Mobile, Alabama is the quintessential southern town that is often overlooked by tourists. It is a bit of a hidden gem that maintains its authentic charm.
I had a chance to visit my sister that lives in Mobile and she showed me around to all the best local and tourist hot spots!
Mobile is centrally located between New Orleans and Pensacola and makes for a great weekend getaway or road trip stop. Keep reading to discover 11 things to do in Mobile, Alabama!
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11 Things to do in Mobile, Alabama
Table of Contents
- 1. Explore Dauphin Street
- 2. Tour the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
- 3. Visit the History Museum of Mobile
- 4. Learn about the history of Mardi Gras
- 5. Stop by the Church Street Graveyard
- 6. Tour Oakleigh Mansion
- 7. Eat lunch at The Cheese Cottage
- 8. Take a day trip to Fairhope
- 9. Go to a speakeasy
- 10. Go antique shopping
- 11. Tour the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
1. Explore Dauphin Street
Dauphin Street is a vibrant street in historic downtown Mobile.
You’ll find colorful storefronts, trendy bars, sidewalk cafes, boutique shops, and an eccentric nightlife.
Be sure to stop at the A&M Peanut Shop where you can sample peanuts fresh out of the old-fashioned peanut roaster. They also sell a variety of specialty peanuts, the toffee ones are divine!
Mo’Bay Beignet Co. is housed in a charming historic building and serves up beignets that rival those found in New Orleans.
They also offer dipping sauces to perfectly compliment the pillowy donuts dusted in powdered sugar.
The Haberdasher is a favorite local haunt.
This bar serves craft cocktails and is reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy with vinyl banquettes, exposed brick walls, dark wood trim, and dim lighting.
Just across the street, you’ll find Squid Ink.
This eclectic gastropub was voted Most Innovative Menu in 2021 by Nappie Awards.
Stop in for a Shrimp Po’boy sandwich with a side of Mobtown Hot Fries.
If you are a foodie, you may want to consider booking a food tour where you get to sample dishes from 7 of Mobile’s best restaurants.
Bienville Square Park also lines Dauphin Street and is a great spot to enjoy a picnic or read a book. Just be aware that this park is overrun with squirrels!
The park is right by the peanut shop so the squirrels are anxiously awaiting a free handout. They are actually pretty entertaining to watch as they wrestle and chase each other around the park.
Bob’s Downtown Restaurant is a sidewalk cafe located a block north of Dauphin Street.
It is the perfect place to go for brunch to enjoy some home-cooked southern dishes.
You can’t go wrong with their biscuits & gravy, smoked gouda grits, Conecuh sausage, or French toast with sweet cream.
Their flakey buttermilk biscuits are also to die for!
The Saengar Theatre is located a block south of Dauphin Street. This historic theater was built in 1927 and has been a landmark in Mobile ever since.
Today, guests can still attend live concerts, movies, performances, and other events at this European-style theater.
2. Tour the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral Basilica in downtown Mobile is home to the oldest religious congregation in the Mississippi Valley.
This parish was established in 1703, one year after the founding of Mobile.
The current structure was constructed in 1835-1850 and was designated a minor basilica in 1962 by Pope John XXIII.
The cathedral is open for self-guided tours, except during Mass. Visitors are welcome to step inside and admire the remarkable architecture.
Take note of the stained glass windows that were imported from Germany in the early 1900s. It took 10 years to create these masterpieces that portray stories of Mary’s life as the mother of Jesus.
Visitors can also take the spiral staircase down to the underground crypt that serves as the final resting place for deceased bishops.
3. Visit the History Museum of Mobile
Mobile is the oldest city in Alabama. It was founded in 1702 as the capital of Colonial French Louisiana and has quite a fascinating history.
Mobile has since been governed by six different nations who were all vying to take charge of Alabama’s only port city.
As you walk around, notice that the historic buildings are all affixed with a crest bearing each of the national flags.
The best place to delve into Mobile’s history is at the History Museum of Mobile located inside the old city hall building.
Here you’ll find exhibits that chronicle the history from its early colonial beginnings to the present day.
Admission to the museum also includes admission to Fort Conde.
The original Fort Conde was built by French explorers in 1723 but fell under British and Spanish powers over the years.
There are only a few remains of the original fort that can be seen, but a replica fort was constructed in 1976 that visitors can tour.
The Conde-Charlotte Museum is also a great place to learn about Mobile’s history. Each room is furnished to reflect significant time periods throughout the history of Mobile.
You may want to consider getting a City Pass that includes admission to the History Museum, the Conde-Charlotte Museum, and 6 other attractions for only $35.
4. Learn about the history of Mardi Gras
You may be surprised to learn that Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras and not New Orleans.
The annual Mardi Gras Carnival began in Mobile in 1703 when it was the capital of Louisiana.
The tradition was started by Frenchman Nicholas Langlois and is considered the oldest official Carnival celebration in the U.S.
The Mardi Gras celebrations have evolved over the years, and Joe Cain is credited with starting the modern-day traditions of the Mardi Gras parades that we know today.
In 1866 he paraded through downtown Mobile dressed as an Indian chief during Mardi Gras in an effort to rejuvenate the city’s spirit after the Civil War.
Each year the parades and the costumes became more extravagant and began to reflect the Mardi Gras parades that we see today.
The Mardi Gras Carnival is still a beloved tradition in Mobile and is a fun event if you are able to attend!
Even if you aren’t visiting in the spring when Mardi Gras is in full force, you can still learn more about the history of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum and see the commemorative statues at Mardi Gras Park.
New Orleans is only a two-hour drive from Mobile, so if you are planning to visit then be sure to check out our guides for the Best Things to do in the French Quarter and The Best Places to Eat in New Orleans!
5. Stop by the Church Street Graveyard
The historic Church Street Graveyard dates back to 1819 and is the final resting place for some of Mobile’s most notable figures.
You’ll find the graves of Spanish officials, French settlers, prominent citizens, and many victims of yellow fever.
You can even visit Joe Cain’s grave which is adorned with colorful Mardi Gras beads.
The graveyard also features several above-ground tombs like those you will find in the cemeteries in New Orleans.
The Boyington Oak is also located just outside of the graveyard.
At the base of this towering oak tree, you’ll find a plaque that reads: “In 1835, Charles Boyington unjustly hanged for friend’s murder. Predicted an oak would grow from his heart to prove his innocence.”
The Big Zion AME Zion Church is located adjacent to the graveyard and is also a noteworthy historic landmark.
The church building was built in 1867, but the church congregation dates back to 1842 when it was created by a group of enslaved people.
6. Tour Oakleigh Mansion
Oakleigh Mansion is one of Mobile’s oldest and most beautiful historic homes.
This stately home was built in 1833 for 25-year-old James Roper who made a fortune with his brick manufacturing company.
Guided tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Tours are $10 for adults and start on the hour with the last tour beginning at 3 pm.
The tours are quite interesting as you learn about the history of this home and the families that lived here. You may even hear a few ghost stories!
The original estate was 35 acres but now sits on 3.5 acres. It is surrounded by live oak trees with the oldest tree dating back to 1700.
The interior of the home is filled with exquisite furnishings and decor. While they are not all original to the home, they are all original to the time period.
The oldest item in the home is the living room rug from the 1820s.
The most valuable item is the portrait over the piano. It was painted by the same artist that painted the portrait of Andrew Jackson that is found on the $20 bill.
Be sure to notice the mother-of-pearl piano keys, they are gorgeous!
The china set on the dining room table is also an original Queen Victoria china set from 1842. It is rare to have a complete 168-piece set still intact!
Also, take note of the jib window in the dining room. The window slides up and the little doors open to make a doorway leading out to the balcony for entertaining.
Another interesting detail is the floral wallpaper in the office.
The pattern is based on a swatch of Martha Washington’s ball gown that was given to one of the daughters during her tour of the White House.
Oakleigh Mansion is located in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District where you’ll find the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Mobile.
The streets are lined with historic Southern-style homes and live oaks arching over the road to create tree tunnels.
It reminded me so much of our girl’s weekend in Savannah!
7. Eat lunch at The Cheese Cottage
The Cheese Cottage is just as cute as it sounds! This darling cafe is housed in a restored 1920s gas station and is as cute as a button.
The menu features a variety of cheese-centered appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
However, I would highly recommend sharing a gourmet cheese board featuring locally sourced cheeses, meats, honey, seasonal fruits, and other ingredients.
The interior is reminiscent of a European cheese shop, and the exterior features a pergola for outdoor dining.
It really is the perfect spot for a girl’s lunch while visiting Mobile!
8. Take a day trip to Fairhope
Fairhope is a fairytale seaside town located about 20 minutes outside of Moblie.
The drive to Fairhope is beautiful as you cross over Mobile Bay, or Mo’Bay if you’re a local.
Once you reach the town, you’ll be greeted with the cutest mainstreet lined with brick buildings and garbage cans that double as flower planters.
Walk along Section Street where you can pop into an antique store, bookshop, or a local cafe.
Pick up some pimento cheese, crackers, and sweet tea at the local grocer then enjoy your Southern delicacies in the Fairhope French Quarter courtyard.
Panini Pete’s is also a great dining option. It’s a favorite spot of Food Network’s Guy Fieri and the seating is located inside of a picturesque glass house.
Fairhope also has several beaches along Mobile Bay.
Fairhope Beach and Park is the main city beach. You’ll find plenty of parking, a long stretch of sand, and the Fairhope Municipal Pier.
For a memorable experience, consider booking a 2-hour private sailing adventure for up to six people around Mobile Bay.
9. Go to a speakeasy
The Trustmark Bank building is probably the last place you would think to look for a hidden bar. That is exactly what makes this prohibition-era speakeasy so cool!
Las Floriditas is hidden in the basement of what used to be a bank and can be accessed by an elevator or stairway.
Once you reach the basement, you’ll find what looks like a library.
If you know the right password, the wall of bookshelves opens up to reveal a vault door that serves as the entrance to a Cuban-style speakeasy!
The password changes daily and can be found on their social media page. Check the page for their dress code as well.
In addition to drinks, Las Floriditas also serves up authentic Cuban dishes.
While in the Trustmark building, be sure to also check out the mural made entirely of Mardi Gras beads!
10. Go antique shopping
If you’ve ever been antique shopping in the south, then you’ll know that their shops are in a whole different league!
There is such a rich and extensive history in Mobile, and it is truly reflected in the antiques that you can find.
The Olde Mobile Antiques Gallery is one of the best places to go to find those one-of-a-kind treasures.
The 15,000-square-foot warehouse is filled from floor to ceiling with fine quality antique furniture, jewelry, art, china, flatware, rugs, books, knick-knacks, decor, and more.
Estate sales are also a great place to score vintage finds. They are held most weekends, click the link for local listings.
11. Tour the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is another one of Mobile’s grandest historic homes.
This Antebellum-period home was built in 1855 by Judge John Bragg.
The 13,000-square-foot home was the center of Mobile’s high society and hosted some of the finest parties in the south.
Today, the mansion is one of Mobile’s most sought-after venues and continues to host parties, weddings, and private events.
Visitors can also take a guided tour of this Greek Revival mansion. Tours are held Tuesday through Friday on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm, with the last tour beginning at 3 pm.
The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is a fine example of Southern elegance with a curved grand staircase, crystal chandeliers, thick wood moldings, and a double parlor.
However, the exterior of the home is my favorite with a forest of century-old live oaks, gas lanterns, and the dreamiest wrap-around porch with a haint blue ceiling.
As an interesting side note, you’ll notice that some of the main-level windows go right to the ground.
Back then, homes were taxed by the number of doors. To get around that, many of the homes had windows down to the floor that could be opened and used as a door.
Mobile really is filled with so much history and just oozes southern charm.
And if you’re interested in visiting New Orleans while you’re in the area, check out our guide How to Spend an Unforgettable Weekend in New Orleans!
If you are lucky enough to visit this underrated town, then I hope that this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Mobile, Alabama!
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