Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Amazing Egypt - More than Just the Wonders of Antiquity
Egypt is one of the most fascinating destinations on the world tourist map. This extra ordinary country is today the favourite vacation spot for many, just like it was in the days of the early Greeks and Romans. The thoroughly cultured Greeks, in...

Great Lakes Sonnig Cruise
Great Lakes Sonnig Cruise Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cruise02/greatlakes/columbus/columbus.html ...

Rigid Inflatable Boats
A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat with air inflatable collars. RIB hulls are made of fiberglass, aluminum or composite materials. The soft bumpers or fenders, called "sponsons," can be air tubes, or all foam systems. These...

Squamish Bald Eagles Arrive
Once again our planet’s largest gatherings of Bald Eagles in underway in Squamish British Columbia, just North of Vancouver BC, and just 50 km south of the world class Whistler Ski Resort. Based on population estimates, up to 5% of the world’s bald...

The Florida Keys
When people ask about the top sights to see in the south Florida area including Fort Lauderdale and Miami, I always advise them to try and make some time to go down to the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are the string of islands just south of the...

 
Dauphin Island, AL: An Idyllic Beach Vacation

Part of the fun of vacationing on Dauphin Island is driving there. Coming east on IH-10 from Houston, you will watch the landscape change dramatically as you experience the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and finally Alabama. And then you can easily include Florida while you’re there, too. As you near your destination, you’ll see men wearing big white boots for clamming, known locally as “ Baldwin County Nikes”.

You’ll drive through casino land, then, turning south from Mobile, enter beautiful Baldwin County, AL. To me, the roads are exceptional and the scenery peaceful and pastoral. I love that there are both trees and water, and the farm country is very peaceful.

Dauphin Island, AL is a barrier island located about 30 miles from Mobile, AL. It’s 17 miles of white sand beaches with some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, and is surrounded by Mobile Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi Sound.

How to get there? Here is a map: http://dauphinisland.cc/map.htm . You can get there by ferry or by car.

First colonized in the 1600s, it was named “Dauphin Island” in 1707, after the heir to the French throne (dauphin = prince). At this time it was the capitol of the Louisiana territory, which you’ll recall at the time was about two-thirds of the United States.

In 1954, a bridge was built connecting Dauphin Island to the mainland and the Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board was created. The sand dunes which had covered the walls of FORT GAINES were excavated, piers built and recreational amenities begun. Fort Gaines is now an historical site you’ll want to visit when you’re there.

Once you enter the island, part of your adventure can be driving through Tupelo Gum Swamp. Here is a photo: http://chris.dauphinisland-info.com upelo.html .

THE AUDOBON BIRD SANCTUARY
Dauphin Island was recently named one of the top four locations for viewing spring migrations by Wild Bird Magazine, and one of the ten most important sites for migrations globally. Located at the Eastern end of the Island, it includes 64 acres of maritime forest, marshes, and dunes, including a lake, a swamp and a beach.

THE DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB
The Sea Lab is also located on the eastern end of the island, spanning it north-south, and is a five-minute walk from the Mobile Bay Ferry and Fort Gaines. An educational facility, it includes the Estuarium / Public Aquarium (http://estuarium.disl.org/ ), with touch tanks (“Get hands-on experience with aquatic animals”), a living marsh walk, and a weather station. For map and driving instructions, go here: http://www.disl.org/location.html

EXCURSION CRUISE
Along with swimming and fishing, you can take a two-hour excursion cruise (http://gulfinfo.com/cruises/index.html ) starting in Little Dauphin Bay and heading east past Fort Gaines, the Ferry landing and the Sea Lab. You’ll then enter the Gulf of Mexico where you can see the


shrimping, and, says the captain, sometimes dolphins will come play alongside the yacht. You’ll also cruise near an oil field platform. A 3-hour cruise is also available.

FISHING is a must, and so plentiful, the Island hosts 10 annual fishing rodeos. There are charter boats (http://gulfinfo.com/fishing.htm ), and a 850 ft. fishing pier where you can rent fishing rods.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS
On your way down from Mobile, you’ll want to stop by Bellingrath Gardens, a 65-acre floral paradise. Keeping a full calendar, here are some of the things you can expect:

·February: 50,000 bulbs are planted and you’ll see tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies and more.
·March: The azaleas are in bloom. Here are photos of the Spring Garden: http://www.bellingrath.org/bloom/spring.asp .
·May: Over 130 varieties of roses to delight the eye, plus marigolds, tropical flowers and foliage, hydrangeas, Allamandas, and more.
·November 9 is the Chrysanthemum Extravaganza
·November 15 is the Mum Festival
·November 28-December 31 (closed Christmas Day) is Magic Christmas in Lights, with myriads of twinkling lights, music, food, poinsettia displays and more.

You can take a River sightseeing cruise or dinner cruise from the gardens on the Southern Belle. For admission, schedule, and map, go here: http://www.bellingrath.org/rates.asp .

ACCOMMODATIONS
You can rent a private beach house here: http://www.beachhouserentalondi.com/ and this site will show you many options, services and links: http://gulfinfo.com . There is also a Campground ( http://dauphinisland.org/camp.htm ) with 150 sites, pavilion with grills, free boat launches, walking trails into the Bird Sanctuary, bicycle rental, playground, and boardwalk to a beach on the Gulf.

Porch on rented home: me on the porch

And don’t miss some of the great food in the area. I especially enjoyed Catalina Restaurant, on your way back up to IH-10, it’s on Highway 188 up toward Bayou La Batre It’s on Highway 188 up toward Bayou La Batre (pronounced Bat-Tree). Call 334.824.2104.

Also recommended, if you want to swing east and enjoy a drive in the beautiful countryside over toward Pensacola, try the Catfish barn on Highway 98. You won’t believe the food and you won’t believe the prices. Take a look: http://www.webstrategies.cc/P1010607.JPG . Best catfish I ever had and I'm from Texas for heaven's sake!

For a peaceful, idyllic beach vacation, try Dauphin Island. As one person said who goes there often, the welcome sign ought to say “Welcome to Paradise.”

About the Author

©Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . I coach around emotional intelligence for wellness, success, and personal and professional development. I also offer distance learning courses and ebooks, and train and certify EQ coaches. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine. For daily EQ Tips, send blank email to EQ4U-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .

 

 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 best activities hawaii has to offer

  • 10 best childrens activities at walt disney world

  • 10 reasons to camp in new jersey

  • 10 reasons to holiday in new zealand part 1

  • 10 winter camping rules to live by

  • 10 wisconsin summer vacation destinations away from the crowd

  • 15 reasons to love summer

  • 6 steps to super pictures of your vacation rental property

  • 7 things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • about expectations and the family vacation

  • acapulco one of mexicos top travel destinations

  • activities in the caribbean for the adventurous traveler

  • advanced aviation gadgets

  • alaska brief travel guide

  • alaska cruises gaining in popularity

  • alaska cruise ship vacations

  • alaska sport fishing guide

  • albany western australia a holiday destination for all

  • albany western australia a seaside holiday destination for all

  • algarve portugal the souths delight

  • alternative spain

  • amazing egypt more than just the wonders of antiquity

  • amazon lodges

  • amersterdam as a romantic destination

  • anguilla the snake

  • an introduction to bahamas vacations

  • an introduction to steamboat springs co

  • an island a day

  • an ontario vacation

  • an unforgettable story about bali diving

  • arizona in all its colorful glory

  • arizona vacations are the perfect cold weather retreat

  • australias fraser island escape forever

  • australias undiscovered jewel

  • australia a continent in one country

  • australia the sight seeing travel tour

  • a guide to smith mountain vacations

  • a guide to the poconos

  • a look at luxury yacht charters

  • a look at mediterranean yacht charters

  • a prodigal inn gallery bethel maine

  • a review of inflatable boat manufacturers

  • a review of popular poconos resorts

  • a review of popular punta cana resorts

  • a rubondo island national park tanzania

  • a unique travelling palate in india that suits every tastebuds kullu manali himachal pradesh india

  • a visit to galicia spain

  • bald eagles arrive in squamish bc

  • banff lake louise canadian rocky mountain jewel

  • bastia

  • beach life paros style

  • bear trails resort couples only in ontario canada

  • best florida beaches

  • best florida beach vacations

  • best international beaches guide

  • big bold beautiful playa grande resort in cabo san lucas

  • big thicket national preserve texas

  • bimini in the bahamas

  • bird safaris timbavatis most desired plumage

  • borneo exotic island paradise

  • boston vacations four ways to experience beantown

  • botswana safari top five national parks and game reserves

  • buffalo national river arkansas

  • bulgarian property market insight

  • bunbury western australia a holiday destination for all

  • bunbury western australia a seaside holiday destination for all

  • business tourism in johannesburg

  • busselton western australia

  • buying a boat

  • by nature you are an adventurer

  • cabo sport fishing is like a box of chocolates

  • cambodian taxi chaos a leaf a radiator and a macgyver moment

  • camping food that works for you

  • camping get those tents up

  • campsite meal planning and recipe

  • canadas beautifu yukon

  • canada ontario paradise on earth

  • canada quebec a lifetime experience to treasure forever

  • cancun vacations isla mujeres island of women

  • canoe vacations and fun canoeing getaways

  • cant get him to take you on a cruise

  • cape lookout national seashore north carolina

  • cape town a look at africas most beautiful city

  • cape town is unique history and overview

  • caribbean travel choosing the perfect vacation spot

  • carnival pride review cruise ship

  • castles in the sand

  • catch some zzzzzzzzzzzz at zane grey pueblo hotel

  • cayman islands pristine sea sides with modern amenities

  • celebrity spotting in great exuma

  • china the most ancient empire on the earth

  • chocolate cowbells cable cars july 2005 switzerland the itailian lakes

  • christmas trimmings turkey and a sun tan

  • christmas vacations on tropical islands

  • coast of britain exmoor national park

  • colorado dude ranch vacations

  • colorado travel guide

  • come up to door county wisconsin for a special midwestern vacation

  • consider a private kauai vacation rental for your next getaway

  • costa rican beaches modern wonders

  • costa rica fishing a great sport for the whole family

  • costa rica has been called the hawaii of central america

  • costa rica land of natural wonders

  • costa rica tales of the guaro

  • costa rica travel packages

  • cruising alaska fjords at prince william sound

  • cruising destination ideas

  • cruising the columbia river with cruisewest

  • cyprus hospitality

  • cyprus the divided country travel guide

  • dauphin island al an idyllic beach vacation

  • denia in spain and its enchantments

  • discover apulia in southeast italy

  • discover rovaniemi jewel of lapland

  • discover the llyn peninsula

  • discover the real new zealand

  • dude ranch tourism

  • eastern russia vladivostok khabarovsk and magadan

  • egypt resorts and attractions

  • eleuthera island of the bahamas

  • endeavors in the caribbean for active travelers

  • enjoying the best of the mediterranean

  • experience nature at its most majestic with a canadian rockies tour

  • experience paradise with your bahamas getaway

  • explore the wonders of alaska with yacht charter

  • faces of tarifa

  • fall foliage scenic drive kancamagus highway new hampshire

  • fall foliage scenic drive lakes and leaves maine

  • fall foliage scenic drive rhode island coast

  • familiy vacation package

  • family canoeing vacation

  • family friendly vacation condos on hilton head island

  • family vacation means family time together

  • fantastic cruise deals abound at the last minute

  • find adventure around every bend of idahos majestic landscape

  • find serious romance at oregon b b

  • find your perfect cottage in ireland

  • fishing in jamaica

  • fishing vacation 101

  • florida beachfront rentals finding florida beachfront vacation homes

  • florida is the mythical endless summer

  • florida vacations in jacksonville

  • florida visit the undiscovered country

  • follow the call of the outdoors to montana

  • for an adventure of a lifetime travel alaska

  • france bordeaux and st tropez

  • fraught with deception

  • freeport in the bahamas

  • from gods garden to europes samba capital

  • fuerteventura a beach lovers paradise

  • fuerteventura the hidden jewel of the canary islands

  • fuerteventura the undiscovered gem of the canary islands

  • fun added at cozumel hotel family fun in mexico

  • fun and frugal

  • fun and functional what more could an atv owner ask for

  • fun things to do on your vacation

  • gap year royal

  • gatlinburg cabin vacation tips

  • ghost town accommodations in garnet montana

  • going on holiday take a kayaking tour

  • golden bc canada the outdoor sportsmans paradise

  • golden bc canada the outdoor sportsman s paradise

  • golfing in the algarve

  • grand bahama island action packed adventures

  • grand dame of the grand dunes myrtle beach marriott

  • grand teton national park wyoming

  • granville a great summer resort

  • great adventures in colorado

  • great exuma island is the perfect caribbean honeymoon destination

  • great lakes sonnig cruise

  • gulf island national seashore mississippi and florida

  • have you ever visited seattle

  • hawaiis top ten sun in the fun beaches

  • hello from caledon elora guelph fall colours ghosts and ghouls

  • hemmingways nile perch

  • hiking opportunities in california

  • hilton head beaches

  • hilton head island

  • hilton head island activities

  • hilton head island guide

  • hilton head island is golf heaven and the ocean too

  • hilton head island off the beaten path

  • hilton head island south carolina

  • hilton head island south carolina is it a family or golfers vacation destination

  • hilton head island tips for visitors

  • hilton head island travel guide

  • hilton head resorts

  • hilton head vacation rentals

  • holiday escapes to beautiful botswana

  • holiday in paphos cyprus

  • holiday in south africa

  • home away from home on hilton head island

  • hotels arent the only place you can stay on vacation

  • hotels of paraguay

  • houseboats give us the freedom to explore

  • how california couples plan romantic getaways with their dogs

  • how salt cod conquered the world

  • how to ensure a safe boating excursion

  • how to repair an inflatable boat

  • ice fishing tips for beginners

  • idahos majestic landscape find adventure around every bend

  • if you are chasing the best opinion with reference to trout fishing

  • important chinese festivals

  • index

  • inflatable boats an overview

  • inflatable boat trailers

  • inflatable pontoon boats

  • is adventure travel for you

  • italys best kept secret montefeltro

  • i survived the booze and cruise a guide to past tense instructions in the bahamas

  • jaco beach

  • jamaicas underwater wonders

  • jamaica the perfect destination for the avid tourist

  • johnstown flood national memorial pennsylvania

  • journeys through asturias greenest spain

  • khmer rouge prison 21 the chilling high school in phnom pehn cambodia

  • kwazulu natal shakas heaven on earth

  • kyrenia the jewel of northern cyprus

  • ladysmith a town of the past

  • lake havasu an overview

  • lake vouliagmeni and its medicinal waters

  • leisure trips

  • lets go camping

  • le havre a fishing village

  • life is an adventure live it

  • lisbon and portugal history and culture

  • live the adventure with ski resort vacations

  • living and retiring in bolivia

  • lone pine california vacations

  • looking for a vacation in paradise try a bahamas vacation

  • love the outdoors consider gatlinburg cabin rental

  • lured to sport fishing jamaica hooks more than your attention

  • mafia island archipelago

  • make alaska your next vacation getaway

  • making the choice finding your perfect caribbean vacation spot

  • malaysia an asian retirement paradise

  • mandurah western australia

  • mandurah western australia a holiday destination for all

  • mandurah western australia a seaside holiday destination for all

  • maui vacations

  • mauritius a picture perfect beach destination

  • mauritius vacation guide

  • mazatl n

  • meeting les sables dolonne

  • mexico baja california sur a premier tourist destination

  • mexico beaches cabo san lucas and acapulco

  • miami is the hub of floridas culture and nightlife

  • mississippis recovery fast and steadfast

  • mohican county rambles in ohio

  • mombasa the kenyan coast where the sun is ever faithful

  • monumental houseboating on lake powell

  • mossel bay on the garden route your summer getaway

  • motorized rvs

  • mountain cabin vacations

  • mystic seaport captured links to our past guide part 3

  • mystic seaport links to our past guide part 3

  • nags head a perfect oceanside getaway that is rich in history

  • namibia a bountiful harvest awaits the adventure traveler

  • nassau bahamas great city beach hotels at cable beach

  • national parks get out of your car

  • national park basics

  • national park vacation adventures

  • newport ri in class of its own with these four experiences

  • new bedford whaling national park massachusetts

  • new england cabins and cottages

  • new england cabins cottages as a romantic getaway

  • new jersey camping you perfect together

  • new places to live and retire around the world

  • new zealand travel northland

  • noches en el convento hotel san juans convent hotel

  • northern exposure nova scotia canada attracts hollywood heavyweights expatriates and travelers alike

  • north floridian hospitality

  • nova scotia canada the next new england

  • nova scotia cheap living and retirement in canadas hidden paradise

  • now you can find the best honeymoon resorts

  • oceanside vacations on hilton head island

  • ocean beach california discovery diamond head inn

  • olympic national park a photographers guide

  • olympic national park washington

  • one for ten cabin fever in haines alaska

  • one of cancuns best

  • oregon coast town revisits glory of glass floats

  • our greek isle

  • out and around calpe in spain

  • own a slice of paradise in mexico quintana roo

  • palmetto dunes plantation hilton head island

  • panama city beach the undiscovered getaway

  • paphos cyprus top 5 places to visit

  • paphos cyprus top 5 places to visit on your winter holidays

  • parador of cangas de onis

  • parador of hondarribia

  • paternoster heart of the west coast

  • peninsula state park in door county wisconsin my idea of paradise

  • pescadores mexico fishing tournaments in mexico

  • petersburg alaska cruise into the heart of the alaskan wilderness with alaskan sea adventures

  • philadelphia is hot for a vacation spot

  • pigeon forge campgrounds

  • piranha deadly and delicious

  • playa del carmen mexico beyond the all inclusive resorts

  • port douglas carnivale village celebrates

  • quinault lake lodge in olympic national park

  • radisson cruises a six star luxury experience

  • radisson cruises a six star luxury experience radisson cruises best cruise value

  • reasons we love traveling to florida you will too

  • rehoboth beach for a vacation of fun in the sun

  • relax and get away from it all with a dude ranch vacation

  • remote camping without roughing it

  • responsible travel does not necessitate having to squat in a mud hut whilst being forced fed boiled grass

  • riding in the lap of luxury travel with a virgin island yacht charters

  • rigid inflatable boats

  • rio de janeiro one of the worlds most beautiful cities

  • riviera maya mexico as a romantic getaway

  • rockland maines old granite inn

  • romantic adventurer mary zalmanek is interviewed by sketchandtravel com

  • romantic getaway vacation

  • romantic weekend getaways

  • rotator

  • rv vacations ten tips

  • sailing holidays in greece

  • samoa heart of polynesia

  • san diego beach hikes cardiff to carlsbad

  • scuba diving the philippines is impressive varied and spectacular

  • sea it to belize it

  • sea kayaking baja mexico

  • serious romance at oregon coastal b b

  • seven perfect days in aruba

  • should you buy a used inflatable boat

  • siberia here i come adventure travel part 1

  • siberia russia part 1 here i come

  • siberia russia part 2 where are we and what day is it

  • siberia russia part 3 communist planes and defining fluent

  • siberia russia part 4 airport follies and a stern lecture

  • siberia russia part 5 khabarovsk and a little russian

  • silent macau

  • small town big fishing problem

  • something for everyone in new zealand south island part 2

  • southern california museums more next to ucla in westwood california

  • south african whale watching hotspot

  • spains beaches youre spoilt for choice

  • spanish beaches

  • spring break on south padre island

  • squamish bald eagles arrive

  • student travel backpacking in europe

  • st tropez a jewel of the french riviera

  • st tropez a must see part of the french riviera

  • sunrise to sunset and endless escapes in kauai

  • surfing costa ricas pacific coast

  • surf and sand resort and splashes spa in laguna beach

  • surviving the aboriginal outback

  • sydney road trip to brisbane taking it slowly

  • sydney to brisbane make time to stop and smell the roses

  • sydney to brisbane road trip taking it easy

  • tahoe vacations prepare for the fun

  • thars gold in them thar hills gold mountain manor in big bear california

  • theres nothing like a poconos vacation

  • theres something for everyone in new zealand north island part 1

  • theres something for everyone in new zealand south island part 2

  • the benefits of inflatable fishing boats

  • the benefits of lake tahoe cabin rentals

  • the best of universal orlando

  • the canadian rockies trail of the grizzly

  • the caribbeans best boutique hotel villa nova on barbados

  • the castle parador of hondarribia spain

  • the dominican republic almost a tropical paradise

  • the dude ranch vacation an american tradition

  • the east coasts 1 family resort

  • the east coasts number one family resort

  • the exuma islands of the bahamas

  • the florida keys

  • the flying fish of rainie falls

  • the galician coastal town of noia

  • the historical wale watching town of hermanus

  • the historic and natural wonder of cades cove tennessee

  • the historic town of le¢n

  • the history of gatlinburg tennessee

  • the japanese started cannery row

  • the lumemo trail a tanzanian wilderness experience for the practiced hiker

  • the lumemo trail in the tanzanian wilderness

  • the luxury of renting private yacht charters

  • the many wonders of flamingo bay

  • the parador of cangas de onis spain

  • the railroad a book and a dam

  • the red sea in egypt for scuba diving

  • the rias altas in spain

  • the rustic charm of a california dude ranch vacation

  • the selous and the rest of the animals

  • the selous game reserve the birds

  • the spanish costa blanca a nature lovers paradise

  • the spiced islands of zanzibar

  • the state of the reef

  • the top 5 reasons to choose a bed and breakfast

  • the unique benefits of motor yacht charters

  • things for families to do in hawaii

  • thinking of traveling to alaska

  • those ellusive crab and prawn traps

  • three places to interact with dolphins in hawaii

  • three towns of mijas

  • timeshare options for military personnel

  • tips for traveling to mexico

  • tofino bc canada beach paradise in canada

  • tofino bc canada beach paradise on canadas big island

  • top holiday travel destinations

  • top ten travel nursing hot spots

  • tourist attractions in sweden a personal top 10

  • tours in myanmar asias best kept secret

  • travelers with disabilities the untapped market

  • traveling on a budget the cheapest vacations possible

  • traveling to eastern europe

  • travellers paradise in india kullu manali himachal pradesh

  • travel alaska an adventure of a lifetime

  • travel in albufeira portugal

  • travel massachusetts locals favorite must see sites

  • travel spain girona and the dali triangle

  • travel to lake louise vacation capital of canada

  • travel to nova scotia canadas new england

  • travel to russia kamchatka

  • uganda hotels the boost for tourism

  • uganda the pearl of africa glows again

  • vacations st tropez

  • vacation in dubai

  • vacation in florida your best destination

  • vietnam ho chi minh city

  • villas in algarve

  • visit big bear california

  • visit boca raton florida

  • visit buena park california

  • visit canadas west coast in winter

  • visit delray beach florida

  • visit hong kong

  • visit monterey california

  • visit newport beach california

  • visit palm beach florida

  • visit pismo beach california

  • visit santa barbara california

  • visit san francisco

  • welcome to bragg creek

  • welcome to floridas emerald coast

  • westaccom net western australia your holiday destination for all the family

  • westaccom net western australia your holiday destination for a pure australian experience

  • what do you need to know about ireland travel

  • what dreams are made of dreams los cabos resort review

  • what makes zambia safari unique

  • what to see and to do in mexico

  • what you need to know about camping vacations

  • what you need to know about canada travel

  • what you need to know about costa rica

  • what you need to know about hawaii islands

  • what you need to know about portsmouth city

  • what you need to know before you sell your boat

  • where rock meets la roca

  • why an algarve vacation

  • why florida heres why

  • why people flock to lake havasu for spring break

  • why visit magical cape town

  • why visit magical city

  • wisconsin dells is a fun family vacation destination

  • world billfish tournaments reeling for dollars

  • yacht charters provide a luxurious escape

  • yellowstone camping in the fall

  • yellowstone national park wyoming

  • yosemite national park

  • your breckenridge vacation

  • your gold panning trip camping for fun

  • your hawaii vacation five islands infinite variety

  • your vacation first aid kit

  • zambia african safari

  • zambia what an amazing country

  • zanzibar and the dolphin safari

  • zanzibar a magnet for adventurers men of god explorers and conquerors

  • zanzibar potted