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When French colonists first reached the Gulf Coast, what is now Mobile proved a strategically important port to trade with Native Americans. In 1702, the French set up camp and founded Mobile as the capital of their new territory, French Louisiana.
As the decades rolled on, Mobile changed hands from France to Britain and finally to Spain before becoming a part of the U.S. in 1813. The city’s turbulent history didn’t end there though. When civil war broke out in 1861, Mobile saw its fair share of fighting, finally surrendering to Federal forces in 1865.
Having surrendered, General Taylor of the Confederate forces arranged a meeting with his Federal counterpart, Major General Canby, in Mobile. They went for what we would now call a ‘boozy lunch’, agreed the terms, and that was that. This spirit sums Mobile up nicely. Historically significant, Alabama’s only seaport, geographically in the ‘Deep South’, but somehow it maintains the air of a relaxed Florida beach town.
Today’s Mobile is lively but not crowded. It has all the makings of a New Orleans Bourbon Street party without feeling overwhelming. Traditional Alabama cuisine is Creole and southern culture intertwined with that of the Gulf Coast. All this combined means there are so many great things to do in Downtown Mobile.
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Getting to Mobile
Mobile is sandwiched between Florida and Mississippi, making it easily accessible from its neighbor states as well as from within Alabama.
By air
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is 13 miles west of Downtown. American, Delta and United all provide daily services from their East Coast and Texan hubs, with connections available across the world. There is no public transport to get you from the airport to all the things to do in Downtown Mobile, but Uber and Lyft are available. There are also a number of car rental outlets in the terminal.
By land
Mobile is on the I-10 highway, a popular road tripping route across the southern states between Jacksonville and Los Angeles. If you’re not driving, the best way to reach Mobile is by bus. Greyhound serves Mobile several times a day from Jacksonville, New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta and cities in between.
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited served Mobile en route from Los Angeles to Miami until Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Service is currently suspended east of New Orleans, but there are plans to restore it with current estimates aiming for spring 2025.
Top 5 things to do in Downtown Mobile, Alabama
1. Learn about the history of Mardi Gras
The legendary Mardi Gras celebrations may be synonymous with New Orleans, but the U.S.’s first Mardi Gras was right here in Mobile, introduced by the city’s French founders in 1703. As the French settlers expanded westwards, their capital shifted with them. Moving first to Biloxi, New Orleans took over as capital of French Louisiana in 1723, giving it the title of carnival capital.
The name Mardi Gras is French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and is the final day of carnival celebrations before the beginning of Lent.
In 2025, Mardi Gras will be on March 4. Carnival starts on Friday, February 14, 2025.
For the rest of the year, the city’s Mardi Gras heritage is on display at Mobile Carnival Museum. Exhibits include a feature on Mobile’s mystic societies who organize the festivities. Other highlights include displays from past years as well as elaborate outfits, jewelry and props plus a very informative film on the parade’s history.
Save time and money by purchasing a skip-the-line ticket before you go. Having played such a significant part in Mobile’s past and present, a visit to the Carnival Museum is one of the best things to do in Downtown Mobile.
2. Discover Mobile’s history
A visit to the History Museum of Mobile has to be one of the most interesting things to do in Downtown Mobile. Given just how much history the city holds, it is an unmissable stop.
Housed in a grand 19th-century Italianate hall, the museum has a massive collection of artefacts from Mobile’s past. It doesn’t stop there though: the museum features exhibits from around the world and, until January 2025, is hosting a special exhibition on Samurai culture.
The museum is also responsible for overseeing Mobile’s other major historic landmarks. Colonial Fort Conde is right next to the museum and a visit there is another of the best things to do in Downtown Mobile, even if you go for the views alone.
If you’re not historied out by this point, pay a visit to Phoenix Fire Museum, one block back from the fort. It’s home to a great collection of antique fire engines, from Mobile’s first horse-drawn engine to the early motorized trucks.
Although it’s three miles outside of the center, the History Museum’s fourth arm is undoubtedly worthy of a mention as one of the best things to do in Downtown Mobile. Africatown Heritage House is the city’s newest museum.
The Africatown district was settled by the 32 West Africans who were the last illegal slaves to be brought to the U.S. in 1860 aboard the ship Clotilda. The Heritage House pays homage to these men and the 80 other men, women and children who were brought to Mobile against their will.
3. Step aboard the USS Alabama
A hero of the Second World War, the USS Alabama served the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1947. During her time, she served first in the North Sea before being deployed across the Pacific from the Marshall Islands all the way to the Philippines and Japan.
Now converted into a museum ship, a visit to the USS Alabama is unmissable whilst checking out the best things to do in Downtown Mobile. In addition to the ship, entrance includes admission to the USS Drum, a submarine which carried out 14 surveillance missions during the war.
Also within the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, pay a visit to the aircraft hangar which hosts over 30 aircraft. A highlight is a former Army One, the President’s helicopter.
The Memorial Park is located two miles east of Downtown Mobile; if you haven’t hired a car, the best way to get there is by Lyft or Uber. Save money by purchasing your USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park tickets online in advance.
4. Uncover Mobile’s food scene
Serving up a wonderful fusion of Cajun, Creole and Southern flavors, Mobile has an amazing food scene. With dozens of great restaurants to sample, you won’t have to go hungry whilst working through all the things to do in Downtown Mobile.
To kick off your Alabama foodie experience, join a Downtown Mobile Food Tour. This is a great way to get your bearings and pick out the spots you want to try during your visit. Better yet, there’s plenty of free tastings included.
Sitting on the Gulf Coast, Mobile has some of the freshest seafood around. Don’t miss a stop at Wintzell’s Oyster House, a Mobile institution. Their oysters are true to classic southern tradition and the menu has a whole load of non-seafood options too.
Another great spot for seafood, Squid Ink Eclectic Eats & Drinks is one of Downtown Mobile’s trendiest new restaurants. For a quick meal, look no further than Moe’s Original BBQ where they’ve been serving traditional Alabama barbecue for decades. Better still, their meats are all smoked on site.
If you fancy a dinner to remember, glitzy Le Moyne’s Chophouse in the Admiral Hotel will sweep you off your feet and your tastebuds off your tongue.
5. Party like it’s Carnival
Mobile is always buzzing, but it truly comes alive after dark. Experiencing the city’s vibrant and relaxed nightlife scene is one of the most fun things to do in Downtown Mobile.
Centered around Dauphin Street, start your night at The Haberdasher and work your way west. The Hab, as it’s affectionately known, is Mobile’s swankiest bar, famous for their handcrafted cocktails. As you head along Dauphin, don’t miss Loda Bier Garten, an Alabama take on a German beerhall.
With over 100 beers on tap, you’ll be spoiled for choice – although it may take a few visits if you want to try them all. If you’re getting peckish, their burgers are the self-proclaimed “best burgers on Dauphin Street”, and eating one is definitely one of the tastiest things to do in Downtown Mobile.
A block north of Dauphin, you can’t miss a stop at The Stables Bar. By far the friendliest bar in Mobile, you will almost certainly have a fun night out here. Their terrace, complete with a statue of a horse, is the ideal spot to wind down on a warm summer’s night after a busy day experiencing the top things to do in Downtown Mobile.
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