A-Z April Challenge - D is for Dauphin Island

In keeping with my Travel theme for this years A-Z April Challenge my D location is Dauphin Island.   I am a huge explorer, beach goer, and lover of history.  Dauphin Island fulfills all these things for me. 

 

Dauphin Island is truly a place like no other. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you’ll feel the difference as soon as you step foot on the Island and take in a breath of fresh Gulf air. A historically significant location, Dauphin Island’s Historic Fort Gaines was active in the Civil War. The fort, now retired, stands guard overlooking Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.  Nowadays, Dauphin Island thrives upon its emphasis on low-key, family oriented vacations. Forget road congestion, water parks and outlet malls – the island doesn’t even have need for a traffic light. Instead, envision bike paths, walking trails, seven miles of white sandy beach and simplicity centered upon outdoor recreation and the environment.  As a small fishing community, Dauphin Island holds an abundance of history and adventure for explorers young and old through its preserved ecosystems and natural wildlife habitats. Hop on the ferry for a short ride across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores, AL. For nature lovers, history buffs and everyone in between, a stroll along Alabama’s Coastal Connection may be just what you are looking for. Grab your binoculars and head to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Galliard Lake or the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to see thousands of birds during their spring and fall migration. Butterflies find the Island a convenient rest stop during their migration, too. Visit the public aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium where you’ll see and learn about wildlife specific to the Gulf Coast. 15 miles north of Dauphin Island, in the town of Theodore, is Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a 65-acre, floral utopia embracing a 10,500-sq.-ft. home now open for visitors to tour.

 

You can also take a 45-minute cruise along the Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle, relaxing, learning about birding habits, ecological systems and Civil War history of the area. Or, feel the excitement of a race at Mobile Greyhound Park or the roar of the engines at Mobile International Speedway!  If you ever head down to the Gulf Coast this is a place you don't want to miss.