Introduction – Things to Do in Mobile
Mobile, Alabama is likely the last place you’d expect to find much to do. After all, it’s pretty small and isn’t exactly close to any major cities. However, Mobile has a lot more going for it than you might think. From historic sites and museums to concerts and festivals, there are plenty of things to do in this Southern city that will keep you busy for days! Wan to book flights checks out Round Trip Flights for the best deals and offers.
Visit the USS Battleship Alabama Memorial Park
The USS Alabama is a World War II battleship. It was built in Mobile, Alabama, and launched on January 21, 1942. The USS Alabama was the first battleship commissioned by the United States Navy after World War I and was also one of five ships built by the United States to be named in honor of its 36th state. During its service with the United States Navy, it earned 15 battle stars and had 100 aircraft landings during its service in both World War II and Korea.
Its location is right next to Mobile Bay and you can take a tour of this amazing ship!
Tour the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is a great place to visit in Mobile. They have exhibits on how cars work, how water moves, and more. There’s also a planetarium where you can sit in the dark and watch a movie about space.
You can get there using public transportation or by taking an Uber or Lyft from downtown Mobile. If you don’t have either of those options available, it’s still possible to get there! Just drive down I-10 until you reach the exit for SSperanzaRd., which will be right before the interchange with I-65/US-31 (Exit 1C). Once you’ve gone through that exit ramp onto I-65/US-31 Southbound (marked as Exit 1C), stay in your lane and follow signs for US Highway 90 East toward Dauphin Island Parkway Northbound (you’ll want to go under overpasses). Follow this road until it dead ends at Dauphin Island Parkway Northbound; there will be signs pointing toward The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center on your left side after going over another bridge.
Check out Mobile Carnival Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of carnival in Mobile and the South, take a trip to the Mobile Carnival Museum. The museum is located in downtown Mobile, just a few blocks from Government Street. It offers free admission and is open year-round.
The museum has a great collection of artifacts related to the carnival, including old posters and photographs that show how the carnival has changed over time. You can also find information about local businesses and organizations that are dedicated to promoting carnival culture throughout the region today. A gift shop on-site sells items such as masks, clothing items made by locals with local materials (such as grasses), as well as books written by experts on this topic!
Attend a festival
A few of the best festivals in Mobile are the Mobile International Festival, the Mobile Bay Beer Festival, and the Mobile Seafood Festival. If you’re looking for a classical music experience, be sure to hit up the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. The ArtsFest is also a popular festival held annually with live performances from local artists.
Stop at Fort Conde Museum/Fort Conde Welcome Center
In Mobile, you can visit Fort Conde. This National Historic Landmark was built in 1721 by the French and was a major port for them. Today, it is open to visitors who want to learn more about this part of Mobile’s history. Fort Conde is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
See the Torch of Friendship
The Torch of Friendship is a replica of the original torch that was used to light the Olympic flame in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1996 Summer Olympics. It is located on Government Street near Ketchum’s Restaurant and Bar. It is made of steel and weighs over 20 tons, which makes it pretty heavy.
The original torch was designed by Christopher Chadbourne Design Associates and has been sculpted into several different versions including aluminum torches, silver-plated torches, and even large-scale fiberglass models.
The name “Torch” comes from an old Greek word meaning “to pass on” or “to carry.” This makes sense since this particular torch is not only meant to be passed from one person to another but also from one city or country to another as part of an Olympic tradition known as “the Lighting ceremony”.
Attend a concert at Saenger Theater
The Saenger Theater is a historic landmark located on Mobile’s waterfront. It hosts concerts and other events, including plays from local theater groups and Broadway shows. The theater was built in 1926 as part of the Works Progress Administration during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program to help the nation recover from the Great Depression.
The Saenger Theater has been awarded several awards for its restoration work, including being named “America’s Most Endangered Historic Places” by Preservation Magazine in 2016 and being designated as an official state historic site by Alabama Historical Commission since 2013 (state historic sites are listed on both national and state registers).
The building is also known as “The Old Opera House,” which was originally built in 1842 but burned down shortly after opening its doors due to faulty wiring—it reopened three years later with new materials incorporated into its design but never fully recovered financially until recently when major renovations began again thanks to private donations made specifically toward this cause by people like you!
See the Mobile Ocean Expo Aquarium
The Mobile Ocean Expo Aquarium is a great way to learn about the Gulf of Mexico and its marine life. It has several exhibits, including a stingray lagoon, an eel exhibit, and a large tank that houses sharks and tropical fish from all over the world. The aquarium also has an interactive touch tank where guests can feel sea creatures such as starfish or octopi.
The aquarium offers special monthly events such as storytime with Santa Claus during the Christmas season; it also hosts family-friendly activities like Boo at the Zoo during the Halloween season as well as other seasonal activities like Easter egg hunts and summer camps for children (ages 3-8). Pricing starts at $10 per person but varies depending on which packages are chosen. An annual pass costs $27 plus tax, while a two-day weekend pass costs only $12 plus tax—both of these passes allow unlimited access to both exhibits during normal operating hours (Monday through Sunday).
Mobile has more to offer than you might realize.
Mobile, Alabama is more than just the port city of a show like “Mobile Homicide Unit.” This historic town has tons to offer its residents and visitors alike. From unique festivals to historic architecture and museums, here’s a look at some of the things you can do in Mobile that are worth visiting.
- Explore Mobile’s history: The first thing you’ll want to do when visiting or living in this coastal city is explore its rich historical background. You can visit Fort Conde de Gaultier (dating back to 1702), Bellingrath Gardens & Home (a beautiful estate built around 1914), or enjoy one of many museums such as the History Museum of Mobile or the Battleship USS ALABAMA museum.
- Take part in annual events: There are several festivals throughout the year including Mardi Gras, Greek Festival & Parade, and BayFest Music Festival—all of which attract hundreds of thousands of people every year! There are also plenty more options for events throughout each month so check out our calendar for upcoming happenings!
Conclusion
We hope we’ve given you some ideas for things to do in Mobile, Alabama. If you’re looking for other places to visit in the area, check out our list of top attractions and destinations in the Gulf Coast states. Want to rent a car check out the best car rental deals for best deals and offers.
