Mobile Red Roof Inn

Nestled on the shores of Mobile Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile was once the capital of French Louisiana. Having flown six different flags, this historic seaport is a diverse community that has become a popular vacation spot for those wanting to experience a little multi-cultureOpens in a new window. More than 300 years old, Mobile's heritage reflects an array of French, Spanish, British and Creole, as well as African and Southern antebellum cultural influences. Visitors will also experience a delightful mix of beautiful beaches and exciting leisure activities that attract more than 1.5 million people each year.

Things to see and do

Outdoor activities

The water and marvelous weather create the ideal setting for fishing and golf, which are two of the area's most popular activities. The bay and inshore protected waters provide anglers of all skill levels with plenty of wonderful opportunities for deep sea and shallow water fishing. If you prefer to take a swing on dry land, you will find three challenging courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail suitable for players of any level.

Relax on the sugar-white sand of Mobile's beaches or experience windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking. The bay is also perfect for watching dolphins, pelicans and other local wildlife. Azaleas, Spanish moss and live oak provide an idyllic, semi-tropical setting for guests of Mobile hotels as they stroll through the luscious Bellingrath and Mobile Botanical Gardens.

Cultural attractions

The Oakleigh House and Bragg-Mitchell House are Greek Revival style mansions that provide a fascinating glimpse into Mobile's antebellum past, while the excavated remains of Fort Conde mark the location where French explorers first established the Port City as a colonial outpost. History buffs can learn about major events of the city, from its founding, through the Civil War and today, which are chronicled at the Museum of Mobile.

Battleship Memorial Park is home to the USS Alabama, as well as military aircraft and other museum ships. If you appreciate art, the permanent collection of fine art on display in the Mobile Museum of Art spans more than 2,000 years, and includes works by American and European masters. Children will enjoy the hands-on, interactive displays of the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.

Shopping, dining and nightlife

While most shopping is done in malls, Mobile also has a nice selection of quaint boutiques and antique shops in the Loop area of midtown. Set against a backdrop of shaded parks and verdant public squares, many downtown streets are lined with outdoor cafes and fine restaurants in addition to live music venues, sports bars and other nightspots.

Special events

Mardi Gras

The birthplace of Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, Mobile plays host to a month-long pre-Lenten celebration of parades, floats and decorative costumes as well as lively music, dancing and other festivities that date back to the early 18th century.

Football games

Ladd-Peebles Stadium is the venue for two after-season college football bowl games; one is held in late December and the other in early January.

Festivals

Best time to visit

Mobile has mild year-round weather that is moderated by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and summer highs reach the low 90s Fahrenheit. One of the wettest cities in the country, Mobile averages approximately 5 inches of rain each month.

Travel information

Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is served by several commuter airlines that provide direct flights to five major airline hubs throughout the southern United States, with connecting service around the globe. If you're driving, Mobile is the southern terminus of Interstate 65, while Interstate 10 traverses the city from east to west. The city is also conveniently located within a network of other major highways.