Dauphin Island, Alabama

Map of Dauphin Island

Explore the island paradise that the Spanish, French and British explorers found to be so valuable centuries ago. Rich in history and alive with natural resources, Dauphin Island is a treat for all of your senses.

Discovery of this island - only 14 miles long and 1 ¾ miles wide - began with the Spanish explorer Alonzo Pineda, who first mapped it in 1519. The French followed on January 31, 1699, when the explorer Pierre Le Moyne, sieur d’Iberville - virtually the founder of French Louisiana - arrived at Mobile Bay and anchored near the island on his way to explore the mouth of the Mississippi River. In 1766 the British ruled, but were overturned by American forces during the War of 1812.

The beach community you remember from your youth (or the one you’ve dreamed of visiting) is awaiting you at Dauphin Island. Leave the fast-paced lifestyle behind as you cross the bridge to peacefulness and serenity complete with bicycling, fishing, birding, swimming and basic beachcombing activities.

Holiday Isle Condominiums

Your island retreat will be enhanced by the luxury of Holiday Isle resort as you relax and enjoy the upscale features at this gated community. Begin your day with the glorious sight of a sunrise over the gulf waters from your large private balcony. Or choose to watch the waters lap at the shore from inside your beautifully appointed 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom condominium, since floor to ceiling glass in the living room and master bedroom invites the view inside. Water relaxation can be found not only by crossing the dune walk to the sugar-white sandy beach just outside your door, but also at both the spectacular indoor and outdoor pools. Both the state-of-the-art fitness facility and the clubroom on the second floor offer breathtaking views. For even more serenity, enjoy the hot tub, sauna and stream rooms. Honing your skills on the tennis court may just be the most effort you expend during your getaway to Holiday Isle. This beautiful resort, located on 665 feet of gulf beach, rises to seven stories, contains 144 condominiums and features covered parking.

Dauphin Island Public Pier

When you are ready to venture away from your beachside home you’ll find the 850’ lighted, wheelchair accessible fishing pier and public beach just next door. The public park, Cadillac Square, features picnic facilities, and there are free boat-launching ramps on the east end of the island.

Indian Shell Mound Park

Indian Shell Mound Park, located on the northern shore of Dauphin Island, is eleven acres of subtropical nature that represents a botanical treasure trove found on no other gulf barrier island. Some live oaks are estimated to be more than 800 years old. Several plant species occurring here are representatives of families found as far inland as the Appalachian Mountains and as far south as Yucatan state in Mexico. Many were likely transported here by Indian groups hundreds of years ago for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines, on the eastern tip of the island, was built between 1821 and 1848. It was occupied by Confederate forces in 1861, and captured by Federal troops during the Battle of Mobile Bay. The phrase, "Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!" was spoken by U.S. Admiral David Farragut just a few hundred yards from Dauphin Island's shore. This historic fort is open for public tours, with reenactments staged periodically throughout the year.

Mobile Bay Ferry

It’s easy to visit historical Fort Morgan as well as the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas by taking the Mobile Bay Ferry across Mobile Bay. Both Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan play a vital role in the history of not only our region, but the entire South.

Dauphin Island Estuarium and Sea Lab

Also located on the east end of the island is Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a marine consortium that offers programs from kindergarten through college level, including a masters and doctorate in Marine Sciences. The Dauphin Island Estuarium is the public aquarium that allows you to explore the four key ecosystems of Coastal Alabama: the delta, Mobile Bay, the barrier Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall and Living Marsh Boardwalk. This facility is a showcase of the plants, animals, and other natural resources found in the estuary and its surrounding marine habitats.

Dauphin Island Audubon Trails

The island has the only Audubon Bird Sanctuary in the State of Alabama. This is a walking sanctuary with sixty acres of lakes, timber and shore. They are on the migratory flyway, meaning countless birds pass through Dauphin Island each spring and fall. This is truly one of the top birding spots in the Southeast. An incredible 345 species have been reported on the island. Don’t forget to pack your digital camera when you plan your birding trip to parks, beaches, dunes and wetlands of this bird sanctuary.

Dauphin Island Golf

For “birdies” of a different kind, you might test your skills at the 18-hole public golf course, the Isle Dauphine Golf Club. This 6600-yard, links-style course offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico from every hole.

Dauphin Island Charter Fishing and Race

The charter fishing fleet on Dauphin Island is among the finest on the Gulf Coast, and each year in July the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo originates from these shores. Sailing is celebrated each April with the Dauphin Island Race. At a length of 18 nautical miles, it is the largest point-to-point sailboat race in North America.

As you walk the shores of Dauphin Island you can feel the delight of the past explorers - and you, too, will delight upon your discovery of the treasure of Holiday Isle resort. Escape to a world away from the stress of everyday life, the world that awaits you at Holiday Isle on this scenic island.

Sources: The Dauphin Island Foundation, Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce