This lively port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast is rich in history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture—after all, it’s the birthplace of America’s original Mardi Gras. Check out the fantastic floats and costumes at the Mobile Carnival Museum or if the timing’s right, join the epic annual celebration. Visit the WWII-era USS Alabama battleship, learn about Native American history at the History Museum of Mobile, and admire 19^th century American landscapes at the Mobile Museum of Art. If you brought the kids along, they’ll love “piloting” boats at GulfQuest maritime museum, watching IMAX films at Exploreum Science Center, and riding the roller coasters at OWA amusement park. Historic Blakely State Park offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails while the Mobile Botanical Garden offers beautiful year-round blooms and greenery. You can also soak up the sun at Gulf Shores Public Beach, go fishing and take in scenic views from Fairhope Municipal Pier, or tour historic homes like the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion.