As spring turns the corner to summer, escape plans move to the forefront of the collective thinking. While making plans to get out of town, consider a trip to Mobile, Alabama. With its central location sure to save gas money, a host of fun summer happenings, and its proximity to the beach, Mobile is the perfect destination this summer.
When it comes to summer weather one thing’s for sure: you have to keep moving. What better way to cool off than feeling the wind in your hair? Zip around Mobile’s charming downtown and midtown historic districts without breaking a sweat on electric scooters and bikes to view streets of antebellum mansions and white picket cottages. Following an afternoon of fast-paced sightseeing, celebrate Mobile-style with a craft beer from the city’s local breweries. With all four of the city’s downtown microbreweries located within walking distance of one another, visitors can conveniently brewery hop in the liveliest district in Mobile.
Mobile has long served as a cultural hub within the Gulf South, meaning paying a visit to one of its many museums is a must. Art enthusiasts can stroll through the Surplus in Pantomime exhibit at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center to witness an expertly curated work of black abstract artists within the American South. If abstract art isn’t your cup of tea, take a walk through time in The Vikings Begin exhibit at the History Museum of Mobile to see relics dating back 1400 years.
As if Mobile didn’t offer up enough culture, food, and celebration, visitors and locals alike can join the crowds during Mobile’s 2nd Weekends. Lasting through December, 2nd Weekend takes place every second Friday and Saturday of the month. On Friday evenings the LoDa ArtWalk takes place; a stream of locals and visitors alike enjoy the art, food, music, and culture of Mobile’s Lower Dauphin district. 2nd Weekend Saturdays feature a monthly concert series at Cooper Riverside Park. Attendees can picnic while basking in live music, local vendors, and food trucks.
Some days just feel too hot to bear, calling for a day trip to Dauphin Island. Just a 40-minute drive from downtown Mobile, Dauphin Island sits in the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The island’s rich history dates to around one thousand years ago, as attested by the mounds of oyster and clam shells left over by Native American tribes. Once on the island, the real fun begins. Known for their white sand and clear water, the beaches on Dauphin Island are a paradise where beachgoers can kayak, swim, or climb aboard a boat turned tiki bar with Tiki Time Tours.
While taking a break from sunbathing, stop by The Happy Octopus to shop clothing and souvenirs, the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea, the Historic Fort Gaines, or take a ride on the Mobile Bay Ferry. With abundant access to fresh gulf seafood, restaurants like Pirate’s Bar and Grill or Miguel’s Beach’n Baja serve up flavors of the Alabama coast. Beyond serving as the perfect day trip from Mobile, Dauphin Island is known to many as the Sunset Capital of Alabama. Before you leave, to truly experience all that Dauphin Island is, you must stay for sunset! The beautiful sunsets can be witnessed from any point on the island, but the west-end is the best seat in the house.
Centrally located along America’s southern coast, Mobile, Alabama is a cultural magnet home to some of the best food, the richest history, and the liveliest spirit in the region. With summer travel on the horizon, set your sights to Mobile to see what the city that’s “Born to Celebrate” is all about.
