorers young and old through its preserved ecosystems and natural wildlife habitats. Step back in time as you tour the historic Fort Gaines, a retired protector of Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast. Hop on the ferry for a short ride across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores, AL. For nature lovers, history buffs and everyone in between, a stroll along Alabama’s Coastal Connection may be just what you are looking for. Grab your binoculars and head to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Galliard Lake or the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to see thousands of birds during their spring and fall migration. Butterflies find the Island a convenient rest stop during their migration, too. Visit the public aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium where you’ll see and learn about wildlife specific to the Gulf Coast. 15 miles north of Dauphin Island, in the town of Theodore, is Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a 65-acre, floral utopia embracing a 10,500-sq.-ft. home now open for visitors to tour. You can also take a 45-minute cruise along the Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle, relaxing, learning about birding habits, ecological systems and Civil War history of the area. Or, feel the excitement of a race at Mobile Greyhound Park or the roar of the engines at Mobile International Speedway!