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Beach Rentals Dauphin Island

Celebrate Mardi Gras this year in the place that started it all: Mobile, Alabama. Every year, Mobile and towns throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast celebrate Mardi Gras with majestic parades, colorful floats, and magical masquerade balls. Start the celebrations on Dauphin Island and stay in a Boardwalk Realty vacation rental close to the parade route. Put on your purple, green, and gold clothing and join us for Mardi Gras on Dauphin Island!

Dauphin Island 2026 Mardi Gras Events

Krewe de la Dauphine

When: January 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm

Where: Bienville Boulevard. Starts at Dauphin Island Sea Lab and ends at Dauphin Island Elementary School.

Kick off the Mardi Gras season on Dauphin Island and watch the parade put on by the Krewe de la Dauphine. Find a spot along Bienville Boulevard and watch 60 festive floats, dance troops, and musicians roll down the streets during this festive celebration. This year’s theme is KDLD Takes the Win, and floats will express competitive sports, games, and hobbies. 

Dauphin Island People’s Parade

When: January 24, 2026, at 1:00pm

Location: Bienville Boulevard. Starts at Dauphin Island campground and ends at the Holiday Isle condos. 

The Dauphin Island People’s Parade is the largest parade on the island, featuring festive floats, boats, trucks, and horses. Watch from the sidelines or submit an application and be part of the parade. 

Salty Paws Pet Parade

When: January 31, 2026, at 10:00 am

Location: Starts at the water tower, north on LeMoyne, right on Chaumont, right on Key, right on Bienville, and ends back at the water tower. 

The Salty Paws Pet Parade is the most adorable Mardi Gras parade on Dauphin Island. Watch costumed pets and their owners walk down the streets while supporting the Animal Rescue Foundation. Stick around after the parade to see which pup wins prizes. 

Massacre Island Secret Society

When: February 1, 2026, at 6:30 pm

Location: Starts at the Shell Mounds, travels Cadillac Ave to Naravez, then along Levert and DeSoto streets before making the final turn onto LaVente street to end at Dority’s.

The Massacre Island Secret Society hosts the only nighttime parade on Dauphin Island. Witness a flame-lit Street Tableau through the old village district while learning about the island’s fascinating past. 

Dauphin Island Parade Information and Tips

  • Do not reserve a parking space before sunrise on the day of the event. 
  • Do not mark off your turf with rope or tape boundaries. 
  • At least one member of your party must stay with your claimed space. 
  • Clean up your site immediately after the parade.

Mobile Mardi Gras Events

Dauphin Island is just one stop during Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebration. Find even more events during carnival season in Mobile, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. From exquisite balls to family-friendly parades, there is something for everyone.

Check out the 2026 schedule and don’t miss out on popular events like Joe Cain Day or the Order of Inca parade!

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Dauphin Island, Alabama 

Book your getaway with Boardwalk Realty and join us for Alabama’s Mardi Gras season on Dauphin Island. Stay close to the parade routes with our Dauphin Island vacation rentals and enjoy the perfect home away from home during the celebration!

Your Dauphin Island vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. Book an affordable vacation rental with Boardwalk Realty and save money by adding free things to do in Dauphin Island, Alabama, to your vacation itinerary. Spend time at the beach, watch birds fly by, learn about the island’s history, and attend local events at no cost to you. Discover fun for the whole family on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

  1. Walk to the beach from your vacation rental and play in the soft sand of Dauphin Island. Go swimming, get a suntan, build sandcastles, beachcomb for treasures, and watch wildlife. Free fun for the whole family awaits!
  2. Go bird watching at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and spot dozens of bird species at this 164-acre nature area. This is also a great place to hike and explore the island’s natural diversity. 
  3. Visit Shell Mound Park and learn about the island’s Indigenous history and culture while exploring walking trails.
  4. Reserve a kayak rental with Blue Heron Kayaks and launch your watercraft at Bayou Heron Park for a fun paddling adventure. 
  5. Browse locally made art from over 65 talented coastal artists at Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Council. 
  6. Learn about the island’s rich history at the Little Red School House Community Complex. This historic building features a small museum with artifacts from the past. 
  7. Attend free events on the island, like the Free Family Outdoor Movie Nights in the summer months and Mardi Gras parades in the winter. 
  8. Explore the recreational amenities in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Bienville Blvd, including a public skate park, dog park, basketball court, and playground. 

Free Things to Do in Your Dauphin Island Vacation Rental

Our vacation rentals are the perfect place to relax and spend quality time with your family. Hang out and make the most of your time with these free activities available in your rental:

  • Reserve a rental with a private pool and plan a day at the pool. Splash around, enjoy the sunshine, and relax on the beach chairs. 
  • Start your day with a cup of coffee on your outdoor deck or patio.
  • Watch the sunset with a cocktail or drink in hand. 
  • Prepare meals together in your fully equipped kitchen.
  • Cozy up and watch movies together in the living room. 

Save money on your Dauphin Island vacation rental with the specials offered by Boardwalk Realty. These specials offer you the chance to SAVE on last-minute rentals and keep more money in your pockets. Book with us today and plan an affordable family vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Your next vacation doesn’t have to be far from home. Plan a weekend getaway in Alabama and enjoy a change of scenery while still being close enough to drive from home. If you are looking for a destination where you can experience beautiful beaches, small-town charm, local history, and wildlife, look no further than Dauphin Island on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Spend a weekend in a Boardwalk Realty vacation rental and fill your itinerary with these fun activities:

Please keep in mind that Boardwalk Realty has a three-night minimum stay for many of our rentals.

Friday

Arrive on Dauphin Island in the afternoon and check into your Boardwalk Realty vacation rental. 

If your rental is four bedrooms or less, check-in begins at 3:00 pm. If your rental is five bedrooms or larger, check-in starts at 4:00 pm. After getting settled into your rental home, start exploring the island. 

  • Walk to the beach and relax on the white sand shoreline, while suntanning, swimming, and beachcombing.
  • Grab dinner at Pirate’s Bar & Grill and enjoy fresh seafood, burgers, and drinks while overlooking the waterfront.
  • Check the Dauphin Island events calendar and attend a special event during your visit. 
  • Return to your vacation rental to relax and unwind before resting up for a full day of adventures tomorrow. 

Saturday

Wake up early and start exploring everything Dauphin Island has to offer. 

  • Start your day at Lighthouse Bakery and sit down to enjoy one of their breakfast specials or order delicious pastries to go and enjoy them by the beach. 
  • Visit the Alabama Aquarium and see marine life from Mobile Bay in the aquarium exhibits. Check to see if any excursions are available during your visit to get an up-close look at marine life in the waters surrounding Dauphin Island. 
  • After learning about life in the water, head on land to watch for birds at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.
  • Visit the Dauphin Island Marina and sign up for a guided sunset cruise or dolphin watching tour. If you are hungry before or after, you can stop for a meal nearby at Capt’n Snapper’s Marina Bar & Grill. 
  • Head back to the beach for more fun in the sun. If you are staying in one of our Dauphin Island vacation rentals with a pool, you can head back and splash around there instead.
  • Stop at Skinner Seafood and pick up some fresh seafood to prepare for dinner. 

Sunday

  • Explore Historic Fort Gaines and walk through the remnants of this historic site that has guarded Mobile Bay for more than 150 years.
  • Rent a kayak or pontoon and get on the water for an afternoon of sightseeing, wildlife watching, and fishing. 
  • Sign up for a fishing charter and fish the abundant inshore and offshore waters of Dauphin Island with a local expert. 
  • Shop for souvenirs and local artwork at the gift shops in town. 
  • End the day with a delicious dinner at a Dauphin Island restaurant.

Monday

Check out of your vacation rental by 9:30 am. Head home for the weekend, or check out some of the attractions and activities you have missed over the weekend. 

Browse our Dauphin Island vacation rentals and find the perfect accommodations for your Alabama weekend getaway!

Dauphin Island is a hidden gem on the Alabama Gulf Coast, where you can experience a blend of nature, history, beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. Plan your next vacation with Boardwalk Realty and discover the natural beauty of Dauphin Island at one of our local parks. Whether you are looking for a place to bring a picnic or watch local wildlife, our parks offer the perfect addition to your vacation itinerary. 

Indian Shell Mound Park

Indian Shell Mound Park is an 11-acre park on the northern end of the island that offers a blend of cultural history, walking trails, and bird watching. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s, this park is the site of two prehistoric shell mounds left by Indigenous inhabitants thousands of years ago.

During your visit, you can learn more about this historic site through interpretive signs, walk trails canopied by oak trees, and watch birds fly by. 

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is the largest park on Dauphin Island, covering 137 acres with over three miles of walking trails. Walk through the diverse ecosystems of this sanctuary, and explore maritime forests, marshes, dunes, swamps, and beaches. 

This is one of the most popular spots for bird watching, but you may also encounter butterflies, fish, and alligators during your exploration. Bring your lunch and have a picnic amidst nature!

Cadillac Square

Cadillac Square is a small park where you can relax and enjoy a picnic under beautiful oak and pine trees while watching birds. Amenities include picnic tables and public restrooms. You can find this park on the South side of Bienville Boulevard.

Salt Creek Park

If you are visiting Dauphin Island with kids and looking for a park with a playground, Salt Creek Park is the perfect place. In addition to the playground, you will find a small skate park, basketball courts, and picnic tables. 

Book Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals

Find even more activities for your Dauphin Island vacation on our Boardwalk Realty blog and events page. Spend quality time with your family in a Dauphin Island vacation rental and access attractions like beaches, parks, and wildlife watching nearby. Book with us today and your perfect home away from home on Dauphin Island!

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Dauphin Island is from the water. Rent a boat and explore the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Sound, and Mobile Bay on your own. Or enlist the help of a local guide and sign up for a Dauphin Island boat tour. Cruise around the water at sunset, watch wildlife, and take in the sights of top attractions like Historic Fort Gaines. Whether you are visiting with your family, friends, or partner, these boat tours offer the perfect addition to your vacation on Dauphin Island with Boardwalk Realty:

Sunset Cruise

Dauphin Island is known for its breathtaking sunsets. That’s why we have been designated as the Sunset Capital of Alabama. Watch the sun dip below the horizon on a scenic sunset cruise with one of these local outfitters:

  • Sunset Cruise at Dauphin Island Marina: Experience a public sunset cruise along the coast that combines incredible sunset views with sightseeing and wildlife watching. The tour also includes a show and tell of marine life caught in the boat’s shrimp net. 
  • Finatic Fishing Charters Sunset Cruise: Sign up for a private sunset cruise and customize the tour based on your interests. 

Sightseeing Tours

With only 14 miles of coastline, Dauphin Island is easy to explore by water. Sign up for a sightseeing tour and cruise past attractions like Indian Shell Mounds, Historic Fort Gaines, and Sand Island Lighthouse. 

Educational Excursions

Learn about the research done by the team at the Alabama Aquarium with an Educational Excursion. Become a marine scientist for the day and head out to the salt marshes, beaches, dunes, and maritime forests studied by local researchers. These excursions are only offered periodically throughout the year, so make sure to check their availability during your visit. 

Stay at Waterfront Vacation Rentals on Dauphin Island

Beyond boat tours, Dauphin Island also offers several fantastic fishing charters for anglers interested in an epic day on the water. Or reserve a Dauphin Island boat rental and enjoy sightseeing, wildlife watching, and fishing at your own pace. Stay on the waterfront with a Boardwalk Realty vacation rental on the Bay Front or Gulf Front. Soak in views of the water from your private deck, walk to the beach, and relax with your loved ones in your spacious vacation rental!

DAUPHIN ISLAND WEATHER
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