Bellingrath Gardens and Home
A 26-hectare Southern estate garden with blooms throughout the seasons. Its spring azaleas and winter Christmas light show are the most famous.
Bellingrath Gardens lies on the Fowl River, about 30 km south of downtown Mobile. It was originally the private estate of Coca-Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath and has been open to the public since 1932. The garden has a seasonal theme: camellias in early spring, hundreds of thousands of azaleas blooming in February and March, a rose garden in summer, and a chrysanthemum show in autumn. From Thanksgiving to New Year's, the 'Magical Christmas Lights' night display runs. The mansion keeps its original furniture and porcelain collection, and a combined ticket is needed to tour it. You can also take a boat cruise on the Fowl River. Admission is charged. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours, and driving there is the most convenient option.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (open evenings during the Christmas light festival; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Dauphin Island
- Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary
- Alabama Aquarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
- Fort Gaines
- Fairhope
- Magnolia Cemetery
- Oakleigh Historic Complex
- Bragg-Mitchell Mansion