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THE PERFECT DAY TRIP FROM NEW ORLEANS: TAKE THE TRAIN TO MOBILE, ALABAMA

a group of people walking on a sidewalk

The Gulf Coast’s Best-Kept Secret Is Just a Train Ride Away

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Express is rolling along the Gulf Coast with some of the most beautiful scenic views in the United States! If you’re looking to escape the “Big Easy” of New Orleans for the day, you’re in luck—because just a few hours away lies one of the South’s most underrated cities: Mobile, Alabama. And now, thanks to Amtrak’s daily service from New Orleans, getting there has never been easier.

Why Mobile Makes the Perfect Day Trip

Mobile is rich in history, flavor, and walkable charm. It’s the birthplace of Mardi Gras, a thriving port city with coastal energy, and a downtown filled with colorful architecture, live oaks, and great local restaurants!  With the new Amtrak schedule, you can leave New Orleans in the morning, spend the perfect afternoon exploring, and be back before bedtime.

Train Schedule Highlights:

    • Arrival in Mobile: ~11:15 AM
    • Departure from Mobile: 4:30 PM

That gives you a solid 4+ hours in the city—just enough to do something memorable without feeling rushed.

What to Do in Mobile, Alabama Near the Amtrak Station

The Amtrak station is located just a short walk from downtown, so you won’t need a car. Here are some top things to do that are all walkable from the train station:

1. Join a Downtown Food Tour (Perfectly Timed!)

Take the Bienville Bites Food Tour, Mobile’s award-winning culinary experience. Timed to start at 1:30 PM, this 3-hour guided walking tour hits 5 local restaurants and gives you a taste of the city’s flavor, history, and soul.

Pro tip: Use code AMTRAKMOBILE at checkout for 10% off!

2. Explore Cathedral Square and Bienville Square

These lush, tree-lined parks are full of local character. Snap photos of historic churches, grab a bench under the oaks, or listen to live street music on the weekends.

3. Visit the History Museum of Mobile

Get a deeper appreciation for Mobile’s past—from French explorers to Mardi Gras traditions. It’s just a few blocks away from the station.

4. Grab a Craft Cocktail or Coffee

Downtown Mobile has no shortage of bars, cafes, and rooftop patios. Try a bushwacker or local brew before heading back to the train station.

5. Shop Local on Dauphin Street

Dauphin is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir stops where you can pick up something unique from your trip.

How to Plan Your Day Trip from New Orleans to Mobile

  • Book your Amtrak tickets early to lock in the best rates.
  • Reserve your food tour spot in advance. These fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—Mobile is super walkable, and you’ll want to explore.
  • Bring your appetite and your camera.

Bonus: Why a Food Tour Is the Best Thing to Do on a Mobile Day Trip

You could try to wing it. But if you want to make the most of your limited time, let someone else handle the details. Bienville Bites Food Tour will:

  • Feed you with the city’s best dishes
  • Entertain you with local stories and legends
  • Guide you through the prettiest corners of town
  • Get you back in time for your train—stress-free

Your New Orleans Day Trip Just Got a Whole Lot Better

There are no tourists traps here! You’ll find locals guiding tours and encounter friendly ambassadors at every attraction and museum along the way. Mobile is the day trip you didn’t know you needed—and now, it’s just a train ride away.

Book your Amtrak ticket, reserve your spot on the Bienville Bites Food Tour, and experience one of the Gulf Coast’s hidden gems for yourself.


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