Family Travel Guide for Mobile Alabama
Living in Mobile, Alabama for ten years after graduating from college we affectionately nick-named Mobile the “City of Infinite Potential.” It’s a city of history, beauty and fun people that always seems to be close to greatness but just not quiet getting there. During our time in Mobile we made fabulous friends, enjoyed many a night downtown, had wonderful food and experiences.
Mobile is a wonderful place to stop for a few day or even to just pick an activity or two as you are passing through. When travelling with kids and family Mobile adds a layer of history and Southern Charm to a Vacation.
History of Mobile, AL
Mobile is located on the north west side of Mobile Bay. This port city was founded by the French in 1702 as the first capital of Louisiana. It was a capital of France, Britain and Spain. All of these countries left their mark on the area. Mobile became part of the US in 1813. Mobile retains many cultural elements from its past and is rich in music and traditions. The scenery is also beautiful – think Marshes, 300 year old oaks, and antebellum houses.
Mobile, Alabama Traditions
Mobile is a city of tradition. Some of the more well known traditions include Mardi Gras, moon pies and the Azalea Trail Maids. A quick tour through a local museum and through the downtown and these traditions come to life.
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The Weather in Mobile Alabama
The best way to describe the weather in Mobile is – Hot, Sticky and Wet. Mobile has the distinction of being the rainiest city in the US. On average Mobile has 69 inches of rain (Seattle is no where close) and rain on 59 days of the year (Seattle does have more rainy days). A drizzle is not very common. Usually when it rains, it dumps. Afternoon thunderstorms can be common and the city can get Tropical Storms and Hurricanes (but you’ll have warnings). Occasionally there is a tornado too but usually they are on the smaller side.
Anytime I get off the plane in the Southeast, I feel like I’m swimming. I actually kind of love the feeling – It feels like home. Mobile is considered sub-tropical. The vegetation is thick in any area that’s allowed to grow. We tend to joke that the plants are always trying to take over. In many cases they win – especially Kudzu … that stuff is vicious and eats everything in its path.
The air is thick. One of my friends from college use to joke around that she just loved the humidity and that it always felt like a nice cozy blanket. I agree – except some times the blanket is smothering your face. Mobile does have some sea and bay breezes that help.
While summer is hot and sticky, fall and spring bring very pleasant temperatures. Winter can vary from 70 degrees in shorts to usually 30 at the lowest. Thirty does not sound too cold but when you add the humidity – 30 degrees can hurt in your bones and is not pleasant outside.
How to get to Mobile Alabama
Mobile has an airport on the west side of town. It’s easy to navigate but it’s generally expensive. Flying in to Pensacola or New Orleans can be much cheaper.
Frontier did have some planes that flew in to the downtown airport (a little more than a warehouse). The prices from Denver were fantastic and getting in and out of this tiny airport was a breeze. I could pay $70 for a round trip ticket, leave my house in Denver in the morning and be eating lunch with friends. Unfortunately even though the plane was always full, Frontier has chosen not to keep the route. I really, really miss those easy flights.
Most people stop by Mobile on the way from New Orleans to the white sand gulf beaches of Alabama and Florida. Many of the best Mobile stops are very near the interstate and are easy to find on a short break.
What to Pack and Wear in Mobile
As with most places, layers can be helpful if you are traveling in the winter, spring or fall. In the summer, pack light. Usually a nice sun dress with sandles or shorts and T-shirts are all you need. For men it’s kaki shorts and T-shirts with sandals. Anything eles is just too hot.
When to Visit Mobile
Mobile basically has 3 seasons: Christmas, Mardi Gras and Hot. Spring and fall tend to be the best for being outdoor but Mardi Gras is a lot of fun too.
Where to Stay in Mobile
The best place to stay in Mobile would be in the downtown area. The best hotel is usually considered to the Admiral Sims Hotel (run by hilton). Other options include The Battle House or Plaza Renaissance Hotels (run by Marriott), or Malaga Inn for a more authentic stay. There are more VRBO and AirBnB options recently as well. Some neighborhoods are better than others. I would look for homes in the Oakleigh district or mid-town area
Family Friendly Activities in Mobile Alabama
Mobile has a lot of family friendly activities. I don’t find that is has enough playgrounds but there are other things to do that are fun for the entire family.
Visit the USS Alabama Battleship
The USS Alabama is the must visit attraction in Mobile. The USS Alabama is a retired battleship that is really fun to tour and explore. There is also a submarine (USS Drum) and aircraft pavilion in the complex. As much as I enjoy the battleship – the submarine may be my favorite. Exploring the exhibits and learning about the history is a great oportunity for kids (and adults) to learn more about our past.
Visit a Museaum
Mobile has several museums that are fun to visit including interactive museums good for kids.
The Expoloreum (Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center) – I’ve been visiting The Exploreum since I was young and my kids love it too. This museum started my love for kids museums. The exploreum has activities for all ages including a play space as well as many hands on science exhibits. There is also a dome theater for immersive movies and rotating exhibits. As a child I the Leonardo and Dinosaur exhibits were my favorite. As an adult I really enjoyed the Pompeii exhibit. The museum is down town and can be walkable to other areas.
Gulf Quest National Maritime Museum – This museum is located on the causway near the USS Alabama and is a new museum in the area. The museum 90 interactive exhibits, simulators and displays that focus on maritime history and science.
The Mobile Museum of Art – This museum is located in West Mobile. It has a perminant collection of 6000 pieces of art from all over the world and from different times in history. There are activities for kids as well.
The History Museum of Mobile – This is a new discovery for me. I always thought the building was beautiful and I’m glad that it’s now being used as a museum. The museum houses over 100,000 artifacts regarding the oftentimes turbulent history of Mobile and surrounding areas and is located in the old city hall building.
Mobile Carnival Museum – This little museum is a favorite of mine because it focuses on Mardi Gras and the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile. I just love seeing some of the old costumes and learning about the traditions of this celebreation that is so important to the city.
Colonial Fort Conde – This is a replica of the origional fort that was near this area. A third of the fort war rebuild at 4/5ths scale.
Pheonix Fire Museum – This fun specialty museum is housed in an old firehouse. It tells the history of firefighters in the are from the mid 1800’s including horse drawn steam engines and early motorized vehicles.
Mobile Medical Museum – This is another one that is new to me. This museum houses medical artifacts from over 300 years of medical history. It’s located the oldest house from Mobile that is still standing in its origional location, the Vincent-Doan House – built in 1827.
Visit a Historic Home
When I think of Mobile, the first thing that jumps in to my head are old antebellum homes and big oak trees. We tried to buy one of these beautiful mansions in one of our “we can do anything moments” – but the beehive colums (and huge renovation price tag) scared us away. Mobile has several of these amazing homes that are open for tours and give a glipse into this city’s past.
Historic Oakleigh House – This large and beautiful home near downtown (and the fun neighborhood of Oakleigh) date from 1833, pre-civil war. The complex also includes several other buildings. As with any house of this age, the home has a very interesting history. Tours are available.
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion – The Bragg-Mitchell Mantion was built in 1855 in the age of cotton. It is build in the Greek-Revival style popular with large Old Southern Plantations.
Conde Charlotte Museum – This museum started out as Mobile’s first court house and jail and then was transformed in to a home. Five different flags have been flown in front of this house including French, English, Spanish, Confederate and American.
Richards DAR House – Build in 1960 and decorated in period style. It’s especially beautiful during Christmas.
Visit Bellingrath Gardens
Bellingrath Gardens is a 65 acres of landscaped gardens and a beautiful estate built in 1935. The gardens are especially popular at Christmas when there is a very large light display, as well as hot chocolate and Santa. There are workshops for the kids and time-lines of when to come to see what flower in bloom. Mobile if famous for Azalea – they’re so pretty.
Explore the Marsh
Mobile has a very unique landscape. The causeway is a road that skips along the top of the bay and occasionally under the bay with any significant storm. It has some beautiful views. Most marsh and delta tours will start from the other side of Mobile Bay.
5 Rivers Delta – This park has some resources and ways to explore the delta area. You can go kayaking or fishing from here. Always be on the look out for gators.
There are a few Delta/Marsh tours available as well:
Visit Downtown Mobile
Many of the museums and historic houses are in the historic downtown area. This area can be really nice to stroll and explore. If you are there during the day you can take a short stroll down Dauphin Street. At night it is much more of an adult atmosphere but I do feel the downtown area can be family friendly during the day with several good restaurants to enjoy.
Go to a Festival or Event
Local festivals and events are my favorite ways to get to know a city. Mobile, knows how to throw a party.
Mardi Gras in Mobile
Mardi Gras in Mobile is a super big deal. If you find yourself in Mobile during Mardi Gras Season, whatever you do … do not mention the NO word (New Orleans – of course). Mobile’s Mardi Gras was first and any true local will argue that point until they pass out from fustratation.
Mardi Gras in Mobile with Kids: As far as being family friendly – Mardi Gras in Mobile is family friendly in parts and at times. You need to know where the family friendly sections of town are and avoid the sketchy areas. Generally we’ve previously watched parades east of Bienville Square. Bienville square itself can get too crowded. Govenernment Street can be an absolute mess (and occasionally dangerous). The begining and end of the parade routes can be fun but I find the streets east of Bienville seem to be the calmest.
Mostly if we want to bring the family and a lot of kids to a parade we cross the bay and watch the parades in Fairhope and Daphne. Those are really family friendly and just as fun.
Tips for Mardi Gras and Kids: Get there early to find a place in the front and hold your spot. Parades are much better when you’re not trying to stare over everyone, especially for kids. If you have girls put a big bow in thier hair. Everyone dress up at least some. The more the float notices you, the more they throw. Some of the throws can be hard. Prepare to deflect as much as you catch.
Adults and Mardi Gras – start near Dauphin Street. Walk to the parade route around Beinville area – go early for a good spot. After the parades, bar hop. The best way to enjoy Mardi Gras is to find someone with a ball ticket. It’s one of those things you have to do at least once … or even 5 times a season.
Mardi Gras is not the only time there are parades in Mobile. Mobile throws a parade any chance it has. If there is anything special going on, there is a parade.
Other Festivals and Events:
Art Walk: The second Friday of every month the road is shut down and the gallery doors are opened. This is a family friendly event where families and friends pleasantly roam the streets.
Azalea Trail One: This 10K race is a very popular race. As with any big event in the area – there are usually a ton of related activities near by.
Dragon Boat Races: This is a new event but a lot of fun. The dragon boat races in Mobile are entertaining to watch but there are also a lot of other fun activities in the area as well.
Beer Fest: Adults only but a lot of fun. Pay a fee to get a mug and spend the evening touring all the bars and clubs that downtown Dauphin Street area has to offer.
Music Festivals: There are several music festivals that have come and gone through the years. MOB music festival, BayFest (last done in 2014 – but we’re hoping for a come back); I’m sure some will be back.
Other Parades in Mobile
St Patrick’s Day: St Patrick’s Day in Mobile can be a lot of fun. The parade is pretty family friendly and there are events all over town. The most fun is at Callaghan’s in the Oakleigh district – but it’s pretty wild and I would consider mostly adult only.
Christmas Parade: Generally this is a yearly event in early December
Senior Bowl Parade: Any reason to throw a parade, Mobile will have one.
Pride Parade: We stumbled upon this parade one time when we just happened to be downtown. It was a really nice surprise.
Book a Cruise
OK, if you are in Mobile because your cruise leaves out of Mobile then you’re already fully aware that Mobile has a cruise terminal. Carnival cruise line sails out of downtown Mobile. It seems like a pretty low cost and low stress way to go on a cruise.
Visit Cities Near Mobile
Mobile is close to a few other cities that make great stops on a trip.
- Fairhope – cute downtown and Grand Hotel
- Dauphin Island – Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Beach and Ferry to Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores
- Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – Absolutely Beautiful Beaches.
Adult Friendly Activities in Mobile
Mobile can have a fun a varied night-life scene. The closest collection of bars is found near Dauphin street. It’s common to start at one end of the street and make your way down to the other with stops in between. Many are considered “private clubs” to avoid shutting down at certain times so you may have to fill out a membership card and pay a membership fee – usually around $10.
What to Eat in Mobile Alabama
Mobile has some absolutely fabulous food choices. The seafood here is amazing but the southern comfort food and even the suishi is fabulous too.
West Mobile Places to Eat
My favorite West Mobile food choices are more sentimental because they are where we like to go with big groups of friends. Regardless, they are yummy.
Sabor A Mexico: Thursday night margarita’s were our crowd favorite
Sho Gun: This is probably my favorite sushi place and the prices are good. They have a cappuccino roll that I can’t find anywhere else.
Mellow Mushrooms: Near the university – they don’t just have great pizza. I love their Greek Salad and Jamaican Jerk Sandwich.
The Brick Pit: I love small restaurants with big grills.
Midtown Mobile Places to Eat
Dew Drop Inn: One of the oldest if not the oldest restaurant in Mobile and I don’t think the menu has changed. The prices are good but don’t expect much more than a pink hotdog on a basic bun.
Many of my other favorites in the midtown area are now closed.
Downtown Mobile Places to Eat
Noja: For nice date nights when your budget has some room to splurge.
Hero’s: On Dauphin Street. Good for a sandwich while you people watch.
Wintzell’s Oyster House: Yummy seafood in a fun atmosphere, very Mobile
Spot of Tea: This is the brunch spot in Mobile. It can get busy but has an old Mobile atmosphere and delicious food.
There are numerous other downtown restaurants that I’m sure are fabulous. Some of them come and go so fast, I try not to get to attached. My favorites Busaba’s and Picklefish are long gone.
The Causeway
The causeway is where everyone who loves good seafood goes for the best food.
Blue Gill – on the east side of the Causeway. Seafood, a good atmosphere, and often times good music. It you want to see a gator, usually there are 1-2 just hanging out back.
Felix Fish Camp – a little more upscale. Felix Fish Camp offers seafood, steaks and views.
Origional Oyster House – Great classic seafood with local vibe
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We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel. For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.
