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    Home » Alabama

    Audubon Bird Sanctuary - Dauphin Island

    Modified: Jul 3, 2025 · Published: May 24, 2025 by Tammilee · This post may contain affiliate links

    Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island is the perfect spot for epic birdwatching, a great nature walk, and enjoying the beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast

    boardwalk through tall trees

    Audubon Bird Sanctuary

    Contents show
    Audubon Bird Sanctuary
    Nature Trails
    Mobile Phone Tour
    Why you will love Audubon Bird Sanctuary
    Things to know when planning a visit to Audubon Bird Sanctuary
    Dauphin Island Restaurants and Attractions nearby
    Dauphin Island Hotels and Lodging

    The Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island include 164 acres of protected land. There are miles of walking trails that lead you through live oaks, magnolias, swamps, pines, and down to the beach.

    We love birdwatching along the trails and always leave amazed at the sheer number of species of birds that migrate through Dauphin Island.

    TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    ✨What's New in Mobile, AL

    Audubon Bird Sanctuary Sign over a trail map with woods in the background

    Keep an eye out for hawks, waterfowl, butterflies, and migratory birds as you walk through the sanctuary.

    We highly suggest making sure you have bug spray and sunscreen for your walk. Don't forget to bring a water bottle.

    The Alabama Gulf Coast weather can be hot and muggy especially walking in forest and swamp areas that may not get the Gulf breeze.

    Dauphin Island is considered a Globally Important Bird Area.

    Nature Interpretive Trail sign with map of the sanctuary

    Nature Trails

    There are over 3 miles of trails through the sanctuary providing the opportunity to explore different eco-systems.

    It is amazing the diversity of flora and fauna that can be seen while exploring the sanctuary.

    The boardwalk out to Galliard Lake is fantastic! We saw a ton of waterbirds, turtles, and hawks while we were on the boardwalk.

    Dauphin island Park & beach cell phone tour sign

    Mobile Phone Tour

    There is a great mobile phone tour that gives information on different parts of the sanctuary.

    lake with lily pads blooming with flowers

    Why you will love Audubon Bird Sanctuary

    • Explore 137 acres of maritime forest, marshes, and dunes
    • 420 bird pecies have been observed on Dauphin Island
    • Free family friendly thing to do on Dauphin Island.

    Large lake surrounded by trees that are reflecting in the water

    Things to know when planning a visit to Audubon Bird Sanctuary

    Address - 213 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

    Phone - 251-861-3607

    Hours - Open daily dusk to dawn

    Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.

    Accessibility - There is a boardwalk path through a large part of the bird sanctuary.

    Plus Size Seating -

    Dress Code/Suggestions - casual, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, a hat

    Pets -

    Parking  - There is parking near the trail entrance. It is not a huge parking lot but there is a fair amount of space.

    Turtle under water with trees reflecting on the surface

    Dauphin Island Restaurants and Attractions nearby

    The Carriage Wine & Market - Great local wine bar with delicious food

    Indian Shell Mound Park - Another great spot for bird watching on the island.

    Reel Deal BBQ & Seafood - Great bbq on the island

    Lighthouse Bakery - Grab a sweet treat or deli sandwich

    Dauphin Island Hotels and Lodging

    If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. 

    The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.

    Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!

    We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.

    Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

    Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.

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