A 3-mile trail wends through 137 acres of maritime forest, sand dunes and wetlands, marking a small space that's a big deal to the world's bird population. Dauphin Island is the first pit stop for birds returning north from their spring migration from Central and South America. A full 95% of Alabama's bird species have been observed on the island, resting up after the exhausting transcontinental journey. Bird lovers obviously adore this sanctuary, but it's a pristine escape for any nature lover.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Audubon Bird Sanctuary – Dauphin Island
Alabama
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
16.22 MILES
Centuries ago, salt-lashed oak forest, inundated coastal prairie and great quilts of sawgrass covered the Gulf Coast. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge…
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
19.25 MILES
This reserve seeks to protect the wetlands that spread between Mobile and Weeks Bay, an ecological smorgasboard ranging from salt marsh to flooded swamp…
-
0.5 MILES
The Estuarium acts as the public education space for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama's primary marine research facility. There are over 100 species on…
-
25.21 MILES
If you're looking for a more natural beach experience in Gulf Shores, consider Gulf State Park. There are 2 miles of beach here, as well as a nature…
-
27.34 MILES
Baseball historians should stop by Hank Aaron Stadium, home of the Mobile Bay Bears, where there is a museum set in Hank's old childhood home (moved to…
4.15 MILES
This fortress was built as Fort Bowyer during the War of 1812 to protect against potential British invasion of Mobile Bay. Later, Fort Morgan saw use…
-
0.69 MILES
Situated on the eastern edge of Dauphin Island are the well-preserved ruins of this fortress, which has guarded the approaches to Mobile Bay for centuries…
-
21.78 MILES
This small museum will appeal to regional history enthusiasts. The permanent exhibition is all about Fairhope's past: as a utopian colony for believers in…
Nearby Alabama attractions
0.5 MILES
The Estuarium acts as the public education space for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama's primary marine research facility. There are over 100 species on…
0.69 MILES
Situated on the eastern edge of Dauphin Island are the well-preserved ruins of this fortress, which has guarded the approaches to Mobile Bay for centuries…
4.15 MILES
This fortress was built as Fort Bowyer during the War of 1812 to protect against potential British invasion of Mobile Bay. Later, Fort Morgan saw use…
4. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
16.22 MILES
Centuries ago, salt-lashed oak forest, inundated coastal prairie and great quilts of sawgrass covered the Gulf Coast. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge…
5. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
19.25 MILES
This reserve seeks to protect the wetlands that spread between Mobile and Weeks Bay, an ecological smorgasboard ranging from salt marsh to flooded swamp…
21.78 MILES
This small museum will appeal to regional history enthusiasts. The permanent exhibition is all about Fairhope's past: as a utopian colony for believers in…
21.8 MILES
This gem of a library occupies an enormous building and boasts several classic reading rooms with nice views looking out onto town. It also has an…
22.01 MILES
Studio spaces and arts classes are contained within this art center, which is a focal point of Fairhope's First Friday Arts Walk. Rotating exhibits…