Location: Dauphin Island
Top Things to do in Dauphin Island
Top 8 Budget-friendly Things to do in Dauphin Island, Alabama (AL)
Dauphin Island is a town in Mobile County, Alabama, United States, on a barrier island of the same name (split by the Katrina Cut), at the Gulf of Mexico. It incorporated in 1988. The population was 1,238 at the 2010 census. The town is included in the Mobile metropolitan statistical area. The island (originally named "Massacre Island") was renamed for Louis XIV of France's great-grandson and heir, the dauphin, the future Louis XV of France. The name of the island is often mistaken as "Dolphin Island"; dauphin is "dolphin" in the French language.
Restaurants in Dauphin Island
1. Harrison Inshore Fishing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Throughout the year we fish different areas such as Mobile River, Dog River, Fowl River , Mobile Bay , Mississippi Sound, Bayou La Batre, Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. Come spend the day fishing for trophy trout and other species of fish in our beautiful local waters. It will be a day where memories are made.
2. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 646 reviews
The Estuarium is an exciting educational public aquarium highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool, and the Living Marsh Boardwalk. This facility has 31 aquariums totaling over 30,000 gallons with more than 100 species on display. The Estuarium showcases the plants, animals, and other natural resources found in the Estuary and its surrounding marine habitats. Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the Estuarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth largest estuary system in the United States. Due to COVID-19 tickets are available online at: https://disl.yapsody.com/ All visitors are required to wear a mask when touring the Aquarium. The CDC recommendation is for 2 years old and up to wear a mask.
Reviewed By ChristmasYooper - Duluth, United States
We have visited the Estuarium for several years. We typically take the Mobile Ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island and back. The Estuarium is within walking distance of the Ferry landing. The Estuarium also has ample free parking. A boardwalk with information about area flowers, foliage, birds and sea life winds it’s way to the Estuarium from the parking lot and includes benches for those who like to take time to enjoy the outdoors. There is a reasonable entrance fee to enter. There is a small theater on the right with brief movies of the sea life of the area. A door to the left leads to a pool of rays that are both entertaining and open to letting people touch them. Back inside are several large rooms with well labeled aquariums displaying different types of sea life of the area. There are several areas specifically designed to interest children and to teach them about sea life at their level of understanding. There is a large, staffed display of bones, fossils, etc of creatures of the area. Staff are engaging and willing to answer questions about the display. Further on, there is a staffed display of a couple of living sea creatures such as a crab or turtle. Staff share information about the creatures and show how they are fed. The last aquarium includes large lion fish that are fascinating to watch. The final stop is the gift shop for a T-shirt or a sea related souvenir. The Estuarium is always one of our favorite vacation stops and we plan to visit again next year.
3. Fort Gaines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 509 reviews
A restored fort that dates back to the colonial era.
Reviewed By heathermT2267KM
Couldn’t check into our condo yet so wanted to “waste a few minutes “ we were there for almost 2 hours! Very neat place to visit!! Educational (used it towards sons homeschooling) awesome gift shop with inexpensive gifts, and cool history lesson!!! Would love to go back!! My son asked to go back tomorrow!!
4. Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By NashLange - Franklin, United States
While camping nearby, we walked into the sanctuary dozens of times from sunrise to sunset. We have younger children, so our experience changed whether our kids were with us. - The kids enjoyed searching for the alligator at the lake pier and quick walks. The heat of the midday June weather was a little much for them to stay out long. - Sunrise & sunset were amazing times in the sanctuary and offered cooler weather and breezes. - The lake pier was by far our favorite spot. Other visitors will visit this spot too - everyone was very respectful and whispered. From the pier you'll likely spot one of the alligators and dozens of turtles. We could hear the beach beyond the dunes. The amount and variety of birds spotted from this spot kept us busy too! Our favorite was the Green Heron and their fledglings. Enjoy this wilderness park and please leave no trace!
5. Mobile Bay Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 691 reviews
The Mobile Bay Ferry crosses beautiful Mobile Bay, Alabama and connects SR 193 at Dauphin Island on the west side with SR 180 at Mobile Point on the east. Considered “the Gulf-Coast’s Most Scenic Drive”, the ferry saves travelers hours of driving time plus the high cost of fuel by providing a travel link across the mouth of Mobile Bay. The trip between Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan at Mobile Point provides wonderful views of the two historic forts that have long guarded the entrance of Mobile Bay. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes and is a great way for passengers to view birds, sea life and other boats and ships. The ferry service utilizes two ferries, the Fort Morgan and the Marissa Mae Nicole to carry passengers and vehicles across the Bay. At least one ferry operates year-round with both ferries operating during the busy summer months.
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
Wow, what a great way to see Mobile Bay! The ferry runs between the two Confederate forts (Morgan and Gaines) that defended the Bay from Union forces during the Civil War. It's about a 30 minute ride, with amazing views of the Bay, the Sand Island Lighthouse, the Port of Mobile shipping channel (you will usually see a HUGE cargo ship entering or departing the Port), numerous drilling platform structures, and hundreds of sea birds. The cost is minimal, about $20 for a car and two passengers one way, and well worth the experience. HINT: be sure and go up to the observation platform during the ride for the best views. Enjoy!
6. Dauphin Island Public Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By Flyer47608244670
What a beautiful natural beach to visit and sit and watch all the wildlife and waves roll in. If you go take the Ferry to Gulf Shores to see more beautiful beaches and tourist sites.
7. Indian Shell Mound Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Carlyke - Dauphin Island, United States
This park is located on and around a mound of, mainly oyster, shells that have been there for thousands of years. The site of native American settlements, it is a forested quiet walk through natural surroundings. On a quiet day, you almost forget that there is an island full of activity surrounding you. A great walk for nature and history lovers.
8. Isle Dauphine Golf Club
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