Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Mobile, AL

  • Published 2022/10/10

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to spend your vacation, look no further than Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama.

The city has a rich history and culture that any tourist will surely enjoy.

Did you know that Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras?

That’s right—the annual carnival celebration that takes place in New Orleans every year actually started in this city.

In fact, Mobile is home to one of the country’s oldest and largest Mardi Gras celebrations.

There’s no better place to experience all the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras than in its original home city!

Mobile was founded by French colonists in 1702 and has been a vital part of American history.

This vibrant city offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

There are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, including local restaurants and attractions.

From award-winning seafood joints to beautiful parks and gardens, there’s something for everyone in this city.

Here are some of the best things to do in this Mobile, Alabama:

Explore Mobile’s Historic Districts

Buildings at Downtown Mobile

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If you’re looking for a glimpse into Mobile’s history, you’ll want to explore the city’s historic districts.

These districts are home to many of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings.

The French Quarter is the oldest district in Mobile and houses some of the city’s most iconic works of architecture.

Water fountain at Downtown Mobile

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It’s home to many of the city’s oldest churches and public buildings, including the Government Street Presbyterian Church and the Mobile Government Plaza.

The Spanish Quarter is located just north of the French Quarter and is named for the Spanish settlers who founded Mobile in 1702.

This district is home to many of Mobile’s earliest churches and public buildings, including the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Downtown Mobile is the heart of the city and is home to a wide variety of businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Fort conde at Downtown Mobile

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It is also home to several important historical landmarks, including Fort Conde and Bienville Square.

Each district has its own unique character and charm.

You can walk through these historic districts and see how they’ve changed over time, or take a guided tour and learn more about their history.

Grounds of fort conde at Downtown Mobile

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Shop at Mobile’s Market in the Park and Stock up on Some Local Produce

Mobile’s Market in the Park is a local farmers’ market that offers fresh produce and other goods from local farmers and artisans.

It’s open every Saturday at Cathedral Square Park and is a great place to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.

The market also has a variety of other goods, including meat, eggs, cheese, bread, and flowers.

Check out the food trucks usually parked at the market if you’re looking for something to eat.

You can find everything from tacos to ice cream at the Mobile Market in the Park.

Take a Walking Tour and Stroll through Bienville Square

Fountain at Bienville Square

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Bienville Square is a beautiful park located on Dauphin Street, in the heart of Downtown Mobile.

This charming square features a variety of businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

It’s also home to several important historical landmarks, including Fort Conde and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

Aerial view of Bienville Square

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Bienville Square is a great place to spend an afternoon, and there are always plenty of things to do.

You can walk through the gardens and admire the beautiful flowers, or take a stroll through the park and enjoy the shade of the oak trees.

If you’re looking for something fun to do in the evening, be sure to check out one of the local restaurants or bars in Bienville Square.

Daytime view of Bienville Square

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Spark Your Children’s Scientific Curiosity and See the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is a museum and science center on Government Street.

Voted one of Alabama’s top attractions for several years, the center has a variety of exhibits that teach visitors about science, technology, and history.

These include a variety of interactive displays and activities that allow children to learn about scientific exploration.

With general science exhibits that cover topics like chemistry, physics, and biology, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center allows children to learn about these topics in an exciting and engaging way.

The center also has a planetarium and a Digital Dome Theater (formerly IMAX theater) with regular shows about nature’s wilderness, rainforests, and wildlife.

Learn More about the Birthplace of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum

Exterior of the Mobile Carnival Museum

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Located along Government Street, the Mobile Carnival Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Mardi Gras.

If you’re looking to learn more about this iconic celebration, be sure to visit this museum.

Exhibit in Mobile Carnival Museum

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It’s home to various exhibits that tell the story of Mardi Gras from its origins in Mobile to the modern day.

Mardi gras outfit in Mobile Carnival Museum

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The Mobile Carnival Museum is also home to various artifacts and memorabilia from past Mardi Gras celebrations, including costumes, parade floats, and even jewelry.

Don’t forget to check out the museum’s gift shop for some unique souvenirs!

A crown in Mobile Carnival Museum

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Relive Mobile’s Historic Southern Charm at the Historic Oakleigh House Museum

The Historic Oakleigh House Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Mobile’s history.

The museum is located in the heart of the Oakleigh Garden Historic District.

It houses exhibits that chronicle the history of Mobile from its earliest days to the present.

The Historic Oakleigh House Museum has over 1,000 historical artifacts that depict Southern living in Mobile from the 1800s to the 1950s.

It also houses a vast fine art collection, including the works of Thomas Sully, Roderick McKenzie, Louise Heustis, and William West.

There is also a lovely garden on-site, perfect for a relaxing stroll on a sunny day.

Unwind with an Afternoon Stroll and Visit Mobile Botanical Gardens

A tree at Mobile Botanical Gardens

Andrea Wright from Mobile, AL, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located along Museum Drive, Mobile Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, and there are plenty of things to do there.

The gardens are home to various plants and flowers, and there are also several gardens that specialize in a particular type of plant.

For example, the Japanese Garden is home to plants and trees native to Japan, while the Italian Garden is full of beautiful flowers and fountains.

There are several walking trails that wind through the different gardens, so you can explore them all.

If you get tired, you can stop by Mobile Botanical Gardens’ cafe for a bite to eat!

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Three Georges Fine Southern Chocolates

Building sign of Three Georges Fine Southern Chocolates

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If you’re looking for a delicious treat while in Mobile, check out Three Georges Fine Southern Chocolates on Dauphin Street.

This local chocolatier has been serving up some of the best chocolate in the area for years, and its popularity is a Mobile staple.

Three Georges Fine Southern Chocolates started in 1917 when three Mobilian named George—George Pappas, George Pope, and George Spero—decided to open their own chocolate shop.

Since then, Three Georges Fine Southern Chocolates has continued to serve recipes handed down from the original Georges for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Be sure to drop by and dig into some chocolates while visiting Mobile!

See a Show at Mobile Opera

If you’re looking for some cultural entertainment while in Mobile, then be sure to check out Mobile Opera on Dauphin Street.

This opera company has been providing quality performances since 1947 and offers something for everyone.

With various operas and musicals to choose from, there’s sure to be something that appeals to you.

The company also hosts special events, including concerts and children’s shows.

If you want to learn more about opera or musical theater, you can attend one of the many workshops and classes offered by Mobile Opera.

Get a Taste of Mobile’s Art Scene at the Mobile Museum of Art

Building sign of Mobile Museum of Art

Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Located on Museum Drive, the Mobile Museum of Art is one of Mobile’s most popular tourist destinations.

It’s home to a variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, and other works from local and international artists.

Its curated collection features an assembly of American, European, African, and Asian art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative art.

Aerial view of Mobile Museum of Art

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The museum was founded in 1964 by The Board of Commissioners of the City of Mobile, along with two private arts entities from the Allied Arts Council and the Mobile Arts Association.

The Mobile Museum of Art has continued to grow over the years, and it now hosts special exhibitions from time to time.

Channel Your Inner Sailor and Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

View of the docked USS Alabama Battleship

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Nestled on Battleship Parkway, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a popular tourist destination commemorating the USS Alabama battleship.

It’s home to exhibits, including the battleship itself, a submarine, and various aircraft.

The park also has interactive exhibits, including a movie theater, a children’s play area, and several different simulator rides.

View from within the USS Alabama Battleship

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If you’re looking for more adventures, the park offers overnight stays for those interested in sleeping aboard the USS Alabama in the bunks of real sailors during World War II.

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is definitely worth a visit during your time in Mobile.

Aerial view of USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

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Get a Pint of Ice Cold Beer at Braided River Brewing Company

Braided River Brewing Company is a local brewery on St. Louis Street that has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years.

What started out as a small operation with a limited menu has turned into one of the most popular breweries in the area, thanks to its ever-changing beer menu and dedication to quality.

Braided River Brewing Company offers something for everyone, from light and refreshing beers to dark and rich stouts.

With new beers constantly being added to the menu, there’s always something new to try.

Be sure to check out this local brewery during your visit to Mobile!

Spend a Day Exploring the Grounds of Fort Conde

Canons at Fort Conde

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Located on South Royal Street, Fort Conde is a historic fort built by French explorers in 1723.

It was used as a defense against the British and is now one of Mobile’s most popular tourist destinations.

The grounds of Fort Conde

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Fort Conde underwent various name changes under different colonial powers, such as Fort Louis, Fort Charlotte, and Fuerta Carlota.

It houses a museum, art gallery, gift shop, movie theater, and children’s play area.

Night scene at Fort Conde

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Other Things to Do Nearby

Enjoy a Day of Fishing at Meaher State Park

Boardwalk at Meaher State Park

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If you’re looking for a great place to go fishing, be sure to check out Meaher State Park, 15 minutes from Mobile.

This park in Spanish Fort offers various fishing options, including freshwater and saltwater fishing.

The waters of Meaher State Park

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Meaher State Park is a prime fishing spot right along Mobile Bay, allowing fishermen to catch redfish, trout, flounder, and bass.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the dolphins that often swim in the bay.

Egret at Meaher State Park

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Try Your Luck and Bet on a Racing Game at Mobile Greyhound Park

Fifteen minutes from Mobile, Theodore’s Mobile Greyhound Park is a racetrack that offers live greyhound racing.

It’s one of Alabama’s most popular tourist destinations and is a great place to try your luck and bet on a racing game.

The park has been in operation since 1973 and is now one of the largest dog tracks in the country.

Mobile Greyhound Park offers several types of wagers, including win-place-show bets, quinella, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta.

If you’re looking for some food after the races are over, the park has Casey’s Cafe Dining.

Sample Some of the Best Seafood in Town at Felix’s Fish Camp

If you’re looking for a great seafood restaurant, you won’t be disappointed with Felix’s Fish Camp.

The restaurant is located in Spanish Fort, 10 minutes from Mobile.

It offers various Gulf seafood dishes, including crab legs, shrimp, and crawfish.

What makes Felix’s Fish Camp special is its Cajun-style seafood dishes.

If you’re looking for a more romantic atmosphere, be sure to time your visit just before sunset and see some breathtaking sceneries by Mobile Bay.

Final Thoughts

Mobile is a truly unique and wonderful place to visit.

This charming southern city has something for everyone, from history buffs to nature lovers.

With this list of the best things to do in Mobile, Alabama, you’ll never be bored on your vacation here!

So, what are you waiting for?

Start planning your trip to Mobile today!

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