As you tour around the American South and get to know the big cities and small towns, don’t miss out on an opportunity to check out Mobile, Alabama. This Southern city is a favorite among baseball fans, history enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. It’s a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with plenty of friendly hospitality to make you feel welcome. Here are some of the best things to do in Mobile, Alabama.
See the Historic Fort Conde
One of the top sights to see on a trip to Mobile is Fort Conde. This is a reconstruction site of an 18th-century French fort that has a fascinating history to learn about. The fort was originally built as a defense structure in 1702 and has been rebuilt and reconstructed since then. You can get a glimpse into what military life was like in the 18th century and be in close proximity to other top city sights too. Conveniently, the fort is located in the middle of the city amidst the city’s modern skyscrapers. Admission will get you access to the colonial escape room, shooting gallery, self-guided museum tour, and armory.
Watch a Sunset at Mobile Bay
Situated right along the bay, Mobile is an amazing place to enjoy water views and watch a sunset. This is a Gulf of Mexico inlet that connects from the Tensaw River and the Mobile River. Along the bay, you can visit small towns, beaches, and historic sights. Some top Mobile Bay destinations are Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, and Fort Gaines. It’s also fun to sit or walk along the Mobile Bay to see the large freight ships, pelicans, or perhaps try to catch a fish.
Stroll Cooper Riverside Park
The Cooper Riverside Park is a lovely three-acre park in Mobile that has walking paths, sitting benches, and sculptures. This waterfront oasis is near the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in the heart of downtown, so you won’t have to go out of your way to visit it. From here, you can see lots of ship traffic in the city’s busy port, join a WildNative tour, and access the popular GulfQuest Maritime Museum, and even take a ride from the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal. The park is a popular place for events as well, including Mobile’s free Independence Day celebration on the 4th of July.
Tour the USS Alabama
Another must-see attraction in Mobile is the USS Alabama, which is a World War II historic ship that doubles as a museum. The ship was decommissioned in 1947 and has been a museum ship since the 1960s. After major damage from Hurricane Katrina and other strong storms, it has reopened and welcomes guests again for tours and education. Battleship Memorial Park features other military tanks, weapons, and equipment from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Check Out the Historic Buildings
Mobile is filled with historic buildings that each have their own story to tell. For example, you can take a guided tour of the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile to see lovely antebellum architecture under the old oak trees. The Richards DAR House Museum is another historic local building that is spectacular to see and is rumored to be haunted. Travelers interested in historic homes will also want to see the historic Oakleigh House with its barracks, archives, and Greek Revival style architecture. Another great way to learn about the history of the city is to visit the History Museum of Mobile in the Southern Market/Old City Hall National Historic Landmark.
Enjoy Bienville Square Downtown
For a peaceful break right in the heart of the city, plan to spend a little time in Bienville Square. This is a historic city park downtown that was named for Mobile’s founder, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. The square is bordered by the streets of Dauphin, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis, and North Conception. Take notice of the cast-iron fountain, and try to attend a local event here, such as the Ten65 Music Festival or Kids Day.
Explore Dauphin Street
Dauphin Street is another great place in Mobile to enjoy historical sights and stunning architecture. There are also some excellent historic hotels along this street to call your home base as you explore the city. Lower Dauphin Street is the entertainment district with lots of bars, shops, and cafes. Whether you’re looking for pub fare or fine dining, you’re sure to find it along Dauphin Street and in the surrounding neighborhoods.
See a Game at Hank Aaron Stadium
Many people don’t know that the famous baseball player, Hank Aaron, was a native of Mobile, Alabama. Because of this connection, Mobile has a ballpark called Hank Aaron Stadium, which is the home to the city’s minor league baseball team. The Mobile Bay Bears play at this stadium, which opened in 1997. The stadium has a capacity for 6,000 reserved seats and has 23 luxury boxes that are just 52 feet from home plate. This is a particularly intimate place to watch a local game, and there’s a luxury room that has indoor air conditioning too.
Visit the Mobile Carnival Museum
Many people think of New Orleans as the home of Mardi Gras, but Mobile has a rich Mardi Gras history too. You can learn about it at the Mobile Carnival Museum, which is located in the Bernstein-Bush Mansion. Inside, you’ll marvel at costumes, gowns, jewels, posters, and artifacts, as well as enjoy the fun interactive exhibits. This museum opened to the public in 2005 and encourages visitors to learn about parade float design, watch videos of past balls and parades, and even climb on-board a rocking float to experience a behind-the-mask view of a street party. Better yet, plan your visit to Mobile in February or March to see an actual Mardi Gras parade here for yourself!
