Entry to the island is made by crossing a three mile long high rise bridge which was opened in July, 1982, after the original draw bridge was destroyed by Hurricane Frederic in 1979. After Hurricane Frederic, the federal and state government spent $38 million to build the second Dauphin Island bridge and another $6.5 million on other projects, a total of $90 million in today's dollars. Speed was an issue in the design and construction of the replacement bridge. In just 34 months time, the new bridge was open. The high level portion of the bridge consists of three spans, the main one being 400’ – the very first 400’ span on a precast concrete segmental bridge.

An automobile ferry from the eastern shore also offers an entry point on the eastern end of the island. The Mobile Bay Ferry Company offer daily service aboard the new and improved vehicle ferry...the Fort Morgan. The ferry schedule and fares are available online.

Drive across a ramp right onto the ferry. Once onboard, you can get out of your vehicle and watch the scenery from the deck or an observation platform and enjoy the cool Gulf breeze for a fun 45 minute ride across Mobile Bay.

If you don't want to drive nor float to Dauphin Island, you can always fly! Dauphin Island's airport is located on the bay just west of the Aloe Bay Channel. Its construction, almost thirty years ago, was a cooperative effort by federal, state and county governments to provide island access to the aviation community. The airport offers 3,000 feet of hard surfact, lighted runway that will accommodate single engine and light twin engine aircraft. To assist pilots in flying the proper approach angle, there are precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights for each runway.

After crossing the three mile long Dauphin Island Bridge, Hwy 193 ends at the Water Tower Intersection. Using the water tower as your guide, Ft. Gaines, the campground and the bird sanctuary are to the East; the fishing pier and beaches are to the West.

Dauphin Island and Mobile Bay were mapped as early as 1519 by Alonzo Pineda. Over the next few centuries, control of Dauphin Island changed hands many times until it was finally seized by the US in 1813. The war of 1812 proved that America needed adequate defenses for its long coastline initiating a desire for construction of a fort to begin in 1821. Progress was not made, however, until 1859 when chief engineer Joseph G. Totten designed a completely new fort, incorporating the most advanced ideas in military architecture. Learn more about Fort Gaines.

Dauphin Island School house a unique place in Mobile county, but not just because of its beach location. It is the smallest school in the district with only 77 students in K-6. Grade levels are combined to accommodate the small number of students in each grade. The faculty is also unique in that it still resembles the one or two room schools common in the early 20th century. The wood-frame main building was constructed in 1930 and was moved to it's present location around 1954. Recently renovated and freshly painted, it consists of three classrooms, office space, teacher resource room, and first aid room. An All-Purpose-Room was added to the back of the main building in 1991 and serves as lunch room, meeting room, auditorium, etc. Be sure to check out the stellar school ratings and reviews.

Come play a round of golf like it was intended to be played! While the terrain is basically flat and easy to walk, water hazards come into play on five holes, and the wind can be a major factor. Having wind, spray, sandy lies, bumps, natural roughs and challenging shots, this is no "cookie cutter" course! This is 6600 yards of links-style golf....a course that you will tell your friends about and want to pit your skills against again and again. This scenic island course is perfect for the duffer and the pro alike, and the exclusivity of Isle Dauphine keeps the greens uncrowded and the pace relaxed.