Get acquainted with Mobile, Alabama

Located just an hour from the Gulf Shores area, Mobile, Alabama, is a great place to get a taste for French flair. With dramatic architecture and plenty of history, you will have numerous opportunities to add a big-city dimension to your chic beach getaway.

Get acquainted with Mobile, Alabama

The city of Mobile, Alabama was established more than 300 years ago by French settlers who embarked on a journey to the New World. The architecture throughout the city reflects this rich and lavish history, with municipal buildings that feature wrought iron balconies and French mansions that have managed to stand strong for hundreds of years. During your stay at a beach vacation house or condo in the Gulf Shores area, consider making a day trip to nearby Mobile for a taste of French culture with hints of New Orleans.

Get to know Mobile

Take a day trip to Mobile, AlabamaMobile is a truly unique city in Alabama, boasting charming French and Creole cultures and a fascinating history as well. The merging of these
two starkly different cultures has resulted in what many would say is one of the most vibrant atmospheres in America. As a bonus - because
of the city's close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico - numerous restaurants feature fresh seafood caught
in the warm waters just offshore.

The true birthplace of Mardi Gras

Did you know that Mobile is actually the birthplace of Mardi Gras? While visiting the Mobile Carnival Museum, immerse yourself in the city's history with this event, which outdates any other Mardi Gras celebration in the South. Since the first parade in 1703, Mobile's festivities have evolved to span over the course of several weeks. The museum contains artifacts that have withstood centuries of these celebrations, including royal robes, crowns and scepters that were used during previous parades.

Feel classy at Spot of Tea

Located in the heart of Cathedral Square, Spot of Tea is a charming restaurant where you can not only have a steaming hot beverage, but also enjoy freshly baked pastries for breakfast, hearty sandwiches for lunch and plenty of seafood for dinner. The chefs serve up an impressive menu of French-inspired cuisine, from filet mignon and cordon bleu to charbroiled rack of lamb and chicken milanese.

It's a good thing that Mobile is located just a short drive north, because you'll have more than enough time to come back to your vacation rental in Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Perdido Key or Gulf Shores and spend the rest of the day at the beach.

Related Articles

Get cultured at the Mobile Museum of Art

Get cultured at the Mobile Museum of Art

The Mobile Museum of Art is the largest museum along the Gulf Coast from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Tampa, Florida. With exhibits ranging from historical photography galleries to interactive sections with fun games, the museum is ideal for the entire family.

Battleship USS Alabama

Get to know the heroes of America at the Battleship USS Alabama

It won't take long for you to realize you've just stepped aboard a significant piece of history at the Battleship USS Alabama, which served as a military vessel during World War II. Plan to spend a full day with your family viewing the battleship, the submarine USS Drum, and numerous airplanes at Battleship Memorial Park.

There's more than just shopping in downtown Fairhope

There's more than just shopping in downtown Fairhope

A short drive from your vacation lodging along the Gulf Coast of Alabama is the charming town of Fairhope, where you can easily spend a full day shopping, dining and strolling through a lovely area just right for your retail therapy needs.

Stop by the Burris Farm Market on the way to your coastal vacation

Stop by the Burris Farm Market on the way to your coastal vacation

What's great about house or condo vacation rentals is that they're outfitted with kitchens, giving you the chance to cook your own meals during your beach getaway. Located just north of Gulf Shores is Loxley, where you can stock up on fresh groceries at the Burris Farm Market.

Floating in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Floating in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

One of the best ways to experience the stunning waters off the coast of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is to throw on a life jacket and get adventurous with any number of sporting activities, which range from jet ski rides and parasailing to fishing and cruising around the bay.

Newest Articles

How to pack for Hangout

The only thing you really need to enjoy Hangout is a ticket and a good attitude, but here are some other guidelines to help you enjoy these three days to the fullest.

May 07, 2013 - Gulf Shores | Attractions

Get fishy at the Interstate Mullet Toss each April at the Flora-Bama in Gulf Shores

The Interstate Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama is a great chance to party with the locals and raise money for local charities.

April 25, 2013 - Perdido Key | Attractions

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Perdido Key

Mobile, Alabama, is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, which means the nearby beach towns on the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida offer plenty of festivities during this season.

February 06, 2013 - Attractions

Location

Alabama Gulf Coast

Upcoming Events

  • May 25
    2013 Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Beach Series IV
  • May 26
    Lady Antebellum with special guest Jana Kramer at The Wharf Amphitheater
  • May 27
    Fort Morgan Memorial Day Honor the Brave
  • May 30
    Music at Meyer Park Featuring Jon Cowart and Cornbred
  • May 30
    Thunder On The Gulf
  • May 31
    Annual Illuminating Autism Fun-raiser at Pirate's Cove
  • May 31
    Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is offering a free guided night hike
  • May 31
    Chicago Street Farmers Market

Local Weather

weather icon 73ยบ Conditions: Clear
Humidity: 88%
Wind: North 0mph

Weather information provided by wunderground.com

Last Updated on May 24, 4:55 AM CDT

Latest Video