Dauphin Island is a barrier island located three miles south of the mouth of Mobile Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. 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. An automobile ferry from the eastern shore also offers an entry point on the eastern end of the island. The island is approximately 14 miles long and 1 ¾ miles wide at the widest point. The eastern six miles are inhabited while the western 8 miles are undeveloped and privately owned. It is estimated that 1300 permanent residents call Dauphin Island home. The number of residents soars during vacation and holiday times. The entire island has been designated as a bird sanctuary and thousands of visitors come to experience the annual migrations.

You're able to walk to most activities and bicycle riding gets you to the places that walking doesn't. Three of the islands 5 restaurants are walking distance. The beaches are accessible via bicycle, short car ride, or the town's public transportation (two minivans). The cottage is one block in one direction and 1/2 block in the other direction from the bicycle path. The path is a separately paved trail that runs nearly the entire length of the Island. There is a large bird sanctuary that provides excellent walking paths - you'll see beach, forest and swamp on the walk. We love to go there. There is also a small forested bird watching area that we like to walk through as well (an old Indian mound). The Estuarium is also great. They often have fun classes as well as a great tour through their fish/sea life exhibits.