Mobile Port shares a lot of culture in common with New Orleans in addition. The city has a history with a lot of Creole culture, and also brings the antebellium South to mind. Mobile was the first city in the U.S. to have a Mardi Gras celebration. The climate is subtropical, making outdoor excursions enjoyable at any time of year. The Mobile cruise port is located in the industrial area. For attractions not within easy walking distance, a free trolley system is in place. Taxis with controlled rates are available.
Shopping
The Bel Air and Springdale Malls offer almost anything a visitor could want.
Three Georges makes yummy chocolates that are a favorite take-home item, as well as fudge, pralines, and divinity. They also offer classes.
Things to See
The natural wetlands and rivers in the area make this a good destination for ecotourists. Airboat rides can be taken into the swamps to allow visitors to view the many bird species and alligators. The Southern Belle boat located at Bellingrath Gardens takes visitors on nature-watching cruises.
Dauphin Street and Cathedral Square both provide a good selection of shops and restaurants. Mobile also has its own French Quarter with lovely homes.
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is located right in the waterfront area. This provides a chance to get a taste of naval history, with battleships and aircraft from World War II through Desert Storm on display. Cooper Riverside Park is a good outdoor gathering place.
The Ft. Conde Museum & Welcome Center has lots of interesting information on Mobile's history and provides free tourist information. The fort itself dates back to the American Revolution. The Gulf Coast Exploration Science Center has science exhibits that appeal to all ages and an IMAX theater. Bellingrath Garden and Museum Home in Theodore features an 18th century home and lush gardens.
Several high-quality golf courses are in the area. Other outdoor activities include hiking and horseback riding.
Churches in the area include Government Street Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church of Mobile, and Trinity Episcopal Church. Synagogues include Ahavas Chesed and Spring Hill Avenue Temple. The Islamic Society of Mobile has a mosque.
Restaurants and Bars
Quatorze keeps dinner hours and offers French fusion cuisine with fine wines. Cock of the Walk has good catfish and jalepeno cornbread. Drayton Place has high-quality meals.
Wintzell's offers Cajun-influenced seafood, particuarly oysters. Butch Cassidy's offers favorite Southern specialties, including fried green tomatoes. Gone Fishin' serves catfish and good hush puppies. Dreamland BBQ has some of the best Southern-style ribs around. Tiny Diny makes a nearly-famous coconut cream pie as well as good breakfasts. Spot of Tea serves hot and iced teas, soups, and sandwiches. Picklefish has good pizza.
Drayton Place's bar provides piano music in an upscale setting. Grand Central Bar sells beer by the pitcher. Liquid features 80's music nightly. The Florabama has the unique distinction of being located in both Alabama and Florida. Callagan's Irish Pub is a local favorite.