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Dauphin Island Tourist Attractions

Located along the east end of Dauphin Island, Fort Gaines has guarded Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Pay a visit to our island’s historic site and uncover Georgia history during your stay with Boardwalk Realty. Step back in time and see the original cannons, blacksmith shop, kitchen, and tunnels. Discover the Fort’s role in the Civil War and the Battle of Mobile Bay by reading the informative signs scattered throughout the grounds. Plan your visit and read on to discover the significant sites and events at Historic Fort Gaines:

Things to See at Fort Gaines

Built in 1821, Fort Gaines features many buildings and historic artifacts that can still be seen today. Grab a self-guided brochure at the entrance and see features like:

  • Gun mounts, firing stations, ammunition magazines, range finders. All of these were used to protect Mobile Bay during the Civil War. 
  • Tunnel system that leads to the Northwest Bastion, the best-preserved bastion at the Fort with features like ventilation ports and ammunition rooms. 
  • A bakery that once housed ovens and several storerooms. You can still see a few of the ovens that were used by soldiers today. 
  • Latrine, accessible from the tunnels. It was one of the first “flushable” latrines that sent waste to sea twice daily. 
  • Blacksmith Shop, where any forging for the Fort took place. Today, you can watch local blacksmiths make crafts like horseshoes and handles. 
  • Quartermaster office where supplies, food, and uniforms were kept. Today, it is used to store historic artifacts for visitors to see.
  • Kitchen Courtyard that was used to prepare meals for the soldiers.
  • The orderly room where organizational and administrative management of the Fort took place. Today, this area is used for the restrooms.
  • The Guardhouse Building was built to hold soldiers, prisoners, and guards. Today, it is the site of the Fort Gaines Gift Shop.
  • Anchor from U.S.S. Hartford, Admiral Farragut’s flagship during the Battle of Mobile Bay. 

Annual Events at Fort Gaines

In addition to self-guided tours, Fort Gaines also offers several exciting events throughout the year. Every summer, the Fort hosts monthly Sunset Concerts, where you can listen to live music. During the spring, you can observe the Battle of Mobile Bay anniversary during Thunder on the Bay. And during the fall, you can attend the October Renaissance Festival. 

Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals

Whether you are a history buff or just looking for an educational outing for the kids, Historic Fort Gaines is a great addition to your Dauphin Island getaway. Want to learn more about local history during your stay? Take the Mobile Bay Ferry and visit Fort Morgan just across the water. At the end of the day, return to your Dauphin Island vacation rental with Boardwalk Realty and unwind!

Get off the beaten path this summer and visit Dauphin Island, a hidden gem on the Alabama Gulf Coast. If you’ve never visited the Gulf Coast, you may ask yourself, “Where is Dauphin Island?” Boardwalk Realty is here to put our island paradise on the map by providing visitors with an inside look into where we are located, how to get here, and what to do when you arrive. Book your vacation home on Dauphin Island and visit the Southernmost point in Alabama to discover pristine beaches, incredible birdwatching, rich history, and exceptional fishing!

Where is Dauphin Island?

Dauphin Island is located at the southernmost point of Alabama on the Gulf Coast, just three miles south of Mobile Bay. It is part of Mobile County and is just 37 miles from the town of Mobile. The island is also surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay to the north. 

How to Get Here

Getting to Dauphin Island is easy via the Dauphin Island bridge or the Mobile Bay Ferry:

  • If you are traveling from Mobile, Montgomery, or Birmingham, we recommend accessing the island via I-65. If traveling from the west, I-10 is the route to follow. Get to the island from the Gordon Persons Bridge, the sole road connecting to the mainland.
  • If you are traveling from the east, the best way to access our island is via the Mobile Bay Ferry. Save travel time and get across Mobile Bay in just 40 minutes! The ferry offers daily transportation to and from Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan, weather permitting.

What to Do

Now that you know how to get here, you may be wondering what to do when you arrive:

  • Relax at 7 miles of pristine sugar white sand beaches of Dauphin Island.
  • Visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and experience some of the best birdwatching in Alabama.
  • Discover the island’s rich history at Historic Fort Gaines, a crucial site for the South during the Civil War.
  • Visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Alabama Aquarium and learn all about the marine life of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico through visual and interactive exhibits. 

Book Dauphin Island Vacation Homes

Now that you know where Dauphin Island is located, it’s time to plan your beach getaway with Boardwalk Realty. Browse our collection of Dauphin Island vacation rentals and find the perfect basecamp for your group. Explore everything our island has to offer and immerse yourself in the small-town charm of Dauphin Island. If you need assistance finding the right property, don’t hesitate to reach out at 877-861-3992!

Located at the Southernmost point of Alabama, Dauphin Island offers the perfect destination for summer fun. Book your getaway with Boardwalk Realty and easily access the top Dauphin Island tourist attractions found along our 14-mile island. Head to the island’s east end and spend the day exploring historic Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Or visit the pristine East, Middle, or West end beaches for a day of fun in the sun. Whether you seek a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous family vacation, we have something for everyone!

1. Historic Fort Gaines

Historic Fort Gaines was built in 1821 and is best known for its contributions to the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. This preserved fort has original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, a gift shop, and tunnels for visitors to explore. Take a self-guided tour and learn about the fascinating history through signs, exhibits, and artifacts. 

2. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Alabama Aquarium

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is Alabama’s leading marine science research and education center. The Sea Lab operates the Alabama Aquarium, where you can stroll through exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama. Discover the 10,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall, explore the Living Marsh Boardwalk, and attend an educational Boardwalk Talk at one of Dauphin Island’s top tourist attractions! 

3. Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Dauphin Island is located in a Globally Important Bird Area and is one of the best places in the country for bird watching! Visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and look for hundreds of bird species as you stroll through 164 acres of trails winding through pines, live oaks, swamps, and beaches. Use the local bird sighting checklist for helpful info about birding on Dauphin Island! 

4. Dauphin Island Beaches

Play at the Dauphin Island beaches during your getaway and relax along our Gulf Coast beaches’ soft, sugar-white sand. Head to one of three public beaches- East Beach, Middle Beach, or West End Beach for fishing, swimming, and watersports. Check out all the local beach access points to find where to park during your visit. Stay in one of our Gulf Front vacation rentals and access the beach steps from your rental home. 

5. Indian Shell Mound Park

Indian Shell Mound Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. It features shell mounds dating back to the Mississippi period (1100-1550). Over centuries, this shell mound was used as a gathering site for indigenous people, where they came together to harvest fish and exchange goods. Learn about the history of indigenous people on Dauphin Island here!

Dauphin Island Alabama Beach Rentals

Plan a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast and discover the top Dauphin Island tourist attractions during your visit with Boardwalk Realty. Reserve one of our Gulf Front vacation rentals on Dauphin Island and stay steps away from our beautiful white sand beaches. If you need assistance finding the best rental, please call us at 1-877-861-3992. 

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