CITY SPOTLIGHT:

Your Guide to Mobile

park in Mobile, AL

Know Before You Go: About Mobile

Known as the birthplace of Mardi Gras—this coastal city knows how to have a good time.

As the arguable birthplace of Mardi Gras—this coastal Southern city knows how to have a good time. With its sunny Gulf Coast beaches, shady boulevards, historic districts and year-round festivals, Mobile (pronounced mo-beel) is more than just a bustling seaport. Explore the city's rich, cultural heritage, go to battle on the USS Alabama or eat your own weight in barbecue—the choice is yours.

Pack Your Swimsuit

Pack light for your trip to Mobile. The city is hot and humid in the summer, with highs in the 90s, but a short drive to the sugar-sand beaches of nearby barrier islands provides relief. Winter is quite moderate; when daytime temps rarely drop below the 60s, and nighttime lows hover around 40 degrees. October is the driest month, while March is the wettest. Hurricane season runs from May through September, and Mobile’s coastal location puts it at risk, so heed the warnings if storms are in the forecast.

Museums and More

An annual tradition since 1703, Mobile honors its Mardi Gras history at the Carnival Museum housed in an old mansion. Take a ride on a float with a rocking floor or don colorful costumes. From beads to battleships, make your way to USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which contains more than the great ship—it also houses a submarine, aircraft and tanks. If the beach is calling your name, the white sands of Dauphin Island are about 35 miles south of the city, and Gulf Shores, on the east side of Mobile Bay, is 50 miles to the southeast.

Shipping Takes the Helm

Mobile is one of the top shipping ports in the United States. It provides services for major trucking companies, steel manufacturers, ship builders and towing companies. The city also supports a growing aerospace industry and a healthy retail sector. Proud to be the site of the oldest organized carnival festivities in the country, Mobile bustles during Mardi Gras. It’s also the stopping-off point for travelers headed to the barrier islands and Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Mobile on the Move

Interstate 10, the main east-west highway in the U.S., and Interstate 65, a major north-south highway, converge in Mobile. If you’d prefer to fly in, major airlines serve Mobile Regional Airport. Amtrak provides thruway bus service to the rail connection to its Crescent line in Tuscaloosa. Once you’re in town, you can use the Wave Transit System to get to most places in Mobile or take the free moda! downtown electric connector trollies. Moda! stops are designated by a big, green umbrella shading a bench.

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Things to Do in Mobile

With fun events, family-friendly museums, great food and more, Mobile will keep you busy.