DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama (WGNO) – It’s what you don’t see on Dauphin Island that makes it special. There are no traffic lights, franchises, giant water parks or luxury resorts. What you will find on this tiny barrier island off the coast of Alabama is stress relief.
“Dauphin Island is known for its laid-back environment and there’s not much to hear but nature,” says Lynne Brown, who heads the South Mobile County Tourism Authority.
Click here for “10 Things to do on a Dauphin Island getaway.”
Getting out on the water brings you closer to nature. News with a Twist Reporter Stephanie Oswald and Photojournalist Derek Felton went out on kayaks and Jet Skis with the help of Wicked Water Sports, a rental company on the island that also delivers bicycles and stand up paddleboards.
This is a birdwatcher’s paradise too, noted as one of the top four places to see birds in North America. The island is a key first stop for feathered visitors migrating from South America and was flagged as “globally important” by the National Audubon Society. There are more than four miles of peaceful trails in the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary—and you can follow one of the trails to beach and sneak away for some quality beach time once you’ve had enough birding.
Another nature-centric attraction is the Estuarium, where an outdoor touch tank holds stingrays that you can pet. Inside, there’s another (much smaller) tank that keeps hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs and other touchable critters. It’s a wonderful place to cool off during a hot beach day—and the kids won’t argue once they see all the interesting sea creatures.
Step back into the mid-20th century at the Isle Dauphine Golf Club, where a sleepy golf course has a few ocean-side greens with phenomenal views. No one will pressure you to rush to the next hole.
Of course, the main attraction is the ocean itself, and there are three official beaches to choose from. When the day is done, be sure to find a spot to watch the sunset, because this is the official sunset capital of Alabama.
“We enjoy our little island. It’s quiet, family-oriented. Come down. Enjoy it, but don’t tell too many people or you’ll spoil it for yourself,” smiles Joey Miller, the owner of Wicked Water Sports.
Dauphin Island is just 17 miles long and less than two miles wide, but the escape factor is enormous.