1-877-861-3992

Dauphin Island Vacation

For many Alabama natives, a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast is an annual tradition. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sunshine, play at the beach, cool down in the Gulf waters, attend events, and experience fun for the whole family. Choose Dauphin Island as your next summer vacation destination and experience a destination full of small-town charm, beautiful beaches, rich history, and an abundance of native wildlife. Stay on the island with Boardwalk Realty and select one of our Gulf Front vacation rentals, just minutes from the beach. Or elevate your stay with one of our private pool rentals and enjoy a private place to cool off after a day of exploring the island. 

Add these Dauphin Island activities to your summer vacation itinerary: 

1. Play at Dauphin Island Beaches

Many people come to Dauphin Island in the summer just to experience the beach. Walk to the beach from your vacation home and enjoy activities like swimming, birdwatching, surf fishing, sunbathing, relaxing, and beachcombing. Then, return to your vacation home to shower, relax, and unwind after a day in the sun.

Related Reading: Fun Activities for Beach Lovers on Dauphin Island

2. Have Fun on the Water

Spend the perfect summer day exploring the waterways of Dauphin Island. Head to Dauphin Island Marina for guided tours, fishing charters, and pontoon rentals. Join one of their guided tours or take your boat rental into the Gulf for a day of fishing, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing. 

Beyond the marina, you can enjoy excellent kayaking conditions in the calm waters of Aloe Bay or Bayou Sound.

Related Reading: Explore Dauphin Island by Water: Boat Tours, Sightseeing, & Fishing

What to Do on Your Dauphin Island Boat Rental

3. Attend Events on Dauphin Island

Make the most of your vacation by checking out the free summer events happening across the island. Head to East Beach every Thursday evening to watch free family-friendly movies together. Listen to live music every month during the Sunset Concert Series at Fort Gaines. Or join us for the annual Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo in July. 

4. Explore Nature & Watch Wildlife

Explore nature and watch local wildlife on Dauphin Island. Pretty much the entire island is a designated bird sanctuary, allowing you to spot hundreds of bird species during your exploration. Head to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary for the best birdwatching on the island. Then, discover even more wildlife that calls the region home at the Alabama Aquarium. Learn about Alabama’s coastal habitats and see wildlife in the aquarium, including stingrays and fish. 

5. Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Refreshing Cocktails

After a day of exploring Dauphin Island, kick back and relax at one of our local restaurants. Enjoy fresh locally-caught seafood at Dockside or pick up fresh seafood to make on your own from Skinner’s Seafood. Alternatively, visit local favorites such as Pirates Bar & Grill or Dority’s to enjoy a night filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live local entertainment.

Reserve your Dauphin Island summer vacation with Boardwalk Realty today. Check out our inventory of vacation rentals on Dauphin Island and find the perfect base camp for your trip.

At Boardwalk Realty, we know no vacation is complete without your pet by your side. That’s why we offer nearly 40 pet-friendly Dauphin Island rentals so everyone (even your four-legged friend) can enjoy our beach paradise. Save money on boarding your pet and spend time playing at the beach, exploring our nature trails, and dining at outdoor patios together. So, pack your leash and prepare for some tail-wagging fun on Dauphin Island!

Dauphin Island Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

Browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals on Dauphin Island and find the perfect property for your getaway. Please read through our pet policy rules below before booking with us:

  • Guest must notify us of pets at the time of booking and complete the Dog Registration form before arrival.
  • A non-refundable pet fee is required per dog. Amounts vary by property.
  • Properties may have additional limitations on dog size, breeds allowed, and the total number of dogs permitted.
  • No pets are allowed on any property that is not advertised as pet-friendly.
  • Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.
  • Dogs are not allowed on property furnishings.

Dauphin Island’s Good Neighbor Pet Policy

Pet owners are required to abide by the town of Dauphin Island’s Good Neighbor Pet Policy during their visit. 

  • Follow the island-wide leash law, which requires your dog to be properly restrained at all times.
  • Pets are not allowed on West End Beach since this section of the island serves as a critical bird nesting habitat. 
  • Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of waste.

Things to Do with Your Dog on Dauphin Island

  • Take your dog to East Beach or Middle Beach for a day of fun in the sun. Stroll up and down our sandy shores together.
  • Explore three miles of dog-friendly trails at Audubon Bird Sanctuary, winding past maritime forests, marshes, dunes, and swamps. 
  • Visit Fort Gaines and walk through historic sites with your pooch. Even the museum is dog-friendly!
  • Refuel from a day of adventures at Islanders Restaurant and sit out on the dog-friendly patio. 

Book your pet-friendly Dauphin Island rentals with Boardwalk Realty and escape to the beach this summer. If you have any questions about our pet policy, don’t hesitate to call us at  1-877-861-3992.

Are you looking for romantic getaways in Alabama off the beaten path? Look no further than Dauphin Island, a small Gulf Coast island known for its white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, and abundant wildlife. Choose Boardwalk Realty to host your getaway and find the perfect vacation rental to host you and your special someone! 

Spend Time at Dauphin Island Beaches

No romantic getaway in Alabama is complete without spending time at our Dauphin Island beaches! Spend your days swimming, suntanning, and strolling along the beach at sunset. If you want to explore our Gulf Coast waters, we recommend renting watersport equipment with SaltyDog Watersport Rentals.

Embark on a Romantic Sunset Cruise

Embark on a romantic sunset cruise at Dauphin Island Marina for a fantastic evening on the water. Watch a relaxing sunset, meet some marine life at the built-in touch tank aquarium, and keep an eye out for dolphins. If you want a private sunset tour, we recommend signing up for a trip with Finatics Fishing Charters. 

Learn About Marine Life and Birds

Dauphin Island is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Visit the Alabama Aquarium and learn about the coastal habitats of Alabama, featuring a living marsh boardwalk, visual exhibits, and interactive experiences. Then head to the Audobon Bird Sanctuary and enjoy fantastic birdwatching on Dauphin Island. 

Take the Mobile Bay Ferry for More Adventures

Dauphin Island offers a convenient gateway to even more Alabama adventures on the Mobile Bay Ferry. The ferry takes you from Fort Gaines to Fort Morgan at Mobile Point, offering the fastest access across Mobile Bay. Spend a day exploring the towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

Enjoy Dinner with Beautiful Sunset Views

Enjoy dinner with a sunset view at Islander’s Restaurant & Bar, Pirate’s Bar & Grill, or watch the sun paint the sky while enjoying a glass of wine at The Carriage. Or pick up a delicious meal at Dinner’s Ready, bring it back to your vacation rental, and enjoy the sunset from your own private deck.

Book Your Romantic Getaway in Alabama Today

Book your Alabama romantic getaway on Dauphin Island with Boardwalk Realty today! Our one-bedroom DI Time property is ideal for couples visiting the island, offering everything you need for your stay. Or gather a group and stay in one of our larger Dauphin Island vacation rentals that can accommodate up to 20 guests. 

Please contact us with any questions about booking your Dauphin Island getaway with Boardwalk Realty!

Although most of your time on Dauphin Island will be spent at the beach, there are plenty of other things to do during your vacation. Explore the Dauphin Island shopping scene and find the perfect souvenir for your Alabama getaway with Boardwalk Realty. Whether you are looking for Dauphin Island merch, locally made gifts, or original art, there is something for everyone!

Beach Planet

Visit Beach Planet for all your beach and souvenir needs! Their souvenir collection includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, hats, and much more.

Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Gallery

Shop for local art at the Dauphin Island Art Gallery, including painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, and fine jewelry. The gallery represents more than 40 local artists, along with books by local authors and handmade gift items. 

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Gift Shop

After learning about the key habitats of coastal Alabama at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, visit the gift shop! Shop from various gifts, including t-shirts, jerseys, jewelry, reusable drinkware, backpacks, bags, patches, stickers, and plush animals. 

The Happy Octopus

Stop at The Happy Octopus, a locally owned beach boutique with something for everyone! Find apparel, accessories, and shoes for your unique style here. 

The Hippie Fish

The Hippie Fish is a new boutique on Dauphin Island, offering trendy clothing so you can look your best on vacation. They also feature jewelry, trinket dishes, ornaments, and paintings made by local artists. 

The Sandbox

The Sandbox has been providing Dauphin Island souvenirs for nearly 50 years! Stop in and bring a piece of Dauphin Island home with their decor and apparel. 

The Silver Pearl

The Silver Pearl is an independently owned gift shop offering home decor, apparel, and local art. Their t-shirts feature artwork designed by the owner and operator, along with cutting boards, notecards, matted prints, and more!

Plan Your Dauphin Island Getaway Today

Explore the Dauphin Island shopping scene and find the perfect souvenir for your Alabama getaway. Stay with Boardwalk Realty and choose from our Dauphin Island vacation rentals ranging from one to six bedrooms. Save money with our vacation deals and book your Dauphin Island vacation today!

Along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, you will find beautiful Dauphin Island, a popular destination for both vacationers and migratory birds alike. As a Globally Important Bird Area, Dauphin Island is among the top places in the country to witness fall and spring migrations! Boardwalk Realty invites birders to visit our coastal paradise and discover the diverse habitats that entice hundreds of species to the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary. Pack your binoculars, grab your birding checklist, and start your birdwatching adventure today!

When to Go Birdwatching on Dauphin Island

Birdwatching can be enjoyed on Dauphin Island year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall migrations. 

The fall migration usually runs from mid-September through October and is a great time to see shorebirds. But, if you want to make the most of your birdwatching adventure, we recommend visiting in the spring, when neotropical birds fly across the Gulf of Mexico and seek shelter on Dauphin Island. This season lasts March-May and allows visitors to see more than 300 bird species during one visit. 

Take a look at this field checklist of birds of Dauphin Island before your visit!

Audobon Bird Sanctuary

The Audobon Bird Sanctuary is a 164-acre nature sanctuary and the best birding spot on Dauphin Island! The sanctuary is home to diverse ecosystems, including maritime forests, marshes, dunes, lakes, swamps, and beaches. Stroll through these ecosystems on the 1,000-foot-long boardwalk and keep an eye out for the neotropical migrants on Galliard Lake. Please read this brochure about the trail systems and bird sighting checklist before you visit the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary. 

More Birdwatching Spots in Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is also part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and offers several more fantastic birdwatching spots on the Bayou La Batre Loop: 

Plan Your Dauphin Island Birdwatching Getaway Today

Dauphin Island, Alabama, stands as a true haven for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers! Plan your getaway and spend time at the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary, checking off birds from the checklist. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a newcomer to the world of birdwatching, Boardwalk Realty has the perfect vacation rentals for your getaway!

DAUPHIN ISLAND WEATHER
Skip to content