Dauphin Island, AL Summary

At 14 miles in length, Dauphin Island is Alabama’s largest coastal island. A resting place for migrating birds, it is located at the western entrance to Mobile Bay in the southwestern corner of the state.

Dauphin Island is a very popular summer attraction, offering visitors 40-foot sea bluffs, low sand dunes, attractive beaches, plenty of fishing, boating, cycling, camping, and historical attractions.

The first Europeans to fly a flag there were the French. Briefly the capital of French Louisiana, it was subsequently ruled by the English, the Spanish, the Republic of Alabama, the Confederacy, and the United States.

One of the island’s main attractions is Fort Gaines. It was built to defend Mobile Bay, and it fell to Admiral Farragut’s Union forces in August 1864, during the Battle of Mobile Bay, and ceased operations in 1946. A museum displays military items and a brochure outlines a self-guided walking tour. During January there is a re-enactment of the fort’s seizure by Confederate forces in 1861.

The 160-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary is situated near the ferry landing on Bienville Boulevard. It features a series of walking trails.

The Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a huge hall that displays the four principal habitats of Mobile Bay. Outside is the Living Marsh Boardwalk, which features interpretive signs explaining the geological history of the bay’s islands and swamps.

A shell mound, constructed by Native Americans, is located adjacent to Cadillac Street.

There is an 850-foot pier behind the dunes at Bienville Boulevard and Penalver Street. The East End Pier is near the ferry landing at the mouth of Mobile Bay.

Deep-sea fishing charters and island cruises operate out of the marina. The largest 1-day sailing regatta in the United States is held at the island on the last weekend in April.

There are two means of access to Dauphin Island. From the east, a ferry departs from Pleasure Island’s Fort Morgan, or visitors can simply drive onto the island via a bridge.