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Destination Mobile
It may be hard to imagine, but at one point in time, Mobile was one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. In fact, during the early 1800’s, Mobile was known as the Paris of the South!
Today, Mobile is proud to be one of the busiest port cities in the country and provides much of the shipping needs of the Gulf Coast. In addition, it offers its residents and visitors a rich cultural and diverse setting.
If you are located in the southeastern part of the United States, you will find Mobile located just an hour north of the gorgeous Gulf Shores and only 2 hours east of the exciting city of New Orleans.
If you are traveling to this grand destination by car, you will follow either I-10 or I-65 into Mobile. If you are coming in via airport, you will arrive at the Mobile Regional Airport.
If you happen to be visiting the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Shore, you will want to take the time to explore the foods, entertainment and culture of Mobile.
Mobile’s thriving downtown area is the perfect location for singles, families, and couples looking for a fun weekend or week long vacation.
Mobile Mardis Gras
An interesting piece of trivia that not a lot of people realize is the fact that Mobile is home to the original Mardi Gras in the United States. In fact, the city still holds one of the nation’s largest Carnival celebrations. And believe me when I say, this is perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Mobile!
Unlike Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Mobile’s Mardi Gras festivities offer a wealth of family fun experiences. If you plan on being in Mobile in early March, it is well worth it to set some time aside to enjoy the festivities.
Mobile Destinations
Exploring Dauphin Street & Bienville Square
One of the best places to begin exploring the gorgeous city of Mobile is on Dauphin Street.
My best piece of advice would be to search for a local car park as opposed to searching for street parking. In addition, it is going to give you more time to wander the street and shops.
If you are arriving around lunch, let me suggest getting an incredible Super Bowl at the Fountain of Youth located at 119 Dauphin Street. I swear you are going to feel revived and energized after lunch and ready to explore Bienville Square. This beautiful and historic park takes up a full city block. It is one of the best areas in Mobile that I have found to sit back and relax. Grab a bench under one of the trees and read a book, drink a coffee, or just watch the pigeons and squirrels play.
As you venture along Dauphin Street you will realize this is where it all happens in Mobile from the best shopping, food, and nightlife!
The colors and architecture found along the street is visually stimulating. It is easy to see why Mardi Gras fits in so well with this area and why you need to be here during those festivities!
Set Sail On The USS Alabama Battleship
The USS Alabama was commissioned on August 16th, 1943 and would eventually journey to the South Pacific for the duration of the war.
The Alabama fought in several battles during the war and was eventually brought back to Alabama and commissioned as a National Historic Landmark and eventually the museum it is known as today.
The Alabama allows for visitors to take an incredible self-guided tour through the ship using a coded map. If you have never been on a battleship before, it is an incredible adventure. I for one never realized how immense these ships were and the chance to see the inner workings was amazing!
If you have kids with you, this becomes a giant playground with all sorts of hiding spots and another world for them!
It doesn’t hurt the fact that they are also learning while running and playing!
USS Drum
To continue the sea-theme, you can journey over to the World War 2 submarine, USS Drum. The Drum is one of the oldest submarines available for public display in the United States. Like the Alabama it is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
One of my favorite things to do in any city is find unique ways to our the area and Mobile has duck tours which allows you to see the best of the water and land in one easy tour!
It is a great way to get the kids and the adults excited and enjoy the sights and sounds of a new city! The tour guides are always so willing to help and really get into the tour.
Duck Tours
Duck Tours in the Mobile area offers some great insights and stories about the city, the port, its military history and in particular the USS Alabama.
Mobile Historic District
Richards DAR House
The area of midtown and downtown Mobile is a combination of seven national register historic districts.
You can spend the day exploring Church Street, Lower Dauphin, Old Dauphin Way, Leinkauf, Ashland Place, De Tonti Square, and of course Oakleigh Garden Historic District.
What an experience you will have as you walk around these historic districts! One of my personal favorites was Ashland Place due to the wide variety of historical architectural styles ranging from late Victorian to the Craftsman styles.
Like so many older cities in the United States, you are always going to hear about certain sites and buildings that are haunted. Considering I have a special love for the mysterious, I searched out any buildings that may be home to a friendly ghost or two! In my search I found out about the Richards DAR House (Daughters of the American Revolution House Museum) and knew I would have to make a visit.
The house stands from the area’s antebellum period and the facade of the house is directly from the Italianate style.
The home was originally built by Captain Charles Richards in 1860 and would remain in the family until 1946.
It was purchased from Richard’s descendants in 1946 by the Ideal Cement Company. It would eventually be turned over to the city in 1973 and leased to DAR to be used as a museum.
While the building is said to be haunted, I did not have any close encounters on my visit! Perhaps, I was not there at the witching hour.
Mobile Carnival Museum
I have already talked about how great Mardis Gras is in the Mobile area, but understand it is not possible for everyone to get to the city in March.
With that in mind, you can enjoy the feeling of the festivities at the Mobile Carnival Museum which is open all year long.
The museum holds an impressive 14 gallery rooms, theater, pictorial hallway, and even a social gathering den! If you are interested in history and architecture, the museum is listed as an historical building.
If you have little ones with you, I can tell you are going to feel just a wee bit envious of them as they are allowed to dress up and enjoy the feeling of being on a real Mardis Gras float! Don’t even try to bribe the attendant, it will not work! 🙂
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
If you are travelling with kids, you know it is always a positive experience to be able to have them learn something while on vacation.
The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center gives you this opportunity, allowing kids to learn, play , and get creative.
In fact, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center has been voted one of Alabama’s top attractions for families.
The attraction features and IMAX movie theater, as well as many exhibits that offer educational opportunities.
Don’t forget to check out their incredible gift shop and maybe grab lunch at their cafe!
Mobile Alabama Dining
Panini Petes
If you are up early in the morning and you find yourself on Dauphin Street, you have to stop in for some hot and fresh beignets!
These are some of the best things you could ever eat in the morning and I promise you, they will be a highlight of your stay in Mobile!
Keep in mind that Panini Petes is much more than breakfast. They actually have some incredible Angus hamburgers, hand-cut fries, and hot dogs.
Panini Petes Map And Location
Wintzell’s Oyster House
I know what you may be thinking…oysters? While they may not be for everyone, if you enjoy seafood, you have to take a stop at Wintzell’s Oyster House. In fact, if you have just wanted to try fresh seafood at least once in your life, this is where you need to try it.
Wintzell’s is one of the most popular places to eat in Mobile and it is highly recommended by just about everyone!
While I understand oysters are not everyone’s cup of tea, they do offer a whole host of seafood. And if you aren’t down with the sea, they even have some incredible steaks and pasta, so everyone can enjoy the evening here!
Wintzell’s Oyster House Map And Location
Felix’s Fish Camp
How can you not stop and try something from a place called Felix’s Fish Camp? It does not disappoint either? They offer up delicious, fresh, Gulf seafood as well as some of the best USDA certified steaks I have ever had!
While all of their food is top notch, you really want to focus on some of their authentic local recipes. The crab claws and gumbo should not be missed!
One of the things that truly makes the Felix’s Fish Camp stand out is the impressive location. If you are looking to get the most out of your visit, try to arrive for an incredible view at lunch of the Mobile Bay or a sunset dinner!
Felix’s Fish Camp Map And Location
Loda Bier Garten
If you are walking down Dauphin Street, you will not help but notice the large crowds around this local favorite!
If you are able to squeeze in you will be easily impressed by the never ending tap collection and huge burgers! Sit back and catch up on your favorite team by any one of the large screen televisions.
However, we opted to sit outside and enjoy some wings, hot dogs, hamburgers and cokes to the enjoyable bustle of Dauphin St.
Loda Bier Garten Map And Location
Fountain of Youth (FOY)
While I have to admit to a love of junk foods and fast foods, I do try to live a healthy life style. However, while I travel so much it can be hard to do, that is why I love it when I stumble upon a place like Fountain of Youth.
FOY is hard to miss as it is in a prime location on Dauphin Street, they are billed as the area’s first superfood bar and fresh-pressed juicery.
Here you can find a wide assortment of feel good foods that are actually good for you including super tacos, wellness shots, energy bowls, as well as healthy and delicious smoothies.
Fountain of Youth Map And Location
Be sure to check out all of the other things to do in Alabama!