Move Over Gulf Shores! Visit Alabama’s Secret White-Sand Island To Avoid The Crowds

Gulf Shores acquired the memo. Visitors have been uninterested in making highway journeys each summer season, primarily as inflation steered gasoline costs to new highs.

While not everybody can fly to Gulf Shores, flights are rising to this Southern paradise’s new industrial airport anchored by the more and more common finances airline Allegiant.

With 9 complete direct flight choices in 2025, there isn’t any denying crowds are all however unavoidable — even the key is out on neighboring Orange Beach providing comparable gorgeous shores.

That being mentioned, Alabama’s selections aren’t solely narrowed all the way down to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, nor do it’s important to accept brackish waters up north round Mobile.

What’s missed in Alabama (past an overrated faculty soccer group), are its cluster of barrier islands.

We at Travel Off Path are joyful to disclose Dauphin Island, boasting white sand seashores, fewer crowds, cozy trip leases, and a stunning historic

Welcome To Alabama’s ‘Sunset Capital‘

Who does not love a sundown?! Dracula, possibly?

After a enjoyable day spent beachside, there isn’t any higher technique to wind down within the salty breeze than taking in an epic sundown.

Alabama has many claims to fame, together with Southern hospitality and blissful waterfronts from Mobile to Gulf Shores, however it’s really Dauphin Island that is been topped the state’s ‘sundown capital’.

From the broad, inviting seashores to the rows of boats docked in Dauphin Marina, each night feels opportune for fiery skies.

While Dauphin Island has no towering inns or high-rise eyesores in any respect, some might even see that as a plus, giving the island a extra genuine hideaway really feel.

Though, the shortage of balconies definitely does not bode nicely for sweeping, elevated Gulf views or sunsets.

However, you would be hard-pressed to search out any guests disenchanted, claiming Dauphin does not dwell as much as the moniker.

In truth, one beachgoer posted on TripAdvisor that sunsets right here ‘took their breath away’.

Dauphin Island Is The Perfect Alternative To 2 Southern Paradises

Well, you most likely learn the headline should you’ve caught with me this far, so that you already know one different if Gulf Shores.

Head down the rightfully named Dauphin Island Parkway from Mobile or hop aboard the ferry from neighboring Fort Morgan and save your gasoline for the experience again.

Dauphin Island has undoubtedly turn into extra common through the years, particularly as Gulf Shores continues to soar.

It’s nonetheless comparatively off-the-radar for individuals who aren’t the adventurous sort, preferring to plant their butt within the sand and never transfer for every week.

That’s the enchantment to Dauphin Island — much less footprints within the sand, much less pizzazz, extra authenticity, and more room to benefit from the white-sand coast.

But, there’s one other Southern paradise that is not as well-known, which additionally makes Dauphin Island extra interesting.

Ever heard of Ship Island? It’s Mississippi’s best-kept secret, whilst extra vacationers are choosing the coast right here reasonably than the same-o, same-o seaside holidays in Florida.

Ship Island is simply open to the general public till October, however Dauphin Island is open year-round because it’s obtainable by each ferry and driving.

Plus, each supply vital historic forts tied again to the Civil War. Make positive you tour Fort Gaines when visiting the island — it is a good break from the beaming solar and actually fascinating to find out about its pivotal function within the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Where To Eat & Stay

The South + the ocean = nice meals. Tell me I’m not good at math…

Any journey to the Gulf, not to mention Alabama, requires a bib and boatload of napkins for all of the seafood you are set to devour.

Dauphin Island is simply a city of two,000 locals, so choices are restricted. Locals favor Pirate’s Bar & Grill, set on the seaside — and sure, it is an awesome spot to snag a patio seat to look at Dauphin’s famed sunsets.

Stays are restricted too. Usually, guests go for a trip rental, however friends rave in regards to the Inn At Dauphin Island too.

Of course, Dauphin Island additionally makes for an awesome day journey. Given the geographical constraints, it is not essentially the most accessible for doing so from Gulf Shores with out taking the ferry from Fort Morgan — it is much more possible from Mobile should you plan to drive.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.