Daphne, Alabama is a beautiful city located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. With its abundance of outdoor activities, attractions and events, there is something for everyone to do in this charming Southern town. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting Daphne:
Guides on what Daphne is best known for
Top 12 Things To Do in Daphne, Alabama
1. American Sport Art Museum and Archives
The American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA) is an institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of sport in America. Located in Daphne, Alabama, ASAMA was founded by Dr. Thomas A. Hill Jr., a noted sports historian with over 40 years of experience researching and writing about sports history.
The museum houses collections of art, artifacts, documents, photographs and audio-visual materials that reflect the rich heritage of American sport from its beginnings to the present day. ASAMA works closely with local schools and organizations to promote education on the importance of physical activity throughout all ages as well as provide educational opportunities for children who have limited access to athletic programs or resources due to financial constraints. Through exhibitions such as “The Journey” which showcases African-American athletes from yesteryear through today, special events like Family Fun Days, film screenings, workshops and more – ASAMA provides engaging learning experiences for everyone who visits their facility or participates in one of their many activities.
ASAMA also offers traveling exhibits so that visitors can enjoy unique displays even when they are not able to visit the museum itself. These include interactive games that allow participants learn how various sports were played throughout different eras while also having fun at the same time! There is something for everyone at this incredible venue – whether you’re a lifelong athlete looking for inspiration or just someone curious about our nation’s sporting history – there will be something here sure to captivate your interest!
2. Blakeley State Park
alabama Blakeley State Park in Daphne, Alabama is a beautiful and historic park that offers a variety of recreational activities. This 1,050-acre state park was once the site of two major Civil War battles – The Battle of Blakeley in 1865 and the Battle of Spanish Fort in 1864. Today, visitors can explore this rich history through guided tours, interpretive exhibits at the museum, or by simply wandering
around the grounds.
The park has something for everyone – from camping to hiking trails, fishing ponds and boat ramps for canoeing or kayaking on Mobile Bay. There are several picnic areas with tables and grills available as well as plenty of open space for outdoor games. The nature center provides educational programs such as bird watching walks and reptile viewing opportunities throughout the year. For those looking to relax there is also an Olympic-sized swimming pool complete with slides and diving boards! Blakeley State Park also hosts special events like concerts under the stars during summer months along with reenactments from time to time allowing visitors to experience life during different periods in history firsthand!
Whether you’re looking for some fun outdoorsy activities or just want to take a stroll through historical sites; Blakeley State Park has something for everyone!
3. Daphne Bayfront Park
Daphne Bayfront Park is a public park located in the city of Daphne, Alabama. The park consists of over 50 acres of land that overlooks Mobile Bay and provides breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast. It features picnic areas, walking trails, fishing piers and boat ramps for convenient access to the bay. There are also covered pavilions available for rent and playgrounds with swings and slides for children to enjoy.
Visitors can take part in many recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing on one of the beaches along the shoreline. In addition to its natural beauty, Daphne Bayfront Park serves as an important educational resource by offering interactive exhibits about local wildlife habitats and ecosystems found along Alabama’s coastline.
4. Meaher State Park
Meaher State Park is a state park located in Baldwin County, Alabama. It is situated on the western shore of Mobile Bay and offers visitors access to an array of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, hiking, camping and picnicking. The park is named after Dr. William B Meaher who owned the property during the late 19th century.
The main attraction at Meaher State Park are its three miles of white sandy beaches along Mobile Bay which provide excellent swimming opportunities as well as spectacular views across the bay to Dauphin Island and beyond. Other recreational activities available include:
- bird watching with over 150 species recorded here
- kayaking or canoeing on Fish River
- fishing for largemouth bass
- bream and catfish
- walking or biking along nature trails
- guided boat tours around nearby Blakeley Island
- hunting for deer, duck or turkey (during season)
- camping at one of 70 campsites equipped with water hook-ups or primitive sites for tent camping only
Meaher State Park also has an interpretive center where visitors can learn about local wildlife and habitats through interactive exhibits featuring animals native to South Alabama such as bald eagles, osprey and alligators. There’s also a pier that provides access to some great fishing spots within easy reach from shore. Overall Meaher State Park is a great place to spend time outdoors while exploring what this beautiful region has to offer!
5. Battleship Memorial Park
Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama is a military history theme park and museum dedicated to preserving the memory of those who served in the United States Navy. The park features a variety of attractions including the USS Alabama battleship, an aircraft pavilion displaying over 30 vintage planes and helicopters, a submarine exhibit featuring the USS Drum, and several other interactive exhibits showcasing naval warfare from World War II through modern day conflicts.
Visitors can take part in guided tours of each vessel as well as watch reenactments of historic battles on board. Other activities include educational programs for children and adults alike, special events such as air shows, fireworks displays during holidays like Fourth of July, and much more. Battleship Memorial Park also offers overnight camping opportunities for groups looking to explore all that this unique attraction has to offer.
6. Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is a non-profit marine research and education facility located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, Alabama. Established in 1971, DISL has become one of the leading oceanographic research centers in the Gulf of Mexico region. It provides educational opportunities for students from elementary to graduate levels through its Marine Science Education program as well as outreach activities throughout coastal Alabama. The mission of DISL is to promote understanding and stewardship of marine life and ecosystems through science-based education, research and public engagement.
To achieve this goal, the lab offers a wide range of programs including:
- laboratory courses
- summer camps
- lectures by scientists and guest speakers
- internships for high school
- boat charters for scientific cruises to study estuarine processes
- museum tours with displays highlighting local maritime history and ecology topics
In addition to these initiatives, DISL also operates several major research vessels that are used year round by faculty members at neighboring universities such as University of South Alabama (USA), Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), Spring Hill College (SHC) among others. These vessels allow researchers access into deeper waters beyond what can be reached from shore which allows them to collect data on various species like dolphins or sea turtles which can then be used in studies related to their behavior or population trends. The lab also houses state-of-the art laboratories where faculty members work together with student interns conducting experiments involving fish physiology or zooplankton communities living within Mobile Bay’s estuaries.
Overall, DISL plays an essential role in not only providing invaluable experiences for educators but also advancing our knowledge about marine life found along Gulf Coast states like Texas all the way east towards Florida’s panhandle region!
7. Rock Creek Golf Club
Rock Creek Golf Club in Guntersville, Alabama is one of the premier golf courses in the nation. The 18-hole championship course was designed by famed architect Tom Fazio and features a natural rolling terrain with breathtaking views of Lake Guntersville. With four sets of tees, Rock Creek offers a challenge to players of all skill levels.
The signature hole is the par 3 10th, which plays over 200 yards from the back tees and requires an accurate tee shot to avoid two bunkers guarding the green. The clubhouse at Rock Creek provides guests with every amenity imaginable for a day on the links including a pro shop stocked with top name brands, locker rooms, showers, full bar and grill as well as outdoor seating overlooking the lake and golf course. Whether you are looking for a challenging round or just want to relax after your round at their poolside cabana bar & grill – Rock Creek has it all! Whether you’re an experienced golfer or new to the game – everyone can enjoy their time at this beautiful facility located only minutes away from downtown Huntsville.
With its stunning scenery and perfect blend of challenge and fun – there’s no better place than Rock Creek Golf Club in Guntersville Alabama!
8. Weeks Bay Reserve
Weeks Bay Reserve Trails in Alabama is a great place to explore nature and get out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The trails at Weeks Bay Reserve are well-maintained and provide plenty of scenic views for hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, runners, birdwatchers, photographers, or those just looking for a peaceful stroll.
There are several looped trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty levels; all with stunning natural features such as wetlands marshlands and lush forests filled with native wildlife. The reserve also offers educational programs where visitors can learn about the area’s history and ecology through guided hikes or volunteer opportunities. A boardwalk extends over part of the bay while two observation towers offer breathtaking views overlooking Weeks Bay itself – perfect for watching sunsets or taking in the beauty of this unique coastal ecosystem.
Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or someone just looking to spend some time getting back to nature – Weeks Bay Reserve Trails has something for everyone!
9. Gator Alley Boardwalk
Gator Alley Boardwalk is a popular boardwalk located in Orange Beach, Alabama. The boardwalk offers stunning views of the Gulf Coast and provides visitors with an opportunity to observe alligators in their natural habitat. Visitors can also explore a variety of other wildlife while taking a leisurely stroll along the wooden walkway.
The Gator Alley Boardwalk was built over an old oyster bed that had been abandoned for many years, giving it its unique character. It stretches over 1/3 mile long and winds through marshlands and wooded areas where visitors will find plenty of wildlife including wading birds, turtles, raccoons, owls, and armadillos as well as alligators! Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars so they can get close-up views of the local wildlife from the safety of the boardwalk’s observation platform. There is also an educational center at one end which features interactive displays about local plants and animals such as sea turtles and dolphins.
To go with its educational opportunities, Gator Alley Boardwalk has become quite popular among photographers due to its picturesque scenery and abundance of photogenic subjects like egrets fishing in shallow waters or young gators sunning themselves on logs near shorelines. The area around Gator Alley is home to some rare species such as bald eagles who often soar overhead during sunset hours which makes this spot even more special for nature lovers looking for something different than what you’d typically find at most beach destinations!
10. Orange Beach
Orange Beach is a city located in Baldwin County, Alabama. It is situated on the Gulf of Mexico and has become an increasingly popular vacation destination over the years due to its beautiful beaches, great fishing opportunities, and range of recreational activities. The city’s economy relies heavily on tourism, but it also has some manufacturing and service industries that provide jobs for local
residents.
The area known today as Orange Beach was first inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Creek and Choctaw who lived along the shores of what was then called Perdido Bay. By 1819, settlers from Georgia began arriving in present-day Orange Beach to establish cotton plantations. In 1873, a post office opened in nearby Wolf Bay which marked the beginning of modern day Orange Beach when John Wozniak purchased land there for his store and boat landing business. As more people settled into this area for farming or commercial fishing operations throughout the early 1900s, Orange Beach slowly became more established with roads being constructed throughout town during World War II to support military operations at nearby airfields.
Today visitors can enjoy many outdoor recreation activities such as:
- swimming
- sunbathing on white sand beaches
- jet skiing
- dolphin cruises
- snorkeling/scuba diving
- kayaking/canoeing through back bays or inland waterways
- deep sea fishing charters
11. Daphne History Museum
The Daphne History Museum is a museum located in Daphne, Alabama, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of the city and its surrounding areas. The museum was founded in 1985 by local historian Dr. John L. Hardin as part of his commitment to share the rich heritage of this community with all generations. The primary focus of the museum is on artifacts related to Native American culture, early settler life, military history, railroads and transportation systems throughout Baldwin County’s past.
Along with hosting rotating exhibitions featuring topics such as World War I & II memorabilia or African-American contributions through artistry and music, the Daphne History Museum also offers educational programs for area students ranging from Kindergarten through high school age groups which feature hands-on activities such as archaeological digs or simulated visits into an old-fashioned general store where children can learn about how goods were priced in earlier times versus today’s prices for similar items.
12. Fairhope Municipal Pier & Park
Fairhope Municipal Pier & Park is a public park located in Fairhope, Alabama. It is situated on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay and offers stunning views of the bay and its surrounding landscape. The pier stretches out into the bay for over 800 feet, making it one of the longest piers in Alabama. Visitors to this family-friendly park can enjoy activities such as fishing, walking along the pier or exploring nearby trails. There are two playgrounds for children to play on, picnic tables for enjoying meals outdoors and benches scattered throughout the park offering a place to relax and take in all that nature has to offer.
In addition to being home to some incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, Fairhope Municipal Pier & Park is also host to several annual events like music concerts, art festivals and fireworks shows during summer months. There’s always something happening at this unique location! Whether visitors are looking for an opportunity to fish off one of America’s longest piers or just want a chance to escape from city life while taking in breathtaking views of Mobile Bay – Fairhope Municipal Pier & Park has something special waiting around every corner!
Why Visit Daphne, Alabama
Daphne, Alabama is a small city located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County. It was founded in 1874 and incorporated in 1925. Daphne has a population of about 25,000 people and is part of the Mobile metropolitan area. The city’s slogan is “The Jubilee City” which reflects its rich history as a center for jubilee celebrations during the late 19th century when thousands of fish would appear en masse off Daphne’s shores each summer.
Daphne offers an attractive quality of life with many parks including Trione Park with trails, playgrounds and picnic areas, Meaher State Park featuring fishing piers, Lake Forest Beach offering swimming pools and tennis courts, Fort Morgan Historic Site providing educational programs about civil war battles fought nearby, Splash Adventure Waterpark filled with thrilling slides and rides, Gulf Coast Zoo housing over 500 animals from around the world, plus more!
There are also several golf courses to choose from if you’re looking to hit some balls while enjoying beautiful views along Mobile Bay. There are also plenty of shopping options available within Daphne itself or just outside town at Eastern Shore Centre mall or Tanger Outlets Foley where you can find great deals on clothing and accessories. You’ll also find numerous restaurants serving up delicious local seafood dishes like oysters Rockefeller or shrimp creole.
And don’t forget about all the festivals that come through throughout the year like Jubilee Festival celebrating local artisans & craftsmen plus live music & entertainment! If you’re looking for something fun to do indoors then head over to Lazer Zone Laser Tag Arena where kids (and adults!) can battle it out using laser guns in an exciting game environment. Or take a step back into history by visiting one of two museums – Battleship Memorial Park Museum showcasing artifacts from WWII era ships & submarines or Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab featuring aquatic life displays & interactive exhibits about coastal ecosystems found near Alabama’s coastlines!
Overall, there’s no shortage of things to do in this charming southern city so come explore what Daphne has to offer today!
Things to do in Alabaster