17 Best Things to do in Dauphin Island

Steve Jennifer
Updated: April 24th 2023

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Dauphin Island is a beautiful and historic island located off the coast of Alabama. There are a variety of activities to enjoy on the island, including visiting the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium to learn about the marine life of the Gulf of Mexico.

You can also learn about the island's history by visiting the Dauphin Island Museum and Fort Gaines Historic Site, and you can attend events and exhibitions at the Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council.

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The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium is a marine education and research facility located on Dauphin Island, Alabama. The Sea Lab is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and a variety of fish species.

Visitors can take a tour of the Sea Lab to learn about the marine ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and see the sea creatures up close. The Estuarium is an interactive exhibit space that features exhibits on the ecosystems of Mobile Bay and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes tanks with live animals, as well as interactive exhibits and displays.

The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a protected area on Dauphin Island, Alabama, that is home to a variety of bird species, including migratory birds. The sanctuary features a number of trails that wind through the island's diverse habitats, including salt marshes, pine forests, and dunes.

The sanctuary also offers educational programs for school groups and other organizations. The best time to visit the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary is during the spring and fall migratory seasons, when the island is home to a wide variety of bird species.

Dauphin Island has miles of beautiful beaches that offer the perfect opportunity to relax and soak up the sun. The island's sandy beaches and crystal clear waters provide the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the waves.

The beaches are also great for walking, running, and beach combing. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or other water sports.

Taking a boat tour of Dauphin Island is a great way to see the island from a different perspective and learn about its history and wildlife. There are a variety of boat tours available, including eco-tours, sunset cruises, and fishing charters.

Eco-tours take visitors on a journey through the island's wetlands and marshes, where they can see a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Fishing is a popular activity on Dauphin Island, and there are a variety of options for both novice and experienced anglers. The Gulf of Mexico surrounding the island is home to a variety of species, including red snapper, amberjack, tuna, and more.

Visitors can go fishing from the beach or from a boat, and there are a number of fishing charters available that can take you out on the water. Some charters provide all the necessary equipment, and others offer instruction for those who are new to fishing.

The Dauphin Island Museum is a small museum located on Dauphin Island, Alabama, that features exhibits on the history of the island. The museum is housed in the island's historic post office building and features exhibits on the island's Native American history, its role in the Civil War, and its development as a tourist destination.

The museum also has exhibits on the island's wildlife and ecosystems, including the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. The Dauphin Island Museum is a great place to learn about the island's rich history and culture, and it is open to the public year-round.

Dauphin Island is home to a number of nature trails that offer a chance to explore the island's diverse habitats and see a variety of bird species and other wildlife. One popular trail is the Dauphin Island Boardwalk, which is a two-mile long boardwalk that runs along the island's eastern shore.

The boardwalk offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mobile Bay, and it is a great place for birdwatching, hiking, and picnicking.

The Dauphin Island Golf Club is a public golf course located on Dauphin Island, Alabama. The course is situated along the Gulf of Mexico, and it offers beautiful views of the water from many of its holes. The course is a par 72 and measures 6,800 yards from the longest tees.

It features a number of challenging holes, including a number of water hazards and bunkers. The Dauphin Island Golf Club has a pro shop, driving range, and putting green, and it offers lessons for golfers of all skill levels.

The Fort Gaines Historic Site is a Civil War-era fort located on Dauphin Island, Alabama. The fort was built in the 1840s to defend Mobile Bay and the surrounding area from naval attack, and it played a key role in the Civil War.

Today, the fort is open to the public and offers tours that provide a glimpse into the history of the fort and the role it played in the Civil War. Visitors can explore the fort's gun emplacements, barracks, and other buildings, and they can learn about the daily lives of the soldiers who served at the fort.

The Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council is a non-profit organization that promotes the arts and the cultural history of Dauphin Island, Alabama. The council hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including art exhibits, concerts, and festivals.

The council also operates the Dauphin Island Art Gallery, which features the work of local artists and artisans. The Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council is a great place to learn about the island's cultural history and to enjoy the arts.

Dauphin Island is home to a variety of restaurants that offer a range of cuisines, including seafood, Southern comfort food, and more. Some popular restaurants on the island include the Dauphin Island Seafood Company, which offers a variety of seafood dishes and has a beautiful waterfront location, and the Pelican Pub, which serves a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and other pub fare.

Other local restaurants include the Dauphin Island Grill, which serves Southern comfort food, and the Island Belle, which offers a variety of seafood dishes.

Dauphin Island's beaches offer some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Gulf of Mexico, and taking a sunset walk along the beach is a great way to end a day on the island. As the sun goes down over the Gulf of Mexico, the sky is filled with a beautiful array of colors, ranging from oranges and pinks to purples and reds.

A sunset walk along the beach is a peaceful and relaxing way to take in the beauty of the island, and it's a great activity for couples, families, or anyone looking to unwind after a day of activities.

Camping at the Dauphin Island Campground offers an idyllic retreat in the lap of nature. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and the gentle sounds of the ocean, it provides a serene and peaceful environment for camping enthusiasts.

Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, the campground caters to all, offering various camping options, from tent sites to RV hookups. Fall asleep under a blanket of stars, wake up to the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the shore.

Experience the Beauty of Indian Shell Mound Park, where history and nature intertwine to create a truly captivating destination. This archaeological site on Dauphin Island offers a glimpse into the lives of the island's Native American inhabitants from centuries past.

As you explore the park, you'll encounter massive shell mounds that stand as testament to the ancient cultures that once thrived here. The park's serene ambiance, shaded by majestic trees, adds to the sense of wonder and connection with the past.

Enjoy Water Sports and Kayaking on Dauphin Island, where adventure and excitement await in the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or simply seeking some fun in the sun, the island offers a plethora of water activities to suit all interests.

Dive into the refreshing waters and engage in exhilarating water sports, such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, and windsurfing. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you zip across the waves and experience the sheer joy of being one with the sea.

For nature enthusiasts, consider picking up local seashells, sea glass, or sand dollars as a reminder of your beachcombing adventures. These authentic pieces of the island's shoreline serve as cherished keepsakes, bringing back fond memories of your time spent on the sandy shores.

Art lovers will appreciate the selection of unique paintings and prints that showcase Dauphin Island's scenic landscapes and marine life. These artworks allow you to bring a piece of the island's artistic essence into your home, keeping the island's beauty alive in your heart.

Attending events and festivals on Dauphin Island is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the island's vibrant culture and community spirit. Throughout the year, the island comes alive with a diverse array of celebrations that cater to various interests and tastes.

One of the highlights is the seafood festivals, where local culinary delights take center stage. Indulge in a delectable assortment of freshly caught seafood prepared in various mouthwatering dishes.