Are you feeling the need for a quick getaway? Hey, I've been there many times. Sometimes a change in scenery is just what we need in order to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are many incredible places located throughout Alabama that would be perfect for a quick getaway, but one in particular stands out among the rest.

This incredible place is Dauphin Island. Dauphin Island, located at the southernmost point of Alabama, is a quaint town that offers an authentic taste of the beautiful Gulf Coast. It's also been referred to as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama."

Not only does Dauphin Island surround its visitors with breathtaking scenery, but the exciting attractions located on the east side of the island are some of the best you'll ever experience. Three of these attractions include the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and historic Fort Gaines.

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary consists of 164 acres of beautiful woodlands with miles of walking trails through trees, swamps and along Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. This incredible sanctuary is the largest segment of protected forest in Dauphin Island. It’s also the first landfall for migrant birds after their tiring flight across the Gulf from Central and South America. For its third consecutive year, Dauphin Island has been voted "America's Birdiest City" because of the many birds that flock to this sanctuary.

The Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a public aquarium that highlights the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. This facility includes 31 aquariums, totaling more than 30,000 gallons of water. It also features more than 100 species of plant and animal life.

Historic Fort Gaines was one of the main sites in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Original cannons, tunnels and a blacksmith shop are onsite. If you're a fan of Alabama history, you don't want to pass up a chance to explore this historic area while you're visiting Dauphin Island.

If you do decide to visit Dauphin Island, Willow Tree Cottage (pictured below) is a great place to stay. Here at this bed and breakfast-style accommodation, you'll experience ultimate relaxation and great hospitality. For more information on Willow Tree Cottage, be sure to check out their website.

Dauphin Island is home to some wonderful restaurants. Two restaurants that are favorites among the locals include Lighthouse Bakery and Barnacle Bill's Marina Grill. (Please note, Barnacle Bill's Marina Grill has permanently closed.)

Lighthouse Bakery is a great place to grab a quick breakfast. In addition to mouth-watering pastries, they also offer freshly ground coffee, omelets (weekends) and delicious deli sandwiches. Everything is prepared fresh daily.

If you're craving seafood, you absolutely must check out Barnacle Bill's Marina Grill. This popular restaurant serves only the finest seafood products the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. For more information, be sure to check out their website.

If you're still unsure whether or not you want to visit Dauphin Island for your next getaway, this tourism video might help you come to a decision:

What do you think? Does Dauphin Island look like the perfect place for your next getaway? Share your thoughts with us below!