If you have never spent any time along the Alabama coastline, then it is possible that you have missed out on one of the best kept secrets in Alabama tourism. Located just a short drive from Florida and Mississippi, Mobile is called Alabama’s “Port City”. It is one of Alabama’s larger cities and got its beginning in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.
When you visit Mobile, you will find the charming juxtaposition of the historic homes and buildings with vibrant modern architecture. Consequently, be sure to spend some time touring antebellum locations like the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion and modern art venues such as the Mobile Museum of Modern Art. If you want a slightly macabre activity, go to Mobile’s Medical Museum where you will see rare medical artifacts, tools and bullet extractors from the Civil War.
Perhaps two of the most well known attractions, aside from its beautiful beach, are the USS Alabama and Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The 35,000 ton USS Alabama is a memorial to American veterans since WWII. As you tour the ship, you will also see the USS Drum submarine, WWII aircrafts, a B-52 bomber and an A-12 Blackbird spy plane.
For 20th Century designs of a softer sort, spend some time at the gorgeous Bellingrath Gardens. The nearly century old flower gardens contain approximately 250,000 azalea plants, camellias, roses, and lilies. You can also tour the home or take a 45 minute river boat cruise on the Southern Belle.
Mobile, Alabama is full of places to see, stories to hear, activities to enjoy. Be sure you spend some time in this coastal Alabama city.