7 Fun Day Trips From Mobile, Alabama
Need a little getaway close to home? Mobile’s convenient coastal location makes it easy to enjoy a fun and refreshing day trip. Here are a few unique destinations that will get you there and back in time for dinner.
In This Article
1. Dauphin Island
Just south of Mobile, Dauphin Island offers a slower, salt-air escape with unspoiled beaches, quiet coastal views and an easy island pace. Visitors can explore the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Alabama Aquarium – where hands-on exhibits highlight the marine life of Mobile Bay and the northern Gulf – then stroll the Living Marsh Boardwalk for an up-close look at the coastal ecosystem. The island is a peaceful getaway made for beach walks, birding, family time and breathing a little deeper.
2. Eastern Shore
Stretching along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, Spanish Fort, Daphne and Fairhope each bring their own kind of coastal charm. In downtown Fairhope, flower-lined streets, locally owned boutiques, art galleries, cafes and bookshops make it easy to spend an afternoon wandering from storefront to storefront. Daphne adds its own creative energy with shops, bayfront views and beloved events like the Jubilee Festival of Arts, while Spanish Fort offers convenient name-brand shopping, easy access to the outdoors and adventures through history at Historic Blakeley State Park. Visitors will find beautiful sunsets over the bay, museums, craft breweries, festivals, and plenty of places to slow down and explore.
3. Orange Beach
Orange Beach is one of the most-visited cities along the Gulf Coast. Driving time is just about an hour, and before you know it, you’ll be lounging on soft, white sand, dipping your toes in the waves, and trying to decide where to eat lunch. This is a growing and bustling beach town, with all kinds of places to dine, shop and socialize. Don’t miss the Coastal Arts Center with its eye-popping art gallery located right on Wolf Bay.
4. Gulf Shores
Right next door to Orange Beach is Gulf Shores, with its motto of “Small Town, Big Beach,” certainly an apt description. Stunning shores, friendly people and fresh Gulf seafood can be found everywhere. Enjoy a stroll through the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and consider taking a picnic and spending the day at Gulf State Park, with its bike trails, pristine beach and long fishing pier.
5. Foley
Foley, north of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama, but it still retains a charming downtown with beautiful parks, the Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit, and many dining options. It is also home to OWA, a 520-acre resort and entertainment complex owned by the Poarch Creek Indians, who named it the Creek term for “big water.”
6. Atmore
Feeling lucky? Or maybe you just need a little pampering. Wind Creek Resort and Casino in Atmore may be just the answer. This popular destination features gaming, live entertainment in a spacious amphitheater, activities for kids and a full-service spa. Head north on Interstate 65 from Mobile and arrive in an hour.
7. New Orleans
About two hours from Mobile, New Orleans makes an easy day trip or overnight escape. Explore the French Quarter, browse Magazine Street, enjoy live music and museums, or settle in for a memorable meal in one of the country’s most distinctive cities.
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.