Although the state of Alabama is not a popular holiday destination, Mobile а which is situated in the Gulf Coast region, has a few appealing attractions. One of America’s first port cities, it attracts visitors with its white-sand beaches and water sports. Additionally, the city’s Cooper Riverside Park is a great place to have a picnic and watch the slow-moving ships and barge traffic on the Mobile River.
Getting there
Mobile Regional Airport receives non-stop jet services from Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Memphis and Charlotte. Alternatively, the state’s largest airport is Birmingham International Airport, which provides direct service from 50 cities in the US. Car rental and national travel deals are readily available at both airports. For those who are driving a rental car to Mobile, I-65 lies just west (arriving from Montgomery Iin the South) intersects with I-10 (west from Mississippi). At this point, I-10 becomes highway 8 as it heads east to Pensacola (Florida).
Key attractions
Mobile’s historic district features some grand architectural heritage and a walking tour through here is worthwhile. The Fort Conde Historic Museum and Welcome Center is an 18th century French fort reconstruction complete with costumed guards, fire-muskets, cannons and a gift shop. Three blocks from here, the Phoenix Fire Museum has on display five turn-of-the-century fire engines and some historic fire-fighting equipment.
Also worth seeing is the Museum of Mobile, which has two centuries of artefacts telling of the city’s rich history. Kids will enjoy the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and Imax Theater. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is the city’s most popular attraction. Here, you can view the decks, turrets, berth compartments, bridge, and captain’s cabin of a real WWII battleship. There are also military planes and a flight simulator.
Out and about
The Gulf Coast’s mild year-round climate is in part responsible for the scenic beauty of Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The gardens are a semi-tropical paradise with world renowned floral displays; while the home has lovely 19th century furniture and the world’s largest collection of Boehm porcelain.
Mobile has four historic antebellum homes that are all worth seeing pre-Civil War Bragg-Mitchell Mansion; Oakleigh Period House Museum – a 1833 Greek Revival-style home; Cox-Deasy House – a raised Creole cottage; and Richards-DAR House Museum – a 19th century Italianate townhouse.
Leisure options
A unique scenic and ecological experience is offered at the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Swamp а one of Alabama’s 10 natural wonders. The area is inhabited by birds, fish and other wildlife, and knowledgeable guides provide narration on pontoon boats. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities in Mobile, including fishing, jet-skiing, rafting, kayaking, golfing, canoeing and sailing. Car rental is usually the easiest way to reach most of the rural attractions outside of Mobile.
Safety
Travellers can put themselves at risk when driving a rental car in Mobile across long distances or participating in water sports. Beware of pickpockets, especially around areas at night. The cost of medical care in the US is high and you would not want to be without insurance if something were to occur. We highly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Mobile. National travel deals are easy to find online.