Mobile, Alabama, is a treasure that offers visitors a quaint escape. The Port City boasts a rich history, delicious cuisine, a bustling downtown, and a family-friendly annual Mardi Gras Carnival.
This place is very much worth a weekend trip! Here’s your comprehensive Mobile AL visitors guide to ensure you make the most of your visit.
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Getting to Mobile
Let’s start with some information on how to get to Mobile, AL.
Transportation Options
Mobile, AL, is conveniently located at the intersections of I-10 and I-65, just a short drive away from New Orleans, Jackson, Birmingham, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and other southern cities.
Whether you’re traveling by bike, car, plane, or boat, it’s easy to find your way to and around the Port City. Transportation options include cab, limo, Uber, Lyft, car rentals, and bus services.
The Wave Transit System has buses that run all throughout the city, including the LODA MODA!, which ushers guests around downtown. Downtown Mobile also offers an electric scooter rental system provided by Gotcha.
Airport Information
The Mobile Regional Airport offers non-stop flights to and from four major hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, and Dallas. The majority of travelers fly American, Delta, or United Airlines.
The Mobile International Airport will soon open in the spring of 2025. It will be the Gulf Coast’s newest airport terminal. Just minutes from Downtown Mobile, it is conveniently located off I-10.
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Accommodation
Aside from the popular destinations in the city, you’ll need to know about the best places to stay.
This Mobile, Alabama, visitors guide includes a list of the best hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts to give you a comfortable place to settle in after a long day of touring the Port City.
Hotels and Resorts
Bed & Breakfasts
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Dining Options
Mobile, Alabama, boasts a bustling culinary scene. It has over a hundred great places to enjoy good food, and here are our top 10 picks for local cuisine and fine dining.
Local Cuisine
Fine Dining Experiences
| Mobile Fine Dining Restaurants | Location |
|---|---|
| The Hummingbird Way | 351 George St, Mobile, AL 36604 |
| Grace | 555 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602 |
| Wash House Restaurant | 17111 Scenic Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 36532 |
| Southern Roots | 17855 Scenic Hwy 98 #2, Fairhope, AL 36532 |
| Sebastián's | 901 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532 |
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Attractions and Activities
There are tons of Mobile AL attractions and activities to enjoy when you visit the city. Here are some of the most popular destinations you must include in your itinerary.
Historical Sites and Landmarks
Some of the best historical sites to visit in Mobile are USS Alabama Battleship Memorial, Mobile’s History Museum, and Oakleigh Garden Historic District.
After the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial was used in World War II, it later went to the South Pacific seas, and, eventually, the battleship ended up in Mobile as a National Historic Landmark. Now, you can visit the ship and take a tour of it.
Mobile’s History Museum features three sites: the History Museum of Mobile, Colonial Fort Condé, and the Phoenix Fire Museum. The History Museum has over 20,000 square feet of exhibit space for exploring the history of Mobile.
The Colonial Fort Condé is a partial reconstruction of the 1723 fort that was built when the French founded Mobile. The Phoenix Fire Museum showcases horse-drawn steam engines and antique ladder trucks.
The Oakleigh Garden Historic District is where you’ll find southern-style mansions that date back to the 1820s, displaying their own unique architectural style.
Outdoor Recreational Activities
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Mobile, AL. Go on a relaxing stroll along the Avenue of the Oaks. Located on the Spring Hill College campus, this is one of the most beautiful streets in the Port City covered with beautiful old oaks.
Experience the wetlands of the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta through the Delta Wildlife Kayak Tour. Explore the lush habitat, where you’ll see all sorts of wildlife like alligators, bald eagles, osprey, pelicans, and herons.
Mobile Botanical Gardens is a 100-acre garden that features some of the most beautiful and unique plants in the city.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Experience interactive exhibits and family-friendly hands-on programming at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.
If you’re seeking to engage in exciting activities, Lazer Zone, Sunshine Skate Center, Dreamland Skate Center, and Get Air Trampoline Park all offer so much fun and action for the whole family.
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Events and Festivals
Knowing some of the most popular happenings from the Mobile AL calendar of events will help you schedule your trip at the best time and make the most of your vacation here.
Annual Events
The family-friendly Mardi Gras in Mobile is such a fun-filled event held every year. If you missed it this year, don’t fret, here’s the link for next year’s schedule so you’re sure to be part of it!
The parties and festivities usually start with numerous parades that lead up to the main event. On the actual day of Mardi Gras, Mobile is a sight to behold with parade floats that go on for miles.
Cultural Festivals
Bienville Square is a historic park that spans the entire block bordered by the streets of Dauphin, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis, and North Conception.
It’s a great place to unwind and join seasonal festivals and live concerts, such as Kids Day, Bayfest Music Festival, and Jazz in Bienville.
| Mobile Events and Festivals | Location |
|---|---|
| Mardi Gras | 401 Civic Center Dr, Mobile, AL 36602 |
| Kids Day, Bayfest Music Festival, and Jazz in Bienville | 150 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36607 |
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Shopping
Here are a couple of popular shopping venues where you will surely have a great time.
Retail Districts
Lower Dauphin Street, or LoDA, is not only known as the entertainment district in Mobile but also a great place to go shopping.
After hours of retail therapy, you can choose from many restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area to relax and enjoy good food and beverages.
Unique Boutiques and Stores
The Mobile Flea Market is one of the largest on the Gulf Coast, with over 800 vendors from different parts of the world. It’s open all year round, on Saturdays and Sundays.
Everything you’re looking for is here, from jewelry to antiques. And you can eat while you shop, with so many food stalls to choose from!
| Mobile Retail Districts | Location |
|---|---|
| Lower Dauphin Street | Downtown Mobile |
| Mobile Flea Market | 401 Schillinger Rd N, Mobile, AL 36608 |
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Local Culture and Heritage
A trip to Mobile, AL, won’t be complete without visiting its museums, galleries, and music and arts scene.
Museums and Galleries
Music and Arts Scene
| Mobile Music and Arts Scene | Location |
|---|---|
| Mobile Community Oyster Trail | Downtown Mobile |
| The Heart of Mobile | 9 S Joachim Street, Mobile, AL 36602 |
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Nightlife and Entertainment
Mobile’s nightlife and entertainment options offer visitors a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of this lively southern city.
Bars and Clubs
Live Music Venues
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Conclusion
There you have it – your comprehensive guide to visiting the beautiful city of Mobile in Alabama!
If you’d like to know more about this location, please give us a call today at (251) 270-6400 or send us an email at hollie@localpropertyinc.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly activities in Mobile?
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, Sunshine Skate Center, Dreamland Skate Center, Get Air Trampoline Park, and Lazer Zone offer family-friendly activities in Mobile.
What are the must-visit attractions in Mobile, AL?
Some of the must-visit destinations in Mobile are USS Alabama Battleship Memorial, the History Museum of Mobile, and the Oakleigh Garden Historic District.
