Fun in Lower Alabama

 

  Dauphin Island Alabama

 Dauphin Island is a beautiful area with a lot to do or nothing depending on what you are looking for. 

                                                              

The West End beach has the most going on-
umbrella, boogie boards, inflatables rentals,
sno-cone, snack, soda & water vendor
Food & beverage vendor.
Certified lifeguards on duty.


 

We had brought our dog, Spike, because I read that Dauphin Island beaches were pet friendly. Well, the West End Beach is not pet friendly so we could not go there. We passed a pet friendly beach on the way in and so we went back to that one. It cost a couple of dollars to get in and they do not take credit cards- cash only. It was a very pretty beach but the water was not as clear as I was hoping. I don't really like to swim if I cannot see my feet. Other reviews of the area say the water is blue and clear so maybe there had been a lot of rain before we went.

We went back a second time and went to the East End. We went to a little area on the East End that had a pretty little beach and the water was much clearer. I am not going to tell you exactly where we went because selfishly we want to keep this little area a secret but if you go just keep driving around Fort Gaines and looking around- you will find it. There were not many people there and it was protected by jetti so the water stayed shallow for quite a way and the surf was quite calm. Next time I will bring a raft and float around with my little dog while the guys swim and fish. Plus there was no cost to get to the beach. It was pretty much a perfect day.

Here is the link to the official Town of Dauphin Island website. 

Here are a couple of tips for a perfect beach day-

- Take a beach blanket. It is no fun if you get there and there is no where to sit when you get out of the water. I found a really great beach blanket at Target on clearance for $4 and I love it. The sand doesn't stick to it like an actual blanket or sheet and folds up easily.
- Make sure you take easy to eat snacks and water bottles. You definitely do not want sugary sweet drinks out in the sun. Snacks in individual bags help keep sand out of your food. I always pack chips in baggies for each person. some frozen grapes are great for a hot day and wraps are easier to eat than sandwiches and don't get soggy like bread does. I think the easier the better for the beach. I have done big meals on the beach trying to be all fancy and it just turns out badly. No one wants to eat on plates with forks on the beach so keep it simple and fun. But, plan for extra food. Sun and sand makes everyone really hungry.
-If you have to drive a while after the fun in the sun, take an extra change of clothes. It is a really uncomfortable drive in sandy, wet clothes. Put all the wet stuff in a trash bag to keep the sand contained in the car.