Harris Vacations Staff Writer | January 27, 2025
Located along the stunning Alabama Gulf Coast coastline, Dauphin Island is a beautiful spot that offers a laid-back atmosphere, natural scenery, and all the family-friendly attractions one could ask for.
Whether you are a beachcomber, a history enthusiast, or someone who wants to get out and really enjoy nature, this island offers all sorts of gateways to adventure. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Gulf Shores, making it the perfect day trip destination for visitors staying at one of our Harris Vacation rentals.
Read on for our list of the eight best things to do on Dauphin Island, and be sure to book your stay at one of our cozy Gulf Shore rentals to complete your coastal getaway!
Photo Credit: Melissa Tate
Picture this: you are wandering through a lush maritime forest, the peaceful sound of birdsong filling the air around you as the sunlight filters gently through the trees. That is what visitors will see when walking through the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.
This 164-acre preserve is a haven for over 350 species of birds, and visitors can stroll along miles of tranquil trails that weave through swampy marshes and sandy dunes. Make sure to keep your binoculars handy–you might just spot a rare migratory bird resting here on its long journey!
And don’t forget to explore the sanctuary’s freshwater lake or take a long meander across its scenic boardwalks. Pairing serene beauty with scenic wildlife, this stop on Dauphin Island is bound to be the highlight of any visit.
Photo Credit: Carmen K. Sisson
History comes to life at Historic Fort Gaines, a Dauphin Island relic that has stood tall for over 150 years. This 19th-century stronghold played a key role in the Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay, and today, it offers visitors a glimpse at the area’s fascinating, if bloody, past. As visitors walk through the iron gates, they’ll discover sprawling courtyards, eerie underground tunnels, and a blacksmith shop that is operational to this very day.
Be sure to take a “digital” tour through the Fort with a smartphone tour app or check out a live cannon-firing demonstration. The Fort also hosts a local renaissance festival, living history events, and other live reenactments for anyone interested in learning a bit more about our past.
Photo Credit: Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant via Flickr CC 2.0
What’s lurking beneath those shimmering Gulf of Mexico waters? That’s exactly what you will discover while discovering all the mysteries of marine life at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the Alabama Aquarium. Here, visitors can access hands-on exhibits and lifelike displays that bring the underwater world right to their fingertips, from the seagrass meadows to coral reefs teeming with life.
This destination is great for adults, but it is also one of the area’s most kid-friendly experiences! Kids can get an up-close look (and even gently touch) at stingrays and crabs in the interactive tanks or learn about ocean conservation through fun education programs.
The Sea Lab is a perfect place to learn more about the incredible ecosystems of Alabama’s Gulf Coast and everything marine biologists are doing to save our local waters and beyond.
Photo Credit: Hang Dinh
Dreaming of adventure on the open sea? The Dauphin Island Marina is the perfect place to start. This bustling hub of activity offers everything from dolphin-watching cruises to boat or pontoon rentals. Step aboard a sunset sailing tour to witness the Gulf Coast waters bathed in golden light, or join a chartered fishing tour to try your hand at some of the area’s best deep-sea fishing.
If you’re feeling the urge to go out a guide, the marina has pontoon boat rentals for half-day, day, and even weekly options. The Marina is the perfect place to start your journey, regardless of whether you want to head out fishing, sightseeing, or just enjoying the water all on your own.
Photo Credit: Carmen K. Sisson
Sometimes, the best way to experience a place is just to lay back, take in the scenery, and not do much of everything. Each of the three Dauphin Island Public Beaches is the perfect place to do just that. You can sink your toes into soft, sugar-white sands and let the gentle Gulf waves take you away to a place of pure relaxation.
Unlike larger, more bustling beachfront, Dauphin Island’s spots feel a bit more quaint and “out of the way,” though they’re still perfect for singles, couples, and even families. The beach’s calm, shallow waters make it a family favorite, while just about anyone will find it the picture-perfect spot for a relaxing sunset stroll.
Pro Tip: Remember to bring a bucket for shelling. These beaches are treasure troves of unique finds and shells, just waiting for you to discover them!
Photo Credit: Maridav
Adventure awaits just offshore here at Dauphin Island, so go ahead and grab your paddle and hit the waves for a kayaking journey. While skimming across the surface, you’ll glide past sandy shores, beautiful coves, and hidden lagoons that teem with all sorts of wildlife.
Plus, keep an eye out for dolphins! The area has plenty of friendly bottlenoses that take advantage of the barrier island’s natural protections, meaning visitors can often spot them leaping playfully in and out of the waves. Or, if you don’t want to go it alone, there are guided tours available so you can learn a bit more about the local area.
Taking a step back, the Indian Shell Mound Park is for those who want to take in the quieter side of Dauphin Island. This peaceful green space is home to ancient oyster shell mounds that tell the story of the Indigenous peoples that once lived, loved, and died here. The park feels like one big hidden oasis, shaded by magnificent live oaks and magnolias.
Here, visitors can take a leisurely walk along the many trails and just take in the gentle quiet. There is a history here that one can almost feel and breathe, making it the perfect spot for a moment of tranquility during any island visit.
Dauphin Island Island is simply full of so many things to do and see for anyone wanting to look a bit beyond the main attractions. Start your day with a fresh pastry and coffee at the Lighthouse Bakery before wandering into The Happy Octopus for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Beyond the shops and places to eat, there are also art galleries like the Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Gallery or Arts of Dauphin Island, an epic golf course and family entertainment center at the Isle Dauphine Complex, and so much more. When we say there is something here for just about everyone, we really mean it.
A day spent on Dauphin Island is nothing short of an unbeatable mix of history, entertainment, nature, and relaxation. Everyone can find something to enjoy here, from families needing a break from the busy city to couples enjoying a romantic getaway and everyone in between.
Ready to explore all that the area has to offer? Book your Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan rental with Harris Vacations, and make Dauphin Island an unforgettable part of your trip!
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