When many people think of the beach, they picture walls of skyscrapers and hoards of people fighting for space on the beach. But it doesn’t have to be that way on your vacation. If you’re looking for a great family beach destination that’s quiet and safe, then you will love Dauphin Island.
Gulf Shores lines its coast with skyscrapers, bars, and large-scale corporate hotels that lends more towards Spring Breakers and business conventions. Dauphin Island lines the shore with small cottages and locally owned businesses. Where Gulf Shores has a population of 9,500, Dauphin Island is barely over 1,000.
The focus here on the island is the quality of the experience and a peaceful place to make memories.
There’s no question that Dauphin Island is a considerably quieter and more family-friendly vacation escape. Here, you can make a true connection with nature by taking daily walks along the beach or in the wildlife refuge.Families can deep-sea fish, explore the historic Fort Gaines, or just relax on their front porch enjoying the gulf view. Travelers that want to avoid the “obnoxious tourists” can find some incredible family activities that can only be fully enjoyed in a sincere, small-town with southern charm and a laid-back lifestyle.
Family Wildlife Viewing at the Bird Sanctuary
Some of the top activities on the island include wildlife viewing, water adventuring, and approachable hiking. It’s a purely family-friendly affair at every turn.
Wildlife viewing is possible from nearly any place on the island. Rare migratory birds love to settle in the foliage right outside many cozy Dauphin Island rentals.
The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary (109 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528) is your definitive source for family-oriented wildlife viewing.
Visitors can venture into the marshes and mangroves of Alabama’s coast on a self-guided tour. Boardwalks are available and wide open, making the wildlife viewing easy. Visitors who head in deep enough will come out on the beach.
Over 450 different bird species have been documented on the grounds. With three miles of trails, featuring wheelchair accessibility and wide spaces, this is a family-friendly visit, through and through.
The Estuarium and Education
Families can see the wildlife up close and personal at the Estuarium (102 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528). From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day (Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) families can pet stingrays, walk the Living Marsh Exhibit, or pick out the funniest looking reptiles from the 10,000 square foot exhibit hall.
Without a doubt, the Estuarium is the most spectacular family-friendly stop you could make while visiting Dauphin Island. It’s also quite affordable. Adults are $11 and children 5-18 are $6 (also includes students with ID).
Special educational showcases cycle monthly. Visit the website for school group details and other excursion programs that may be occurring when you visit.
Plan Your Dauphin Island Trip
Contact us at (251)-861-3311 to plan your future vacation stay on quiet, laid back and scenic Dauphin Island where you can truly connect with your family and nature.
Family Adventures
For water adventures on kayak or bike tours of the island, families can find a range of options at Dauphin Island Kayak & Bicycle Rentals & Tours. The provider has tandem kayaks for the young kids and affordable rentals on bicycles and other equipment.
The crew will drop bikes off at any of the island’s vacation rentals. Both bikes and kayaks can be picked up and dropped off as needed. Families don’t have to worry about needless travel. Contact (251) 422-5285 for details about pick-up, delivery, and family rates.
Book Your Dauphin Island Rental with ACP
Dauphin Island is the quintessential vacation getaway to get away from it all, displaying a world of wonder right on Alabama’s coastal edge. Come vacation where you don’t have to book months ahead of time for a beachfront vacation rental, and where kids and parents can have fun together.
Stay at one of our gulf front rentals on Dauphin Island to enjoy it all in luxury. It is the perfect laid-back adventure you wanted. You won’t have to worry about traffic jams or crowded beaches here.
Are you dreaming about your beach vacation? Start planning your trip and find the perfect Dauphin Island vacation rental for you: