PARKS & PUBS: The most beautiful + delicious way to explore historic Mobile

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It’s no secret that Mobile is a historic city. I’ve waxed poetically about how the city is older than the state itself, shown you glimpses from yesteryear + chowed down at the oldest restaurants and bars.

This time, I want to take you on a journey with me. We’re going to speed-run through Mobile’s 7 unique historic districts, and I’ll give you a park and a pub in each to get you started. From there, where your voyage leads is up to you.

Ready to explore Mobile’s historic parks + pubs? Book your stay now.

Mobile’s Historic Districts, an introduction

A city this old (circa 1702!) is bound to have a few historic districts. Mobile has at least seven different districts on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Here’s an overview:

• Church Street East
• Oakleigh Garden District
• Old Dauphin Way
• De Tonti Square
• Lower Dauphin (LODA)
• Leinkauf
• Ashland Place

Two of these are residential—Leinkauf and Ashland Place. There aren’t many bars or businesses to speak of in either district, but they’re most certainly worth walking/driving through.

Leinkauf hosts a historic—and gorgeous—elementary school; and Ashland Place has some of Mobile’s biggest, most beautiful private homes.

Church Street East

Located just south of Government Street in downtown Mobile, Church Street East is home to quite a bit of history—the final resting place of the father of Mardi Gras, a haunted hotel and a Mardi Gras museum.

PARK: Spanish Plaza | 401 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602

• We often talk about Mobile’s French influence—it was the first capital of the Louisiana colony—but the Port City was once a Spanish colony, too. Spanish Plaza stands as a relic of the 15 or so years Mobile belonged to the Spaniards.

PUB: The Living Room at The Admiral | 251 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602

• Newly reimagined and positively stunning, The Living Room at The Admiral Hotel in downtown Mobile offers an upscale drink and mocktail menu—some drinks even feature honey collected from an on-site beehive.

Oakleigh Garden District

Looking for a true taste of how Mobilians live? Oakleigh Garden is largely residential, and offers a great glimpse to the places that are considered institutional in the city. You’ll find lots of families out and about, dogs on walks and truly hospitable vibes wherever you go.

PARK: Washington Square | 251 Chatham St, Mobile, AL 36604

• Dating back to the 1850s, Washington Square is known for how truly stunning it is. Grab some takeout from the nearby Dew Drop Inn and enjoy the water features and statues.

PUB: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club | 916 Charleston St, Mobile, AL 36604

• Mobile’s favorite burger lies in the hallowed halls of Callaghan’s Irish Social Club. Lots of locals love to grub here—and you’ll find a full range of Mobile’s demographics here. Older and younger Mobilians alike love their simple, but fantastic menu.

Experience Mobile like a local—book your stay now.

Old Dauphin Way

The largest of Mobile’s historic districts is Old Dauphin Way. A whopping 3,000 unique, historic structures make up this sprawling residential area, which is dotted with some of the most gorgeous examples of Mobile’s Victorian architecture.

PARK: Cornerstone Gardens | 1066 Government St, Mobile, AL 36604

• Originally started as a respite spot for weary church leaders, Cornerstone Gardens has quickly blossomed (pun intended) into a gorgeous spot for anyone to sit a spell and collect their thoughts.

PUB: Red or White Wine | 1104 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36604

• It feels unfair to classify Red or White as a wine bar or a pizza place—when it transcends both of those labels. Think a full-scale specialty wine shop on one side and some of the best food in the city on the other.

De Tonti Square

Small but mighty is how I’d describe De Tonti Square—both the historic district and the small park within it. The intricately designed Greco-revival homes are among the most expensive sold in the city.

PARK: De Tonti Square Park | 311 N Conception St, Mobile, AL 36603

• Enjoy those stunning historic homes while sipping on a coffee at this quaint but lovely city park.

PUB: Iron Hand Brewing | 206 State St, Mobile, AL 36603

• Want a brewery that feels more like a friend’s living room? Look no further than Iron Hand Brewing. Situated inside a historic house, the brewery maintains that homey feel with cushy couches, game nights and all-around fantastic vibes.

LoDa (Lower Dauphin)

Lower Dauphin—or LoDa—is the city’s entertainment district. It’s anchored by not one, not two, but three city parks—each iconic in their own right. Not to mention the myriad of unique bars, pubs and restaurants—there’s even a speakeasy!

Since there’s so much to cover, this section will be a choose-your-own-adventure, with a list of parks and pubs for you to get a taste (sip, maybe?) of downtown Mobile:

PARKS

• Cathedral Square | 300 Conti St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Bienville Square | 150 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36607
• Ryan Park | 750 St Michael St, Mobile, AL 36602

PUBS

• LoDa Bier Garten | 251 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Hayley’s Bar | 278 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Las Florditas | 107 St Francis St Ste B165, Mobile, AL 36602
• B-Bob’s | 213 Conti St, Mobile, AL 36602
• The Wingman Brewing Company | 656 St Louis St, Mobile, AL 36602
• POST | 571 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Grace | 555 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602

Explore Mobile’s unique historic districts—book your stay now.

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