Local Attractions That Make Mobile, AL, a Great Place to Call Home
Discover some of the best of Mobile, Alabama, attractions with this Port City playlist:
In This Article
1. Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Established in 1932, this 65-acre historic estate situated along the Fowl River has been meticulously kept in pristine condition. The elegant home, which can be experienced via a guided tour, features 15 rooms decorated with period furnishings and antiques. The gardens, on the other hand, are blooming with new growth. From award-winning roses to an Asian-inspired garden and even a lake, this picturesque haven is ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
2. Dauphin Street
Downtown is at the heart of life in Mobile, and Dauphin Street is one of its most vibrant places to explore, gather and experience the city’s character. A walkable district lined with galleries, restaurants, music venues and gorgeous historic architecture, this iconic street blends entertainment, southern charm and history. During Mardi Gras, Dauphin Street hums with celebration, drawing revelers into its restaurants, bars and sidewalks before and after the parades.
3. USS ALABAMA
Be sure to check out the USS ALABAMA, which has been permanently docked and is open for tours. Commissioned in 1942, this massive battleship (680 feet long and weighing 40,000 tons) is awe-inspiring. The Battleship Memorial Park is also home to the USS Drum submarine, as well as an impressive collection of retired military aircraft. This is one of Mobile’s most iconic attractions, so plan on spending a good chunk of time here.
4. Africatown Heritage House
This powerful site shines a light on the survivors and descendants of enslaved people transported on the Clotilda, the last known slave ship, which came to Alabama in 1860. The museum tells the story of 110 West Africans who survived that journey and later founded Africatown after the Civil War. Primary accounts, artifacts and documents bring their story to life in an undeniably moving fashion.
5. Hall of Fame Walk
Just outside of the Mobile Convention Center, you’ll find the Hall of Fame Walk, an attraction that pays tribute to notable local sports figures. Six large bronze statues honor athletic Hall of Famers from baseball and football: Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith, Willie McCovey, Billy Williams and Robert Brazile.
6. Mobile Museum of Art
The Mobile Museum of Art offers an impressive collection for perusing, encompassing more than 6,000 works. The Mobile Museum of Art’s collection spans a wide range of cultures and mediums, with works displayed across galleries dedicated to African, Asian, European and American art, along with sculpture galleries and rotating exhibitions. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.
7. Alabama Aquarium
The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers plenty of exciting exhibits to keep you engaged. Highlighting the key habitats of coastal Alabama, this beloved aquarium gives you a close look at the regional marine life. Discover more than 100 species on display, including alligators, horseshoe crabs, and red snapper. You can touch a stingray, walk along the boardwalk or take an excursion to enjoy the scenery.
8. National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
Formerly known as GulfQuest, this interactive maritime museum has more than 90 immersive exhibits. Located on the riverfront, the building was designed to mimic that of a ship about to embark into Mobile Bay. Visitors can learn all about navigation, shipbuilding, ocean ecosystems, and shipping and global trade. This is education and storytelling at its finest and mostly hands-on, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Also, be sure to check out Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor, an exciting new permanent 6,000- square-foot exhibit bringing the local legend’s music, stories, adventures and unmistakable Gulf Coast spirit to life in a dynamic, immersive living tribute.
Get to Know Mobile, AL
Want to learn more about living and working in Mobile, AL? Check out the new edition of Livability Mobile – Coastal Alabama.