Life in Mobile, AL: Memorializing History & Celebrating Community
Are you looking for fun things to do in Mobile, AL? As one of the oldest port cities in America, our Gulf Coast city is a melting pot of different cultures with more than 300 years of history, making it a captivating destination for history buffs, food enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. With its oak-lined streets, vibrant festivals, and a unique blend of heritages, Mobile offers travelers a taste of the South with a twist. Whether you are moving to the area or just visiting for a few days, there is plenty to do to keep you entertained!
Mobile, AL by James Willamor lic CC BY-SA 2.0
About Mobile, AL
Population: 189,994
Mobile, Alabama, stands as a testament to the Deep South’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded in 1702, Mobile is not only Alabama’s oldest city but also boasts the title of being the first capital of French Louisiana. This history is palpable as you stroll the city’s streets, with Spanish, French, British, and Creole influences emanating from the architecture, landmarks, and even the very cobblestones underfoot. See some of Mobile’s past for yourself in the city’s historic districts, like Church Street East that offers a window into antebellum life, showcasing beautifully preserved homes and buildings that tell tales of the Old South.
Playing a Role in Our Nation’s History
As a port city in the Deep South, Mobile played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement’s fight for equality and justice in the 1950s and 1960s. With centuries of racial oppression and violence, Mobile was at the center of civil rights activism as African Americans stood up bravely for long-denied freedoms.
In 1954, Mobile native Claudette Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, predating Rosa Parks’ more famous act of defiance. Local leaders including John L. LeFlore organized some of the earliest major boycotts against city buses beginning in 1956. Then in 1963, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led the final demonstration of the Selma to Montgomery marches along Mobile’s Water Street. A year later, Dr. King addressed thousands at Mobile’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Many brave youth activists emerged from Mobile, too, like James Zwerg who protested segregation as an original Freedom Rider.
Today, historic sites across downtown trace Mobile’s road to justice and hard-won advances that moved America closer to its promise of equality for all.
Living in Mobile
Mobile, AL, is a city located along the Mobile River that serves as Alabama’s only saltwater port. The Port of Mobile has been the area’s key hub of economic activity since the time of trading goods, and it is now the country’s 12th-largest port. It also a cultural hub. In addition to having the oldest organized Carnival celebrations in the United States, the city boasts numerous museums, historic architecture, a ballet company, an opera, and much more to discover. See for yourself what makes Mobile a fun place to visit for the whole family!
Marti Gras in Mobile
Mobile has grown into a lively and vibrant community, pulsating with a rhythm uniquely its own. Often considered the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S., Mobile hosts an annual celebration that predates even New Orleans’ famous festivities. Revelers don colorful masks and costumes, parading through downtown streets while jubilant crowds clamor for beads and trinkets.
While there are many Mardi Gras parades and festivals around the country each year, Carnival season in Mobile is truly a special experience to witness. Brush up on your Mardi Gras knowledge with these three fun facts!
Fun Facts about Mobile Mardi Gras
- “Laissez les bon temps rouler” is a popular greeting you will hear, meaning “let the good times roll.”
- More than 40 parades will move through the streets of Mobile during Mardi Gras season.
- Mobile has a Carnival Museum that walks you through 300 years of the history of these celebrations.
Get to know more about our community events in our Guide to Mobile’s Seasonal Festivities!
Colleges & Universities
Mobile is an excellent area to make progress in your academic growth and take advantage of opportunity in the Gulf Coast region. The city is home to a number of educational institutions that cater to a diverse range of academic pursuits.
Top Things to Do in Mobile with the Family
Where can you take your kids for a day full of adventure and exploration? Whether you are history buffs, nature lovers, or just lives of the party, Mobile has fun attractions to pique everyone’s interest.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: For the World War II- and nautical-lover, the USS Alabama is rich in history. She began her career in 1942, and over the course of WWII, she traveled the North Atlantic and South Pacific. The USS Alabama led the American fleet into Tokyo Bay at war’s end. After decommissioning the battleship, Alabama residents brought the ship to Mobile as a key component of a memorial park. And now you can visit the park for tours and to learn about Alabama veterans’ contributions across the armed forces.
Exploreum Science Center: What better way to learn than through hands-on experiences? Exploreum Science Center does just that through its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and big-screen films. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
History Museum of Mobile: The History Museum of Mobile brings the city’s rich history to life through exhibits on topics like Mardi Gras, the colonial era, and Mobile’s role in the Civil War. Interactive displays and a replica of 1702 Fort Conde engage visitors of all ages.
Mobile Botanical Gardens: At the 100-acre Mobile Botanical Gardens, families can explore picturesque trails through gardens showcasing blooms, sculptures, wetlands, and traditional Japanese gardens. The diverse natural scenery provides a peaceful urban oasis.
Mobile Carnival Museum: The Mobile Carnival Museum details the founding and evolution of Mardi Gras with colorful exhibits of gowns, crowns, and floats from the city’s iconic parades and balls.
Dauphin Island: For waterfront fun, the Mobile Bay Ferry transports passengers to Dauphin Island where families can swim, fish, kayak, or explore ecological sites like bird sanctuaries on the barrier island.
Moving to Mobile, AL? Let Us Help!
As you begin your move to the city and settle into the area, consider additional storage space to keep your belongings secure and organized throughout different stages of your move. Available Self Storage on Sidney Phillips Drive has everything you need, from covered vehicle storage to temperature-controlled storage units. Look through our available storage units online to find the best choice to support your Mobile home or business. Rent contact-free with Available Self Storage today!
We provide free online resources to make the rental process easy—whether you choose to secure your storage in person, over the phone, or online. Our handy storage calculator helps you determine the amount of storage space you should rent to safely hold your specific load and items. You can also check out our list of expert self storage tips for some quick advice on choosing different amenities and packing your space. And as always, if you have questions along the way, our staff members are happy to provide guidance. Get started with Available Self Storage today!
Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is an SEO Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her newly adopted Greyhound rescue, Titan.
