Dauphin Island Weekend
October 9-11, 2015

About the Island
Human habitation of Dauphin Island goes back to about 1,000 years B.C., when native Americans occupied it. The French took possession in the 1700s and it was the capital of the Louisiana territory. The British occupied it in the late 1700s, then the United States took possession in the early 1800s.
It is a major location in North America for viewing fall and spring bird migrations. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary includes forest, marshes, and dunes, a beach, and a three-mile hiking trail. The island has two public beaches, quiet, paved roads, and a number of restaurants and attractions.
A bridge connects the island to the western shore of Mobile Bay. A ferry connects the island to the eastern shore. 
Town of Dauphin Island
Map of Dauphin Island

The Rides
The Saturday ride will be to Bellingrath Gardens on the mainland, one of the premier horticultural gardens in the Southeast and a beautiful place to spend a few hours. Our ride will be on roads that are paved, quiet, and scenic. 

There are three ride options, 15–, 30–, and 45– miles long.
  • The 45–mile route starts and finishes on Dauphin Island. Ride over the bridge to the mainland, then along the coast through the communities of Coden and Bayou La Batre. Then cut inland to Bellingrath Gardens to spend some time, then back to the island.
  • The 30–mile route starts and finishes on the mainland, at Bayfront Park. Drive to the park, then join the 45–mile route through the coastal communities and Bellingrath Gardens.
  • The 15–mile route also starts and finishes at Bayfront Park. It is an out-and-back route to Bellingrath Gardens, and does not go through Coden or Bayou La Batre.

On Sunday, ride around the island and visit the many attractions. A 7.5– mile bike trail runs from the east to west ends of the island. Or take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Ft. Morgan. 

Lodging
There are several lodging options:
  • The Second Sunday Ride Headquarters will be at the Dauphin House Bed and Breakfast. This is the place to be! The Dauphin House recently changed owners and they have been doing a major renovation. Rooms are around $100 and include a fabulous breakfast and great accommodations. Dauphin House only has ten rooms, so make reservations NOW. (The web site only shows nine rooms. A tenth, formerly for the previous owners, sleeps six.)
  • Willow Tree Cottage sleeps two with a queen bed.
  • Gulf Breeze Motel is a small, simple, and clean motel. No food services. Two suites have kitchens, the other rooms do not, but have refrigerators. Some restaurants on the island serve breakfast. Rates are about $80-$100.
  • Two campgrounds on the island: The Dauphin Island Campground has tent and RV camping available on the east end of the island. Pelican Nest RV Resort & Campground is on the center of the island.
  • Dauphin Island has links to a number of condominium developments on this page.

Attractions
There is much to do on the island. The island is small enough to explore completely by bike:
Restaurants
Several, including: