The enjoyment of our two-week stay at Dauphin Island was dictated by the weather, and we had a double whammy of severe thunderstorms, rain and overcast skies. But on days when the weather cooperated, we headed to our favorite locations to watch the colors of twilight and sunset that the island is known for. In July 2013, Dauphin Island was deemed by its town council as the Sunset Capital of Alabama. In reality it’s a logical choice, since the island sits several miles south of the mainland where there’s really nothing to obstruct the western horizon.
Geographically, its location is at the westernmost white-sand beach in Alabama, and also on the Gulf Coast – unique features that the town likes to point out. We drove to the west end of the island where we could see the clouds and colors changing 360 degrees around us. Of course, there were days when Mother Nature produced a dud, but most evenings it was well worth the drive and it’s not like we had a lot of other important things to do.
The only other time I have posted about incredible sunsets was when we were in Arizona, where the sky in the desert had spectacular twilight hues of oranges and reds, and the cloudscapes were spectacular. Other than birds, sunsets have become my other photographic inspiration. I try to catch at least one wherever we go. But here at Dauphin Island the panoramic sunsets are something to behold, and we have tried to view and enjoy them from various locations.
Sunset afterglows…
Dauphin Island has given us several memorable sunsets that I’ve been able to add to my collection. The hard part is picking which ones to delete!
And that about wraps up our two weeks of hanging out on our favorite southern island.
Lowes Travels 
What a gorgeous collection of sunsets, and you captured so many different moods! I can see why it’s called the Sunset Capital. On our next trip to Dauphin Island, we’ll need to stay overnight (or a week!) so that we can catch a sunset.
Thanks Laurel, perhaps you and Eric can timed it for the fall migration. won’t that be awesome!
Magical sunset pics, Mona. I particularly love the second one. 🙂
Yes Sylvia, this is the only place we have been that I can view a huge sun 360 degrees.
Beautiful new header photo:) You definitely had a magnificent spot to see the sunset. Great job capturing the sun’s good bye for the day. I can hear Steve’s grown with your new photography obsession!! Haha!!
Thanks, Pam you are so perceptive. He still complains about my stops when we are biking or hiking…but he is now slowly accepting it.
Fantastic. We visit that area just about every year and have never made a trip to the island. Hopefully we will hit that area this coming fall.
Yes Marsha give it a try, and you will be surprised.
Those sunsets are beauties. Dauphin Island is on our list for next year. Thanks for the encouragement!
Oh Good, nothing fancy here just a low profile island.
I love those after glows. Speaking of weather…..when you plan your trip north, allow plenty of time for those days that just aren’t agreeable. The Midwest can experience rain for days. Key sights to see in Michigan: Sleeping Bear Sand dunes, Mackinac Island, Pictured Rock 🙂
Thanks Ingrid for the reminder, this year weather will definitely be foremost in our planning. I will keep note of the attractions you listed. It was you who first mentioned to us about Mackinac and it has been on the list.
That is quite a collection of sunset photos…I wouldn’t delete any of them! You have certainly sparked my interest in Dauphin Island…thank you!
Safe travels as you head north!
Just like birds the collections have grown exponentially.
Awesome Sunsets! Your photos are always amazing.
Amazing! All your recent posts about Dauphin Island has convinced me that this will be one of our stop as we make our way along the Gulf this fall. I think you said earlier that you stayed at the Dauphin Island Campground. I am wondering how busy it was and if you made a reservation far in advance? Thanks for sharing this wonderful place!
Amanda, I just sent you a reply about your question. Also please read Steve’s campground review.
those look pretty good for sure.
This is an area that I must see! Too often we have been places where neither the sunrise or sunset is convenient without a long drive. I love the selection made for your header.
I have to agree with Ingrid about Mackinaw Island, a definite must-see, as well as Pictured Rocks. Watch for high wind warnings on the Mackinaw Bridge. 🙂
Thank You LuAnn it was a challenge picking the best sunset. Mackinaw Island is really high up on the list and thanks for the high wind warning. This year weather is probably our biggest challenge and we have to be constantly on the look out for warnings.
Welcome to the midwest! 🙂
Indeed beautiful sunset photos! Total moon eclipse tonight.
Just beautiful! I love a good sunset. 😀
Lovely colors … I especially like the one with the grass in the foreground.
Love that first photo, so golden! Dauphin Island sounds like a place to catch next time we’re in the east.
Brenda
My heart softens when I saw you’re opening photo. I don’t know why. I sounded like a girl but it really did. Beautiful sunsets, Mona. I remember your cruise sun pics the most. I don’t know why I remember them either.