Move Over Gulf Shores! Visit Alabama’s Secret White-Sand Island To Avoid The Crowds

Gulf Shores received the memo. Visitors had been bored with making street journeys each summer time, primarily as inflation steered gasoline costs to new highs.

While not everybody can fly to Gulf Shores, flights are rising to this Southern paradise’s new business airport anchored by the more and more widespread funds airline Allegiant.

With 9 complete direct flight choices in 2025, there is not any denying crowds are all however unavoidable — even the key is out on neighboring Orange Beach providing comparable gorgeous shores.

That being mentioned, Alabama’s decisions aren’t solely narrowed all the way down to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, nor do you must accept brackish waters up north round Mobile.

What’s neglected in Alabama (past an overrated school soccer staff), are its cluster of barrier islands.

We at Travel Off Path are completely satisfied to disclose Dauphin Island, boasting white sand seashores, fewer crowds, cozy trip leases, and a shocking historic

Welcome To Alabama’s ‘Sunset Capital‘

Who would not love a sundown?! Dracula, perhaps?

After a enjoyable day spent beachside, there is not any higher technique to wind down within the salty breeze than taking in an epic sundown.

Alabama has many claims to fame, together with Southern hospitality and blissful waterfronts from Mobile to Gulf Shores, however it’s truly Dauphin Island that is been topped the state’s ‘sundown capital’.

From the extensive, inviting seashores to the rows of boats docked in Dauphin Marina, each night feels opportune for fiery skies.

While Dauphin Island has no towering accommodations or high-rise eyesores in any respect, some may even see that as a plus, giving the island a extra genuine hideaway really feel.

Though, the dearth of balconies actually would not bode effectively for sweeping, elevated Gulf views or sunsets.

However, you would be hard-pressed to seek out any guests disillusioned, claiming Dauphin would not stay as much as the moniker.

In truth, one beachgoer posted on TripAdvisor that sunsets right here ‘took their breath away’.

Dauphin Island Is The Perfect Alternative To 2 Southern Paradises

Well, you in all probability learn the headline in case you’ve caught with me this far, so that you already know one different if Gulf Shores.

Head down the rightfully named Dauphin Island Parkway from Mobile or hop aboard the ferry from neighboring Fort Morgan and save your gasoline for the experience again.

Dauphin Island has undoubtedly turn out to be extra widespread through the years, particularly as Gulf Shores continues to soar.

It’s nonetheless comparatively off-the-radar for individuals who aren’t the adventurous kind, preferring to plant their butt within the sand and never transfer for per week.

That’s the enchantment to Dauphin Island — much less footprints within the sand, much less pizzazz, extra authenticity, and more room to benefit from the white-sand coast.

But, there’s one other Southern paradise that is not as well-known, which additionally makes Dauphin Island extra interesting.

Ever heard of Ship Island? It’s Mississippi’s best-kept secret, whilst extra vacationers are choosing the coast right here reasonably than the same-o, same-o seashore holidays in Florida.

Ship Island is barely open to the general public till October, however Dauphin Island is open year-round because it’s accessible by each ferry and driving.

Plus, each provide important historic forts tied again to the Civil War. Make positive you tour Fort Gaines when visiting the island — it is a good break from the beaming solar and actually fascinating to study its pivotal position within the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Where To Eat & Stay

The South + the ocean = nice meals. Tell me I’m not good at math…

Any journey to the Gulf, not to mention Alabama, requires a bib and boatload of napkins for all of the seafood you are set to devour.

Dauphin Island is barely a city of two,000 locals, so choices are restricted. Locals favor Pirate’s Bar & Grill, set on the seashore — and sure, it is an excellent spot to snag a patio seat to observe Dauphin’s famed sunsets.

Stays are restricted too. Usually, guests go for a trip rental, however friends rave concerning the Inn At Dauphin Island too.

Of course, Dauphin Island additionally makes for an excellent day journey. Given the geographical constraints, it is not probably the most accessible for doing so from Gulf Shores with out taking the ferry from Fort Morgan — it is much more possible from Mobile in case you plan to drive.