When you’re visiting Dauphin Island, Alabama, there are so many incredible activities to experience, whether you’re traveling solo or with the family. But one of the best things about vacationing down here is all of the fantastic day trips from Dauphin Island! You can take advantage of tons of different destinations, all within a short distance from our Dauphin Island rentals. While you aren’t hanging around at your Dauphin Island pet-friendly rental, consider hopping onto the Mobile Bay Ferry and taking an excursion to the phenomenal Fort Morgan.
Things To Do in Fort Morgan
Bon Secour Wildlife
Are you looking to explore some nature parks near Dauphin Island? Bon Secour Wildlife consists of about 7,000 acres of coastal land. As you explore the park, you’ll encounter beach dunes along the coast and even some pine-oak woodlands! Witness the wildlife as you hike the many trails of this wildlife refuge. Stop into the Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s wildlife and plant life. The park runs many public programs for you and your nature lovers to explore and enjoy!
Kiva Dunes Golf Course
Do you love golf and looking for an excellent place to tee off while on Dauphin Island? Golf Advisor rated Kiva Dunes Golf Course the best golf course in Alabama. Created by Jim Edgemon and Pro Golfer Jerry Pate, they made sure every one of your swings will have some of the most beautiful backdrops. Spend the day at Kiva Dunes and learn why it is ranked the best in the country.
Fort Morgan Historic Site
The Fort Morgan Historic site was built after 1812 by the first Army Corps of Engineers in 1819. The fort played a huge part in the Civil War battles here in Alabama. Fort Morgan offers visitors a trip through its rich history from the War of 1812 to modern times. The park offers nature trails and some of the best bird watching on Dauphin Island. Fort Morgan is also a dog-friendly site, so bring your four-legged friends to hike the trails and enjoy the beach and historical site!
Where To Eat
Sassy Bass
At Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill, it’s all about the food and the experience. The staff at the Sassy Bass dedicated themselves to making sure that you and your family have only the best. Everything from their kitchen gets prepared and delivered to your table fresh! Are you a music lover and love to play music? Please stop by, bring your instrument, and jam with their live band every day. At the Sassy Bass, you can enjoy a fresh grilled menu, good live music, and good times for the whole family to enjoy.
Fort Morgan Pizza
Fort Morgan Pizza is the perfect place to grab a pie for lunch or get ahead on dinner. Their amazing pizza is hot and ready in 10 minutes and can get delivered or picked up. Their take and bake service lets you take the pizza home and bake it in your oven whenever you’d like! All you need to do is call ahead and place your order, and your pizza will be ready in minutes!
Tacky Jacks 2
Located minutes from the historic Fort Morgan, this restaurant is perfect for the whole family. Tacky Jacks 2 has gorgeous waterfront views of Mobile Bay. Sit and enjoy a freshly cooked dinner while soaking in the sunset. Tacky Jacks offers a wide selection of appetizers, seafood and has chicken and steak options to choose from. Join them every Thursday and Saturday for live karaoke!
Fort Morgan History
Before you pack up and head over to Fort Morgan, you’ll probably want to know a bit of the history of the area. The fort has been a military mainstay for centuries, playing an active role during the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and both World Wars.
Where Fort Morgan is located today, there used to be another military installation called Fort Bowyer. Fort Bowyer was constructed after the Spanish left the Mobile area in the spring of 1813. The fort was tested almost immediately during the First Battle of Fort Bowyer in 1814 and the Second Battle of Fort Bowyer in 1815. During this second attack from the British, the American garrison surrendered the fort. After the British received word that the Treaty of Ghent had been signed, ending the War of 1812, they withdrew from Fort Bowyer.
Even though Fort Bowyer with short-lived, it became apparent that its location at the tip of Mobile Point was a convenient one. Plans were made to construct a more substantial fort, which would turn into Fort Morgan as we know it today. Fort Morgan was completed in 1834 and was seized by the Confederate Army in 1861, right at the beginning of the Civil War. For Morgan would be a vital destination for the Confederates throughout the War but would ultimately be surrendered in 1864.
Throughout the 1900s, Fort Morgan would undergo renovations since it fell into disrepair or directly after the Civil War. Five concrete batteries were installed, boasting the latest technologies in communications and electricity. These advances would prove helpful throughout World War I and World War II, as Fort Morgan was used as a training facility. The fort was abandoned in 1947 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
Today, the community of Fort Morgan has become one of the most popular tourist destinations along the Gulf Coast. Though it has grown slowly in permanent residents, it is a popular destination for day trips or weekend getaways for individuals and families throughout the area.
Ferry Schedule and Cost
If you’re in Alabama on a trip to Dauphin Island, we highly recommend that you book a trip aboard the Mobile Bay Ferry to Fort Morgan, AL. The ferry departs from Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and takes you over to Fort Morgan in just about 40 minutes. Along the way, you’ll see incredible wildlife, from beautiful birds to fascinating fish, allowing you to soak up the sun and enjoy the ride. Not only is the ferry a convenient and fast way to get to Fort Morgan, but it’s also a fun activity that guests of all ages are sure to enjoy!
The Mobile Bay Ferry operates year-round, and in the summer months, there are two ferries in operation to accommodate larger crowds. The ferry schedule may change based on the weather or the time of year, but typically, you can expect departures from Dauphin Island at least every 1.5 hours between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ferries leave from Fort Morgan between 8:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Much like the ferry schedule, the cost of a ticket can also vary depending on the time of year. No matter what time of year it is, children under six can ride the ferry for free. In the winter, pedestrians can ride the ferry for just $5 per person, and in the summer, it’s just a dollar more. If you want to have your car while you’re visiting Fort Morgan, you can drive right onto the ferry and bring the whole family along for around $30 (depending on how many people are in your group).
Plan Your Dauphin Island Visit
If you’re not quite sure which of our many Dauphin Island vacation rentals is suitable for your group, reach out! Our friendly and helpful staff is always available to recommend a vacation rental based on your needs and preferences. We’ll also be here for you during your stay, ready to answer any questions you might have about your rental or Dauphin Island things to do. Ready to book your dream Alabama vacation? Contact us today to learn more!
Your Relaxing Dauphin Island Vacation Rental
Fort Morgan is a breathtaking destination with so much to see and do. If you’re in town visiting Dauphin Island, we highly recommend you take a day trip to see what all the hype is about! Since Fort Morgan is so close, you can experience all of the fun in just one day before heading back to your Dauphin Island condo rental.
At the end of a long day of exploring the area, you’re bound to be exhausted. Luckily, the Dauphin Island rentals available through ACP are the perfect solution to rest your weary bones. We are proud to offer a wide range of rentals that suit any group, from the solo traveler to the couple to the extended family. Our rentals are always designed with you in mind, offering the most convenient amenities and the best location near the most popular Dauphin Island attractions.
