Three Awesome Southern Aquariums Off the Beaten Path Feature and Photos from Paula Loehr Have you ever noticed that less can be more in terms of traveling and touring enjoyment? Less traffic, less hustle-bustle, less waiting in lines, lower entry fees, and smaller crowds are always positive circumstances for travelers. Choosing to visit towns and attractions off the beaten path can bring surprising rewards. Consider, for example, the recent experiences of my RVing crew. None of us ever met a winding rural road we didn’t like, so lately we are favoring country camping locales. And fortunately, while exploring some less-traveled destinations, we stumbled upon three awesome out-of-the- way aquariums in the quieter corners of three Southern states—Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama It’s difficult to imagine a more picturesque scene than the seaside boardwalk entryway to the Alabama Aquarium. Ms. MayMay, a charming blue and white wooden boat that resembles a supersized tub toy, salutes you from her landlocked position. On the other side of the walkway, a true-to-life sea turtle replica holds steady on his perch in the sand. And the surrounding seascapes in the distance are nothing short of breathtaking. The aquarium’s grounds are nestled at the end of the line in the exquisite Gulf Coast setting of Dauphin Island. It’s a 17-mile-long barrier island where salty breezes make green gulf- side grasses sway while sandy white beaches and swirling teal blue waters provide a picture- perfect backdrop. In “The Sunset Capital of Alabama,” the area’s extraordinary natural beauty is complemented by an easy-does-it, almost sleepy vibe among local folks. You might even feel like you are stepping back in time to a less frazzled world. Dauphin Island offers a beach-bound reprieve from day-to-day stresses that we can all benefit from during today’s challenging times.
The aquarium grounds are nestled in the exquisite natural coastal setting of Dauphin Island.
When you set your Dauphin Island itinerary, think in terms of drifting away to lighthouse tours, dolphin watches, and ferry rides. How about a carefree morning spent biking or birding, followed by a lazy afternoon on the beach, topped off with a fresh seafood supper? Concerning the origins of Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the lab was initially opened in 1971 to provide marine science education programs for Alabama’s colleges. The organization has since expanded its outreach to all Alabama students from kindergarten through university levels. The lab’s spinoff public aquarium, established in 1998 as The Estuarium, focuses on Mobile Bay, the fourth largest river mouth system in the United States. Mobile’s expansive estuary encompasses four interacting habitats—the Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, Barrier Islands (including Dauphin), and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. All four estuarian environments are effectively represented in the Lionfish with alternating stripes, polka dots and wing-like fins are one of the most outrageous- looking species on display at Alabama Aquarium.
THREE AWESOME SOUTHERN AQUARIUMS
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 | 21
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