Dauphin Island Chamber-Commerce

I do understand we came in December however, even on normal times the weather here is beautiful. The info available to tourists is minimal, at best. We were on our last day of our vacation and decided to take the ferry over to Dauphin Island. Which, according to other chatter, is a great place to shell-NOT. There is no parking-that’s closed until further notice and not listed anywhere. There’s no where to rinse your feet off after being in the water/near the water/on the beach. The ice cream shop is closed, the west beach access is closed to tourists-also not listed anywhere. We are researchers when it comes to going someplace and have been taken by surprise on this not so cheap excursion. $50 ferry ride to drive from one side of the island to the other is ridiculous. Unsung hero of the gulf is far from the truth. Chamber-you need to make sure the ferry attendants know this stuff and warn tourists

So far, not a fan. The house we are renting is nice and the beach is okay, but the "attractions" and restaurants are not user friendly, by phone or internet, or in person, in a few cases. 2nd day here and still have not been able to eat at or get reservations at a local restaurant. We are trying to get on the ferry as pedestrians, but online not informative about actual ticket purchases, no one in the ticket booth. Someone did return my voicemail, our first successful human contact. I have stayed at many beach destinations, and, so far, this ranks at the bottom. I will return here if it improves, but we only have 2 more days.

I believe this is now across the street in the little red schoolhouse. Look for the Welcome Center sign (smallish) and it's on the north side of the street while driving west. It has all the information about the island and has a museum, gift shop and a library. The staff member who greeted us was very friendly and helpful. Wifi is also available there. History buffs - be sure to check out the museum with all its photographs on the walls and photo albums containing articles throughout the years. I loved the school class photos on the walls by the schoolhouse display. We also spent quite a long time browsing the library. They aren't too concerned should you forget to return books, and you are encouraged to drop off books to be added to the library. We were glad we stopped in.

Wonderful people!