Know beforeYou Go

Getting there

By car from Mobile: Take I-10 to AL-193 south and follow it over the Dauphin Island Bridge. Plan on roughly 45 minutes from downtown Mobile without traffic.

From Gulf Shores and Orange Beach: Drive west on AL-180 to Fort Morgan and take the Mobile Bay Ferry across. It skips the long drive around the bay.

Flying in: Mobile is the closest airport area. Pensacola is another option about two hours east. You will want a car on the island.

Mobile Bay Ferry

• The car ferry runs between the Dauphin Island landing on the east end and Fort Morgan.
• The crossing takes about 40 minutes, and riders often spot dolphins and pelicans.
• It is first come, first served. Tickets are sold in person at the landing, not online.
• Two boats run in the busy season and one in the off season, so waits can stretch to about 90 minutes.
• Weather can cancel runs. Full departure times for every season are on our Mobile Bay Ferry page, and the operator posts same-day updates on mobilebayferry.com.

Beach parking

The town-operated beaches use ParkMobile, zone 95202. One daily fee covers every town beach for the day, and parking is free outside the paid hours. April 1 to September 30 the paid window is 8 am to 7 pm at $10.35; October 1 to March 31 it is 8 am to 5 pm at $5.35. Annual passes are $150 at Town Hall, prorated to $75 from July 1 and $50 after Labor Day, and resident decals are $5. See the beach guide →

Weather & best times to visit

• Spring: Peak bird migration and mild weather. A favorite for birders.
• Summer: Hot, humid and busiest. Afternoon storms are common.
• Fall: Warm water, fewer crowds and fall migration. A great shoulder season.
• Winter: Quiet and cool, with some businesses on shorter hours.

Local tips

• Groceries on the island are limited. Stock up on the mainland.
• Fill your gas tank before you cross the bridge.
• Respect posted bird and turtle nesting areas on the beach.
• Check beach warning flags before swimming.

Dauphin Island FAQ

How do I get to Dauphin Island?

From Mobile, take I-10 to AL-193 south and follow it over the Dauphin Island Bridge. Plan on roughly 45 minutes from downtown Mobile without traffic. From Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, drive west on AL-180 to Fort Morgan and take the Mobile Bay Ferry across.

Does the Mobile Bay Ferry take cars?

Yes. The car ferry runs between the Dauphin Island landing on the east end and Fort Morgan. The crossing takes about 40 minutes and riders often spot dolphins and pelicans. It is first come, first served, and tickets are sold in person at the landing, not online.

Do you have to pay to park at Dauphin Island beaches?

The town-operated beaches use ParkMobile, zone 95202. One daily fee covers every town beach for the day, and parking is free outside the paid hours. April 1 to September 30 the paid window is 8 am to 7 pm at $10.35; October 1 to March 31 it is 8 am to 5 pm at $5.35. Annual passes are $150 at Town Hall, prorated to $75 from July 1 and $50 after Labor Day, and resident decals are $5.

When is hurricane season on Dauphin Island?

Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Watch the forecast, know your rental cancellation policy and follow local evacuation orders.

What is the best time of year to visit Dauphin Island?

Spring brings peak bird migration and mild weather. Fall offers warm water, fewer crowds and fall migration, making it a strong shoulder season. Summer is hot, humid and busiest, and winter is quiet and cool with some businesses on shorter hours.

Should I buy groceries before crossing the bridge?

Yes. Groceries on the island are limited, so stock up on the mainland. It is also worth filling your gas tank before you cross the bridge.