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Mobile is Alabama's only saltwater port, set at the head of Mobile Bay where the Mobile River meets the Gulf Coast. Founded by the French in 1702 as the first capital of colonial Louisiana, it is one of the oldest cities in the Gulf South, and over the centuries it flew the flags of France, Britain, Spain, the Republic of Alabama, the Confederacy and the United States. That layered heritage gives Mobile a Creole character and historic streets lined with live oaks, wrought-iron balconies and antebellum mansions.
Mobile is proud to be the home of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, dating to 1703, more than a decade before New Orleans was founded. Each winter dozens of mystic societies parade through downtown, throwing beads and moon pies, and the Mobile Carnival Museum tells the story of the festivities. Today the city has about 185,000 residents, a busy shipping port and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, with fresh Gulf seafood and an easy, friendly pace.
Visitors can tour the World War II battleship USS Alabama and the submarine USS Drum at Battleship Memorial Park, explore the colorful 65-acre Bellingrath Gardens and Home, and stroll the historic districts of Oakleigh, De Tonti Square and Church Street. The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum, the History Museum of Mobile, Fort Condé, the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Exploreum Science Center are all downtown, and the white-sand beaches of Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores are within an hour's drive.
The World War II battleship USS Alabama and the submarine USS Drum anchored on Mobile Bay, with aircraft displays including an SR-71 Blackbird. Self-guided tours go deep into the ship from the engine room to the gun turrets. Allow at least three hours; it sits on the causeway east of downtown.
Mobile held the first organized Mardi Gras celebration in the US, and this museum shows elaborate royal costumes and trains, floats, masks and the history of the city's mystic societies. It is in a historic mansion downtown. Visit before or after the Carnival season to avoid crowds.
A waterfront museum in a building shaped like a ship's hull, with interactive exhibits on Gulf of Mexico shipping, navigation, weather and marine science, including ship simulators. It sits next to the cruise terminal on the Mobile River. Plan about two hours.
A museum in the 1857 Southern Market and Old City Hall building, covering 300 years of Mobile's history from Native peoples and French colonists to the Civil War and modern era, including artifacts from the Clotilda, the last known slave ship. Allow about two hours.
A 65-acre garden estate in Theodore, south of Mobile, with azaleas in spring, roses in summer, chrysanthemums in fall and the Magic Christmas in Lights show in winter, plus a furnished 1935 home. Boat cruises on the Fowl River are offered seasonally. Allow at least two hours.
A historic downtown square shaded by large live oaks with a cast-iron fountain from 1890, benches and resident squirrels. Named for Mobile's French founder, it is a pleasant place to rest during a walk and becomes a gathering spot during Mardi Gras parades. Food trucks visit on some days.
Gardens in Langan Park in west Mobile with camellias, azaleas, a longleaf pine forest, a fern glade and an herb garden spread over about 100 acres. Spring is the best season to visit, when camellias and azaleas are in bloom. It is less busy than Bellingrath and closer to the city.
An 1833 Greek Revival house museum shaded by oaks in the Oakleigh Garden District, with period furnishings, a cook's house and the Cox-Deasy cottage, showing life in antebellum and later Mobile. Guided tours run several times daily. The surrounding district has many historic homes.
A partial reconstruction of the 1720s French fort that protected colonial Mobile, built after remains were found during highway construction. Costumed guides sometimes demonstrate cannons and muskets. It is next to the History Museum of Mobile; check current opening hours before you go.
A Roman Catholic cathedral completed in the 1850s with a Greek Revival facade, twin towers added later, German stained glass windows and a richly decorated interior. It stands on Claiborne Street downtown and welcomes visitors outside service times. Dress respectfully.
Lower Dauphin Street is the heart of downtown Mobile, lined with restored 19th century buildings with iron balconies, bars, restaurants and live music. It is the main Mardi Gras parade route. Monthly LoDa ArtWalk evenings open galleries, and it gets lively on weekend nights.
A hands-on science museum downtown with interactive exhibits on physics, health and the Gulf Coast, a giant-screen theater and traveling exhibitions. It is aimed at families with children and pairs well with nearby Mobile Carnival Museum and the History Museum. Allow two hours.
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