Gulf Shores received the memo. Guests had been bored with making highway 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 finances 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 Seaside providing related gorgeous shores.
That being mentioned, Alabama’s decisions aren’t solely narrowed right down to Gulf Shores and Orange Seaside, nor do you must accept brackish waters up north round Cellular.
What’s missed in Alabama (past an overrated school soccer crew), are its cluster of barrier islands.
We at Travel Off Path are pleased to disclose Dauphin Island, boasting white sand seashores, fewer crowds, cozy trip leases, and a shocking historic
Welcome To Alabama’s ‘Sundown Capital‘
Who would not love a sundown?! Dracula, possibly?
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 Cellular to Gulf Shores, but it surely’s really Dauphin Island that is been topped the state’s ‘sundown capital’.
From the large, inviting seashores to the rows of boats docked in Dauphin Marina, each night feels opportune for fiery skies.
Whereas Dauphin Island has no towering resorts 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 dearth 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 dissatisfied, claiming Dauphin would not reside as much as the moniker.
In truth, one beachgoer posted on TripAdvisor that sunsets right here ‘took their breath away’.
Dauphin Island Is The Excellent Different To 2 Southern Paradises
Nicely, you in all probability learn the headline for those who’ve caught with me this far, so that you already know one various if Gulf Shores.
Head down the rightfully named Dauphin Island Parkway from Cellular or hop aboard the ferry from neighboring Fort Morgan and save your fuel for the trip again.
Dauphin Island has undoubtedly turn out to be extra well-liked over time, particularly as Gulf Shores continues to soar.
It is nonetheless comparatively off-the-radar for many 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 more room 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 fairly than the same-o, same-o seaside holidays in Florida.
Ship Island is barely open to the general public till October, however Dauphin Island is open year-round because it’s out there by each ferry and driving.
Plus, each provide important historic forts tied again to the Civil Conflict. Be sure to tour Fort Gaines when visiting the island — it is a good break from the beaming solar and really fascinating to study its pivotal position within the Battle of Cellular 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 barely 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 amazing 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 friends rave in regards to the Inn At Dauphin Island too.
After all, Dauphin Island additionally makes for an amazing 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 Cellular for those who plan to drive.
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