There aren't many reasons to leave the coast during an Alabama beach vacation, but the USS Alabama Battleship in Mobile, AL is a worthy exception. Named Alabama's 2015 Attraction of the Year, the USS Alabama Memorial Park is a unique military attraction on the Mobile Bay that you need to visit. The area is open daily, except for Christmas Day, and offers a great educational experience for everyone. This has been one of our boys' favorite day trips.
You can find out more about all of the fun things to do near Gulf Shores, AL when you download our free Vacation Guide. It's full of the best recommendations for things to see and do like enjoying a day at the USS Alabama Battleship.
Get Our Free Gulf Shores Vacation Guide
What You'll See
While the USS Alabama is the most commanding presence at the USS Alabama Memorial Park, it is not the only thing you'll find at the complex. In addition to touring this renown battleship, you'll also find the USS Drum submarine, Air Force aircraft, and much more military equipment in the park.
The USS Alabama
The USS Alabama Battleship, and the 2,500 crew members aboard her, received nine Battle Stars in World War II. For a year, "The Might A," as she was called, served in the Atlantic ocean before joining the Pacific Fleet in mid-1943. In the Pacific, the battleship and crew fought at key locations like Leyte, the Gilbert Islands, and Okinawa. When the war was over, the USS Alabama let the American Fleet into Tokyo Bay.
The USS Drum
Just beside the USS Alabama, you will also find the USS Drum. This impressive vessel is the oldest Gato Class US Submarine on public display in America. Named for a large sea bass found off the North Atlantic Coast, the USS Drum was manned by 72 crew members during World War II. The submarine conducted 13 war patrols, was awarded 12 Campaign stars, and sank 15 Japanese ships totaling over 80,000 tons. At the USS Alabama Memorial Park, you can go inside the submarine to learn more about the vessel and the crew's working conditions.
US Air Force Aircraft
In addition to the two Navy vessels at the park, you will also have the opportunity to view and learn more about the Air Force. On-site, you'll find "Calamity Jane," a B-52 Stratofortress that served with the Strategic Air Command as well as Cold War veteran, the A-12 "Blackbird" spy plane. Additionally, you can also tour other aircraft from Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.
How to Get There
If you are staying with us in Gulf Shores on the Alabama coast, you are just one hour from the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. At this distance, visiting the USS Alabama is a great day trip for the whole family. From the coast, hop in the car and head north via the Baldwin Beach Express until you reach I-10. Then, merge onto I-10 west towards Mobile, AL. Once you reach Mobile, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial park is just minutes from the interstate.
Visit the USS Alabama Battleship and Stay with Us!
What's better than visiting the USS Alabama Battleship? Visiting the USS Alabama Battleship and staying at the beach! With Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, you can stay in the best Alabama coast vacation rental homes. Our luxurious rentals feature breathtaking views of the ocean, sugar-white beaches, and a laid-back family atmosphere. Choose from a variety of vacation rentals, including large beach houses and or small beach bungalows. While staying in one of our Gulf Shores rentals, you'll find that you are conveniently located near all the best Gulf Shores attractions. Now is the time to plan a Gulf Shores beach vacation. Give us a call today!
See you in Gulf Shores,
Susan & Geoff Gaberino
Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals
Photo credit: Getty Images / stephenallen75
