If you are planning a trip to Dauphin Island, Alabama anytime soon, here are 5 things you need to know!
Our family took a trip back in September to Dauphin Island, Alabama. If you are familiar with Gulf Shores, then you will know that Dauphin Island is at the very tip of the peninsula.
It is about an hour from Gulf Shores. You can get there by riding the ferry, or driving around the island and coming across the bridge.
When we first booked our vacation house through Vacasa, we didn't really know a lot about the area. We had heard that it was perfect for someone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all.
We stayed there a whole week. While there, we learned a few tricks of the trade that I thought I would share with you. These will come in handy in case you are going to spend some time visiting Dauphin Island as well.
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5 Things You Need to Know if You Visit Dauphin Island
#1 Buy Groceries Before Heading to the Island
The very first thing we learned when we got to Dauphin Island is that buying groceries is not easy to do. On the island, there is a Dollar Store and a convenience store with extremely overpriced food. If you want groceries you have three options.
- Go to Greer's Grocery Mart in Theodore (about 20 minutes from the island) before you get there.
- Drive an hour to the Winn Dixie and shop there for your groceries once you arrive at your rental house.
- Buy your groceries before you travel and just bring them with you.
The Dollar Store is only about 12 minutes from the island so if you forget something, they do have most of what you need. But if the meat is what you are needing, you will need an official grocery store like Greer's or Winn Dixie.
Next time, we are planning on getting a cooler with ice and packing our meat with us. This is so that we do not have to go to the grocery store.
#2 The Public Beach Costs Money
The cool thing about staying on Dauphin Island is that most of the beach houses are on the beach and accessible right in your front door. We were about 100 steps from the beach and it was perfect for us.
If you plan on going to the public beach, you need to know that it actually costs money. They charge you per car and per person which can get pretty expensive.
If you go to the public beach during off-season, make plans to visit it Monday through Thursday because no one mans the money taking during those times. However, Friday and Saturday will be paydays.
#3 Dauphin Island is the Best Place for Shells and Sea Glass
When we chose Dauphin Island as our beach vacation, we had no idea that it would be the perfect location for finding all kinds of seashells and sea glass.
We started doing research and found it to be the #1 spot.
Every single morning and afternoon, we would take long walks on the beach with Tucker and a bag and we would pick up so many pieces of sea glass and seashells.
We bought home a cooler full that we are planning to use to make some crafts with.
#4 The Shopping is Great Here
One thing we learned while visiting Dauphin Island is that their souvenirs are much cheaper here than they are over in Gulf Shores or other parts of the beach.
They have one really awesome souvenir shop right as you come onto the island where you can get super soft t-shirts for only $10 and they are amazing.
They have a few boutiques as well that sell some amazing clothes and jewelry. It really is a great place to shop for unique items.
#5 Good Food Choices
There are not a lot of restaurants on the island, so you have to be choosy when finding a place to eat but we did find a few places that are worth mentioning for sure. Of course, we did have to drive to Fairhope so that we could experience a Yard Milkshake -- and we were not disappointed there!
Since we were able to eat at a few places, I thought I would list them all here.
Pirates Bar and Grill
We ate here for dinner one night and the food and view were fantastic. My son ordered the Blackened mahi-mahi and I got the blackened shrimp -- both of which were excellent. My husband ordered the ribeye steak and he said it was one of the best he had eaten in a while.
Lighthouse Bakery
We went there to get doughnuts but we found out that they do not sell doughnuts but they have other baked goods that are so delicious! I got a homemade cream cheese danish that literally melted in my mouth. It was so good.
Foxy's Waffle Bar
If you want a delicious waffle, go to Foxy's I got a smoothie that was out of this world, but the kids ordered waffles topped with crazy concoctions and they were phenomenal.
Miguel's Beach & Baha
Right beside Foxy's is Miguel's and they have the best tacos and nachos I have ever put in my mouth. Everything is fresh and homemade and if you do not eat here, you will be missing out!
Island Rainbow
We stopped here one afternoon to get ice cream and they have the best homemade ice cream I have ever eaten - I know I say that about a lot of food. They also serve pizza here but we did not get to try that.
Beached Cafe
Stephen loved eating here. They have these loaded fries that have gravy and brisket and cheese and demi-glace and they are fantastic. They have a ton of other artisan foods here as well and a full-time chef.
The rest of the time we were staying on Dauphin Island we chose to cook at our beach house. Everyone pitched in and we even had a couple of meals on the deck while we listened to the waves crashing against the shore.
Bonus Tip -- The Island is Pet-Friendly
Another great thing about Dauphin Island is that the majority of the beach houses and restaurants and the entire island is pet-friendly. (If you are planning to visit with an emotional support dog, check out this page to learn all about the ESA laws in Alabama).
We were able to get Tucker out and walk him on the beach every day and he loved it. He is definitely a beach bum for sure and loves getting his daily walk on.
I mean, what's not to love about getting sand between your fur toes right?
Finally
If you plan to visit Dauphin Island anytime soon, I hope you take these things into consideration.
I am sure that it will help you to have an amazing vacation as we did.
It felt good to get away and just unplug and relax for a week. This area is away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy places and is perfect for a family vacation.
We have already made plans to go back again and enjoy the area.
Oh wow, I have not yet visited Alabama, but when I do, I will definitely be going to Dauphin Island! What a fabulous and fun looking place! Loved your tips too...especially about purchasing your groceries before going to the island.
This is a place that I would like to visit. I like that you can walk to the beach
This looks like so much fun! We actually have family in Alabamha and would live to visit someday.
I love the view of Dauphin! Your tips will work wonderfully if we ever get down there. I can't believe this is Alabama!
Your trip to this beach town looks like it was so much fun. Your tip about making sure you buy groceries ahead of time is a really good idea at places where things like that can get pricey.
There's also Fort Gaines to explore on the east end of the island as well as The Goat Trees and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary - one of the first stops for migrating birds in the Spring and one of the birds' last stops when migrating in the Fall.
Groceries (and meat) can be purchased at Greer's Grocery about 20 minutes from the island.
This is good to know! We did not know there was a grocery store anywhere there. Our GPS did not show us that. Will make note of that in the post and for our future visits.
@Karen Boone, also an aquarium
My grands loved it amd so did I!
Very helpful information. I would have never thought about paying for the public beach.
@Rachel, some rentals come with parking passes.
This is for sure the perfect place for a family relaxing vacation. Such a beautiful and peaceful place!
Is seems that you really had a great time in Dauphin Island. The place is perfect to unwind. I also follow your tips especially the 1st one.
What a quiet and serene island paradise. Yeah I know, stuff are mostly overpriced based on my experience. Worth every penny spent!
Thank you so much for the tips! This would be perfect for a weekend getaway!
I've absolutely never heard of this place before and loved reading about it. Especially that its pet-friendly
I've taken my dogs to the beach, but never on an overnight trip. Did you give your pup a bath every night? How did you handle keeping him clean?
We used the outside shower and washed him off that way. But yes -- if he rolled in the sand, we had to give him a bath since he sleeps in the bed with us.
You didn’t mention the Sea Lab that is a great place to visit kids can pet the string rays and it is great
Hi Bettie
I will add that to the post. We didn't get to do the Sea Lab. I only added the things we did while we were there.
Thanks!
Where did you stay on the island?
We stayed in a rental from Vacasa. If you read the post there is a link to the actual beach house we stayed in.
Any recommendations for a seafood market or getting fresh seafood to cook at home?
Are you talking about in Dauphin Island? I am not sure because we did not buy any seafood fresh while there so I have no idea. We ate out at a restaurant.
Best seafood on DI is from Skinner's Seafood - no seating, take out only. They do steamed shrimp, corn, potatoes seasoned with cajun seasoning in your choice of mild, medium or hot. You can also buy shrimp by the pound if you want to boil shrimp at your rental or even fill your cooler with shrimp to take home.
Definitely do Skinner's! You can see their shrimp boats out at night, and buy the fresh shrimp the next morning. We buy from them several times during the week when we are there. We do some of it steamed to make shrimp salad and some of it fresh to cook ourselves with corn, potatoes, lemon, onion, smoked sausage and crab boil.
I will have to remember that the next time we go!
@Jeff W., skinners. They go out every morning so it's nice and fresh.
@Jeff W.,
On Beinville Blvd a great place to buy fresh or steamed seafood fresh “Skinners” it’s located in the very middle of town - so to speak
My wife and I plus our 2 puppies spent a week on the island first week in October 2019. I grew up going to Gulf Shores with my family it had never spent more than a day on the island before. We fell in love with the slow pace of Dauphin Island and rode bikes all over the island and walked our dogs all over the island. We stopped at Walmart in Tillman’s Corner for our groceries on the way in it was about 45 minutes away. When we needed something in a pinch we either crossed the bridge and hit the dollar store up the highway or went to the Ship and Shore store on the Island. They had groceries, meats, vegetables, We found it by accident lol looking for a crab net. Was shocked To find that it was a full grocery store. Prices were higher than most groceries but not nearly as bad as the convenience market. Thanks for the tips! I hope everyone has as much fun as we did.
That is so awesome to hear! Yes - we had to do a lot of the same when it came to groceries, but once we got everything, we LOVED being on the Island away from everything. It was truly amazing. I am so glad you had the best time.
What is the policy on vehicles?
Are cars allowed on the island?I've heard they are quite restricted.
Cars are definitely allowed on the Island. There were tons of them everywhere
Hey thanks for taking the time to write this!
You are so welcome!
we are staying on Dauphin Island. Is the beach where the houses are considered public and do we have to pay to be on them each time?
The beach where the houses are at is just specifically for those houses. They do have a public beach at both the west end and the east end. And yes, you have to pay each time you visit it. You can walk along the beach where the houses are, but I am not sure you can just camp out there all day with your chairs and stuff. The houses on the bay side can use those beaches as well -- I think.
thanks.... Myself & hubby are planning a day trip in September from our stay in Orange Beach.. Your helpful hints are appreciated!!!!!
I had heard of Dauphin Island back in 2018 while waiting in line at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. Me and another lady was chatting about different places and she mentioned Dauphin Island. I had always thought about taking a trip but my former boyfriend wasn't interested in going to the beach. Thanks for your tips cause me and my son are planning a trip just around the corner!! These were very helpful.
You will have a blast. We LOVED it so much.
Thank you so much for this helpful information! I'm heading to Dauphin Island in two days and was wondering where to buy groceries, etc.
Especially happy to hear about the beach glass and seashells!!! I was excited to before reading your article and even more excited now.
Thanks so much!
You are so welcome! I am glad that I could help 🙂
Wow, great to find your website and get so many tips for Dauphin Island vacation. Planning to spend a couple of months there this winter.
Love Dauphin Island. Will be taking a family vacation there in June. This will be our third trip. I would like to add that another great place to get food on the island is Skinners seafood. You can order shrimp crablegs caught fresh by the family and they will fix it along with corn on the cob and potatoes. You just call and order and pick it up. Delicious. So peaceful on the the island. The house we have rented this year has parking passes to the beach. Can't wait until June.
Thanks for sharing that. I will have to check out Skinners the next time we are there!
Actually, the most convenient option for groceries is to do a pick up order for Tillman Corners Walmart and just pick up on the way. Most people are familiar with what Walmart offers, and it is the best price for basics…
That is good to know!
Our daughter stayed there for 3 weeks. Taking a course at Dauphin Island Sea Lab which has a very interesting nature museum and aquariums open to the public. All of your tips are spot on.
This sounds amazing. I wish we would have had the time to go here.
I've enjoyed reading your "important things to know", comments as well as others. This will be our first visit to Dauphin Island. We will be going first week in June with our son, daughter in law and 3 grandsons. I'm glad to know to stop before going to the island to purchase grocery items. I like cooking breakfast in the mornings and son & husband love grilling. We are looking forward to our beach trip. We are mountain trip people but the kiddos love the beach and are so excited about going.
Hope you guys have a great time.
My daughter plans to go here with a big group of friends for her 21st-Thoughts?
They will love it. It's a great place to unwind and have tons of fun.
Thank you so much, Great info!! Can you share the place you chose to stay? we are planning on spending Christmas there this year and want to be on the beach. Thanks!
It is in the post with a link to the actual place we stayed through Vacasa. The name of the house is called Dauphin Tale. It would be the perfect house to stay in on the beach. You can read more about Vacasa and the house we stayed in here
https://jenaroundtheworld.com/renting-a-beach-house-with-vacasa/
We went to Dauphin Island in June and learned only one part of the beach is pet friendly. It was a really long walk from the parking lot across a really long pier that then dumped you off into the sand with still a good 1/4 mile walk to the beach. There were no shells on that part of the beach. We were told that the main parking area on the end of the beach by the beach houses was not pet friendly. Where did you go and stay that allowed your dog? We were so disappointed with our first trip there.
That sounds like the public beach. The public beach does not allow dogs and is so heavily trafficked you cannot find anything. We tried that one day and were disappointed as well. The private beaches in front of the beach houses are all pet friendly and FULL of shells and sea glass. We stayed in the Dauphin Tale House that is for rent through Vacasa.
WHERE DO YOU CATCH THE FERRY AND THE COST
You can find out everything you need to know about the ferry and the pricing here https://mobilebayferry.com
Thanks!
Do you have beach houses that are not pet friendly? Also, Is the beach clean, and do people have to clean up after their pets. Not crazy about having to watch where I step. Are all the restaurants pet friendly? What are the rules because we don’t like pets in restaurants.
Hi Vonda - Most of the restaurants that have outdoor seating are pet friendly on the patios. There are some beach houses that do not allow pets. The beach is very clean. Most if not all of the pet owners clean up after their dogs so nothing to step over or worry about stepping on. Honestly -- if you are worried about pets so much, your best bet is to visit Gulf Shores area. They have a no pet policy everywhere. I think it would be more suited to your issue with dogs.
Thank you so much for this! We are going in august and can’t wait.
You will love it. It is my absolute favorite place to stay.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE GIFT SHOP YOU REFERRED TO?
I am not sure but it is right in the center of where all the shops are in Dauphin Island. You cannot miss it.
We are staying near the fort. Where did you find the best place to look for sea glass?
Just right out in front of our beach house. Even on the public beach we found tons of it.
Fyi, There is a public beach at the east end of the island past the fort that costs nothing.
Did you mention Skinners (the only fresh seafood market) on the island? it’s great and they’ll also steam your shrimp.
I did not mention those because we did not visit those. We went to the beach and I believe I mentioned it in the article. Thanks for stopping and leaving a comment!
What was the name of the place where you stayed?
It is called Dauphin Tale and I have it linked in the post.