Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores
Gardens and old forts around Mobile Bay, a car ferry across its mouth, and the white beaches and state park at Gulf Shores.
- Distance
- 186 km (116 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 04 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- States
- AL
- Updated
- May 12, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 186 km (116 mi) with 9 stops, from Mobile to USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. About 2 h 04 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Alabama
Route description
From Mobile, drive south to Bellingrath Gardens on the Fowl River, at its best during the spring azaleas. AL-193 then crosses a long bridge to Dauphin Island, a barrier island with a bird sanctuary on the spring and fall migration routes.
At the east end of the island, Fort Gaines guards the entrance to Mobile Bay. Next to it, the Mobile Bay Ferry carries cars and RVs across the bay to Fort Morgan in about 40 minutes; check the schedule and length limits ahead, and note that it can be cancelled in rough weather.
Fort Morgan is a huge star-shaped masonry fort at the end of the peninsula. AL-180 then runs east past dunes and beach houses to Gulf Shores and Gulf State Park, with a large campground, dune boardwalks and miles of paved trails for bikes.
Return north along the eastern shore of the bay to Fairhope, a pretty town with a long pier and bluff-top parks. End at the USS Alabama and the submarine USS Drum on the causeway back into Mobile. Spring and fall are best; summer is crowded and hot.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Mobile
AL - 236 km
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
NatureTheodore, ALFormal gardens and a 1930s home on the Fowl River, famous for spring azaleas and a large autumn chrysanthemum display.
- 324 km
Dauphin Island
AL - 44 km
Fort Gaines
HistoryDauphin Island, ALA brick fort guarding the mouth of Mobile Bay, where the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay was fought offshore. Walk the ramparts and tunnels.
- 57 km
Fort Morgan State Historic Site
HistoryGulf Shores, ALA massive star-shaped masonry fort at the tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula, facing Fort Gaines across the bay entrance. The car ferry from Dauphin Island lands next door.
- 637 km
Gulf Shores
AL - 76 km
Gulf State Park
NatureGulf Shores, ALBeaches, dune boardwalks, freshwater lakes and a big campground, linked by miles of paved trails. Bring bikes for the backcountry trail.
- 847 km
Fairhope
AL - 925 km
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
HistoryMobile, ALA World War II battleship and the submarine USS Drum moored on Mobile Bay, both open to explore from deck to engine room. Allow a few hours.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Mobile → Dauphin Island · 38 mi · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Bellingrath Gardens and Home.Overnight nearby, for example: Dauphin Island Campground (2 mi); Dockside RV Resort (13 mi).
- Day 2: Dauphin Island → Gulf State Park · 34 mi · 0 h 36 minOn the way: Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Gulf Shores.Overnight nearby, for example: Gulf State Park Campground (1 mi); KOA Holiday (15 mi).
- Day 3: Gulf State Park → USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park · 44 mi · 0 h 48 minOn the way: Fairhope.Overnight nearby, for example: Meaher State Park Campground (5 mi); Carson - Horse Trailer Camping (7 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores?
3-day road trip of about 186 km (116 mi) with 9 stops, from Mobile to USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. About 2 h 04 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 04 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores start and end?
It starts in Mobile and ends in USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
Which states does Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores pass through?
Alabama.
Where can you camp along Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores?
OpenStreetMap lists 99 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Gulf State Park Campground, Dauphin Island Campground and KOA Holiday.
When is the best time for Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
