Weekend Guide to Mobile, Alabama

First settled as a fort in 1702, the city of Mobile has influences from the French, British, and Spanish that appear to visitors to be reminiscent of cities like New Orleans or Savannah. It was first named the capital of French Louisiana the same year.

The city is Alabama’s only saltwater port so much of its industries involve the water, specifically shipping and seafood. Also known as the “original home of Mardi Gras,” the Carnival season began in Mobile in 1830. The city’s motto is “born to celebrate,” which is evident from the to-go drinks you can walk down Dauphin Street with.

It’s also becoming a destination for its cruise port, which will have regular embarkations with Carnival. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the city and learn more about its history. And remember that Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores are nearby if you want some beach time.

What to Do in Mobile

Alabama Contemporary Art Center– This modern art facility emphasizes art by Alabama natives and regional artists like Thornton Dial. Their exhibits change regularly but the center seeks to bring together global talent and the local community. 301 Conti Street

Fort Conde– Mobile’s humble beginnings are on display at the fort, which is a smaller replica of what once stood nearby. The seven-point star design protected the city with cannons and other weapons. While the original was demolished in the 1800s, today you can see displays on the time period and artifacts found by archaeologists. 150 South Royal Street

GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico– Give yourself plenty of time to explore this museum devoted to the area’s maritime history. Among the exhibits are interactive displays, short films, and artifacts from the area. Get your Skip the Line: GulfQuest Interactive Maritime Museum Admission Ticket before you go. 155 S Water Street

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Dome Theater– Geared towards younger visitors, the Exploreum has hands-on experiences to bring science to life. Top off your visit with a film at the unique IMAX dome theater. 65 Government Street

Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum– This modest three-room home was the childhood residence of baseball legend Hank Aaron. Displays include information on Aaron’s life as well as the baseball traditions of the Mobile area. Stop by before a minor-league game. 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard

History Museum of Mobile– This large museum near Fort Conde has exhibits on Native American settlement of the region along with French, Spanish, and British reign, Mardi Gras traditions, and traveling exhibits. They also manage the Phoenix Fire Museum. 111 S Royal Street

Historic Homes– There are many locations around the city that offer historic home tours, including the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, the Conde-Charlotte Museum, Oakleigh, and the Richards DAR House.

Mobile Carnival Museum– The only museum in the country devoted to the history of Carnival, this museum has rooms upon rooms of the lavish attire the court of various krewes wear every season. You’ll also get to see how the celebration has evolved over the last 100+ years. Get your Skip the Line Mobile Carnival Museum ticket before you go. 355 Government Street

Mobile Medical Museum– Learn about the city’s past pandemics including the many deaths from yellow fever at this museum inside the hospital. Exhibits include an iron lung and photos of the first medical college in the city. 1664 Spring Hill Avenue

Mobile Museum of Art– Located further out of town, this more traditional art museum has a permanent collection featuring American, European, African, and Asian art spanning sculpture, paintings, prints, drawings, and decorative art. 4850 Museum Drive

USS Alabama– This battleship was used in the Pacific during World War II before being decommissioned and turned into a museum. Now permanently docked in Mobile Bay, it has been restored to how it would have looked during wartime. The memorial park contains military memorials and boat tours leave from this attraction. Get your USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Admission Ticket before you go. 2703 Battleship Parkway

Where to Eat in Mobile

Dauphins– There’s no better view in town than from Dauphin’s, located at the top of Trustmark Building. Opened by former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Baumhower, the menu has crowd-pleasers like gumbo and gulf shrimp. 107 St. Francis Street, Suite 3400, (251) 444-0200

The Hummingbird Way– The restaurant by Top Chef contestant Chef Jim Smith has top-tier service and dishes, focusing on seafood. Highlights include local oysters and the Alabama crab cake. Reservations are a good idea. 351 George Street, (251) 408-9562

The Noble South– This small, historic space is one of Mobile’s most popular restaurants for its modern take on Southern cuisine. The menu is seasonally inspired and uses as many local ingredients as possible. The crawfish pie, catfish etouffee, and pepper jelly are delicious, as are the cocktails. 203 Dauphin Street, (251) 690-6824

Ok Bicycle Shop– Bikes hang from the ceiling at this eclectic eatery and bar. The menu is an offbeat combination of Mexican and sushi. Drinks include microbrews and margaritas. 661 Dauphin Street, (251) 432-2453

Southern National– The James Beard-nominated restaurant has been featured in the New York Times for its take on classic regional dishes. Highlights include shrimp and grits with New Orleans-style barbecue sauce and coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin. 360 Dauphin Street, (251) 308-2387

Wintzell’s Oyster House– If you ask a local where to eat, they’ll likely mention this oyster spot’s location in LoDa. The 75-year old restaurant is known for its seafood, starting with the chargrilled oysters as well as gumbo and fried whole fish. 605 Dauphin Street, (251) 432-4605

Where to Stay in Mobile

The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa– This is perhaps the most well-known and iconic in the city but has all the amenities of a modern hotel like a restaurant and spa. Even if you don’t stay here, take a look inside the lobby. 26 North Royal Street

The Admiral Hotel Mobile, Curio Collection by Hilton– The stylish location feels more like a boutique hotel, located near Fort Conde. It has modern furnishings with two in-house restaurants. 251 Government Street

Berney Fly Bed and Breakfast– Located in the historic district, this bed and breakfast in a Victorian home features stylish rooms, daily gourmet breakfast, and an onsite pool and hot tub. 1118 Government Street

Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile Historic Downtown– This is exactly what you expect from the chain, including free WiFi and breakfast daily. Parking is also available. 62 South Royal Street

Camping- If you’re looking to “rough it,” Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board has sites a ferry ride across the bay. There are also campsites at Meaher State Park with unrivaled views of Mobile Bay.

Rentals- You can also book a stay with Airbnb, who has properties around town, for a local experience. This house is a short walk from Dauphin Street.

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