The very best things to do in Dauphin Island, Alabama! Known as the sunset capital of Alabama, there are so many fun things to do while visiting this barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.
Things to do in Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is located three miles south of Mobile Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. The barrier island has a ton of fun for the entire family.
You can do one of these great activities or nothing at all and just savor the white sand and gulf breeze.
Dauphin Island is 14 miles long and pretty narrow, so it is easy to get around. Gulf Coast locals and visitors can enjoy the great atmosphere of this southern coastal island.
The island's natural beauty is unbelievable. Just driving down the main Bienville Boulevard from the ferry terminal to the end of the island is one of our favorite things to do.
Seeing the shoreline lined with gorgeous homes, savoring the gorgeous weather, and looking for dolphins in the bay are just some of the great things you can enjoy during a visit to Dauphin Island, AL.
Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Dauphin Island Aquarium is so much fun! They have the most amazing stingray touch pool.
They recently re-opened the aquarium, and it is fantastic. I learned a lot about the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem during my recent visit.
The public aquarium focuses on four key habitats of Coastal Alabama - The Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands, and the Northern Gulf of Mexico.
The sea life that lives at the aquarium is amazing. The living marsh boardwalk is fascinating especially because it changes every time you visit.
Kids will love being able to stick their hands in the touch pool and see sea life up close.
You may also see the Alabama Aquarium listed as the estuarium.
Address - 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Dauphin Island is one of the most important locations for bird migration. The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary includes 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, and dunes that are vital for birds.
Over 420 bird species have been observed on Dauphin Island. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary has allowed Dauphin Island to be recognized by the National Audubon Society as being "globally important" for bird migrations.
Address - 211 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL
Historic Fort Gaines
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the fort that played a significant role in the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. The self-guided walking tour gives you the opportunity to explore the connecting tunnels, view historic cannons, and visit the gift shop, museum, and blacksmith shop.
Fort Gaines's construction started in 1821 and was completed during the Civil War. It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th-century brick seacoast fortification on the East Coast.
The fort is famous for Admiral Farragut's command "Damn the torpedoes – full speed ahead!"
Address: 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
Dauphin Island Beach
Enjoy white sand beaches at one of the gorgeous beachfront parks.
The Dauphin Island public beach is the only pet friendly beach in the region. Open to the public year round.
There is an entrance fee to park and visit the beaches during the spring and summer. The fees will go to pay for improvements and maintenance of the beaches.
The West End Beach parking fee can be paid online at the parking lot.
Kayak/Boating
Aloe Bay - This small waterfront park is great for launching kayaks to visit the Mississippi sound and estuaries.
Bayou Heron - This park has a new kayak launch.
You can book a Kayak Tour or Kayak Rentals of Dauphin Island for a fun adventure exploring the area.
If you have always wanted to try Stand Up Paddle Boarding there are SUP Lessons and Tour available on Dauphin Island.
If you already know how to stand up paddleboard you can get a SUP rental on the island.
Fishing Charters
Check out the fishing charters available at the Dauphin Island Marina. They offer bay and inshore fishing charters, lighthouse shrimping dolphin tours, and sunset cruises.
Indian Shell Mound Park
Shell Mound Park is on the National Register of Historic Place. The park is located on the eastern side of the island and includes a ⅓ mile loop trail.
You can see oyster shell mounds that they believe are remnant from seafood meals consumed by Native Americans.
Cadillac Square Park
Check out the live oak trees, learn more about Dauphin Island heritage and local history at this park that was once the home of Governor Cadillac and the capital of the Louisiana Territory.
Isle Dauphine Golf Club
The only golf course overlooking the Gulf Of Mexico. Play 9 or 18 holes. They are open every day except Tuesday.
Sand Island Lighthouse
A boat tour is required to visit the only lighthouse in Alabama. It is located three miles from the entrance to Mobile Bay and was completed in 1830.
Arts of Dauphin Island Gallery
Visit the island gallery to learn more about local and regional artists. The arts council works to showcase local artists.
Address: 1101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
Things to know when planning a visit to Dauphin Island
How to get to Dauphin Island - There are two ways to reach the island: the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan or the Dauphin Island Bridge.
Where to stay on Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island Campground - The Dauphin Island Campground has 151 campsites and includes access to a secluded pet-friendly beach on the Gulf. There is also a playground, camp store, free boat launches, and more.
The campground has 150 sites with power and water, 75 sites have sewer. There is a bathhouse (showers and restrooms), laundry facilities, large barbecue grill, fish cleaning pavilion, badminton, volleyball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes.
Vacation Rentals and Hotels
Click on the map below to check out available vacation rentals and hotels located on Dauphin Island.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Bellingrath Gardens - Explore 65 acres of botanical gardens and enjoy a historic mansion tour.
Things to do in Fort Morgan, Alabama - All of the fun things to do and see while visiting Fort Morgan.
Fort Morgan, AL Restaurants - Check out all of the great places to eat while exploring Fort Morgan.
The Beach Club Resort and Spa - Check out this gorgeous beach resort located just down the street from the fort. The private beach is amazing.
Fort Morgan Fishing Pier - Check out the brand new fishing pier built near the historic Fort.
Additional Alabama Gulf Coast Articles
Bayou La Batre - Check out this nearby town that is known as the Alabama fishing capitol.
Gulf Shores Zoo - You need to check out the wildlife encounters! They are truly amazing. The zoo is fun for the entire family.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel - One of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach, Alabama. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast. Don't miss all of the fun attractions, things to do, and restaurants at The Wharf Orange Beach.
Orange Beach restaurants with a view - Check out all of the great restaurants that have epic water views.
Best Burgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Check out the best burgers you can enjoy along the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
Unique Things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, 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, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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