Explore Dauphin Island to Enjoy Nature and History

Planning a family vacation? Then Dauphin Island is the place to go. Situated between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is perfect for a laid-back family getaway. Enjoy the sugar-white, clean, soft, sandy beaches, swimming, shelling and fishing. The accommodations are great and pets are welcome.

The entire island has been designated as a bird sanctuary and thousands of visitors come to experience the annual migrations. “Wild Bird Magazine” selected Dauphin Island as one of the top four locations in North America for viewing spring migration. Egrets and herons can be seen in the marshes and trees and occasionally an alligator might be spotted sunning on the bank in late afternoon. Although it is well known for songbirds and hummingbirds, butterflies also make these trips of thousands of miles. The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary consists of all types of natural habitats and miles of beautiful, lush and tranquil hiking trails that take you out to white sandy beaches.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama’s marine research facility, is a must place to see when visiting the island. There are many excellent exhibits and great hands on displays for both children and adults. The exhibits are not overwhelming in size or detail, making it easy for family groups of many ages to explore the beauty and the scientific wonders of the island.

Historic Fort Gains is another interesting site to visit. It was a Confederate fort during the Civil War, and has been well taken care of. You can walk through where the solders ate and slept. The thick concrete walls that surround the fort are still standing strong. Each corner of the five sided fort is protected with a cannon and has a narrow, spiral stair passageway leading to tunnels that allow access to the courtyard. Children love to explore some of these dark, mysterious areas. The original blacksmith shop is operational and used in demonstrations.

Dauphin Island has many beautiful parks, including the Indian Shell Mound Park. Giant moss covered oak trees are found throughout the park, one estimated by botanists to be about 800 years old. This site was visited by Native American Indians for centuries. The oyster shell mound was formed by the accumulation of debris from meals of roasted oysters, fish and other delicacies left by the early Native Americans.

If you like camping out for some quiet, relaxing time outdoors, Dauphin Island camping is for you. The private path to the bleach goes through a wooded area. There are charter boats, excursion boats and an 850 foot fishing pier where rods can be rented. After a full day of fishing, the camp site provides a fish cleaning table.

Dauphin Island “Where there are no traffic lights and life moves at its own leisurely pace”. Create a memorable vacation for you and your family.

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