Dauphin Island vacation rentals

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Popular amenities for Dauphin Island vacation rentals

Stay near Dauphin Island's top sights

Dauphin Island East End Public Beach10 locals recommend
The Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab48 locals recommend
Fort Gaines60 locals recommend
Pirate's Bar And Grill44 locals recommend
Mobile Bay Ferry32 locals recommend
Public Beach5 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Dauphin Island

Total rentals

640 properties

Rentals with a pool

230 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

260 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

620 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

10K reviews

Nightly prices starting at

$60 before taxes and fees

Your guide to Dauphin Island

All About Dauphin Island

The seafaring town of Dauphin Island — just across the bridge from Mobile, Alabama in the Gulf of Mexico — boasts white-sand beaches, fiery sunsets, and a reputation for tranquility. Amble down the beach past pastel-colored cottages, and watch for dolphins and herons hoping to steal the catch of the day from local fishermen. Venture out to see the historic Fort Gaines and marvel at the mystery of Shell Mound Park, where layers of seashells have created a beautifully preserved site. For a quiet town that’s only 14 miles long, there is no shortage of picturesque scenery, water activities, and local history to be soaked up here.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Dauphin Island

From April through until Labor Day weekend, Dauphin Island’s 1,300 residents are joined by visitors spending the summer season in town. The summer heat makes this an ideal time to enjoy the island’s pristine beaches, and the busier-than-normal buzz turns it into a lively coastal destination. Come in March or April for more tranquility, peak birdwatching, and beautiful tropical flower blooms – the weather is warm and sunny in spring too. It gets a bit chillier in Dauphin Island from October through February, though brisk seaside walks and the promise of warming up in cozy cafes make for a very welcome consolation prize. During winter months, it gets a little rainier on Dauphin Island, but temperatures never dip into freezing.


Top things to do in Dauphin Island

Birdwatching

While the dolphins often steal the show at Dauphin Island, this is also a prime spot for birdwatching. Every spring, 420 species of birds fly into town for a pit stop along their migratory path north from Central and South America. You can best spot them at Audubon Bird Sanctuary, with its 137-acres of protected marshes, dunes, swamp, and beach.

Fort Gaines

The pentagonal outline of Fort Gaines stands at the eastern tip of the island, guarding Mobile Bay as it has done for over 150 years. Visitors head here to explore the tunnel system, visit the blacksmith shop, and inspect original cannons fired during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. The on-site museum showcases period clothing and local photographs, while the lookout points provide commanding views of the ocean.

Shell Mound Park

Shell mounds — or handmade layers of oyster, mussel, and various other shells to form hills — can be found sprinkled around the Gulf Coast and usually demarcate an important Indigenous settlement. Traditionally, tribe leaders would have their houses at the top of the mounds, with the rest of the community living below. These sites were hubs for gathering, trading, and celebratory feasts, and have lasting cultural and historical importance. Today, this park and bird sanctuary is a scenic and informative place for a stroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Dauphin Island?

    Experience the best of Dauphin Island with our house rentals, starting at about $60 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Dauphin Island?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 340 vacation rentals in Dauphin Island featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there Dauphin Island house rentals on Airbnb with pools?

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 140 house rentals with pools in Dauphin Island, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Dauphin Island?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Dauphin Island. Choose from more than 260 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Do house rentals in Dauphin Island have self check-in?

    Absolutely! We offer over 120 house rentals with self check-in in Dauphin Island. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Dauphin Island have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 230 house rentals with a bbq area in Dauphin Island. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Dauphin Island have free parking?

    Absolutely! We offer over 490 house rentals with free parking in Dauphin Island. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Dauphin Island have a gym?

    Absolutely! We offer over 40 house rentals with a gym in Dauphin Island. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there family-friendly house rentals in Dauphin Island?

    Dauphin Island has more than 490 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Dauphin Island?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 490 homes with free parking, over 230 homes with a bbq area, over 120 homes with self check-in, over 40 homes with a gym, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. Alabama
  4. Mobile County
  5. Dauphin Island