Dauphin Island: A Jewel on the Alabama Coast
A Jewel on the Alabama Coast
Breath-taking is the way some describe the beaches and sunsets on Dauphin Island. The red glow of the sun that comes at the end of a beautiful day reflecting along the surf and a white sandy beach leaves you with an aww feeling!
Dauphin Island is a tranquil and quiet escape where you can completely unwind away from the hectic pace of the mainland. This quaint beach community is known for its colorful rows of elevated beach houses, nature walks, golf, camping, and ancient oak trees.
What is the spelling
Dauphin is the French spelling for “dolphin” and was named after the “dauphin” or heir to Louis IV of France when it was established in 1699.
As a barrier island off of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Dauphin has become a favorite destination for those looking for a fabulous place to spend a week or longer. It’s three miles off the Alabama mainland and about 45 minutes south of Mobile, Alabama, separated by Mobile Bay. On the other side of Dauphin Island is the Gulf of Mexico.
The Island is long and skinny stretching about 14 miles long, and at its widest point, only two miles wide.
Far too often, we turn to larger vacation sights where there seems to be more to do, more to eat, and more to keep everyone entertained. Dauphin Island is captivating for all the opposite reasons. It’s known for its pristine beauty, outrageous sunsets, and laid-back beach style.
The entire coast of Alabama is worthy of a visit. So often, it’s overlooked for the more infamous beaches of Florida, but in Alabama, you find some of the whitest (sugar-white) sand anywhere.
Alabama’s hidden gems.
The island’s tranquil atmosphere is also rich in wildlife, Southern culture, Revolutionary War history, and plenty of water sports. People come from all over the southeast to bird watch along the island’s coast.
You can certainly get your pulse racing with the thrill of deep-sea fishing and a great catch! Or visit the island during any one of its annual events that include musical performances, art displays, coastal cuisine, and more!
Life on the Alabama Gulf Coast is an experience that you won’t forget.
There is more to do in this unique beach town than just sun and surf. Here’s a short list of things to do. But first, you will need to decide whether to drive across the bridge or take a ferry. Many people look for a unique experience and opt to take the ferry!
- Go to the beach! Being an island, Dauphin Island has no shortage of beaches! In fact, there are 17 miles of beaches to choose from but there are three that stand out.
- East End Beach is the eastern point of Dauphin Island. The water is crystal clear and the water temperatures are perfect for a swim!
- Dauphin Island Public Beach. It sits on the southern side of the island facing the Gulf of Mexico. There is a fee of $5 to park, but that’s not bad for a day at the beach.
- West End Beach is located on the west end of the island. This is a gorgeous beach that has picnic tables, beach chair rentals, and a pristine coastline. Most of the beaches on Dauphin Island are never too crowded, but you will see fewer people on West End Beach.
- Visit the Dauphin Island Pier, located at Dauphin Island Public Beach, is an 850-foot pier or boardwalk. Typically, when you think of a pier, it is out over the water, and it once was!
This was previously a fishing pier, but due to changes in the coastline, the area beneath the pier is dry! Do not worry; the amazing views are still there. A visit to the pier makes for a very scenic walk, especially at sunset. Sit down and enjoy the ocean waves at a distance. Then, at the end of the pier, steps lead down to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
What’s there to see
- Explore Fort Gaines This historic fort is located at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island and faces Fort Morgan on the mainland peninsula. For over 150 years, Fort Gaines protected the Alabama coast and the entrance to Mobile Bay up until 1946.
The fort played an important role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Both Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines served to shield the entrance to Mobile Bay from any potential attacks. Cannons sitting high on the walls looking out over the Gulf of Mexico is an impressive sight!
- Visit Estuarium At Dauphin Island Sea Lab Located across from Fort Gaines, Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an aquarium, research, and education center that focuses on the four main habitats found in coastal Alabama: Northern Gulf of Mexico, the Barrier Islands, Mobile Bay, and the Mobile Tensaw River Delta. These four habitats make up the 4th largest estuary system in the United States!
• Audubon Bird Sanctuary For those who love to go bird watching, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is the place to visit. The sanctuary consists of wooded trails, a lake, and a marshy area where you might even see an alligator or two!
- Play A Round of Golf If playing golf surrounded by gorgeous views is a part of your dream vacation then you will love teeing up at Isle Dauphin Golf Club.
What to do
The golf course is on the southern side of the island facing the Gulf of Mexico with the beach just steps away.
- Go for a Bike Ride across the island. Renting a bike from Dauphin Island Kayak & Bicycle is the best way to experience island life!
- Read a Book Dauphin Island is a perfect place to relax, read, and celebrate being away from the rush of a city!
- Visit Indian Shell Mound Park. You will see mounds of seashells that are remnants of prehistoric indigenous tribes that once inhabited the island. In fact, shell rings and mounds formed mainly of oyster shells are estimated to be from 900 and 1500 B.C.!
- Go Fishing Anywhere along the Gulf Coast has great fishing! What is the likely catch? Amberjack, Bluefish, Cobia, Snapper, Redfish, Tuna, and Seatrout just to name a few. Or you can go on a deep-sea charter boat for more action and a chance to catch much bigger fish.
- Take the ferry to Fort Morgan. The ferry ride from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan takes about 40 minutes, but it is a fun attraction!
In the War of 1812, this fort was named Fort Bowyer. It was renamed Fort Morgan in 1833 after the Revolution War hero General Daniel Morgan. Fort Morgan was used until the end of WWII and is now an Alabama state historic park. It is an amazing example of a historic fort.
Have dinner at any one of the island’s fabulous restaurants.
- Watch the sunset. Anywhere on the southern side of the island facing the Gulf of Mexico will provide a front-row seat to a sensational sunset!
Lambert Moving Systems is a trusted family-owned and operated business. As Alabama’s Authorized northAmerican Mover, Lambert offers award-winning services coast to coast and is your go-to provider for exceptional moving and storage solutions. Call or Schedule an Appointment to experience excellence.
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
The photo is licensed under the Creative Commons by Altairisfar (Jeffrey Reed)
