Vacation In Mobile Al
The island of Mobile offers a unique environment to spend your next vacation!.Mobile is a beautiful vacation destination in Alabama.
When you think of the word tourist attraction, Mobile Alabama may not be what comes to mind, but it should be. This small coastal town is home to a number of different tourist attractions including: The Battle House Hotel, Beaches, Fort Conde House, Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and many more. Mobile has served as the backdrop for several movies and television shows as well as being home to over 30+ festivals.
Do you want to escape? Are you looking for a town that has charm, history, culture or all of the above? Well look no further than Mobile Alabama. It is a city that’s rich in tradition and heritage. It’s located in southern Alabama and bordered by two expansive rivers, Mobile Bay and the Tombigbee River. One of the best coastlines with the most beaches per capita in Alabama is where you’ll find Mobile.
Whether you are in the mood for a relaxing holiday or a fun exciting trip, you will always find what you are looking for if you know where to look. That’s why we created this directory of tourist attractions and places of interest. Whether it’s a secluded private beach, an amusement park, water park or even just a place to visit that offers free Wi-Fi and restrooms for your laptop, there will be something for everyone.
Vacation In Mobile Al
In this day and age, your vacation should be made as easy as possible to enjoy. With a little planning and forethought, you can make your vacation one that is stress-free while still productive. There are several key factors to consider when looking at what will make your next trip successful.
Set along the Gulf of Mexico at the head of Mobile Bay, Mobile is a historic city with beautiful old homes, lovely squares, and a vibrant cultural scene. This port city is also home to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, one of the main attractions along this stretch of coast.
Visitors can spend a day wandering the historic districts, visiting some of the museums, touring Fort Conde or the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, or exploring the beaches and small towns along Mobile Bay. Mobile is also known for being the home of the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country, a tradition it still celebrates in a lively fashion each year.
For ideas on places to visit, read through our list of the top attractions and things to do in Mobile, Alabama.
See also: Where to Stay in Mobile
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
The USS Alabama, a BB-60 battleship nicknamed “the Mighty A,” was launched in 1942 and decommissioned after WWII, becoming the centerpiece of Mobile’s new veteran’s memorial park in 1965. The decks, turrets, mess, berth compartments, bridge, wardroom, and captain’s cabin of the USS Alabama are open for tours.
The USS Drum, a historic submarine, is also located in the memorial park and can be toured as well. The park also contains an impressive collection of aircraft including WWII-era craft like a Red-Tail P-51 and Boeing B-52 bomber, as well as a Cold-War A-12 Black Bird spy plane.
Other historic military equipment includes tanks, weapons, and other items from these eras, as well as the Vietnam and Korean wars and Desert Storm conflict. The Battleship Memorial Park is dedicated to Alabama veterans who served from WW II to Operation Desert Storm.
Address: 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, Alabama
Official site: www.ussalabama.com
2. Explore Fort Conde
Built by the French on Mobile Bay in 1702 to defend their colony, the fort was rebuilt in 1723 after a flood, serving as the area’s main defense point until 1820. By 1823, all of the fort’s buildings had been removed to make way for what is now downtown Mobile, including present-day Theater Street, Government Boulevard, Royal Street, and more. Today’s historic fort area covers about one-third of the original space, and was reconstructed using a 4/5 scale to incorporate as many of the features as possible.
Opened in celebration of the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, the fort gives tourists a glimpse of life in the fort during the 18th century. The fort also offers fun, family-friendly activities like a colonial-themed photo gallery, a shooting gallery, and a photo set with colonial costumes and props. Visitors can get a copy of the free self-guided walking tour of the grounds and museum by stopping at the Trading Post.
Address: 150 South Royal Street, Mobile, Alabama
Official site: www.colonialmobile.com
3. Mobile Museum of Art
The Mobile Museum of Art is located in Mobile’s Langan Park. This large facility is home to more than ten thousand works of art, which span a period of 2,000 years. The permanent collection, displayed on a rotating basis due to sheer numbers, features decorative arts, African art, contemporary crafts, and American art.
There is also a large Native American collection, which features both art and artifacts, including baskets, beadwork, textiles, and several early photographs and hand-colored lithographs. Temporary exhibits complement the permanent collection with an ever-changing program.
While most art museums are set up with adults in mind, the Mobile Museum of Art has an entire exhibit hall specifically for kids that is designed to teach youngsters about the elements of art. It includes hands-on exhibits and galleries that engage kids and families. The museum also offers art lessons and workshops for teens and adults, including drawing, clay sculpture, and other media.
Address: 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile, Alabama
Official site: www.mobilemuseumofart.com
4. History Museum of Mobile
The History Museum of Mobile is home to artifacts and exhibits that explore Mobile’s fascinating past. Looking back as far as the Native Americans who first inhabited the area, the main exhibits take a journey through time. Through educational displays and artifacts, visitors will learn about the Colonial Period, slavery and the Civil War, Mobile’s important role in supporting WWII war efforts, and important events in the Civil Rights Movement. A centerpiece of this exhibit is the 5,000-pound Civil War cannon, which once stood on the decks of the Confederate ship CSS Alabama.
Another interesting collection is found in the Mary Jane Slayton Inge Gallery, which houses a variety of decorative arts and interesting artifacts from Old Mobile’s high society, including china, sculptures, and fine crystal. The museum is also home to a unique collection of miniature houses, which depict some of Mobile and Alabama’s finest mansions in detail.
Also run by the history museum, the Phoenix Fire Museum on Claiborne Street is housed in the 19th-century firehouse once used by Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6. This museum includes a gallery with historical information, as well as several restored examples of horse-drawn fire engines and some of the city’s first motorized fire-fighting vehicles.
Address: 111 South Royal Street, Mobile, Alabama
Official site: www.museumofmobile.com
5. Tour Bellingrath Gardens and Home
The Bellingrath estate occupies 16 acres just outside Mobile and is famous for its fine gardens and historic mansion. In January and February, visitors can enjoy over 400 varieties of camellia, the state flower, and March is a particularly popular time when the garden’s 250,000 azaleas bloom. Another special sight are the Cascading Chrysanthemums, in bloom in November.
The 15-room museum home was built in 1935, designed by local architect George B. Rogers. The home’s historical significance is in its repurposed elements, many building materials salvaged from other important structures. Features include a brick façade made from the birthplace of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont and iron work from the Southern Hotel before its demolition.
The garage beneath the mansion was converted into the Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain. Collections feature the work of Edward Marshall Boehm, including many rare and early pieces. The estate also hosts several special events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt each spring.
Address: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, Alabama