USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Spanish Fort, AL, 36527
Experience military history at Mobile's Battleship Memorial Park, where you can step aboard World War II vessels. Highlights include the USS Alabama battleship, USS Drum submarine, and dozens of military aircraft—as well as the on-site memorials where you can pay tribute to military veterans. Afterward, you can picnic, stroll, or bike along the park’s paths, grassy knolls, and waterfront areas.
The Basics
If the weather cooperates, plan to spend a day at Battleship Memorial Park to enjoy the waterfront grounds. Be sure to leave enough time to enjoy the numerous attractions, including all 12 decks on theUSS Alabama, and self-guided tours of the submarine, aircraft pavillion, and tank and artillery areas. Aviation enthusiasts enjoy the park's historic aircraft, including the A-12 Blackbird spy plane, OS2U Kingfisher, and F-86L Sabre jet.
Things to Know Before You Go
TheUSS Alabama is a must-see for military history fans.
The self-guided ship tour lasts about 2.5 hours.
Kids age 5 and under and members of the military enjoy free entry; senior citizens get discounted admission.
The park offers a free, information-rich mobile app.
Pack a lunch to dine alfresco at the park's bayfront picnic area, which include small grills and covered picnic tables.
Though much of the park is wheelchair accessible, some areas of theUSS Alabama are not.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to visit Battleship Memorial Park is to drive, as it's just off I-10. From points east, take I-10 W to exit 30. From points west, take I-10 E to exit 27. Follow signs for Battleship Parkway.
When to Get There
The Battleship is open year-round, but its hours vary by season, with earlier closing times in fall and winter. The ship is closed on Christmas Day. Arrive early in the day to avoid afternoon crowds, and expect more visitors on holidays such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.
Cruising Around Mobile
Because of its waterfront location, a visit to Battleship Memorial Park may inspire a trip onto open water. There are numerous boating options in and around Mobile. Nature enthusiasts can explore wildlife on a cruise of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, anglers can take advantage of fishing excursions, and animal lovers can see dolphins on a dolphin sightseeing trip—with numerous tours departing just a short drive from theUSS Alabama.
Ways to explore
Plan to spend a day at Battleship Memorial Park to enjoy the historic ships and sprawling waterfront grounds. Check out all 12 decks on the USS Alabama, and self-guided tours of the submarine, aircraft pavilion, and tank and artillery areas. Aviation enthusiasts enjoy the park's historic aircraft, including the A-12 Blackbird spy plane, OS2U Kingfisher, and F-86L Sabre jet.
While you can easily tour the park and attractions yourself, you could hire a guide or take a boat tour that cruises past the USS Alabama and the park’s memorial and grounds.
Accessibility
Many of the areas of the park are wheelchair accessible, though some parts of the ship aren’t.
Age limits
None, though the ship is best suited for school-age children who can climb ladders, squeeze through small spaces, and appreciate the history.
What to pack
Water, picnic lunch, sunscreen
What to wear
Sunglasses, hat, comfortable walking shoes
Not allowed
No dogs are allowed inside the ship, but you can board your dog in the park’s kennel while you explore the attractions.
Amenities
Picnic tables, restrooms
Address
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is about a 30-minute drive from the Mobile Regional Airport. The site is close to downtown Mobile, set along the waters of Polecat Bay just past the Mobile River.
Driving
Take the I-10 East or US-90 E/US-98 E from downtown Mobile, then turn right on Battleship Parkway. Parking costs US$5 per vehicle.
Public transportation
Mobile doesn’t offer any public transportation to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, though you can opt for a rideshare or taxi if you don’t want to drive there yourself.
Best times to visit
Visit first thing in the morning to explore the ship, submarine, and aircraft. Then have a picnic and explore the park's grounds.
Best days to visit
You’ll find that Mondays through Thursdays are less busy and see fewer crowds at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
Best months to visit
Visit the park from October to April, when low humidity and pleasant temperatures make it easy to explore both indoor and outdoor attractions.
Special events
Check out the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park’s website to see special events, which include lectures, reenactments, and more.
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