19 new ways to see Mobile—SS United States tours, trails, rail + more
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Check out the gallery to see some of Mobile’s newest experiences. (Photos courtesy of Visit Mobile + splashpad: Mobile County Commission)
Are you a curious traveler who thrives on discovery? A slew of new trails, tours and events in Mobile means you’ll find that at every turn—all just 3.5 hours from Birmingham.
Read on to learn more about all the fresh ways to plug into the Port City and start planning your trip!
See the SS United States up close
Catch this one while you can! The legendary and historic SS United States ocean liner is docked in Mobile for preparation before its final assignment. In about a year, it will become the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Longer than the Titanic, this luxury liner, once called “America’s Flagship,” still holds the Atlantic speed record set in 1952, crossing the ocean in three days, 10 hours and 40 minutes and reaching a top speed ofr 38.32 knots, or 44 miles per hour.
In February, the ship gathered a lot of news coverage being towed from Philadelphia to arrive in Mobile—two days ahead of schedule, of course.
See it up close through two local cruise operators offering tours from the waters below, where you’ll get a rare front-row seat to maritime history:
Perdido Queen SS United States Tour
- Where: 1 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602
- When: Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday at various times. See the website for hours + real-time availability.
- How Much: $35 regular price; $33 for children age 12 or younger + seniors age 65 or older
Historic Blakeley State Park Mobile Harbor Tour
- Where: 1 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602
- When: May 2, 3-5PM; May 11, 10AM-Noon, 12:30-2:30PM + 3-5PM; May 22, 12:30-2:30PM + 3-5PM; May 31, 3:30-5:30PM; June 7, 12:30-2:30PM, June 15, 10AM-Noon; June 29, 10AM-Noon
- How Much: $39 + $36 for adults; $29 + $26 for kids
- More Info
Curious about this ship’s history and new assignment? Learn more at the SS United States Conservancy.
Treat your mind + senses with this new trail mix
Mobile recently rolled out nine new curated trails to inspire curiosity about its place in time now and where it began, full of remarkable sights and flavors.
Even if you’re already into one of the themes, these trails will make you think and perhaps turn you onto something entirely new.
⭐️ Bonus: You can earn points at every stop and redeem them for mementos of your experience, like beads from Mardi Gras superstore Toomey’s or a handcrafted Mobile magnet from Muffinjaw Designs.
See the trail links below for details and sign up to earn points before you go:
☕️ Coffee Shops
⚜️ Mardi Gras
Major park, major makeover
If you’re like us and love a good makeover reveal, check out Chickasabogue Park, Mobile County’s largest. After three years of renovations, the park reopened in late February, ready for close-ups!
Less than 15 minutes from downtown, this 1,100-acre outdoor recreation destination and preserve is more beautiful than ever for escaping into nature.
New features include:
🥾 Hiking + biking trails upgrades
🅿️ Day-use area with plenty of parking
🛝 Playground + splashpad
🏓 Improved multi-use courts for basketball, pickleball + tennis
🥏 Disc golf course upgrades
🛶 Tip: BYO canoe or kayak to explore the creek.
More improvements and additions are on the horizon, including the reopening of the new RV area this summer. The beach area will be renovated soon, with a new boat ramp constructed nearby. An events and interpretive center are part of the future vision.
- Where: 760 Aldock Rd, Eight Mile, AL 36613
- When: Daily, 8AM-Dusk
- How Much: Free
More unique views by water, land + air
And for good measure, we have a few more new or nontraditional ways to experience Mobile as we move through May into the summer months:
By Land
🐉 Chinese Lantern Festival @ Bellingrath Gardens | Thru June 15, 5-10PM | More Info
🍤 Bienville Bites Food Tour | More Info
🚗 Sightseeing Tours | More Info
By Water
🛥 Captain Mike’s Deep Sea Fishing | More Info
⛴ Mobile Ferry | More Info
By “Air“
🚤 Airboat Express | More Info
🪶 Audubon Bird Sanctuary | More Info
ICYMI: Check out our reel for a closer look at some of the many new ways of seeing Mobile. 👇
Coming Soon: Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service
Coming later this summer, Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service returns passenger train service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time in almost 20 years.
With easy stops in Gulfport, Biloxi, and more, it’s the perfect excuse to transform a Gulf Coast road trip into a rail trip between the birthplace of the original Mardi Gras and the shared cultural traditions of the Big Easy.
Scenic views, festive vibes and someone else doing the “driving”? We are here for it.
Follow the latest news on Amtrak’s new service here.
Ready to make your way to Mobile? Here’s where to find the perfect place to stay when you go.
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