Settled on Alabama for your next holiday? Plan the ultimate vacation by adding all the best things to do in Mobile, AL, into your itinerary.
A port city full of Southern charm, Mobile is the perfect travel destination for water lovers, families, and history buffs alike. Located on the shores of Mobile Bay, the city boasts a rich history dating back to its 18th-century colonial roots. The top tourist attractions in Mobile range from historic sites like Colonial Fort Conde and the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion to kid-friendly points of interest like GulfQuest National Maritime Museum and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.
Not sure what to do in Mobile for a wanderlust-worthy experience? Give your trip itinerary a boost with this complete guide to the best places to visit in Mobile, AL!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out all our other attractions guides and our Alabama Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do!
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USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
History buffs should start their Mobile adventure at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Take a tour and learn about the massive collection of genuine artifacts, military regalia, and artillery. The shining stars of the museum are the USS Drum Submarine docked at the edge of the harbor and, of course, the “Might A” itself.
Battleships aren’t the only authentic military vehicles to see at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. You can also get up close to United States spy planes and tanks. Don’t forget to try out the flight simulator in the new WWI exhibit!
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
Visiting Mobile with kids? Don’t miss out on a trip to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, one of the city’s top-rated family-friendly attractions.
A play-based museum, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center will guide your little ones through several interactive exhibits. Let them take the helm of a boat at sea, navigate their way through the human body, and even be blown away in the Tornado Tunnel. If you’re looking for a little educational fun while in Mobile, this is it!
For an immersive viewing experience of top-rate documentaries, plan a stop at the Dome Theater. Add a movie showing to your day at the museum or as a standalone attraction on your Mobile itinerary.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
For a historic home tour with a twist, set your sights on the Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Once the private estate of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, this 65-acre property is now open to the public—and you’re going to be glad that it is! From historic furnishings and a tiny chapel to a bayou boardwalk and sparkling lake, this top Mobile point of interest has it all.
The prized attractions at the Bellingrath Gardens and Home are the colorfully curated flowerbeds. The gardens constantly change throughout the year, with a whole new swatch of floral species blooming each month.
At Bellingrath Gardens, be sure to keep your eye out for the abundant Camellias, Alabama’s state flower; they grow over 400 varieties!
Mobile Museum of Art
If art museums are at the top of your bucket list for each new city you visit, the Mobile Museum of Art is the perfect choice. In addition to both permanent and visiting exhibitions, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through their top-notch sculpture garden. Plus, if you decide to embrace your inner artist, you can enroll in one-time clay work, textiles, or painting classes.
The Mobile Museum of Art takes a unique approach to displaying its permanent collection. With over 6,400 works to display, they constantly rotate the pieces featured in the galleries and curate limited-time exhibitions; every time you visit, you’ll have a unique experience and a chance to fall in love with a new artist!
Colonial Fort Conde
If you’re a history buff that’s found yourself in Mobile, Alabama, a trip to Colonial Fort Conde is a must. Originally dating back to 1793, the reconstructed fort offers a look back at the city’s position in the Spanish West Florida colony.
At Colonial Fort Conde, you’ll learn about the local colonial legacy through a living museum approach. The fort features weapons demonstrations, historical interpreters, and landmark recreations around every corner. Be sure to visit the colonial photo booth and create a memento to bring home from your holiday!
The landmark Colonial Fort Conde has sported many different names over the year. At various points in its history, it was also known as Fort Charlotte, Fort Louis, and Fuerte Carlota.
The replica fort is located in downtown Mobile. If you’d like to see the remains of the original fort, head over to Mardi Gras Park across the street.
History Museum of Mobile
As a National Historic Landmark, the History Museum of Mobile deserves a spot on your Alabama itinerary. Set in a striking 19th-century Italianate civic building, the popular museum outlines the city’s long history, from its earliest days as a French outpost to the modern day.
If you’re traveling with children, there’s plenty to keep them entertained at the History Museum of Mobile. In addition to permanent exhibits chronicling the events of Mobile history, you can bring the kiddos to the children’s discovery room, where they can get hands-on with artifacts like African drums and even play dress-up with real colonial garb!
The History Museum of Mobile also owns and operates Colonial Fort Conde and the Phoenix Fire Museum. Admission to both attractions is included in your ticket price; be sure to take full advantage of this three-for-one special!
Oakleigh House Museum
Need to add even more history into the mix? Step inside the Oakleigh House Museum and imagine yourself living the life of James Roper, the first of many prominent residents to live in this historic home.
At Oakleigh House Museum, you’ll feel as if you’ve opened a time capsule as you ascend the grand staircase, enter the master bedroom, and sit in the rocking chairs on the verandah.
Tours of the Oakleigh House Museum are only available from Tuesday to Saturday; be sure to keep this in mind if you’d like to plan a visit to one of Mobile’s oldest estates.
Mobile Carnival Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum. Prepare to be dazzled by displays of jewel-crested crowns and grandiose costumes in the place where it all started. (Yep, you heard that right: Mobile was the birthplace of Mardi Gras!)
Volunteer docents at the Mobile Carnival Museum will be more than happy to regale you with stories from past celebrations, teach you about the local history, and give you the inside scoop on float design. You can even try on a Mardi Gras mask for yourself and test your balance on board a real rocking float!
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
Want to learn about Mobile’s maritime history? From ages 4-99, the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is sure to be a hit with everyone in your travel crew. Come prepared to stay and play all day; there are endless amounts of interactive exhibits to explore here.
At the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll put on your captain’s hat and navigate tricky waters in a “Ship’s Ahoy!” quest, glass-bottom boat simulation, and explore the inside of a container ship.
If you’re not too spooked by the supernatural, you can even visit the infamous “Cassette Girls,” who’ll tell you stories of their sailing horrors and their to-be french settler husbands.
Conde Charlotte Museum
One of Mobile’s finest examples of historical preservation is the Conde Charlotte Museum. Built in 1822, this expansive estate has played many roles throughout the city’s history. It’s served as a courthouse, a jailhouse, and a home. Today, the historic house functions as a museum to commemorate them all.
A walk through the Conde Charlotte Museum is not one you’ll soon forget. Explore the unique collection of antiquities and watch as history unfolds around you through interpretive entertainment and day-in-the-life style exhibits.
Just keep in mind: The Conde Charlotte Museum is only open from Thursday to Saturday between 11 am and 3:30 pm.
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
Step inside the private lives of Mobile’s hottest socialites in 1855 at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. This striking Antebellum home is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Alabama—and after one look, you’ll understand why!
Chocked full of opulent period decor, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion represents a moment in time, memorialized for you to discover. After your tour of the historic Greek Revival-style home, you may be led into the dining room for a taste of the Old South if there aren’t any special events on the docket.
On a hot summer day, end your visit by sitting on the front steps and looking out at the grounds lined by oak trees and pink florals. (If that doesn’t transport you back in time, we don’t know what will!)
Mobile Botanical Gardens
For amateur horticulturalists and hobby gardeners, a visit to the Mobile Botanical Gardens is a real treat. Stop by these beautiful botanical gardens to feed the fish in the koi pond, search for butterflies in the pollinator garden, or go for a hike through 100 acres of trails and natural habitats.
You’ve been through a corn maze at your local fall fair, but have you ever wound your way through a tea labyrinth before? The tea maze is one of the Mobile Botanical Garden’s most popular attractions—and you’ll love it, too!
Feeling a little munchy? Two days a week, picnic boxes are available from local icon Georgia Roussos. She serves up southern staples like jambalaya and collared greens. See what’s on the menu and enjoy a delicious lunch among the beautiful blooms.
Richards-DAR House
Experience Mobile through the eyes of Charles Richards as you explore the Richards-DAR House. Though it’s smaller than some of the other historical homes in the area, this house truly a work of art. It’s packed to the brim with intricate molding, crystal chandeliers, and personalized fine details.
After each tour at the Richards-DAR House, guests are invited to an afternoon tea in the sitting room. Definitely plan to join them for the full historical experience!
Traveling to Mobile during the holiday season? The Christmas decorations at Richards-DAR House are worth a visit all on their own!
Dauphin Street
If you’re looking for a picturesque neighborhood to wander through on a quiet day? The gem of the city’s historic district, Dauphin Street is one of the best places to go in Mobile for an inside look at Greek Revival design and early-19th century to 20th-century architecture.
Dauphin Street is also one of Mobile’s main entertainment districts. Whether you’re looking for a trendy cafe for your morning cup of joe, a fine dining venue for a destination date, or exciting nightlife opportunities, you’ll find it in this lovely neighborhood.
Bienville Square
Get some fresh air at Bienville Square, one of the loveliest urban parks in Mobile, Alabama. This small but mighty greenspace is beautifully landscaped with a snapdragon garden, cascading water fountain, and pretty light features at night.
Fun fact: Bienville Square is known for its large population of resident squirrels. There’s even a peanut shop across the street where you can buy some snacks to feed these friendly locals!
If you find a gap in your trip itinerary, one of the best things to do in Mobile, AL, is to pack a picnic, bring a book to read under the towering live oaks, or sit on a bench and people-watch. No matter what your park-going personality is, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy at Bienville Square.
Hank Aaron Stadium
Buy some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and take the whole family out to a ballgame at Hank Aaron Stadium. Home of the Mobile BayBears minor league team, this ballpark offers the perfect afternoon outing for sports fans and entertainment-seekers alike.
The game schedule doesn’t jive with your travel plans? No problem! The Hank Aaron Stadium also includes a collection of the namesake’s family heirlooms and memorabilia from his career. Baseball lovers can explore the adjacent Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum for free and get a glimpse inside the life of this sports legend.
Meaher State Park
With over 1,300 acres of Mobile Bay wetlands and watersheds to explore, Meaher State Park is a naturalist’s dream—and also creates the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby.
At Meaher State Park, you can try your hand at geocaching or rent a boat and learn to paddle. Or, if twitching is more your jam, grab a field guide and head on down the AL Coastal Birding Trail.
One of the top points of interest in Mobile, the pier at Meaher State Park is also a must-see. It’ll provide you with striking photo opportunities, plus freshwater AND saltwater fishing. The 300-foot boardwalk is the perfect place for an evening stroll to watch the sunset over the Mobile Tensaw River Delta.
