Making your way to Dauphin Island doesn’t have to be boring! In fact, when you’re taking a drive with your loved ones, the experience of getting here can be just as fun as the time you actually spend on the island. If you’re planning a road trip to Dauphin Island, consider starting in New Orleans and seeing some exciting destinations on the coast along the way!
How Far is the Drive from New Orleans to Dauphin Island?
For those traveling from New Orleans, Dauphin Island is the perfect destination for a getaway, and fortunately the trip is even quicker than you might think. Even taking a couple of detours along the way, the journey only takes 3 hours of driving! Let’s outline your potential route before getting into all the fun activities you can experience along the way.
Starting your road trip from New Orleans, make your way to I-10 E. Follow the interstate for almost 73 miles before taking exit 34A, which brings you onto US 49 S. toward Gulfport, Mississippi. Another 5 miles of driving brings you into the city. After that, get on US-90 E/E Beach Boulevard and follow it for about 12.6 miles, which brings you to your next stop: Biloxi.
Once you’re through in Biloxi, get on I-110 N/MS-15 N, which will bring you back onto I-10 E. Stay on this road for nearly 30 miles before taking exit 75 toward Franklin Creek Road. You’ll then turn onto US-90 E, bringing you back into Alabama. Follow AL-188 E for about 10 miles until you reach your next stop, Bayou La Batre.
Finally, you’ll get back onto AL-188 E and drive for about 10 miles before turning onto AL-193 S. Just 8 more miles of driving will bring you to Dauphin Island!
Things to Do in New Orleans
You might want to plan on starting your vacation a bit early, since there’s so much to see and do in New Orleans before you ever hit the road! Take some time to admire the art in Jackson Square, stand in awe of the St. Louis Cathedral, and pay your respects at the National WWII Museum. You can also check out the marine life at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas or get some shopping done on Royal Street.
Of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without visiting the French Quarter and, more specifically, Bourbon Street! Taste some authentic Creole cuisine and enjoy a lively nightlife scene once the sun goes down. Do be warned, though, that Bourbon Street after dark isn’t intended for kids.
What to Do In Between
On the way to your Dauphin Island condo rental, your first big stop after leaving New Orleans will be Gulfport, Mississippi. This city is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs and learning about the local marine life. Kids and adults alike are sure to love attractions like the Mississippi Aquarium, the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, and the Ocean Adventures Marine Park. For attractions that aren’t ocean-centered, take your kids to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center or the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum. There are also several stretches of shoreline for you and your family to explore if you simply can’t wait to get to the beach!
After you leave Gulfport, you’ll head to Biloxi. This city is particularly known for its casinos, so if you’re traveling with a group of adults, stop at locations like the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, IP Casino Resort Spa, or Harrah’s Gulf Coast. You can also get a history lesson at the Biloxi Lighthouse, see stunning views of the water along the Gulf Island National Seashore, or indulge in some fresh local seafood at one of the many restaurants along Biloxi Beach. If you need an indoor activity, check out the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art or the Jefferson David Presidential Library.
Things to Do in Bayou La Batre
By this point, you’ll have reached your last major stop before you get to our Dauphin Island accommodations: Bayou La Batre. If you’ve never been here before, you might recognize the name of the town thanks to the movie Forrest Gump! You might want to consider planning your road trip so you come to Bayou La Batre around dinnertime; the city has been dubbed “Alabama’s Seafood Capital,” so there’s no better place to stop for a bite to eat before you get to Dauphin Island!
On top of the delicious food, there are some truly gorgeous sites to see throughout this town. The most popular destination in Bayou La Batre is the Grand Savanna Bay Nature Preserve, which allows you to truly escape the busy city and connect with some of Alabama’s most gorgeous nature. Bayou La Batre and the surrounding area truly have something for everyone, from golf courses to farmers’ markets to fishing opportunities and more. It’s truly the perfect stop before you reach your final destination.
Plan Your Dauphin Island Stay
Best of all, Dauphin Island is just a short trip away from other popular destinations like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. The result? A totally customized vacation with all the sites you want to see! Ready to plan your dream vacation? Contact us today to learn more about all of our Dauphin Island gulf front rentals!
Things to Do in Dauphin Island
Finally, you’ve made it here to Dauphin Island! You’ve already had tons of fun adventures on your way here, but there’s still so much more excitement to be had. If you want to start by relaxing a bit and getting some fresh air after being stuck in your car all day, head down to the beach and spread out your blanket on the soft white sands. You can also take this chance to head over to Sand Island Lighthouse to get a stunning view of the waters or visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary to see some of the most beautiful bird species in Alabama.
During your stay in Dauphin Island, you won’t want to miss a trip to the Fort Morgan State Historic Site, just a few minutes away from your lodging. This 19th-century military fort is sure to please history buffs in particular, but it’s an exciting destination for the whole family! Those who love nature and marine life will want to head to the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for a hands-on experience with the majestic creatures of the local waters. Other popular attractions in the area include Fort Gaines, Indian Shell Mound Park, and the Alabama Scenic River Trail. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, experience incredible watersports, see nature, get some shopping done, or literally anything else on your vacation, Dauphin Island has it all!
Dauphin Island Rentals
At the end of a long day of driving and sightseeing, you’re bound to be tired! Luckily, we’ve got comfortable and affordable Dauphin Island beach rentals calling your name! At ACP Vacation Rentals, we are proud to offer high-quality vacation rentals for every group, whether you’re in town for a fun family trip or romantic getaway to Dauphin Island. We fully clean and inspect every rental before each guest arrives, and once you’re here, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you might have or teach you about all the best activities on the island.
