There are few places as impressive and exciting on the Gulf Coast as Dauphin Island, a 7-mile long an affordable, cozy and scenic paradise. Known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama” this island getaway draws visitors from all over the country to experience its calm, laid back and relaxing minimally developed setting.
With breathtaking ocean views, a full range of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and fishing, and fascinating historical sites, planning a vacation to Dauphin Island is always a good decision.
It’s also quite affordable, with a variety of rentals and homes with competitive rates compared to several other island destinations in the South.
There aren’t many getaways left like Dauphin Island, as it’s nestled far away from the noise of city life. When you’re here, it’s easy to clear your mind and free yourself of all worries as you unwind and enjoy nature in the pristine glory it was meant to be experienced in.
Park your car at your rental and get around without needing a vehicle, with miles of scenic sandy beaches surrounding you and lovely trails to hike and bike on. Explore bird sanctuaries and view a variety of local species. Vacationers can frequently be found fishing, golfing, hiking, boating, kayaking, biking, bird-watching at the sanctuary, or swimming and sunbathing on the beach.
Leave the traffic and shopping malls behind and envision a destination that doesn’t even have a need for stop lights. Dauphin Island has very few main roads, mainly hosting minor roads to reduce the amount of car traffic that travels to the island, adding to the overall experience.
With its very own small airport and ferry dock, the island is self-sufficient and has everything you need for a short or long term vacation. After reading about the history of the island and the things you can do when you visit, you’ll be eager to join us and be surrounded by nature.
If you talk to anyone who has visited, they’ll tell you just how rejuvenating and relaxing a Dauphin Island vacation can truly be. Here you’ll find some of the top things to do and attractions on the island that you should be sure to experience during your next adventure here.
A Peaceful Place for a Family Vacation
Dauphin Island remains one of those “hidden gems” on the Gulf Coast with fascinating outdoor attractions and comfortable vacation homes and rentals where you are sure to create plenty of fun-filled memories.
With a strong emphasis placed on preserving and protecting the natural environment, this island has been able to maintain its wild and breathtaking scenery.
Leave your cares behind and start planning your next adventure on our nearly untouched pristine island escape. Once you take a breath of the fresh gulf air and step in your spacious vacation rental, you’ll feel right at home on the Gulf Coast!
Restaurants & Bars on Dauphin Island
With plenty of restaurants and bars located right on the island near our rentals, you won’t have to travel very far for a satisfying meal. From pizza and burgers to local seafood and BBQ grills, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is what and where to eat next.
A few popular options that you’ll find on the island include Jt’s Sunset Grill, a casual and cozy seafood spot for families or Pirate’s Bar and Grill offering traditional southern fare in a waterfront dining setting. Islanders Restaurant features seafood, cocktails and Southern food in a comfortable outdoor setting.
The Lighthouse Bakery is a must-visit spot with delicious coffee, breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. These are just a few of the dining options available to you, so you’ll get to enjoy an impressive selection considering the cozy size of the island.
Shopping on Dauphin Island
An island vacation wouldn’t be the same without some shops to entice you to pick up some souvenirs. With mementos and gifts available for family and friends as well as just about anything you could possibly need during your stay, the shops here on Dauphin Island have you covered.
Shop at The Hippie Fish to pick up some unique clothing for the family or the Blu Revival Surf Shop to pick up any last-minute beach or surf items you might need. The Silver Pearl also offers a bit of everything with décor, clothing and coastal items. Several other unique boutiques and stores await.
Parks & Beaches on Dauphin Island
You’ll certainly feel grounded and closer to nature after spending some time in the many park areas or beaches throughout the island. Each park has its own special features and amenities, but they all have one thing in common: their stunning natural beauty.
The Dauphin Island Public Beach has full facilities for families including bathrooms and showers, with shallow water that is ideal for children.
East End Landing has a public fishing pier that goes 250 feet into Mobile Bay along with two boat launches. You’ll find plenty of other beach access points with parking throughout the island as well.
Aloe Bay is a waterfront park that is ideal for kayaking. Bayou Heron Park offers a small fishing dock, picnic tables on the waterfront, and a kayak launch.
Magnolia Park is a smaller park near the Estuarium and Fort Gaines. Green Park offers a small quiet spot to take a break with some relaxing views of the majestic oak trees.
Outdoor Activities on Dauphin Island
No matter what your outdoor interest is, Dauphin Island has something for you and your loved ones. Moving away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the island prides itself on being the perfect spot to enjoy a full range of outdoor activities right outside your vacation rental.
Spend countless hours walking along white sandy beaches, riding adventurous bike trails and trekking along incredible scenery with a variety of non-intrusive restaurants and shopping areas to keep you comfortable.
Fishing is certainly one of the most popular outdoor sports here. Anglers have plenty of options to choose from including several easily accessible spots for pier and shore fishing, as well as professionally run in-shore and deep-sea fishing charters.
Historic Sites on Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island has a long and notable history with several sites that are well worth exploring. With both Fort Morgan (accessible by the Mobile Bay Ferry) and Fort Gaines nearby and other sites such as Indian Mound Park (north end of the island) and Sand Island Light (3 miles offshore, reached by kayak or boat), you’ll have plenty of history to learn about near your home or vacation rental.
Fort Gaines is one of the top historic destinations on the island and was active during the Civil War. If you want to get a true feel for the history of the island, the retired fort has public admission, historical reenactments, and incredible views of Mobile Bay and Gulf Coast.
Having stood for more than 150 years, Fort Gaines has recently been named one of the eleven most endangered historic sites in America, due to the erosion of the shoreline.
With original tunnels and cannons still present, you’ll be sure to get an authentic experience from your tour guide with a chance to see actors dressed in period uniforms.
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
The entire island is considered a bird sanctuary. However, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on the eastern end offers dedicated viewing and hiking facilities within 164-acres of protected dunes, swamps, beaches, lakes and marshes.
Here you can get a glimpse of a wide variety of bird species, butterflies, fish and even alligators deep within the swamps on several trails as well as a 1,000-foot boardwalk.
Isle Dauphine Complex
If you want food, drinks and activities all in one place, head to the Isle Dauphine Complex which is open to the public in a central location close to many lodging options.
With golf courses, restaurants, bars, beach access and an events center, this is a one-stop-shop for many activities. If you are feeling social, you can participate in the many clubs, ongoing events or the free family film nights.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is one of the most visited attractions on the island, being a large dedicated marine research center and public aquarium.
The sea lab offers a place for kids and adults to learn all about marine biology in a fun and interesting way with frequent tours and programs throughout the year including summer camps.
The Estuarium at the sea lab is open to the public year-round, offering a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool, 10,000 square feet of exhibits, and a total of 31 aquariums where you can see over 100 species.
Request a vacation rental quote on our website or call us today!
Let ACP Vacation Rentals connect you with the perfect vacation rental that will have all the conveniences your family or group needs during your stay on Dauphin Island.
You can browse available vacation rentals directly on our website and request an instant quote whenever you would like. Or you may call us at (251)-861-3311 if you have any specific questions about your upcoming Dauphin Island vacation.