The 10 Best Things to Do in Mobile, United States

April 13, 2018 Roger Rusk

Mobile (/moʊˈbiːl/ moh-BEEL; French pronunciation: ​[mɔ.bil]) is the county seat of Mobile County, Alabama, United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 as of the 2010 United States Census, making it the third most populous city in Alabama, the most populous in Mobile County, and the largest municipality on the Gulf Coast between New Orleans, Louisiana, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
Restaurants in Mobile

1. Battleship USS ALABAMA

2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36602-8003 +1 251-433-2703
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Battleship USS ALABAMA

At Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well.Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more.Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore inside the oldest Submarine on display, Submarine USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in our collection include: A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours.

Reviewed By Donald F - Calgary, Canada

The USS Alabama was an active wartime player which fortunately did not experience enemy damage. Take time to read and learn of the various changes, the history, the stories.

2. Crescent Theater

208 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602-2718 +1 251-438-2005
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 125 reviews

Crescent Theater

Reviewed By Steve M - Bordeaux, France

Walking through Dauphine Street in Mobile we stumbled across a small cinema that looked interesting enough to look inside. I'm glad we did; the proprietor runs the whole thing, he advised us to reserve recliners, pop out and come back for the 6 o'clock showing of Hidden Figures.

The film was excellent but what stood out for us was the personal service and brilliant ambience of the cinema. If it wasn't 5,000 miles from home I'd go every time there was a new film showing!

3. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

2 South Claiborne Street, Mobile, AL 36602 +1 251-434-1565
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 348 reviews

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Reviewed By Ben_Theretoo406 - Chevy Chase, Maryland

Ben and Mrs Too had an early breakfast at their hotel, then waited until time for the 10:30AM Mass at the Basilica. Parking is a bit tight, but street parking is made available by the city with signs reading “No Parking, Sundays Excepted”.

We found a spot just left of the entrance, and walked through massive doors to a stunning interior. The combined effect of gold leaf and stained glass is absolutely breathtaking.

The choir and an exceptionally robust pipe organ made the sung Mass liturgy downright glorious.

We both commented on our way out that this congregation was blessed in a very singular fashion.

4. Mobile Carnival Museum

355 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602-2315 +1 251-432-3324
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 449 reviews

Mobile Carnival Museum

This museum documents Mobile's long affair with the winter carnival.

Reviewed By Mark K - Bell, Florida

While in Mobile, AL we stopped by the Carnival Museum which housed the Mobile Madi Gras' King and Queen costumes over 100 years. What's even more impressive than the costumes and history of the madi gras was the mansion that it's housed in. This place had to have been something back in the early 1800's as it is magnificiant today.

5. GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

155 S Water St, 175 1750 Shelton Beach Road, Mobile, AL 36602-3710 +1 251-436-8901
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 212 reviews

GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is the only museum in the world dedicated to the rich traditions, history and culture of "America's Sea". With 90 interactive exhibits, simulators and theaters, GulfQuest is a family tourist destination and a signature attraction for Mobile, the state of Alabama and the entire Gulf Coast region. Located on the Mobile River, GulfQuest also provides waterfront dining in The Galley cafe.

Reviewed By vacationaholic - Central Oregon

Recommend: 3+ hrs, comfortable walking shoes.

This place is geared for all ages. Learned a phenomenal amount of info about shipping.

What’s with the shipping container display? You’ll learn how that was a game changer for commerce.

Kids (and adults) will enjoy the 5th story (the bridge) boat simulator as well as the other hands-on exhibits throughout the museum. Would’ve stayed longer but kids were getting tired.

Price is a bit steep. I bet if they lowered the price a bit they’d have more business. Food is available and is reasonably priced. Loved the ship tracker in the restaurant. Clean bathrooms.

6. History Museum of Mobile

111 S Royal St, Southern Market/Old City Hall, Mobile, AL 36602-3101 +1 251-208-7569
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 244 reviews

History Museum of Mobile

Reviewed By docmartin2015 - Reading, United Kingdom

Although the museum was interesting, it was a little outdated in its approach. Some very good artefacts, but too many written labels and no interactive displays. There was a school party in the museum when we visited and even though the children had a guide, they were obviously bored with the experience. It needs an upgrade and some of the cabinets need to be revamped. Unfortunately, designed for adults and not children.
Good place to go on a rainy day.

7. Richards DAR House Museum

256 N Joachim St, Mobile, AL 36603-6472 +1 251-208-7320
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Richards DAR House Museum

A beautiful 1860s Italianate townhouse located in the De Tonti Square Historical District in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama. This 10,000 square foot dream home, filled with a large family, was built by Captain Charles Richards and his wife Carolyn. Surrounded by formal gardens and old brick courtyard, the House Museum is furnished with period antiques, original chandeliers, interior and exterior architectural appointments including carved Carrera Marble fireplaces with cathedral arches, cantilever staircase, and the four seasons lace ironwork lining the front gallery and sidewalk. Operated and furnished by the Mobile chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1973, they invite you to join them for a tour of this beautiful home and take complimentary tea and cookies afterward.

Reviewed By minnesotans4 - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Thanks to the DAR volunteers and all the people who generously donated period furniture to restore and maintain this home. Judy was our tour guide and with her descriptions made history come alive. The ornate chandeliers and the fireplaces were the stars. All the rooms were completely furnished with many stories about how the pieces were acquired, the use, and the unique designs.
There were only three of us since we arrived at 11:00. The tour was $10 each, money well spent!
Hot cider and cookies were served, very nice touch.
Thanks so much Judy!

8. The Fort of Colonial Mobile

111 Sout Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602-3001 +1 251-802-3092
Excellent
43%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 267 reviews

The Fort of Colonial Mobile

Colonial Mobile sits on the site of a historic fort built in the early 1700's and celebrates our French, Spanish, British, and American heritage. While visiting the Fort be sure to visit the Trading Post, Colonial Photo Booth, Breakout Room, and shooting gallery. You will also have a chance to tour the interactive exhibits that highlight the history of the Fort. Don’t miss the live action characters representing real people who lived in Colonial Mobile. Visit our website to see all of the fun and exciting items available on the day of your visit. Open seven days a week 9am-5pm.

Reviewed By John H - Dothan, Alabama

The new management of the fort is making a lot of effort to improve the fort and make it an interesting, history-based attraction. While the fort itself was re-created, it gives visitors an excellent self-guided picture of the history of Mobile and the significance of the fort to the area. Recent improvements have made the fort an nice alternative for children with interactive attractions inside the fort. Historic displays make it interesting for adults as well.

We took the Haunted Duck Boat tour from the fort on the prior evening and thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable.

9. Mobile Bay

Mobile, AL
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Mobile Bay

Reviewed By jweith

Traffic was a mess coming back home from the Labor Day weekend so got to enjoy the Bay view one more time. Love this area. Stopped and took in the sites before heading on to Gulf Shores.

10. Dauphin Street

Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL +1 251-432-6772
Excellent
32%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 439 reviews

Dauphin Street

Reviewed By TravelinBubba - new jersey

OK. I usually don't review places. They are what they are, and some people will like a place more than others. Is Dauphin Street terrible? No. Is it good or great? Maybe to someone who has never been to an walking district larger or more lively than Podunk.

But Bourbon street it ain't. Nor is it as busy or lively as Beale Street in Memphis, "The District" in Nashville, or comparable locals in Charleston or Savannah.

It is a smaller version of 6th Street in Austin, a little less seedy, with a lot less music spots, and fewer restaurants. Only a couple of blocks of continuous storefronts with restaurants, shops and entertainment and that are functioning, although many are closed on a Sunday. And none of the restaurants are anything approaching great or special.

Now granted, we WERE there on a Sunday, and maybe on other days more of the little is open, and maybe the crowds are bigger on a Saturday night or event weekend.

If you are in downtown Mobile for another reason, is it worth going to? Sure, but it is not worth going to as a stand alone destination.

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