Dauphin Island for Multigen Families

Dauphin Island, a small barrier island off Alabama’s Gulf Coast, offers incredible fun for multigen family travel. With incredible natural beauty and access to an impressive assortment of family-friendly activities, Dauphin Island is a perfect destination for families year-round.

The town of Dauphin Island features plenty of shops and art galleries to peruse, as well as some quaint eateries to grab a bite during your visit. To truly appreciate the island, be sure to explore some of its incredible attractions that highlight the local landscape, animal life and history of the area.

The soft, sandy shores of Dauphin Island Public Beach are the perfect place for the whole family to unwind and soak up the sun on warm days. The waters are calm, making it great for children to play in the water while you walk the sugar-white sands of the beach looking for shells and sand dollars.

Fort Gaines, located on the eastern tip of the island, is a must-see for all ages. This well-preserved Civil War-era fort not only offers fresh air and beautiful views of the surrounding Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay, but is also a piece of living history. The fort is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and visitors can explore the original brick buildings, cannons and learn the history of the site at the museum.

While you are enjoying the beautiful outdoors, don’t forget to visit Audubon Bird Sanctuary, an outdoor park area with plenty of trails to explore the local plant and bird life. Nearby is another must-see attraction, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. This working research center studies the local marine life and offers educational experiences like boat excursions (tickets run $30 per person) and an aquarium open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($6 for children 5–18, $12 for adults and $10 for seniors). All tickets must be purchased online prior to your visit.