Dauphin Island is the southernmost tip of Mobile County, spanning over 6 miles of coastline from east to west with views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The barrier island is home to Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, multiple ferries across Mobile Bay to Baldwin County's Fort Morgan, Sand Island Lighthouse and Dauphin Island Elementary School. The island is also famous for the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, featuring 164 acres of trails on the east end of the coast. 

Due to unobstructed southern views, Dauphin Island has been deemed the Sunset Capital of Alabama and is considered a primarily residential island. Dauphin Island provides a quick escape for many locals thanks to the white, sandy beaches and small town atmosphere. It's also home to one of the area’s largest annual fishing tournaments, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. 

Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, so as you might expect, islanders like to celebrate the festivities each year by hosting a parade with floats, throws and live music. Dauphin Island kicks off the Mardi Gras events each year for the entire county, hosting the first parade of the season.