Dauphin Island brings together fort history, coastal exploration, nature trails, and activities on the water. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay on the island, you can plan around your interests: Would you like to focus on historic sites, coastal habitats, or trails and fishing? The eastern end offers two distinct points of interest: Historic Fort Gaines at the tip of the island and the Alabama Aquarium at the eastern end.

Fort History and Coastal Exploration on the East End

Historic Fort Gaines is located at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island and offers panoramic views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The fort was a key element in the Battle of Mobile Bay. The Alabama Aquarium is also located at the eastern end of the island. Its excursions take visitors into coastal habitats studied by the marine scientists, researchers, and students of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. This makes the east end a place to explore two distinct themes during an island visit: fort history and the study of coastal habitats.

Excursions Through Salt Marshes and Coastal Landscapes

The Salt Marsh Excursion gives visitors the opportunity to view salt marsh inhabitants up close and collect samples and specimens. The Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion includes trails through maritime forest, dunes, and beach, as well as close encounters with coastal animals. The focus differs: the first tour centers on a single habitat and its inhabitants, while the second takes in several coastal areas and encounters with animals. Program availability and schedules may change; check dates and offerings for your visit before traveling.

Nature Trails and a Prehistoric Monument

The Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary covers 164 acres, most of which are characterized by maritime pine forest, and has several miles of trails. Indian Shell Mound Park offers a different focus: the prehistoric monument was built by early Indigenous groups. The park is associated with the National Register of Historic Places and has trails across an area of 11 acres. These offer different options: trails through pine forest at the Bird Sanctuary and a prehistoric monument with its trail network at Shell Mound Park.

Dauphin Island’s sand dunes and sea oats are also part of the island’s character; they are protected at the federal level. Before visiting the beach, check the current beach regulations, as they may change.

Fishing, Water, and Getting There

East End Landing has two public boat ramps and a public fishing pier. The pier extends 250 linear feet into the mouth of Mobile Bay. The annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo takes place in July over a period of three days. Check the dates for the relevant year before traveling.

State Highway 193 provides access to Dauphin Island and runs to the island’s eastern end. This is a useful reference point for finding your way when you arrive; you can choose the other focuses of your stay according to your interests.

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