Mobile

Mobile sits at the head of Mobile Bay on the Gulf Coast. The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum, close to the port, covers the region's seafaring history from Spanish explorers to modern fishing. Fort Condé, an 18th-century fort that changed hands between French, Spanish, and British rule, now serves as a visitor centre. Bellingrath Gardens, a 65-acre estate south of town, is known for its award-winning rose gardens and river cruises through landscaped grounds. Battleship Memorial Park has the USS Alabama and the WWII submarine USS Drum, both open for self-guided tours. The Mobile Carnival Museum explains the city's Mardi Gras traditions, which predate those in New Orleans. Dauphin Street is the main strip for restaurants and shops, with Southern staples like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes. The city is compact enough to walk, with taxis available for Bellingrath and the battleship park. A po'boy sandwich or a slice of pecan pie makes a solid lunch.