10 ALABAMA
Dauphin Island
One of Alabama’s best-kept secrets, Dauphin is a barrier island along the Gulf Coast that is known for pristine white sand beaches, excellent fishing and historic Fort Gaines, a key battle site during the Civil War. The Gulf of Mexico lies to the south and the Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay to the north. Dauphin Island is the first landfall for many species of birds migrating north from South America.
BIRD-WATCHING
Hike the trails at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary during spring and the fall migration season to view many of the more than 400 bird species sighted here. dauphinisland.org
MARINE LIFE ON DISPLAY
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab public aquarium has a 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool and more than 100 species on display in 31 aquariums. disl.edu/estuarium
RELIVE HISTORY
Learn about the Battle of Mobile Bay and view original cannons, tunnels, a blacksmith shop, a museum and more at historic Fort Gaines. dauphinisland.org/ fort-gaines