Birding is the island's signature activity. Beginning in early April, thousands of songbirds make Dauphin Island their first rest stop after flying 600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula. More than 345 species have been recorded here, earning the island the title of "America's Birdiest Small Coastal City."
The Audubon Sanctuary is 164 acres of maritime pine forest with a freshwater lake, hiking trails, and an observation boardwalk. Passerines tend to settle into the oak grove at the east end near the campground. The Shell Mound, with its ancient live oaks forming a dense canopy, is the most popular birding spot. The towering "Goat Trees" on Grant Street are a local favorite, less crowded than the better-known sites.
The most spectacular birding happens during "fallout" conditions, when birds flying into a headwind or cold front over the Gulf arrive exhausted and literally fall out of the sky by the hundreds onto the island.
Fort Gaines, built in 1821 to protect Mobile Bay, saw action during the Civil War's Battle of Mobile Bay. The fort is well preserved and open to the public. A ferry connects to Fort Morgan across the bay.
The Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a public aquarium featuring marine life from the Gulf and the Mobile Bay estuary -- a good rainy-day option.
Fishing is excellent year-round. The Dauphin Island Marina runs dozens of fishing tournaments from May through September.