Introduction
Mobile, Alabama is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and it’s been a major port since the early 18th century. It has an incredible history that you can explore on foot or by boat. Plus, there are plenty of fun things to do for families and couples alike! Here are our picks for some of the best things to do in Mobile:
Mobile Carnival Museum
The Mobile Carnival Museum is a great place to get an inside look at the history of Mardi Gras: from its roots in Europe to its modern incarnation, the museum is filled with artifacts from one of America’s oldest and most beloved traditions. The museum is located on the grounds of Mobile’s historic Government Street Graveyard, which dates back to 1827. The Carnival Museum offers visitors a chance to see authentic costumes worn by Mardi Gras royalty over time, including some that date back as far as 1851!
Hours
The museum is open seven days a week year-round (closed on Christmas). Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under; seniors are free with proof of age.
Fort Conde
Fort Conde is a National Historic Landmark, located on Mobile Bay. It’s the oldest continuously operating fort in the country and has been open to visitors since 1819. During the Civil War, it was used as a prison for Union soldiers fighting against Alabama forces in a battle known as Fort Blakely. Today, you can visit this historic site daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and see exhibits highlighting life during different periods of American history. The admission fees are $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 13-17; seniors get in free every day!
Bragg Mitchell Mansion
The Bragg Mitchell Mansion is a historic home in Mobile, Alabama, United States. It was built in 1851 by a wealthy cotton planter and slave owner, Bragg Mitchell. The house is large (6800 square feet) with many bedrooms and bathrooms.
There are no signs that this house was ever used as a hospital during the Civil War; however, there is some controversy surrounding the house’s use during that period because it had been reported that slaves were kept here while they were being treated for wounds received on the battlefields of nearby battles at places like Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort where Union forces attacked Confederate strongholds during March 1865 before taking control over Mobile itself shortly thereafter
Oakleigh Historic Complex
- Located in Mobile, AL
- Formerly the largest cotton plantation in Alabama
- Named after the Okeleigh Hall estate in England
Mobile Botanical Gardens
The Mobile Botanical Gardens is a treasure for the city and a great place to spend time in. There are many different types of plants and flowers that you can see in the garden, and there are also many events and festivals held there throughout the year. The garden is a great place to relax, as well! The botanical gardens have been around since 1957, so they’ve had plenty of time to grow into what they are today.
The Mobile Botanical Gardens has two main greenhouses: one greenhouse focuses on tropical plants, while another greenhouse focuses on desert plants. In addition to these greenhouses, there are also several other different kinds of gardens within the botanical gardens’ grounds such as an Asian-themed garden or even a butterfly garden! It’s not uncommon for school field trips here either — so if your child wants something special out on their vacation this summer then consider taking them along!
Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Bellingrath Gardens is a historic estate located in Mobile, Alabama, United States. The gardens are open to the public for tours and events. The house is open for tours as well; however, it has been renovated into an event venue and can be rented out for weddings and receptions by contacting the foundation.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a historic site in Mobile, Alabama, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1976. The park features several memorials to those who served aboard the USS Alabama (BB-60) during World War II.
Mobile Museum of Art
- Located in the heart of downtown, the Mobile Museum of Art (MMA) is a great place to enjoy art both inside and out. With exhibits that change constantly, there’s always something new to see or do at MMA.
- Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., MMA offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month as well as during their annual First Thursdays event that runs from 5:30-9 p.m., featuring live music, food trucks, and more.*
Dauphin Street Historic District
Dauphin Street Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District in Mobile, Alabama. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 8, 1974.
The Dauphin Street neighborhood was originally named for the Marquis de Lafayette and developed as an affluent residential area after its incorporation as a city from 1811 to 1813. The area began as one street with large homes built by wealthy cotton planters who relocated from their plantations along Magnolia Avenue to this new residential area near downtown Mobile. Customarily when a new town was established, the first buildings constructed were churches, schools, and government buildings followed by commercial establishments such as banks and hotels; but in the case of Mobile, these were not built until much later because there were few residents living here at first (only one family per acre).
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater
The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Theater is a family-friendly experience that explores science, technology, and natural history. You can see films in 3D or IMAX format and learn about the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Enjoy daily planetarium shows too. The center is open to both museum members and nonmembers alike!
It’s located in downtown Mobile on Commerce Street between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (US 90) and Main Street (AL 167).
Saenger Theatre
Built-in 1927, the Saenger Theatre is one of the few remaining vaudeville houses still standing in Mobile. Named for its founder, Saenger Theatres, this historic theater was built to house both live performances and films. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and also features a beautiful rooftop garden with panoramic views of Mobile Bay.
Cathedral Square District, Spring Hill College, and Fort Morgan
Located in Downtown Mobile, the Cathedral Square District is a historic district with Victorian houses and buildings of architectural significance. Spring Hill College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Mobile, Alabama.
The campus features several historic buildings including the antebellum Cowan-Hall (built 1843), which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 17, 1974, as part of its Historic Campus Buildings Multiple Property Submission listing. Fort Morgan is a Confederate fort on Mobile Point in Mobile, Alabama; it was built by Union troops during the Civil War but was later captured by Confederates and renamed Fort Gaines after Edmund Pendleton Gaines who died during battle at this site on January 14th, 1865
Mobile River Boat Tours at Cooper Riverside Park Boardwalk
At Cooper Riverside Park Boardwalk, you can take a mobile riverboat tour. The tours run daily from 10 am-5 pm, and they’re free of charge. During your tour, you will learn the history of Mobile Bay, see wildlife such as dolphins and pelicans, and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Mobile.
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and departs every 15 minutes so there is no wait time. There are several other things to do at this park including paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, or birdwatching. If you love nature then I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity!
Takeaway:
The next time you’re in Mobile, make sure to check out these 14 things. You’ll be glad that you did!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Mobile! As you can see, it’s a city with a lot to offer. Whether you want to go on an adventure or just relax and enjoy the scenery, there’s something for everyone here in Alabama.
