Traveling the Gulf Scenic Drive from Gulf Shores to Dauphin Island Alabama

Traveling West of Pensacola along the Gulf Scenic Drive you drive through the resort communities of Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. But after Gulf Shores the highway leaves the gulf to go North along Mobile Bay to Mobile, Alabama. If your destination is Dauphin Island, that detour ads many miles to your trip and requires you to navigate through busy Mobile. An alternative is to take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan.

Riding the Mobile Bay Ferry

Technically the Gulf Coast Scenic Drive turns North away from the shoreline in Gulf Shores. As going further West along the Gulf you end up at the end of the Mobile Bay Peninsula where the remains of the historic Fort Morgan sits. Fortunately for scenic drive travelers, you have an opportunity to continue your travels along the Gulf by taking the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island.

Dauphin Island Ferry — On the Ferry to Dauphin Island

Fort Gaines Dauphin Island — Arriving at Dauphin Island, passing Fort Gaines

Taking the 40 minute Ferry ride will save you a few hours of driving time as well as fuel. It also bypasses going through busy Mobile. It is also much more pleasant just sitting back and enjoying the ocean breezes instead of having to drive. In 2023, the vehicle cost for the ride is $15 and you pay $6 per person in your vehicle. The fuel savings doesn’t offset that cost, however I think the more enjoyable journey is worth the difference.

https://mobilebayferry.com/

Another advantage of taking the Ferry is you can tour historic Fort Morgan which is just across the road from the Ferry Dock.