A visit to Dauphin Island is, in many ways, like going back in time. It’s one of the only places along the Gulf Coast where you won’t find fast food restaurants, high-rise condo towers, giant souvenir stores or even much in the way of traffic. What you will find is a small town with a unique, laid-back lifestyle.
Here are just a few of the things we love about our beautiful Alabama island.
1. The colorful welcome.
Other than by boat or plane, there’s just one route onto the island over the three-mile-long, gracefully arcing Dauphin Island Bridge. (One resident, and the only practicing doctor on the island, Dr. Joy Russell, calls it “the happy hump.”) As you descend its height, you’ll get an incredible view of island in front of you. Look for the colorful row of six iconic houses facing Aloe Bay as you approach the three-way stop.
2. The incredible sunsets.
There’s a reason Dauphin Island likes to call itself “the sunset capital of Alabama.” The daily occurrence never gets old, whether it’s your first time to experience it on the island or you’re a lifelong resident. And every day, nature puts on a different show as the sun drops below the horizon, lighting up the sky and the Gulf of Mexico in fiery shades of red, pink, purple and orange.
Once a month, the Town of Dauphin Island hosts its Sunday Concert Series. Admission is $5 per person ages 13 and up to the concerts at the West End Beach, timed so that the sunset marks the finale of the show. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
Upcoming dates are Sunday, July 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. with Ted Keeby and MoJazz; Sunday, Aug. 15, from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. with reggae artist TBD; Sunday, Sept. 5 from 5:30 top 7:30 p.m. with Jonesy’s Crowned Jewelz Band; and Sunday, Oct. 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with Roman Street (in a tent at Fort Gaines).
3. Blessings on the beach.
Just as every sunset is different, so is every walk on the beach. You never know what you might find in the way of seashells, sand dollars or even a shark’s tooth. Children get a huge thrill from chasing sand crabs. And if you ever think about walking to the “end” of the island, you might want to reconsider. It’s farther than you might think – about 8 1/2 miles. If you have a friend with a boat or a jet ski, on the other hand, that’s the way to go.
4. The island’s sweet spot.
The Lighthouse Bakery, started by the late Mary Scarcliff, is now in the capable hands of Mary’s daughter, Christa Jones. Visitors love the baked goods, of course – especially the giant cinnamon rolls – and buy them coming and going from the island. But customers also line up around the building on Sunday mornings for Christa’s savory crabmeat omelets.
“I’m still trying to keep everything about us unique and homey-feeling,” Christa says. “I always want everyone to feel as if my Momma had invited them to our house to eat with us there.”
Note: The Lighthouse Bakery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
5. This fun place that multitasks.
Housed in the mid-century architectural jewel known as the Isle Dauphine Club, Pirate’s Bar and Grill is a casual eatery that offers some of the best seafood on the island. Be sure to try the Blue Crab and Conecuh Spinach Dip, served with seasoned pita chips for $14.95.
Pirate’s also offers beach access via a boardwalk as well as a beautiful, saltwater swimming pool with a cabana bar. Daily pool access is $6, beach access is $5 or you can get both for $10.
Note: Pirate’s is closed on Tuesdays.
6. Go back in time.
Along with Fort Morgan on the east side of Mobile Bay, Fort Gaines has guarded the mouth of the bay for more than 150 years. During the Civil War, at the Battle of Mobile Bay, Admiral David Farragut issued his order, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Now a well-preserved historic site, Fort Gaines, at the eastern end of Dauphin Island, is worth a visit to see its blacksmith shop, original cannons, a tunnel system, a museum and gift shop.
7. Ferry convenient.
One of the cool things about visiting Dauphin Island is the ability to take a quick day trip to the Baldwin County beaches and all they have to offer. You can eliminate hours of driving on the interstate by driving onto the Mobile Bay Ferry and letting it take you (and your vehicle) on a 40-minute ride across the bay to the end of Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores. From there, you could spend a few hours in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. Some suggestions: Waterville water park, shopping at the Tanger Outlets or The Wharf, or a bike ride through the Hugh Banyon Trail at Gulf State Park. Or take the family to Alligator Alley in Summerdale for an amazing, up-close look at some giant gators.
8. Get in touch with nature.
All of us could benefit from getting off our phones and reconnecting with the outdoors. Dauphin Island offers so many opportunities to do that. You can spend a day at one of the public beaches at the East End (where Fort Gaines is located) or the West End (which dead-ends into the public beach), swimming, taking long walks or just sitting on the beach and listening to the soothing sounds of the surf.
Other options include a visit to the woodsy beauty of the 126-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary, where you can watch for a variety of birds and possibly spot a gator or two; the quiet shade of the Indian Shell Mound Park; or the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Public Aquarium, where you can learn more about the coastal waters surrounding you.
9. Did we mention ‘no fast food’?
You won’t find a single drive-thru on the island, but you can order food to take home with you from at least two places. Fresh steamed seafood from Skinner’s Seafood is a must. Another treasure is Dinner’s Ready, which offers gourmet meals to go. Every week has a different menu. Be sure to try the tomato pie!
10. Big-hearted people live here.
If you’re looking for examples of good people doing good things for others, this island is the place. Here are two inspirational stories that might make you smile and cry at the same time.
https://www.al.com/life/2021/01/meet-the-woman-with-the-biggest-heart-on-dauphin-island.html
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