You are reading "12 Best Things to Do on Dauphin Island, Alabama " Back to Top. Dauphin Island Public Beach is unique among beaches in the area since it is pet-friendly. The 10,000 square foot exhibit facility contains upwards of 30 aquariums. Built more than 200 years ago by the United States Army, Fort Morgan State Historic Site is rich in history as well as beautiful sights. We spent a few hours on the island and found whole complete shells, not like the ones we find on the Atlantic beaches. Dauphin Island Beach. Dauphin Island, often overlooked, offers the same beach experience as both, but you'll find fewer visitors here throughout the year. There were no shells on that part of the beach. Located in Dauphin Island, 022 This is It home provides a private pool and free WiFi. October 22 opening! Discover a selection of 500 vacation rentals in Dauphin Island, AL that are perfect for your trip. Shouldnt be a problem at all. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Beachfront Rentals & Sales, LLC, manages the rental unit for The Inn at Dauphin Island and the Dauphin Island Beach Club, as well as the owners association for each complex. The cool thing about staying on Dauphin Island is that most of the beach houses are on the beach and accessible right in your front door. As for accommodations, visitors can choose to stay at a local RV park, hotel, beach rental house, or one of several island resort condominiums. Our teens love touch tanks, and this one was no exception! John Valentine and Ken Heck. Home to historic Fort Gaines, The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a public beach, pier and boat ramps, Dauphin Island has been the sandy backyard for generations of Mobilians, as well as a popular beach destination for thousands of tourists each year who prefer a simpler, beach experience. But the bridge, stretching across the open bay, is now the most popular way to reach the destination. It was a very nice place when I was growing up, I went almost every day and then the bridge got destroyed by hurricane Fredrick and we the people paid for the bridge to be rebuilt and now they want to charge an arm and a leg just to go to what you would think would be a public beach. You wanna beat the crowds this is it. They do charge to get in ($3 parking and $3 per person). The very first thing we learned when we got to Dauphin Island is that buying groceries is not easy to do. The Mobile Bay Ferry operates year-round, and during busy months there are two ferries available to make the bay crossing. I've been to her many times. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Surround yourself with family and friends in this prime location just a step away from the walking trails of the 155-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Mobile Bay Ferry, Historic Fort . You can find a link to the Privacy Policy, 5 Things You Need to Know if You Visit Dauphin Island Alabama, Ultimate Guide to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama, Your Complete Guide to Visiting Branson Missouri, Your Complete Guide to Visiting Georgetown, KY. Go to Greer's Grocery Mart in Theodore (about 20 minutes from the island) before you get there. Its. Neat place to visit and check out but that is about it, unless you like bird watching and then you could sit on one of the several benches they have around the trail and enjoy the birds for a while. What side of the island has rentals with private beaches? Tina is the best. Nice walk, just don't expect to see birds in February! People who are interested in joining DIHAC can apply for membership through the DIHAC website. Always come out feeling great. Yes Dogs are allowed. Miguels Baja has great fish tacos. Dauphin Island Beach Rentals. Emergency Information. Campground is located on the east end of Dauphin Island, AL. more, Points of Interest & Landmarks Piers & Boardwalks, Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island Little Red School House Community Complex. It's connected to mainland Alabama by a bridge, and ferry rides take you to and from the island. Imagine a place where the sun shines most of the year and the temps are warm, even in colder months. The full-service marina has an assortment of amenities, including fuel and oil for boats, an area for boat maintenance and storage, restrooms with showers, and a restaurant. Driving along Mobile Bay, I reached the Dauphin Island Bridge leading to Alabama's southern shores. So yes.Dauphin Island is a quiet and charming beach town. Very typical of civil war forts. The town is part of the Mobile metropolitan area. Just 45 minutes from downtown Mobile, Dauphin Island offers a laid-back beach experience through a variety of charming and colorful vacation rental homes, cottages and bungalows on the Gulf of Mexico. Our family took a trip back in September to Dauphin Island, Alabama. The trip across the bay takes about 40 minutes and, in many cases, offers dolphin sightings and views of other marine animals. These are not the ferries from the pacific northwest. I did not read any them until I was already down here but I have not had any of the negative experiences I read. Some restaurants were closed however after a long day at the beach we could NOT find a pet friend restaurant and left via the ferry very hungry. Fort Gaines is open year-round with the exception of certain holidays. Trips typically last between four and six hours, and guests are allowed to keep anything they catch. The boat also takes cars and bicycles across the bay to Fort Morgan at Mobile Point. Dauphin Island Campground in Dauphin Island, Alabama: 70 reviews, 44 photos, & 20 tips from fellow RVers. You can get there by riding the ferry, or driving around the island and coming across the bridge. more, Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island Little Red School House Community Complex. display: none; 100 Orleans Drive, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528; Phone: 251-861-2969. 19 reviews. Hotels near Dauphin Island Park And Beach: Restaurants near Dauphin Island Park And Beach: Dauphin Island Park And Beach: Hours, Address, Dauphin Island Park And Beach Reviews: 5/5, 51 Bienville Blvd Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, $$ - $$$ Specialty Food Market American Seafood, $ Quick Bites Mexican Vegetarian Friendly, Amazing Scenery, Great Fishing, A True Hidden Gem on Mobile Bay. It's definitely good for a picture moment and then you can stroll around the downtown streets. In addition to giving tours, Action Outdoors organizes field trips that include educational materials for teachers. Read More Had restrooms by the parking area with soap, water, and bath tissue. 211 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528, 251-861-3607, Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? From their fresh gulf seafood to the handcrafted half-pound burgers, everything on their menu is guaranteed to be made from scratch with fresh, real ingredients. If your like a quiet relaxing beach area with less of the of the crowd then it is great. The Estuarium also offers organized tours and educational materials for school groups. Here, cannon placements, weapons, documents, and historical artifacts from the fort's long history are all on display. Dauphin Island Share Dauphin Island Located only a 45-minute car ride from downtown Mobile, the sprawling sandy beaches of Dauphin Island beckon visitors to come out and play. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Thank you so much, Great info!! Dauphin Island is among the top four spots in all of North America for viewing bird migrations in the spring, and researchers have learned that more than 95 percent of Alabama's bird species have passed through Dauphin Island at one point or another. more. There is no indoor seating and no outdoor benches. Once you cross the bridge, you'll be transported into another time. Read More. 5. Dauphin Island, Alabama, 36528 (251) 861-5525. Prices start at $375 per night, and houses and . It's about 40 miles up the highway to Mobile, a cultural hub on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Nice to walk on. Mort Morgan (Across the bay) is better in my opinion). We went to Dauphin Island in June and learned only one part of the beach is pet friendly. Without a vehicle, it is not really intuitive where to by passes. The sand was so white and the beaches were clean. It would be the perfect house to stay in on the beach. You can read more about Vacasa and the house we stayed in here It is in the post with a link to the actual place we stayed through Vacasa. Dauphin Island's beaches, with their fine white sands and clear blue water, are considered some of the best in the state. This property offers access to a patio. The 1,510 sq. What are the best outdoor activities in Dauphin Island? Lighthouse bakery was closed while we were there. In an effort to protect the fragile environment, visitors are asked to pay fees between $2 and $5 for access to the beach and surrounding facilities during the high season. When planning your trip to Dauphin Island, there are plenty of choices when it comes to selecting accommodations for your stay. Other customer favorites from the menu include a pan-seared flounder with white wine sauce and the original Dauphin Island Bushwacker, which consists of ice cream, rum, and chocolate. Not any seaweed at the beaches we been to. The Mobile Bay Ferry connects Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, Alabama. Did you know? It rains a LOT. The air-conditioned holiday home is composed of 5 separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a fridge, and 4 bathrooms. Dauphin Island visitors can easily access Shell Mound Park for free to get a glimpse into the area's special past. Surrounded by water, but easily connected to the world, this destination flows with opportunities for relaxation. One thing we learned while visiting Dauphin Island is that their souvenirs are much cheaper here than they are over in Gulf Shores or other parts of the beach. It felt good to get away and just unplug and relax for a week. You can play there for very little money;the scenery is beautiful;and the pro,Dale,and Barbara who works at the finish Tina is the best. I found DI to be the most inhospitable place to stay. We went there to get doughnuts but we found out that they do not sell doughnuts but they have other baked goods that are so delicious! Fishing Charters & Tours Nature & Wildlife Tours. We were able to get Tucker out and walk him on the beach every day and he loved it. Amazing time! A few years ago, I found paradise on Alabama's Dauphin Island. If you don't mind the long walk to the beach from the parking lot, you will enjoy this beautiful, uncrowded beach. header nav.prime-nav ul.prime-nav-style > .item:nth-of-type(1), .contentRender_name_plugins_nav_mobile ul.mobile-dd-style > .item:nth-of-type(1) { The people werent friendly and restaurants that advertised pet friendly were not. We started doing research and found it to be the #1 spot. We luv the place we went to public beach got some shells. ADORABLE OCEANFRONT HOUSE W/ PRIVATE BOAT DOCK, LIFT & AMAZING VIEWS!!! Bring everything you need including an umbrella, a ton of sunscreen, chairs, a cooler, towel, camera, a net (even if ur an adult its fun!) Wish there was a way to see it closer. Categories Family Fun Destinations, Travel, USA Travel, Home Travel 5 Things You Need to Know if You Visit Dauphin Island Alabama, Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Cinnamon Honey Butter, Guide to Eating in Miami Beach Must Try Restaurants. 1011 Bienville Boulevard It was fun to watch kids and dogs playing. In 2009, the town received national attention when President Obama named Regina Benjamin, a rural health clinic physician from Bayou La Batre, as the U.S. Order ahead and pick up to take back. What $20 Can Get You in 17 Destinations Around the U.S. 13 Best Places To Go in the Winter, From Ski Resorts to Sunny Beaches, This Overlooked Region Has Some of the Loveliest Hikes in New England, This Stunning Pacific Northwest Destination Is Home to Idyllic Islands, Epic Whale-watching Tours, and Rustic Lodges, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage, 10 Best Small Towns in Maine, According to a Local, This Coastal Destination Is Called the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest' With Charming Small Towns and Beautiful Views. He is definitely a beach bum for sure and loves getting his daily walk on. Read More. Dauphin Island Condo w/ Boat Slips: Walk to Beach! Action Outdoors provides boat trips through the waters that surround Dauphin Island, and private boat rides, birthday parties, and bay fishing trips are also available through Action Outdoors. That coupled with the sounds of the tide washing in along the coastline is guaranteed to leave anyone feeling relaxed. . Description. Just passed by this but it was great to see! I've found the peaceful atmosphere, friendly people, and homey feel not to mention the beach and many attractions of Dauphin Island to be enough. My husband ordered the ribeye steak and he said it was one of the best he had eaten in a while. You'll even want to leave with plenty of time to stop at the unique shops and produce stands along the way. Learn More Permits & Business Licenses Quickly find business applications, building permits and more. Can you share the place you chose to stay? var bbbprotocol = ( ("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? What hotels are near Dauphin Island Public Beach? Very typical of gulf-coast beaches. There is a public beach on the end, but the island is so small that you can walk from the public to the housing areas fairly quickly. Dauphin Island Beach Retreat in prestigious Desoto Landing 14 Sleeps 10 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms from $1,000/night Kayaks - On the Water - Sandy Beaches - 1 Sleeps 8 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms from $262/night Luxury Dauphin Island Beachfront Holiday Isle Condo--NO FEES BY OWNER 4 Sleeps 6 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms from $332/night FL, CA, Myrtle Beach, OR, New England weekend, Charlotte, Williamsburg, LA, PA. This gem focuses on Mobile Bay and its life as an estuary. This will be our first visit to Dauphin Island. This post was originally published on September 2, 2019. Nature lovers, meanwhile, will enjoy the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which was established in 1961 and now offers marked trails, sitting areas, ponds, and access to the beach. But if the meat is what you are needing, you will need an official grocery store like Greer's or Winn Dixie. Dauphin Island. It was large and very clean. Driving along Mobile Bay, I reached the Dauphin Island Bridge leading to Alabama's southern shores. Not any amusement parks but I am not into wasting my money on that. No drinks. I visit this little hidden gem at least once a month. This is so that we do not have to go to the grocery store. I wish we would have had the time to go here. That sounds like the public beach. This area is away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy places and is perfect for a family vacation. 8. Once on the island, you'll have little need to leave, as all amenities are within a short walk or bicycle ride away. I drove over from Baton Rouge just to take my dog to the beach. The Estuarium, also known as the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, is home to more than 100 forms of aquatic life. Beaches in Mobile, AL | Dauphin Island & Beachfront Parks BEACHES The Beach | noun Coastal breezes, sorbet-colored sunsets, the sound of waves crashing in the background; where time slows down and the hardest decision of the day is where to set up your beach chair and decide which gulf to table delicacy you're going to indulge in! My only regret on my trip I was only able to stop here 1 time. If you want groceries you have three options. We rented a house on the beach we just chilled as a family rode our bikes.kayaks,paddle board. In addition, a weekly music event is held in the city hall, and parades are scheduled throughout the year. Way long walk to the actual ocean once you park. They charge you per car and per person which can get pretty expensive. Nice to walk on. It was a beautiful sunset ride snd drive through Orange Beach. We had heard that it was perfect for someone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all. Hotels near Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Hotels near Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Hotels near Dauphin Island Little Red School House Community Complex, Hotels near Dauphin Island Park And Beach, Hotels near Mobile Municipal Airport (MOB), Motels near Mobile Municipal Airport (MOB). The middle beach was fine but the walk to the car was extremely long - good luck if you have to go back to your car or use the restroom. Right beside Foxy's is Miguel's and they have the best tacos and nachos I have ever put in my mouth. Live and cut bait works best.Sunsets are amazing here! Paying to get on the beach is very strange to me. According to the National Audubon Society, the sanctuary plays key role in protecting and perpetuating a number of bird species. Can I drive a semi truck ( no trailer) to dauphin island? Dauphin Island Public Beach 419 Beaches By Robertasdaughter Pelican island migrated and the shifting sands created a new shore line. 4. Next time, we are planning on getting a cooler with ice and packing our meat with us. Just 45 minutes from downtown Mobile, Dauphin Island offers a laid-back beach experience through a variety of charming and colorful vacation rental homes, cottages and bungalows on the Gulf of Mexico. Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Gallery. I'm glad to know to stop before going to the island to purchase grocery items. The facility provides a variety of programs for children and adults, working with several higher education systems in Alabama, including the University of Alabama. Get Directions (251) 861-3607 . We were about 100 steps from the beach and it was perfect for us. For any questions or concerns call (251) 861-5525 or send us an email. Plenty of space to spread out and keep to yourselves. They also serve pizza here but we did not get to try that. display: none; Suncreen even if ur under an umbrella! Here in South Mobile County, friendly smiles, captivating wildlife and sugar-white sands await your arrival. North Iberville, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, Top rated last minute places for couples: Denver, Boca Raton, Louisville, CA, Virginia Beach, San Antonio, AZ, Maui Beaches. The closest Gulf-front beach to Mobile is on Dauphin Island at the mouth of Mobile Bay, 40 minutes south of the Port City. We went to two of the public beaches - the one in the middle of the island and the west end beach. When we first booked our vacation house through Vacasa, we didn't really know a lot about the area. It really is a great place to shop for unique items. We will not run the 6:30 PM trip from Dauphin Island or the 7:15 PM trip from Fort Morgan except during Daylight Savings Time. The boat was impeccably clean, captain Joey was great! If you are expecting something different; don't go. What are the top attractions to visit in Dauphin Island? The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. }. Info about fort Gaines, old school and island. Mother and daughter duo whipping up delicious recipes that will make your mouth water! }. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The biscuits at the gas station were not bad. We had non stop action, tired out the kids, and the whole experience was great. Vacation Rentals. Dauphin Island Tourism: Best of Dauphin Island. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. What restaurants are near Dauphin Island Public Beach? For an educational venue the kids will appreciate, head to the Alabama Aquarium at the Sea Lab for one of the daily tours. I mean, what's not to love about getting sand between your fur toes right? Before the bridge was built in 1955, visitors arrived at Dauphin Island via small plane, ferry, or boat. The seaweed is so far back on the beach that you cannot even get to the water. Dauphin Island guards the entrance to Mobile Bay, and it's about a thirty mile drive across water and land to Gulf Shores . Had restrooms by the parking area with soap, water, and bath tissue. Dauphin Island, Alabama, is easy to access since it is connected to the mainland by a bridge, and ferries regularly transport commuters and tourists between Dauphin Island and mainland communities. Although leaving the island is an option, I rarely go on these excursions. This quaint little beach community boasts a casual, quiet, even vintage 1950s feel and offers plenty of wholesome fun for the entire family. Return to State Map Coast Guard Group Mobile - Dauphin Island Recreation Complex Website: Coast Guard Group Mobile Campground Eligibility: Active Duty, Retirees, Reserves, National Guard, DOD Civilians Telephone: Town of Dauphin Island 1011 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, Alabama, 36528 (251) 861-5525 Each aquarium focuses on a unique aspect of the Mobile Bay Estuary, an area that is considered to be the fourth largest estuary system in the United States. A. People who are interested in going fishing near Dauphin Island can contact the marina to join in on chartered fishing trips. One of the rites of spring here is the annual Blessing of the Fleet. Efforts have been made by the residents of Dauphin Island to maintain and preserve the lighthouse such as transferring tons of granite, rock, and sand in order to expand the land around the tower. The Dauphin Island Marina sits at the base of Dauphin Island Bridge between the Intracoastal Waterway and Mobile Bay. It was large and very clean. They have a ton of other artisan foods here as well and a full-time chef. The departure point for the chartered trips varies depending on the time of the year. 10 minute walk to beach! Also within walking distance is Fort Gaines, Ferry, Fishing, Bird Sanctuary, DI Sea Lab, and Estuarium. Dauphin Island, Alabama, 36528 Because it is a Ferry the wheelchair friendliness is limited but the limited number of vehicles on the ferry made it possible for my husband to be able to maneuver around and enjoy the sunset from all around the ferry. See More Beach Access Learn about public access to beaches on the Island. 8 Charming Seaside Towns in the U.K. for Beautiful Beaches, Delicious Seafood, and Nautical Pubs, It List 2022: Our Editors' Picks of the Best New Hotels in the World, How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Florida's Sanibel Island With Charming Inns, Beautiful Beaches, and a 190-mile Paddling Trail, 12 Best Tropical Vacations in the U.S. for Stunning Islands, Charming Beach Towns, and Beautiful Resorts. A salt water fishing license is required. Great place to watch the sunset and to take family pictures. The sanctuary contains a variety of unique geographic features, including forests, marshes, dunes, and beaches. Points of Interest & Landmarks Piers & Boardwalks. Its a little bit more developed than it was but still had a quite serenity to it. The trails through the sanctuary are nicely maintained and a beautiful, quiet walk. If you want a delicious waffle, go to Foxy's I got a smoothie that was out of this world, but the kids ordered waffles topped with crazy concoctions and they were phenomenal. Town of Dauphin Island Her studio is inside her house but very private. Tons of fish jumping and swimming in the waves. Had restrooms by the parking area with soap, water, and bath tissue. The west end beach offers the gulf (more surf)and the bay (calmer waters). Just passed by this but it was great to see! However, Friday and Saturday will be paydays. Website: Mobile Bay Ferry. 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When is Dauphin Island Park And Beach open? Be sure to bring your fur friend along for your next family vacation! Dauphin Island Public Beach showcases some of the island's most beautiful landscapes. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. dauphinisland.org Dauphin Island Public Beach 650 LeMoyne Dr., Dauphin Island, AL 36528, 251-861-2201, Affordable things to see near me, must-visit beaches near me, cheap weekend getaways: Catskills, Pink Sand beaches, Best Places to Visit, Bar Harbor, Destin, Minneapolis, Jacksonville, Key West, Nashville, AZ, From LA. For Sale: 3 beds, 3.5 baths 2598 sq. The best dinner was from Skinners Seafood. We were told that the main parking area on the end of the beach by the beach houses was not pet friendly. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection. Restaurants near Dauphin Island Public Beach: Dauphin Island Public Beach: Address, Phone Number, Dauphin Island Public Beach Reviews: 4/5, 1501 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528-4335, $$ - $$$ Specialty Food Market American Seafood, $ Quick Bites Mexican Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Piers & Boardwalks, Although the beaches of Dauphin Island are pet friendly most restaurants are not!! No food. Dauphin Island is an island town in Mobile County, Alabama, United States, on a barrier island of the same name, in the Gulf of Mexico. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We have already booked two more trips to go fishing with Joey next week! . Three art galleries are set up, too, with classes on Saturdays in oil and watercolor painting. We always go to other side of the gulf, gulf shore, Destin,Pensacola, but lately we are finding it to be crowded and tooo touristy traffic is awful. These will come in handy in case you are going to spend some time visiting Dauphin Island as well. The ride is short and nice. }. What hotels are near Dauphin Island Park And Beach? There is unique history to this structure, built between 1821 and 1859 by the US Army using military and slave labor. Free WiFi. Of course, we did have to drive to Fairhope so that we could experience a Yard Milkshake and we were not disappointed there! There isnt a grocery store on the island. Someone attempted to break into our car while at the beach. Visiting the lighthouse is free of charge, but requires a boat rental or tour in order to get there. Phone: 251-861-3000, What are some fun must-see places, beaches near me: NC beaches, Ft Lauderdale, Day trips from NYC, From Chicago, PA, CT, CA, Hilton Head, Castles in Texas, GA beaches. If you plan to visit Dauphin Island anytime soon, I hope you take these things into consideration. Read More. There are oyster shells all over so you get a good idea of the history of the area. Holiday home. Honestly, not a lot to choose from. A little bit of a walk to get back to the beach from the parking lot. By VacationIdea Staff on October 22, 2022 - Updated. A Google search indicated dogs were allowed on at least 2 of the beaches there, so for that purpose Dauphin island was ok. FYI, from what I read dogs are not allowed on the West end beach. It is quiet in the mornings but more crowded than I expected in the afternoons. It is not near as crowded as other areas and life a little more quiet and relaxed. Action Outdoors boat trips are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 5 min to Beach/Boat launch ! Dauphin Island is a great place for a beach vacation, and we have some of the finest Dauphin Island rentals available. Dauphin Island Willow Tree Cottage. If you go after 6 in the evening they won't charge you. Sailing to Tayrona with Luis and his team: Unique. There was no charge when we visited (for parking), It is a nice place to visit. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.