If you’ve been dreaming of getting away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life, Dauphin Island is the perfect place to relax and recharge. It’s one of the Mississippi-Alabama barrier islands off the coast of Alabama. The quaint, family-friendly, southern town is full of pet-friendly beaches to relax on or biking and hiking trails if you’d prefer a little exercise. Beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and crystal clear water will make it so you’ll never want to leave.
When planning your vacation, you’ll find that the Dauphin Island vacation rentals can’t be beaten! There’s no better place to relax and enjoy your stay with stunning ocean views and all the comforts of home.
The History of Mardi Gras
About 45 minutes from paradise is the city of Mobile, Alabama, home to America’s original Mardi Gras and the oldest organized Carnival celebration in the United States.
Most people think Mardi Gras only takes place in the Big Easy. However, the festival began in Mobile in 1703, when Joe Cain, a citizen of the French colonized city, led a celebratory parade through the streets after the Civil War.
Over the years, it has grown into what spectators look forward to all year: majestic parades, colorful floats, and catching a moon pie! The celebration lasts two and half weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. Marching bands, extravagant floats, and mounted police march through the streets, entertaining over a million people each year.
Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
The celebration begins on Dauphin Island and continues to the mainland. Over 40 parades will take place during the Mardi Gras season. If you miss one, don’t worry because many downtown parades can be seen multiple times. The citizens of Mobile find ways to participate by decorating their front porches, stoops, or front yards and then adding their addresses to be included on the official Porch Parade Map! For a complete 2023 Mobile Mardi Gras schedule, check out their informative site.
The Carnival Museum
Kick off Mardi Gras by immersing yourself in its rich history by visiting the Mobile Mardi Gras museum, The Carnival Museum. Discover how Mobile became the birthplace of Mardi Gras! Learn what it feels like to ride on an actual parade float and be awed by the intricate designs and artistry of the crowns, scepters, and royal robes worn during Mardi Gras.
The Carnival Museum opened in 2005 after public demand for a place to learn the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile grew. The memorabilia collection comes from various volunteers and donors, who spent countless hours ensuring the information was accurate and the artifacts well maintained.
The museum offers 14 gallery rooms, a theater, a pictorial hallway, a den, and a gift shop. Formerly the historic Bernstein-Bush house, it’s registered as a historic home and boasts pine floors, exquisite chandeliers, and detailed crown molding.
Docent tours are available throughout the day for groups, or you can take a self-guided cell phone tour. The museum also offers school tours by appointment only. Parking is free at the on-site lot, and the building is handicap accessible.
Safety & Parking Information
Mardi Gras is a fun-filled family event that goes on for weeks. And while it’s mandatory to have a good time, it’s also essential to take safety precautions for yourself, your family, and your vehicle. Knowing the parking situation ahead is a necessary part of enjoying the parades.
To ensure you’re not parking on the parade route, look for the purple and gold ‘No Parking’ signs the Mobile Police department has placed around. There are many paid parking lots around the parade routes. Premium Parking will assist in opening the parking garage at Mobile Cruise Terminal, the Gulf Quest parking lot, and the Mobile Civic Center overflow parking lots on Mardi Gras parade days. Any vehicles left overnight will be locked in until the lots open the next day.
The Mardi Gras parades bring visitors to Mobile from all over, which can mean big crowds and opportunities for little ones to get lost. The Mobile police are asking parents to put a card with their name, address, and phone number in their children’s pockets, in case they get separated during the parade. Please instruct your child to find the nearest police officer and show them the card in case they get separated. Police officers will attempt to contact parents, and children will be taken to the Grand Central Precinct located at 55N. Water Street.
Another way to safely enjoy the parade is to attend the parade with a group of family or friends and choose a well-lit area for the best parade viewing. Establish a meet-up area with your group after the parade if you get separated. Pets, skateboards, and scooters are prohibited during the parade.
Do not cross the barricade, don’t throw anything in the direction of the parade floats, and don’t use silly strings or ‘snap pops’ during the festivities. No pets, skateboards, or scooters are allowed. A complete list of safety precautions to take during the parade is listed on the city’s website.
There are plenty of other things to do on Dauphin Island, too, and whether you’re here to hike, bike, fish, or explore Dauphin Island on a kayaking tour, there is something for everyone. Check out historic Fort Gaines, which guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for over 150 years. And directly across the street is the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Plan Your Dauphin Island Visit!
Planning your dream vacation to Dauphin Island doesn’t have to be difficult! Whenever you book directly with ACP, it’s simple! Just view our stunning inventory of 110+ properties, reserve your favorite, and prepare to make lifelong memories on the stunning shores of Dauphin Island. Book your well-deserved getaway today!
Marine scientists have ongoing work there. There’s also a public aquarium inside the Dauphin Island Sea Lab with over 100 species of wildlife to learn about. While you’re here, take a tour of the Sand Island Lighthouse, the only lighthouse in Alabama that has been around for 150 years.
Book Your Dauphin Island Rental with ACP
When the celebration is over, head back to your Dauphin Island rental by ACP. ACP is one of the largest Property Management Companies on Dauphin Island, offering an average of 100 Vacation Rentals on Dauphin Island and in Mobile. Whether you’re looking for vacation homes, beach cottages, or condominiums with beach views or a woodsy feel, ACP has that. We also have canal-front homes for boaters and fishing, and many of our rentals are pet friendly!
Each of our Dauphin Island beach rentals provides luxurious amenities that give visitors all the comforts of home and then some. Some of the advanced offerings include indoor and outdoor pools, direct beachfront balconies, tennis courts, and fitness centers. Linens and cookware are also available.
ACP Rentals are run by local people that stand for southern hospitality and commitment to their neighbors. From the Dauphin Island beachfront rentals to the forest retreats perfect for bird watchers, there’s a little something for everyone here at the beach.
Our qualified staff is ready to provide visitors with a pleasant, easy booking experience and answer any questions you might have upon arrival. Take advantage of additional savings and discounts by booking directly through ACP’s online registration instead of through a third-party booking system today!