Mobile (pronounced / moh-BEEL) is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 198,915 during the 2000 census. It is the largest municipality on the Gulf Coast between New Orleans, Louisiana and St. Petersburg, Florida. Mobile is the principal municipality of the Mobile Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), a region of 411,721 residents which is composed solely of Mobile County and is the second largest MSA in the state. Mobile is included in the Mobile-Daphne–Fairhope Combined Statistical Area with a total population of 591,599 the second largest combined statistical area in the state behind Birmingham.
Mobile began as the first capital of colonial French Louisiana in 1702. The city gained its name from the Native American Mobilian tribe that the French colonists found in the area of Mobile Bay. During its first 100 years, Mobile was a colony for France, then Britain, and lastly Spain. Mobile first became a part of the United States of America in 1810, with the annexation of West Florida under President James Madison. It then left that union in 1861 when Alabama joined the Confederate States of America, which collapsed in 1865.
Located at the junction of the Mobile River and Mobile Bay on the northern Gulf of Mexico, the city is the only seaport in Alabama. The Port of Mobile has always played a key role in the economic health of the city beginning with the city as a key trading center between the French and Native Americans down to its current role as the 9th-largest port in the United States.
As one of the Gulf Coast's cultural centers, Mobile houses several art museums, a symphony orchestra, a professional opera, a professional ballet company, and a large concentration of historic architecture.Mobile is known for having the oldest organized carnival celebrations in the United States, dating to the 18th century of its early colonial period. It was also host to the first formally organized Carnival mystic society or "krewe" in the United States, dating to 1830. People from Mobile are known as Mobilians.
African American Heritage Trail
History comes alive on an African-American Heritage Trail tour. The trail reveals forgotten chapters of history, telling the stories of courage and contributions made by unsung heroes from Mobile's ethnically diverse past. A step-on guide will meet your bus at Fort Conde for that ride back in time.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Experience 65 acres of year-round floral splendor. Tour Bellingrath Museum Home. Relax aboard Southern Belle river cruise. Special events seasonally. Magic Christmas in Lights during December will showcase over 3 million lights and 928 set pieces in 13 themed scenes. Gift shop & cafe. Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed December 25.
Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Exciting visual displays and fun interactive exhibits highlight the wonders of Mobile's estuary system. We've got all there is to "sea!" All ages welcome. Admission charged.
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Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater
Mobile's premier hands-on, minds-on science and family fun museum. Experience adventure in four exhibit areas, two labs, virtual theater and an IMAX Dome Theater. New for 2011 - Giant Insects Jan. 22 - May 22, 2011 and Black Holes June 4 - Aug. 28, 2011.
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Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum
Hank Aaron's childhood home has been relocated to Hank Aaron Stadium. Never before in American history has this happened - a Hall of Famer's home coming to rest at a stadium. Step through history as you walk through the home that Hank grew up in with his family.
Magnolia Cemetery
Mobile's third oldest municipal cemetery. The rich architectural and artistic assets include Victorian funerary art and 19th century Christian piety. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Mobile Botanical Gardens
One hundred acres of nature trails, azalea garden, herb garden, Japanese maple garden, camellias and a fragrance and texture garden. Free admission. Open dawn to dusk.
Mobile Greyhound Park
Live greyhound racing nightly 7:30 p.m. except Sunday, Live Matinees Mon., Wed., Sat., 1:00 p.m. Simulcast thoroughbreds and greyhounds nightly. Simulcast Matinees 11 a.m. Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat., & Sun. Clubhouse fine dining. No admission charged.
Mobile Municipal Archives
Houses official non-current records of City of Mobile from 1814 to present day.
Phoenix Fire Museum
Restored 1855 firehouse, home to the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6 with a unique collection of 19th century fire engines, steamers and equipment. For tour information, call: 251-208-7723.
The Mobile Zoo, Inc
Non-Profit Wildlife Park established for public pleasure, education, and continuing the existence of endangered/non-endangered wildlife. Covered picnic tables with grills. Thirty minutes from downtown Mobile.
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USS Alabama Battleship Memorial
Tour two National Historic Landmarks, Battleship USS ALABAMA and Submarine USS DRUM, see over 20 rare historic aircraft. Stop and shop in the Ship's Store for unique clothing, mementos and much more! An unforgettable adventure!
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Wales West Light Railway
Authentic one-mile steam train ride through beautiful rural setting. Great for parties. Concession and gift shop. Seasonal event trains: Pumpkin Patch, Arctic Express, Cottontail Express and Day Out with Thomas. Live Bluegrass Tuesday nights, Oct. - March.
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Windmill Market
Fairhope's Windmill Market is a whirlwind tour of the Gulf Coast's arts, produce and crafts. Sixty-five open-air spaces change each weekend for an endless variety of vendors and events. The market is also a venue for events and enviromental education. Tours demonstrate how the market was made with "green" in mind!
Mardi Gras may come just once a year, but the spirit of our grand carnival is captured nightly in Mobile Bay’s thriving entertainment districts. After dining in one of our delectable restaurants, come experience a night out on the town “Mobile Bay style.” When the sun goes down, the magic really begins! A diverse array of bars, nightclubs and live music venues provide entertainment ranging from upscale and traditional, to downright fun and funky. Listen to some jazz in a downtown courtyard, sample a local libation while overlooking the serene waters of Mobile Bay or dance the night away in a live music hall. Mobile Bay's nightlife offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of our lively southern city.
