Mobile, AL, is a beautiful city, one full of history, charm, culture and ambiance. Visitors have an abundance of things to do and see. But sometimes, to get the real feel of a place, you have to get off the beaten path. Look for the unusual. Go where the crowds don’t go.
Here are a few suggestions for seeing a different side of Mobile.
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Historic Blakeley State Park - Spanish Fort, AL - Website / Directions
A hike through Blakeley State Park is a step back in time – specifically to April 19, 1865, when the last major battle of the Civil War was fought here on the same day Robert E. Lee was surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia. The park offers some 20 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, as well as Native American settlements, the site of the early town of Blakeley and some of the most biodiverse habitat in North America.
Open year-round. Small entrance fee. Suitable for families with children.
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Spear Hunting Museum - Summerdale, AL - Website / Directions
Gene Morris loved spear hunting so much, he built himself a museum as his legacy. Dedicated to his conquests, it showcases many of the 592 animals he killed, as well as a variety of weaponry. On display are lions, zebras, wolves, bears, boar, deer, alligators and many other species. Considered the greatest modern spear hunter, the retired U.S. Air Force colonel died of a heart attack in 2011 … while on a spear-hunting trip.
Admission is free. May be too intense for some children.
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Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail - Mobile, AL - Website / Directions
Founded by the daughter of prominent Civil Rights activists, this organization’s tours showcase the history and significant contributions of Blacks in Mobile as well as sharing the city’s long multicultural legacy. Stops include the city slave market; Africatown, a settlement area for the last slaves brought by ship from Africa; and Hank Aaron’s playground.
Several options are available, including downtown walking tours, self-guided tours and docent-led, step-on bus tours.
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Wintzell’s Oyster House - Mobile, AL - Website / Directions
Aw, shucks! Few foods are more synonymous with Mobile than oysters, and if you haven’t sampled this briny delicacy, you need to remedy that situation immediately. Wintzell’s has been slinging the tasty mollusks at its original Dauphin Street location since 1938.
Though oysters are the star of the menu, you can also order a range of other seafood items and even some proteins that don’t swim.
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Mobile Flea Market - Mobile, AL - Website / Directions
With more than 800 booths, the Mobile Flea Market is the largest market of its kind on the Gulf Coast. Be prepared to get lost in the 30 acres of books, furniture, housewares, jewelry, toys, motorcycle wear, plants, sports items and collectibles.
Open on Saturday and Sunday all year long. Small entry fee—plus you’re sure to find something you want to take home with you.
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