Dauphin Island
A narrow barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico with white-sand beaches, a stopover for migrating birds and a historic fort, making it a classic Mobile beach day trip.
Dauphin Island lies about 55 km south of Mobile, connected to the mainland by a long bridge, and is a barrier island roughly 25 km long. The island has quiet public beaches, fishing piers and large dunes at its western end, and it is far less crowded than the bay shore. The eastern tip is home to Fort Gaines, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and the Sea Lab aquarium. In spring and fall, the island is the first landing point for migratory birds after they cross the Gulf of Mexico, so it draws large numbers of birdwatchers. Car ferries also run round trip from the island to Fort Morgan on the opposite shore. Public beaches charge a parking fee. In summer, watch out for hurricanes and rip currents.
Opening hours
Year-round
Nearby sights
- Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary
- Alabama Aquarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
- Fort Gaines
- Bellingrath Gardens and Home
- Fairhope
- Magnolia Cemetery
- Oakleigh Historic Complex
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park