Vacation rentals in Dauphin Island

Alabama might not be the first place that comes to mind when you envision sparkling turquoise waters and powdery white sand beaches, but you may want to think again! Alabama’s southern coastline hugs the Gulf of Mexico and is home to a beautiful sandy stretch of beaches and barrier islands. Dauphin Island is one of the top beach destinations in Alabama and is known for its world-class beaches, spectacular sunsets, and crystal clear swimmable waters. The barrier island is the perfect place for an uncrowded beach getaway, plenty of sunshine, and unique coastal attractions.

Dauphin Island is home to numerous fine vacation rentals which reflect the southern coastal charm of the region. Stay in a vacation rental tucked away in a forested part of the island, with a large private yard space and plenty of trees. Or opt for a rental close to the water’s edge, with a private balcony where you can enjoy stunning views of the sunsets and sea. Oversized rentals are available for large groups and families, while couples can choose from 1- or 2-bedroom rental options. Some rentals come with a private pool to splash around in during the warmer months. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

Dauphin Island is connected to mainland Alabama via a bridge. The closest town to Dauphin Island is Mobile, which is around 40 minutes, or 35-miles north on the mainland. Mobile is home to the closest airport to Dauphin Island, Mobile Regional Airport, which offers domestic flights and some direct flights to a few major cities.

Having a car is highly recommended for conveniently navigating around Dauphin Island. The island is 17-miles long, so it spans a large area and a car is the best way to see it all. Renting bikes is another practical way of getting around. Certain parts of the island are walkable, most notably on the eastern end of the island.

Dauphin Island is perfect for a laid-back family beach vacation. Be sure to visit The Estuarium where kids and adults alike can see over 100 sea creatures. All the marine life here is native to the local area, and there are plenty of educational exhibits which teach about sea life in the area. Children can peek inside the tanks and enjoy learning about the colorful, interesting sea creatures.

If you enjoy nature, head over to Audubon Bird Sanctuary for a fun day of bird watching. The sanctuary houses a wide range of birds from Central and South America. Bird species from the US pass by this sanctuary in the spring months when they are migrating back north after spending the winter down south. There are several wooden pathways that you can walk along as you explore the bird-filled space.

Public Beach is the main beach on Dauphin Island. It boasts enormous white sandy shores and calm swimmable waters. Bring your beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler full of drinks and snacks. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a quintessential beach day on Dauphin Island with your friends, family, or significant other!

This historic site is home to shell mounds which were believed to be made from seafood meals eaten by Native Americans who lived here between 1100-1550 AD. You can walk the trails throughout the park and see the various mounds. Keep in mind that the mounds are so old that they are now covered in vegetation, but are still visible if you pay attention. The park is also a great place for bird watching.

Learn about the local history at Fort Gaines on the eastern tip of the island. The fort is over 150 years old and is considered one of the most endangered historical sites in the U.S.A. since its coastal location makes it prone to wind, erosion, and rough weather conditions. Spend some time walking around the grounds of the fort and visit the on-site museum, a blacksmith shop, and even a gift shop where you can grab a souvenir to bring back home with you.

Fishing is a popular activity in and around Dauphin Island. Several companies on the island offer fishing charter trips where you can catch a variety of saltwater fish, including kingfish, catfish, seatrout, snapper, mackerel, ladyfish, and more! You can choose from many different charter packages, including deep sea, offshore, inshore, and more!

Take a ride on the Mobile Bay Ferry, which goes to nearby Fort Morgan. The 40-minute ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the Mobile Bay Area. You can spend a few hours exploring the historic sites of Fort Morgan, and then hop back on the ferry to Dauphin Island!