13+ Surprising Things To Do in Mobile AL

When you think of Mardi Gras, New Orleans immediately comes to mind. But did you know that the first Carnival season festivities in the United States began in Mobile, Alabama?

The annual event carries over today, albeit a more family-friendly version, as locals don royal attire on floats and at community balls. But here’s the surprising part: In addition to beads, revelers throw Moon Pies!

The Moon Pies being thrown are just an example of the surprising things to do in Mobile AL!

THINGS TO DO IN MOBILE AL

USS ALABAMA BATTLESHIP MEMORIAL PARK

The 45,000-ton USS Battleship Alabama sailed the North Atlantic and the South Pacific during her three-year tenure during World War II. She was home to a crew of 2,500 brave American soldiers. She’s been nicknamed “Mighty A” or the “Heroine of the Pacific.” She ended up in Mobile, Alabama, as a National Historic Landmark and memorial to millions.

At the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, you can explore the USS Alabama Battleship, tour tanks and artillery, visit park memorials, or learn about heroes in the Aircraft Pavilion.

GULFQUEST TEACHES VISITORS ABOUT THE IMPORTANT BODY OF WATER

Gulfquest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico has new exhibits and is the only museum in the world devoted to the maritime history of the Gulf. Interactive exhibits focus on the port, complete with life-sized shipping containers, the hurricanes and oil spills that have affected the area, and wildlife found nearby.

While you’re there, make sure to step out onto one of their balconies to see the Port of Mobile in action!

GET YOUR SCIENCE ON AT THE EXPLOREUM

Younger visitors will enjoy this science museum and IMAX theater with hands-on experiences. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center was opened in 1998 and has over 150 exhibits, including one on the human body’s inner workings, the coast’s environment, and simple machines.

Make sure to catch a film in their Dome Theater!

LIFE’S A PARTY AT THE MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM

Experience the city’s biggest party even if your visit doesn’t coincide with the Mardi Gras festivities. The Mobile Carnival Museum is the only museum in the country devoted to the history of Carnival, the official name of the festival season that includes Fat Tuesday.

This museum has rooms that feature the lavish attire donned by the courts of krewes. You can also see everything that goes into planning a parade float.

STEP BACK IN TIME AT THE HISTORY MUSEUM

The History Museum of Mobile is a national landmark featuring artifacts, text, audio, video, and hands-on interactive experiences in the Museum’s permanent exhibit galleries to help bring Mobile’s history to life. Plus, there are several rotating exhibits throughout the year and events.

The Aaron & Sarah Friedman Miniature Gallery is one of the most surprising exhibits here. See the eight magnificent miniature houses along with their amazing architectural details.

HISTORY UP CLOSE AT FORT CONDE

While it’s not the original fort that defended the city of Mobile, as it was demolished in the 1800s, this replica of Fort Conde shows visitors what it was like, albeit on a smaller scale. It’s designed in a seven-point star design so that cannons and other weapons could be used against invaders. Exhibits showcase the artifacts from the time period found by archaeologists. Costumed interpreters will tell you about the fort, which is FREE to visit.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

The Mobile Museum of Art boasts a wide variety of art from America, Asia, and Europe with a collection of more than 6,400 works of fine and decorative art. There are permanent exhibits, plus special exhibits, classes, and events.

The Sculpture Trail here is an absolute must!

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

The first Catholic Parish on the Gulf Coast was established in Mobile, Alabama in 1703, one year after the founding of Mobile. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception has undergone several renovations over the past 300 years but is still a sight to see.

WHERE TO EAT IN MOBILE

THE BAY’S BEST OYSTERS AT WINTZELL’S

You can’t come to the Alabama Gulf Coast without getting your seafood fix at Wintzell’s Oyster House.

The 75-year-old restaurant is still family-owned. The eatery’s walls are covered in different sayings and words of wisdom created by founder J. Oliver Wintzell.

Oysters are the main draw, and you can get them “fried, stewed, or nude.” In addition, you can get them chargrilled, Rockefeller, and much more. Gumbo and whole-fried fish are good alternatives if you aren’t into bivalves, as is the West Indies Salad.

PANINIS AT BEIGNETS AT PANINI PETE’S

You can’t do better for lunch than Panini Pete’s, a local sandwich chain that was founded in nearby Fairhope. The paninis use house-made ingredients like muffuletta and tomato, and mozzarella.

Pair your meal with their shoestring fries and an order of beignets, little balls of fluffy fried dough topped with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Other options include burgers and salads.

HOTDOGS WITH A TWIST AT DEW DROP INN

The hot dogs at Dew Drop Inn are not your average sausage in a bun. The restaurant, named the oldest in Mobile, serves its dogs all the way with homemade chili, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, and a pickle slice.

Po boys and sandwiches are also popular here.

LIVE MUSIC AND ALABAMA BARBECUE

Moe’s Original BBQ is another chain that was started by Alabama natives. Pulled pork, sausages, and other meat-centric dishes are the main draw to the LoDa location, but stick around for live music and the Bushwhacker, an adult beverage, that resembles an alcoholic milkshake.

MOBILE’S BEST RESTAURANT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Whether you’re looking for a nice dinner out with the entire family or a date night, The Noble South specializes in farm-to-table Southern fare using seasonal, local ingredients. Start with pepper jelly and deviled eggs before sharing catfish etouffee or shrimp and grits. They also have an extensive cocktail menu.

WHERE TO STAY IN MOBILE AL

DOWNTOWN MOBILE HOTELS

THE BATTLE HOUSE RENAISSANCE MOBILE HOTEL AND SPA

Rebuilt in 1908 after two fires, the Battle House reopened in 2007 after a 30-year closure. It’s been restored to its former glory and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. It has over 200 rooms and a stunning atrium with a stained-glass roof.

Their restaurant, The Trellis Room, has a Tiffany glass skylight and is the only four-diamond rated eatery in Mobile. The Battle House’s ballrooms host Mardi Gras balls every spring.

Book It: Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel and Spa

THE ADMIRAL HOTEL

As Mobile’s only boutique hotel, The Admiral Hotel is a part of Hilton’s Curio network. The decor is chic and inspired by the 1940s when the hotel’s first incarnation opened.

In addition to the rooms, the hotel has its own restaurant, communal spaces, an outdoor patio, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. It’s also a short walk from Fort Conde and other Mobile attractions.

Book It: The Admiral Hotel

HAMPTON INN DOWNTOWN

For a budget-friendly stay downtown, the Hampton Inn is your best bet. Not only is it well located in town near Dauphin Street, but it also has parking, free breakfast, and free WiFi.

Book It: Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Mobile

DOWNTOWN MOBILE INNS AND BED & BREAKFASTS

• Fort Conde Inn. This 1836 bed and breakfast is all about the Southern charm with two floors of porches, comfy furnishings, and daily breakfast. They also have microwaves, refrigerators, and kitchenettes if you prefer to make your own meals.

• Malaga Inn. While there are rumors that it is haunted, one thing is for sure: the Malaga Inn is one of the historic district’s most stunning. The French-inspired architecture holds unique rooms and suites with complimentary WiFi, cable televisions, free parking, the all-important coffee makers, and a swimming pool.

GREATER MOBILE BAY ACCOMMODATIONS

DAUPHIN ISLAND CAMPGROUND

The Dauphin Island Campground is a great choice if you want to be as close to the beach and nature as possible! The 155-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary beach park has sites for RVs and tents as well as a bird sanctuary, public boat launches, a dog park, and WiFi.

GRAND HOTEL MARRIOTT, POINT CLEAR

Just across Mobile Bay is the area’s finest resort — the Grand Hotel Marriott in Point Clear. In addition to the rooms and access to white sand beaches, the resort boasts a pool complex, two golf courses, a 20,000-square-foot spa, ten tennis courts, marina access, and a number of dining options.

MOBILE ALABAMA FAQ

WHERE TO STAY IN MOBILE ALABAMA

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