Things to do in Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is one of Alabama’s best-kept secrets. The name derives from the French word for dolphin, ‘dauphin’, and you’ll surely see many of these beautiful creatures here. Located just south of Mobile in the Gulf of Mexico, this beach getaway is a great place for relaxing with friends and family or even on your own. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or longer, there’s plenty to see and do on the island. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all the best things to do in Dauphin Island to make your trips memorable.

Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

An educational aquatic venue on the island, it focuses on the four key habitats of coastal Alabama. These include the Mobile Bay, Barrier Islands, Mobile Tensaw River Delta, and Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great place for kids to learn and explore, with an enormous exhibit hall, stingray touch pool, and boardwalk over the surrounding marshes. There are also plenty of aquariums showing the plants and fish that inhabit the area. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Fort Gaines

One of the premier attractions on Dauphin Island, Fort Gaines is a historic fort dating back to 1821. Located in the east of the island and within a few feet of the water, it’s a spectacular site with a rich history. The fort was the scene of the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War. The fort is well preserved despite the threat of coastal erosion. You can explore the walls, ramparts, and towers, plus there is an onsite museum and shop. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for under 12’s.

Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island
Historic Fort Gaines is one of the islands top attractions.

Dauphin Island Public Beach

Dauphin Island Public Beach is located on the eastern side of the island. The beach is reached via the 850-foot-long Dauphin Island Pier from the public car park. The pier continues beyond the beach and out over the sea. A sand bar ensures the beach is more protected than other beaches on the island, so it’s a perfect place for families. The beach is generally quiet, making it a serene place to spend some time. Plenty of sea shells are alongside the water and birds in the marshes behind the beach, giving the area a remote feeling. Both parking and entry are free.

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

This beautiful park has numerous trails leading out across the marshes and to the beach. There are plenty of indigenous plants to see along the way, and if you visit at the right time, you can see turtles, egrets, cranes, and many other birds. 

Dauphin Island Bird Houses

Crossing the bridge from the mainland to Dauphin Island, you’ll see these colorful houses on your right in the marina. These tiny houses were formerly the homes of fishermen, and each comes with its own berth. Now used as vacation rentals and holiday homes, they have a unique quaintness. 

Colourful houses on dauphin island
Known as 'bird houses', these colourful former fishermen's homes are a distinctive landmark on the island.

Isle Dauphin Golf Club

Located on the southern coast in the island’s center, this quirky golf course is worth a round. It’s located on the beach, meaning its 18 holes can often be more sand and less grass. Despite this, the scenery is fantastic, the clubhouse and hospitality are first-class, and the course fees are reasonable. While the course is somewhat rustic, it’s a fun day out for anyone who enjoys a round of golf. 

Shell Mound Park

Shell Mound Park is a recognized historic area. The park is named after the vast mounds of sea shells accumulated here. This isn’t a natural phenomenon; instead, it is the work of a civilization that dates from 900 BC to 1500 BC. The area is believed to be the remnants of an indigenous civilization or perhaps even a burial ground.

Alongside the history, there’s plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy. There are numerous flowers and oak trees, and its location on the water makes it an excellent bird-watching spot.  

Little Red School House Community Complex

This is a highly-rated small museum and welcome center housed in a former schoolhouse. Providing a thorough history of the island, Fort Gaines, and the various Dauphin Island bridges, it’s an interesting and informative visit. The staff are all very knowledgeable and helpful, and there’s also a library to allow you to find the perfect novel for the beach. An attached gift shop is also worth exploring.  

Sand Island Lighthouse

While not strictly on Dauphin Island, the Sand Island Lighthouse is close enough to be listed as an island attraction. Around 7 miles southeast of Dauphin Island, this historic lighthouse dates back to 1873. It was abandoned in 1932 and has slowly decayed over the past 90 years as erosion has taken its toll. It’s a fascinating site to see and worth combining with an offshore fishing trip with one of the many local operators.   

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

This is another attraction not on Dauphin Island but easily accessible by taking the local ferry from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan. Costing just $6, the ferry takes around 40 minutes and travels each direction eight times daily. When you land on Fort Morgan, you’ll understand why it’s worth the journey. This large and impressive fort dates back to the early nineteenth century and was instrumental in protecting Mobile Bay. The fort continued in active service until the end of WW2. It’s now an Alabama State National Park and an excellent place to explore. Wandering through its tunnels, along its walls, and over its batteries is a memorable and evocative experience. Entrance for adults is $8 and $5 for children. 

Fort Morgan at Mobile Point
Fort Morgan is an excellent day trip from Dauphin Island by ferry.

Where is Dauphin Island?

Dauphin Island is a barrier island just 2 miles off the southern coast of Alabama. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s just 8 miles to the south of the city of Mobile. The island is a popular getaway for locals and visitors alike. The island is connected to the mainland by the Dauphin Island Bridge, which leads directly into the town. To the west of the town lies a long stretch of beach known as the West End Public Beach.

Can you Drive to Dauphin Island?

It’s easy and convenient to drive to Dauphin Island. Despite the island being 3 miles from the mainland, there’s a road connection via the three-mile-long Dauphin Island Bridge. This two-lane highway crosses the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, connecting mainland Mobile County with the island. There’s also a ferry service to the island from Fort Morgan, which carries vehicles. This provides a different means of completing your road trip to Dauphin Island. The ferry may also be more convenient if you’re traveling from the east. 

Dauphin Island Ferry

As an alternative to driving, you can reach Dauphin Island by ferry from Fort Morgan on Mobile Point. The ferry service is called the Mobile Bay Ferry and travels eight times daily. The first departure from Fort Morgan is at 8.45 am, and the last is at 7.15 pm. The journey takes 40 minutes and costs $15 per vehicle and $6 per passenger each way. Further information is available on the Mobile Bay Ferry website. Depending on where you’re coming from, it might be quicker and easier to take the ferry rather than drive through Mobile and take the bridge. 

Can you Drive on Dauphin Island?

There’s a good road network on Dauphin Island, making driving easy and accessible. The road network stretches from the Dauphin Island Bridge into the town in the center, to Fort Gaines in the east, and West End Public Beach in the west. The roads can become busy during peak season, but otherwise, it’s an easy place to navigate.

Best Time to Visit Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island’s location in the Gulf of Mexico ensures it enjoys a superb year-round climate. The winters are mild, with average temperatures in the 60’s. The weather warms up in the spring, making April and May a great time to visit. The summer months of June, July, and August are hot and wet, making conditions humid and uncomfortable. The conditions also attract a lot of mosquitos and insects during this time of year. The autumn months of October and November are much like spring, with warm, dry days. This makes fall the second best time to visit after spring. 

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