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Gulf Shores may be welcoming commercial flights for the first time ever this month, but it’s actually another Alabama city that’s responsible for the state’s biggest surge in tourism.
That’s right – there’s more to see in ‘Bama than the vibrant turquoise waters and sugary white sand of its popular beach town.
Nestled inland from Gulf Shores along the shores of Mobile Bay lies the city that shares the bay’s name.
You guessed it—Mobile. While you may rarely hear of Alabama’s fourth-most populous city being a vacation recommendation, Mobile alone saw a 74,000 out-of-state 120,000-visitor uptick in 2024.
Enough with boring math, though. The bottom line is that more travelers are discovering Mobile is one of the South’s most underrated cities, whether as a mainstay or springboard to Alabama’s lesser-known coastline, often overshadowed by Gulf Shores.
Steeped In History: Welcome To Alabama’s Oldest City
Mobile is one of the South’s biggest surprises. Not to throw New Orleans under the bus, but Mobile was actually the O.G. of Mardi Gras.
That’s right – as thrilling as Bourbon Street has become, Mobile has the bragging rights to one of America’s most popular festivities, backed by the city’s very own Mobile Carnival Museum, a delightful attraction holding an impressive 4.7 Google rating.
But it’s not only bead-throwing madness Mobile holds claim to; its beautifully preserved historic districts, a buzzing arts scene, and sensational Gulf Coast cuisine for your tastebuds.
In fact, Mobile was actually the original Louisiana capital in 1702. How’s that for a curveball?
Nowadays, Mobile is one of Alabama’s most historical cities with an array of fascinating museums, landmarks, and timeless streets to wander.
De Tonti is a mini French Quarter dopplegänger with wrought-iron balconies not only for tossing beads from but also for offering a glimpse into Mobile’s rich and layered past. It even holds on to the hardships of its tumultuous timeline with tear-jerking attractions like National Geographic-recognized Africatown Heritage House, showcasing stories of the last of the slave ships to arrive in the U.S.
Mobile’s Boundless Bayside: Hidden Islands & Picturesque Towns
Again, Gulf Shores is Alabama’s beach icon, but there are numerous tranquil spots lining Mobile Bay that are worthy of escaping the tourist crowds for an idyllic retreat.
First and foremost, Mobile’s bayside is a fisherman’s paradise, but also welcoming adventurers looking to kayak or paddleboard the calm waterways running offshore through a vein of rivers, creeks, and separate bays.
There are hidden, uninhabited islands like Gravine Island, which tourists often skip over a stone’s throw from Mobile’s cityscape, but there’s no island in Alabama more serene and postcard-worthy than Dauphin, a white-sand paradise that serves as the perfect alternative to Gulf Shores.
Just 30 minutes by car, Dauphin Island is perhaps the state’s best-kept secret. Plus, you can take the ferry from Dauphin to neighboring Fort Morgan for more white sand beaches and Civil War-era sites.
But it’s not Dauphin Island or Fort Morgan that’s made a name for itself in Mobile’s vicinity — it’s Fairhope.
This surprising, yet beautiful, town straddling the bay is full of art galleries, unmatched sunsets, and high-end stays like the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection.
Mobile’s Southern Charm: Home Cookin’ & Antebellum Architecture
Yes, there are towering skyscrapers in Mobile, but exploring the wondrous maze of history will have you mesmerized at ground level.
Speckled throughout the city are rows of sightly Antebellum buildings, which echo a bygone era while mixing modern delights.
For some of Mobile’s best photo opportunities, wander the Oakleigh Historic District and visit places such as the Oakleigh House Museum and the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion.
More notably, Mobile is a southern staple for quintessential home cooking. Like any other city, you’ll still find eyesore chains in what was previously community-favorite haunts. However, many of Mobile’s beloved institutions are still going strong, such as the city’s oldest restaurant, Dew Drop Inn, which recently celebrated its 100th birthday.
For comfort food and fresh catches, Mobile is one of the best cities to indulge in authentic Gulf cuisine, another aspect giving New Orleans a run for its money.
Rather than seeking out the chains back home, try local favorites like Mary’s Southern Cooking—unsuspecting on the outside but a true Southern experience on the inside.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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