Dauphin Island is THE Perfect Low-Key Beach Getaway

Travel

Dauphin Island is THE Perfect Low-Key Beach Getaway

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Are you looking for a unique and more relaxed family vacation? Read on to find out why Dauphin Island is the perfect low-key beach getaway.

Dauphin Island is the perfect low-key beach getaway. It is a barrier island 3 miles off the coast of Alabama. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the southern side, Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay on the north. The island is only 17 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. With breathtaking sunsets every night, it’s no wonder it is known as the Sunset Capital of Alabama.

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Where We Stayed

Fourteen of us spent a week enjoying the solitude and natural beauty of the island. We were fortunate to have a rental property that boasted water views from every window. Even though our rental property, ‘Bout Time, sat on the bay side of the island, we were able to enjoy gulf views from the front of the house since the ocean was literally across the street.

‘Bout Time

is ideally located with Mobile Bay in the back and the Gulf of Mexico across the street. Beach and water views from every window! Private pool adds to the enjoyment of this beautiful newly built home. You won’t want to leave! If you go, be aware that the east end of the island has more vegetation and is wider than the west end where you will find access to the public beaches. Not sure how to use VRBO to find your perfect vacation rental? Check out my post here and see how simple it is! Try it out now and see for yourself! If you decide to stay in a rental, check out my Vacation Rental Packing List to ensure you have everything you need for the perfect beach getaway.

Things To Do

Although the island is small, there is still plenty to do. Dauphin island is home to historic Fort Gaines, Sand Island Lighthouse, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium and Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Our family also enjoyed playing putt-putt, jet skiing, taking the Mobile Bay ferry to eat at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores, and looking for ghost crabs on the beach at night (gulf side).

Where to Eat

Locally owned restaurants and shops provide a unique dining and shopping experience but you must plan ahead if eating out with a large family. Whether your group is small or large, plan to eat no later than 7 or 7:30 as most restaurants close by 8:00. Also, a few places are closed on Monday and Tuesday so these are good days to stay at your rental and cook. Since our group was so large, we decided the take-out option was best for us and it worked out beautifully. Find links to our favorite local restaurants below.

Groceries

Speaking of food, I should also mention that Walmart is the nearest large-chain grocery store. It is about 45 minutes away in Mobile (Tillman Square location). We had originally planned on stopping for food on our way but no one had anywhere near the needed space in their cars to accommodate groceries for 14 people. Thankfully, my clever sister-in-law planned ahead and brought her homemade spaghetti sauce and a few boxes of pasta. Wa-la! Dinner was served! No need to rush back out to the store after a long trip. The next day, all of the husbands (you read that right) went to the store and bought enough food for the week. When we did run out of something, we went to Ship and Shore or Greer’s. Both of these stores are small but have the essentials if needed. You may find this grocery list download helpful when planning your grocery trip (if you are home or away:-). This is especially nice if vacationing with a large group. You can also email the list ahead of time so everyone has a chance to contribute what they will need before getting caught-up in the excitement of when you actually arrive.

Dauphin Island Planning Guide

Please refer to the Dauphin Island Planning Guide to help you plan your amazing low-key beach getaway! You will find links to places that have websites below. Additional information can be found at http://m.townofdauphinisland.org