Gulf Shores obtained the memo. Guests have been uninterested in making street journeys each summer season, 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 industrial airport anchored by the more and more widespread finances airline Allegiant.
With 9 complete direct flight choices in 2025, there isn’t any denying crowds are all however unavoidable — even the key is out on neighboring Orange Seashore providing related gorgeous shores.
That being mentioned, Alabama’s decisions aren’t solely narrowed right down to Gulf Shores and Orange Seashore, nor do it’s a must to accept brackish waters up north round Cell.
What’s neglected in Alabama (past an overrated faculty soccer workforce), are its cluster of barrier islands.
We at Journey Off Path are glad 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, possibly?
After a enjoyable day spent beachside, there isn’t any higher solution 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, nevertheless it’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 accommodations or high-rise eyesores in any respect, some may even see that as a plus, giving the island a extra genuine hideaway really feel.
Although, the dearth of balconies definitely would not bode nicely for sweeping, elevated Gulf views or sunsets.
Nevertheless, you would be hard-pressed to seek out any guests disenchanted, claiming Dauphin would not stay as much as the moniker.
Actually, one beachgoer posted on TripAdvisor that sunsets right here ‘took their breath away’.
Dauphin Island Is The Good Various To 2 Southern Paradises
Properly, you in all probability learn the headline should you’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 Cell or hop aboard the ferry from neighboring Fort Morgan and save your fuel for the trip again.
Dauphin Island has undoubtedly grow to be extra widespread over time, particularly as Gulf Shores continues to soar.
It is nonetheless comparatively off-the-radar for individuals who aren’t the adventurous kind, preferring to plant their butt within the sand and never transfer for per week.
That is the attraction 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 quite than the same-o, same-o seashore holidays in Florida.
Ship Island is simply open to the general public till October, however Dauphin Island is open year-round because it’s accessible by each ferry and driving.
Plus, each supply important 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 study 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 seashore — and sure, it is a fantastic spot to snag a patio seat to look at Dauphin’s famed sunsets.
Stays are restricted too. Often, guests go for a trip rental, however friends rave in regards to the Inn At Dauphin Island too.
In fact, Dauphin Island additionally makes for a fantastic day journey. Given the geographical constraints, it is not probably the most accessible for doing so from Gulf Shores with out taking the ferry from Fort Morgan — it is much more possible from Cell should you plan to drive.
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