Gulf Shores bought the memo. Guests have been bored with making street journeys each summer time, primarily as inflation steered fuel costs to new highs.
Whereas not everybody can fly to Gulf Shores, flights are rising to this Southern paradise’s new business airport anchored by the more and more well-liked price range airline Allegiant.
With 9 complete direct flight choices in 2025, there is no denying crowds are all however unavoidable — even the key is out on neighboring Orange Seashore providing comparable beautiful shores.
That being stated, Alabama’s selections aren’t solely narrowed right down to Gulf Shores and Orange Seashore, nor do it’s important to accept brackish waters up north round Cell.
What’s ignored in Alabama (past an overrated faculty soccer group), are its cluster of barrier islands.
We at Travel Off Path are completely happy to disclose Dauphin Island, boasting white sand seashores, fewer crowds, cozy trip leases, and a stunning historic
Welcome To Alabama’s ‘Sundown Capital‘
Who would not love a sundown?! Dracula, perhaps?
After a enjoyable day spent beachside, there is no higher technique to wind down within the salty breeze than taking in an epic sundown.
Alabama has many claims to fame, together with Southern hospitality and blissful waterfronts from Cell to Gulf Shores, but it surely’s truly Dauphin Island that is been topped the state’s ‘sundown capital’.
From the extensive, inviting seashores to the rows of boats docked in Dauphin Marina, each night feels opportune for fiery skies.
Whereas Dauphin Island has no towering lodges or high-rise eyesores in any respect, some might even see that as a plus, giving the island a extra genuine hideaway really feel.
Although, the shortage of balconies actually would not bode properly for sweeping, elevated Gulf views or sunsets.
Nevertheless, you would be hard-pressed to seek out any guests disillusioned, claiming Dauphin would not dwell as much as the moniker.
The truth is, one beachgoer posted on TripAdvisor that sunsets right here ‘took their breath away’.
Dauphin Island Is The Good Different To 2 Southern Paradises
Effectively, you most likely learn the headline in the event you’ve caught with me this far, so that you already know one different if Gulf Shores.
Head down the rightfully named Dauphin Island Parkway from Cell or hop aboard the ferry from neighboring Fort Morgan and save your fuel for the trip again.
Dauphin Island has undoubtedly develop into extra well-liked through the years, particularly as Gulf Shores continues to soar.
It is nonetheless comparatively off-the-radar for individuals who aren’t the adventurous sort, preferring to plant their butt within the sand and never transfer for per week.
That is the enchantment to Dauphin Island — much less footprints within the sand, much less pizzazz, extra authenticity, and extra space to benefit from the white-sand coast.
However, there’s one other Southern paradise that is not as well-known, which additionally makes Dauphin Island extra interesting.
Ever heard of Ship Island? It is Mississippi’s best-kept secret, whilst extra vacationers are choosing the coast right here slightly than the same-o, same-o seaside holidays in Florida.
Ship Island is simply open to the general public till October, however Dauphin Island is open year-round because it’s obtainable by each ferry and driving.
Plus, each supply vital historic forts tied again to the Civil Struggle. Be sure to tour Fort Gaines when visiting the island — it is a good break from the beaming solar and actually fascinating to find out about its pivotal function within the Battle of Cell Bay.
The place To Eat & Keep
The South + the ocean = nice meals. Inform me I am not good at math…
Any journey to the Gulf, not to mention Alabama, requires a bib and boatload of napkins for all of the seafood you are set to devour.
Dauphin Island is simply a city of two,000 locals, so choices are restricted. Locals favor Pirate’s Bar & Grill, set on the seaside — and sure, it is an awesome spot to snag a patio seat to look at Dauphin’s famed sunsets.
Stays are restricted too. Normally, guests go for a trip rental, however visitors rave concerning the Inn At Dauphin Island too.
After all, Dauphin Island additionally makes for an awesome day journey. Given the geographical constraints, it is not essentially the most accessible for doing so from Gulf Shores with out taking the ferry from Fort Morgan — it is much more possible from Cell in the event you plan to drive.
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