Mobile is known for many things — the abundance of French street names thanks to French explorers/brothers, Bienville and Iberville LeMoyne; the birthplace of Mardi Gras; and it holds several nickname titles, including Azalea City, The Port City, and The City of Six Flags. This city is teeming with plenty of adventures to enjoy! That’s why we at Merchants Plaza put together this list of fun outdoor things to do in Mobile, AL to help you find your next adventure around town.
Meaher State Park
Whether you like to fish, go camping, do some birdwatching, or are looking for a great picnic place, visit Meaher State Park to explore 1,327 acres of wetlands just north of Mobile Bay! Hit the water with your pole from the boat ramp or fishing pier, stake out one of the modern camping hookups for your RV or opt for a cabin or tent, or enjoy the sights with a self-guided walk along the boardwalk.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
If you live in Mobile or have passed through on your way to Florida or Mississippi, chances are you’ve seen the massive 77-year-old USS Alabama battleship (also known as the Mighty A) located in the bay. Did you know you it’s open to the public and serves as a historical landmark? This 45,000-ton warship began its journey in WWII in the North Atlantic, followed by the South Pacific seas. In 1965, it anchored home permanently in Mobile as part of the Veterans Memorial Park.
Downtown Mobile
Mobile is a 300-year-old historic city with a thriving downtown — an economic and cultural hub that has so much to offer when it comes to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. From festivals, open-air markets, and art galleries to brunching, parks, and museums, walking along the flower-lined streets is perfect for the family, a date night, or hangout time with friends.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Take a 15-mile drive to Bellingrath Gardens and Home to experience a one-of-a-kind floral wonder! Year-round blooms cover 65 acres of breathtaking gardens — enjoy gorgeous roses in the summer, cascading chrysanthemums in the fall, stunning camellias in the winter, picturesque azaleas in the spring, and so much more colorful pageantry in between. And at Christmas, this place becomes a light-filled wonderland! Make sure to visit the 10,500-square-foot museum home built in 1935 by well-known Mobile architect, George B. Rogers.
Alligator Alley
Interested in meeting two alligators named Captain Crunch and The Colonel? If you’re looking for fun outside the city, some great entertainment, and don’t mind a little drive, head on over to Alligator Alley, located 30 miles away across Mobile Bay in Summerdale. Stroll along the elevated boardwalk for a guided tour to get a glimpse of more than 450 alligators in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to stop by the gator station where you can hold a baby alligator, and make sure to check out hourly feeding shows — you can even feed the gators yourself!