Things to Do, Places to See, Restaurants to Dine
For more information on Mobile, Alabama, please visit:
https://www.mobile.org
Museums, Sites, and Thing to Do
https://www.mobile.org/things-to-do/
https://www.mobile.org/meetings-conventions/free-time-between-sessions/
https://www.historichotels.org/pdfs/uploads/Battle_house/Walking_Tour_of_Downtown_Mobile.pdf
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-to-eat-stay-and-play-in-mobile-alabama
Cooper Riverside Park
This 3-acre waterfront park sits near the Mobile History Museum, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and GulfQuest Maritime Museum, offering an outdoor haven to sit and relax after a great day of sessions. Cooper Riverside Park features sculptures, benches and lush green grass, along with a view of the bustling ship traffic in the Mobile port. The park is also home to a U.S. Coast Guard Monument, which is dedicated to the people who have served in that branch of the armed forces and its predecessor agencies in Mobile since 1819.
Colonial Fort Condé – The Fort of Colonial Mobile
This French colonial fort – first built in 1723 mostly by enslaved African men, making it a stop on the African-American Heritage Trail – provided protection to the residents of Mobile for more than 100 years under various colonial powers and names, including Fort Charlotte. The original fort was mostly destroyed, with its remnants rediscovered in 1966. A decade later, a replica of a portion of the fort was completed at a slightly smaller scale.
Condé-Charlotte Museum
Discover the winding history of one of the oldest homes in Alabama. The variety and authenticity of antiques that furnish the Conde-Charlotte Museum reflect the Port City's history under five flags: French, English, Spanish, Confederate, and American. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Condé-Charlotte Museum is a Gateway to Mobile’s History. Built in 1822 as Mobile's first jail, Jonathan and Elizabeth Kirkbride renovated it in 1850 to be their family home. Cell doors and a portion of a jail floor can be seen in the house today.
Dauphin Street
Historic district reminiscent of the French Quarter, lined with a diverse array of dining spots, bars, and art spaces. Ideal for people watching and architectural photography. The Lower Dauphin Street Historic District is a historic district in the city of Mobile, Alabama, United States. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 9, 1979. The district encompasses all of Dauphin Street from Water Street to Jefferson Street.
Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail
History comes alive on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail tour. The Trail reveals forgotten chapters of history, telling the stories of courage and contributions made by unsung heroes from Mobile's ethnically diverse past.
History Museum of Mobile
Originally built in 1855 to house the city market and some of the city's government departments, the Italianate-style History Museum of Mobile today maintains more than 117,000 artifacts from the city and surrounding region. Visitors can learn about the history of Mobile, beginning with its first Indigenous inhabitants and traversing periods of slavery, civil rights and more. Permanent exhibits include one of the original cannons from the Confederate ship CSS Alabama; a gallery showcasing some of the finer things of Southern life, including fine porcelain, crystal and artwork; and an exhibit of incredibly detailed miniature houses, among others.
Maritime Museum of The Gulf Of Mexico
National Maritime Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to the Gulf of Mexico's rich maritime history, culture and economic significance. The 90,000 square foot museum is shaped like a ship headed into Mobile Bay. Get lost in the state-of the-art interactive exhibits, simulators, theaters and unique displays on marine archeology, shipwrecks, hurricanes and much more.
Meaher State Park
Fewer than 10 miles east of downtown Mobile, Meaher State Park is a great place to experience the Mobile Bay wetlands for the day. The park is just one stop on the Coastal Alabama Birding Trail, so you can hike as little or as long as you'd like before enjoying opportunities for boating and picnicking. You can go to Meaher State Park just to take in the natural wonder of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, the second largest delta in the contiguous U.S., known as "America's Amazon" because it's the most biodiverse river system in North America.
Mobile Botanical Gardens
Established in 1974, the 106-acre Mobile Botanical Gardens claims to have the largest collection of plants on the Gulf Coast. As you walk the various trails in the gardens, admire the collection of azaleas, the pollinator garden, Japanese maples and camellias, among other sights. There's also 35 acres of conservation forest area growing the second generation of pines that were logged in the early 1900s: The land on which the gardens are situated used to be part of a massive longleaf pine forest.
Mobile Carnival Museum
Whether or not you're in Mobile for Mardi Gras, the Mobile Carnival Museum can give you an excellent look into the history of one of the oldest annual festivals in the U.S. You'll get the chance to learn about how locals design their costumes and floats, see historical photographs of the celebration dating back to the 19th century, check out various artifacts – including the crowns, scepters and robes of past Mardi Gras monarchs – and even get a picture of yourself as royalty.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
The USS Alabama made its first voyage during World War II and was deemed "Heroine of the Pacific." While the federal government outlined plans to scrap the battleship in 1962, Mobile residents and other Alabamians proposed a different outcome, and USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park opened just a few years later. Visitors can take a tour of the inside of the USS Alabama, as well as the USS Drum, which is currently the oldest U.S. submarine on display to the public. You can also check out tanks, boats and artillery from various wars around the park. Step into the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion and see the collection of planes, vehicles and other artifacts, and be sure to explore the grounds and memorials to veterans from all wars.
Dining
https://www.mobile.org/restaurants/bars-pubs/
Bistro St. Emanuel
A French inspired Bistro located in the Fort Condé Village of downtown Mobile, serving brunch and dinner. Right across the street from the Fort Condé Inn.
The Blind Mule
Casual Southern & Cajun-Creole-style fare in a chill venue with live music, comedy & trivia nights.
Braided River Brewing Company
Braided River makes flavorful craft beer designed to pair with the Gulf Coast lifestyle. Family-friendly taproom is open seven days a week on St. Louis Street in downtown Mobile.
The Cheese Cottage
A former Pure Oil gas station helps Mobilians fuel up on the finer things thanks to its new specialty cheese shop and restaurant. The European-style cheese shop serves charcuterie boards, cheese-forward sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas that are best enjoyed on the breezy patio.
Debris Po-Boys & Drinks
A Debris po’boy is about as close to New Orleans as you can get without leaving Alabama. The rustic sandwich shop starts with baguettes delivered fresh from legendary NOLA bakery Leidenheimer that are sliced and stuffed with gulf-caught seafood or rich roasted meats and a collection of classic condiments: mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Dumbwaiter
Exposed brick walls and Edison bulbs set the scene for an evening of modern Southern cuisine at Dumbwaiter. Gulf-sourced ingredients star in dishes like shrimp and grits made with Southern Alabama-crafted Conecuh sausage (the Mobile equivalent of New Orleans andouille) and a hearty pork chop served with spicy collard greens. Don’t skip the homestyle desserts — the bread pudding and rich chocolate brownie, both served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream, are comfort in a bowl.
Felix’s Fish Camp
For fresh gulf seafood with a side of sunset views over Mobile Bay, you can’t go wrong with Felix’s Fish Camp. A rusted tin roof and neon signage signal that this roadside venue doesn’t take itself too seriously except when it comes to its fish. Local catch is served in just about any preparation you can imagine — crab soup and gulf oysters on the half-shell are particular highlights. Come for the seafood but stay for the live music every Monday through Saturday night at the Boat House Bar.
Grace on Dauphin
Gourmet goes casual in this creatively, curated atmosphere. From heavenly food, made-from-scratch, to sinfully hand-crafted cocktails, we are serving up an exquisite experience like none other with grace and dedication to our community.
Dauphin’s
This sky-high eatery might have the best view in town. Perched on the 34th floor of the RSA Trustmark Bank Building, Dauphin’s is a Mobile date night favorite thanks to the sweeping vistas, as well as French Creole-meets-Caribbean fare and a lively piano bar. Menu standouts include fried mojo alligator and fresh catch glazed with a signature Caribbean spiced rum sauce. Dauphin’s jazz brunch is also a crowd-pleaser, especially for locals entertaining out-of-town guests.
Mo’Bay Beignet Company
Beignet & Coffee Shop in the heart of Downtown Historic Mobile, Alabama on Dauphin Street. Authentic, made from scratch beignets served hot and fresh along with homemade signature syrups, and gourmet coffee, including the iconic staple, the Cafe Au Lait.
The Noble South
This upscale Dauphin Street restaurant highlights the bounty of local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers in its Southern fare with an international twist. Think chicken liver mousse with apple cider gelee, gulf yellowtail snapper sprinkled with vibrant crowder pea gremolata, and a peach semifreddo served atop a brown butter-pecan cookie. Chef Chris Rainosek’s cuisine may skew modern but his restaurant’s interiors maintain a cozy, old-school feel with exposed brick walls, double-height ceilings, and large picture windows overlooking one of Mobile’s main thoroughfares.
The Royal Scam
This industrial-chic Royal Street restaurant got its start as a tapas joint and continues to churn out imaginative small plates alongside more substantial mains. Standouts include gulf crab cakes that get a kick from Sriracha-lemon aioli and a sugar cane-glazed pork belly paired with pickled cabbage and Carolina gold barbecue sauce. Be sure to save room for dessert — the signature Bread Pudding Scam with toasted pecans, apples, golden raisins, and Bourbon caramel sauce is a stand-out.
Squid Ink Eclectic Eats and Drinks
This gastropub in the heart of Mobile is a trendy spot with an international twist. The menu features seafood-forward plates, sandwiches, and a selection of bao buns, and it’s the cocktail program that sets this restaurant apart from the crowd. Libations range from the traditional (sidecars, sazeracs, and gin fizzes) to the unique like the signature tequila-based Eight Arms: No Legs infused with rosemary syrup and squid ink. Try to snag a swinging seat on the patio to soak up Dauphin Street’s French Quarter-like architecture while you dine.
Wintzell’s Oyster House
The go-to place for oysters on Dauphin Street, Wintzell’s has been a Mobile institution for more than 80 years. The no-frills restaurant is beloved for its gulf seafood in gumbo, crawfish etouffee, crab cakes, and, of course, oysters served “fried, stewed or nude.” Other Southern staples like fried green tomatoes and bread pudding also grace the gigantic menu, all best enjoyed in the super-casual dining room wallpapered in catchphrases from founder J. Oliver Wintzell. There are two locations in Mobile to choose between, though the original is downtown.
