$533,389Average Value$344Average Price per Sq Ft86Homes For Sale
Sunsets are spectacular on Dauphin Island
A whisper of an island just 15 miles long and one mile wide, Dauphin Island has a pretty loud presence thanks to its technicolor sunsets. “That’s our brand. The Sunset Capital of Alabama,” says Shirley Robinson, town council member and longtime resident. “They are pretty fabulous. A lot of people go to the west side of the island to watch them.” But Robinson knows a secret: the sunrises are darn good too. The island thrums with vacationers year-round, and restaurant lines test everyone's patience in summer, but the island never exudes the frenetic vibes of the nearby Gulf Shores region. It’s a more peaceful place, Robinson says, where people walk their dogs on the beach and gather before dawn for the community-wide sunrise service on Easter morning.
A Dauphin Island welcome sign greets arrivals by the Dauphin Island Bridge.
The East End Public Beach on Dauphin Island offers beautiful evening sunsets.
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Scan for birds from the boardwalk at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary
The coast is ever present on this small barrier island, which is tucked between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. There are three public beaches: West End Public Beach, the central Public Beach and East End Public Beach. With the exception of West End Beach, where protected birds build nests, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand. East End Beach bumps against Fort Gaines, a historic Civil War-era fort. The Dauphin Island Bike Trail ribbons west from the fort for about three-and-a-half miles, ultimately linking with Public Beach. Walking trails meander past pines, live oaks and coastal swamplands inside the 164-acre Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a highly recommended aquarium spotlighting regional coastal habitats.
Dauphin Island's flat terrain makes for great biking around the island.
Fort Gaines is best known for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.
Calm Gulf waters frame the beaches along Dauphin Island.
Even in the colder months, nothing beats relaxing beach views with family on Dauphin Island.
Quiet beach mornings are common on Dauphin Island.
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Many homes have views of the Gulf of Mexico
Homes fall into two camps: raised cottages in the western beach area and more traditional homes – bungalows and ranchers – in the wooded area in the east. Duplexes, townhouses, condominiums and small fish camps are also in the mix. Properties close to the beach tend to be priced higher than those farther inland. Prices range from $250,000 for an inland cottage-style house to $1.2 million for a raised six-bedroom beach house on the water. “The houses are quite expensive,” Robinson says, and it can be “hard for young people to live here because the insurance is kind of high. Flood insurance. If you buy a little brick house in the woods, it’s more reasonable.”
Canal‑front rentals line the north side of Dauphin Island.
Listings on Dauphin Island range from inland cottages to $1.2M waterfront homes.
Stilted homes and rentals protect against the tides of coastal living in Dauphin Island.
The homes in the east end of Dauphin Island feels provides residents with a bit more privacy.
Raised homes on Dauphin Island sit a short walk from public beaches.
A few properties on Dauphin Island are tucked away for more privacy.
Charter boats and marinas serve anglers across Dauphin Island.
Canal‑front homes on Dauphin Island offer quick dock access.
Sunset watching is a favorite pastime on Dauphin Island’s west end.
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Mardi Gras season in greater Mobile kicks off on Dauphin Island
Mobile is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, and Dauphin Island hosts the first two parades of the season, usually at the end of January or the beginning of February. “It’s really large. People from Mobile come down here. There are thousands at the event,” Robinson says. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo brings 4,000 anglers – and 75,000 spectators – in mid-July for the world's largest fishing tournament, with prizes awarded across 33 categories.
Seafood comes with ocean views at Pirate’s Bar & Grill
Most shops and restaurants are locally owned, and fresh seafood is the island specialty – and it typically comes with views of the water. Capt’n Snappers, owned by Robinson’s brother-in-law, serves fried seafood platters beside the Dauphin Island Bridge and the marina. Burgers, po’boys and seafood are on the menu at Pirate’s Bar & Grill, which overlooks the Gulf and the beach. Lighthouse Bakery sells pastries, bread and sandwiches. The Carriage Wine & Market sells specialty groceries on the island. There are Greer’s CashSaver stores in Theodore and Bayou La Batre, each about 20 minutes away.
Dockside Seafood in Dauphin Island lives up to its name with some of the best seafood on the dock.
Lighthouse Bakery on Dauphin Island sells pastries, bread, and sandwiches.
Pirate’s Bar & Grill offers burgers and seafood with Gulf views on Dauphin Island.
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Students travel off the island for middle school and high school
The Dauphin Dispatch is a monthly online newsletter keeping parents informed about events at Dauphin Island Elementary, which enrolls fewer than 100 students. “We don’t have as many young families,” Robinson says, compared to past years, “but we’re getting more because they’re able to work from home now.” The school earns a grade of B from Niche. Alba Middle School, which opened in 1918, is located 17 miles from the island in Bayou La Batre. Niche grades the school a C-plus. After their freshman year, high school students in Mobile County enroll in themed academies, which guide their career paths. The signature academy at Alma Bryant High School is Coastal Studies. Niche grades the school a C-plus.
Dauphin Island Elementary School is the main school on the island for students.
Alba Middle School in Bayou La Batre, 17 miles from Dauphin Island, opened in 1918.
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Take the Dauphin Island Bridge or the Mobile Bay Ferry
State Highway 193 and the Dauphin Island Bridge connect the island with the mainland. Mobile is 35 miles north. Traffic on the island isn’t typically bad but it gets a little more congested on weekends and holidays, and if there's an event on the island. A ferry service operates daily between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan to the east, across Mobile Bay.
Written By
Amy Balfour
Photography Contributed By
Antonio Bonner
Video By
David Strayer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karen Graham,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Dauphin Island, AL sell after 122 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Dauphin Island, AL over the last 12 months is $515,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step inside this incredible 2021 home with a spacious open concept and three large bedrooms! The split bedroom floor plan ensures privacy for the master which boasts a stunning en-suite bathroom with a dual vanity, walk-in closet, and walk-in shower. Throughout the whole home the coastal features are represented with sea foam green cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms. On the opposite side of
**OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, February 28th | 11:00am-1:00 pm** Seller is willing to pay up to $10,000 towards buyer’s closing costs with an acceptable offer. Discover the ultimate beach lover’s retreat on Dauphin Island, the Sunset Capital of Alabama! Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of relaxation, income potential, and unbeatable views.
Experience true Gulf-front living at 104 Surf Ct, Dauphin Island, AL A stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath beachfront home offering 2,079 sq ft of coastal comfort. Designed with an open floor plan, this property features spacious living and dining areas that flow seamlessly onto a large deck overlooking the white sand beaches and the sparkling Gulf waters. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing with
Discover your own slice of laid-back island life at 1113 Cadillac Avenue, nestled in the heart of Dauphin Island. This elevated cottage is designed for effortless coastal living, that blends a relaxed charm with thoughtful construction. French doors at the entry and multiple windows in the living area fill the home with natural light, while the backyard provides privacy and a tranquil setting.
Welcome to your perfect slice of coastal living on Dauphin Island’s desirable Mobile Bay side. This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath beach house offers the ideal blend of relaxation, views, and proven income potential.Thoughtfully designed for island life, the home features an open living area filled with natural light, comfortable bedrooms for family and guests, and inviting outdoor spaces to
Welcome to your perfect coastal getaway! This beautiful 2-bedroom, 2 1⁄2-bathroom End unit condo on Dauphin Island, offers amazing views and unparalleled comfort. Sold fully furnished, this spacious condo features a bright and open living space with two private decks—one off the living room and another off the main bedroom—both offering amazing views of the Gulf. Relax and unwind with easy access
This Holiday Isle unit is located on the second floor with covered parking directly in front of the unit. A new Water Heater & inside HVAC unit was installed in 2023. The Holiday Isle is the premier condo complex on the Island that comes with all the amenities. These amenities include a large outdoor and indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Steam Room, Sauna, Fitness Center, Tennis Court, Meeting Room, and
Don’t wait to see this turnkey waterfront property with immediate short term rental eligibility. The property is located on a protected canal with direct access to Indian Bay & Mobile Bay. Just 1.4 miles from the public beach, and close to everything the Island has to offer. The parcel is zoned R2, therefore the 90 property rental cap restriction does not apply. The house is being sold fully
This is an incredible price on a Beachfront 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath condo! Enjoy the morning breezes on your private balcony while sipping your morning coffee with an expansive view of the Gulf! This turn-key unit is being sold with furnishings and has an excellent rental history, over 75k this year! An added bonus is that there is a lock-off feature to use either side independently. Each side has two
Great wooded lot tucked away on Alabama Ave! A short bike ride will take you to the Beaches, Bars, Shops, and Marina. This is the perfect spot to build your full time dream home or Island getaway escape! Wetland report has been completed and available upon request.
**Stunning New Home on Dauphin Island – A True Paradise Escape** Welcome to your dream home on Dauphin Island – where luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views converge. This brand-new, meticulously designed 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom beauty offers the perfect blend of modern elegance and island living. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully crafted by the builder to ensure no detail was
Looking for your dream home on Dauphin Island? This turnkey, fully furnished 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath beach house sits just steps from dog-friendly beaches and is ready to enjoy from day one. With a proven rental history grossing over $120,000 annually, it also stands out as a strong investment opportunity. The main floor offers an open layout with LVT flooring throughout, a spacious kitchen with
License to Chill!!! That's the name of this beautiful GULF FRONT home on a 100ft "through lot" on the white sandy beach of Dauphin Island. Inside this 4-bedroom, 3-bath beach home, you'll find an open floor plan with high ceilings, wood-grain tile flooring throughout, and stunning Gulf Views. The kitchen is a chef's dream with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops including the kitchen
Looking for a dream home on Dauphin Island? A fabulous investment that you can enjoy, too? Look no further than this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath beauty with gorgeous views of the Gulf of America! You will love the open floor plan and all the large windows that let in the sunshine and salty breezes. This spacious home has two master suites, one on each floor! The large kitchen has stylish painted
Room to Breathe...Space to Slow Down... Seller Open to Creative Offers! Bring All Offers!There’s a moment when you cross the Dauphin Island Bridge and everything shifts. The mainland fades, the water opens up, and the pace slows. It’s a feeling people remember. It’s why they come back.The Lodge at Fort Louis Court sits in the heart of Dauphin Island, centrally located on the northern Gulf
Live the island life in this beautifully furnished beach cottage that perfectly blends comfort, style, and coastal charm. Located just four homes back from the Gulf, you’ll enjoy soothing wave sounds and stunning Gulf views—only steps from the sand! Inside, the open-concept floor plan is designed for relaxation and entertaining, featuring a spacious family room and a fully updated kitchen with GE
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