Dauphin Island travel guide

Dauphin Island is a town in Mobile County, Alabama, United States, located on a barrier island also named Dauphin Island. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 1,371. It is included in the Mobile metropolitan statistical area. It was named after Louis XIV's great-grandson and heir, the Dauphin.
The Gulf of Mexico is to the south of the island; the Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay are to the north. The island's eastern end helps to define the mouth of Mobile Bay. The eastern, wider portion of the island is shaded by thick stands of pine trees, but the narrow, western part of the island features scrub growth and few trees.
Dauphin Island, Alabama is the name of the incorporated community situated on the island. The island has a permanent population of about 1,200. It is home to Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, The Estuarium public aquarium, several restaurants, an airport, boat ramps, a large public pier, new condominium developments, historics sites, and numerous private homes. Beaches attract tourism, and fishing is a popular activity in the waters around the island. The island is connected to the mainland by the Gordon Persons Bridge.
Although the island has several bird sanctuaries, the main one is the 164 acre (663,684 m²) Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Dauphin Island is the first landfall encountered by many birds as they migrate north from South America, and as a consequence many species can be found resting there before continuing their journey. (...) more....