Dauphin Island

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Dauphin Island, located just off the coast of Mobile, is a sanctuary for migrating birds from South America and one of the state's most underappreciated vacation locations.

This Alabama island is an animal lover's paradise. The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary includes more than 150 acres of forests with a popular path system that leads walkers past a lake, dunes, marshes, and other natural features. It also lets you see alligators in the marshes and marine woods.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers instructional events and a popular aquarium with estuary species. History aficionados should visit Fort Gaines, which is well-known for its role in the American Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay.