Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 20 mi south of Mobile, is the site of one of the world’s most magnificent azalea gardens. Here, amid a 905 acre semitropical landscape, 65 acres of gardens bloom in all seasons: 200 species of azaleas in spring, 3000 rosebushes in summer, 60,000 chrysanthemum plants in autumn, and fields of poinsettias in winter. Built by Coca-Cola bottling pioneer Walter D. Bellingrath, who started the gardens with his wife in 1917, the huse has a fine collection of antiques, including Boehm porcelain. Sightseeing cruises along Fowl River are available aboard the Southern Belle.
Mobile Bay, east of downtown, is the site of the 155 acre Battleship Memorial Park, where the battleship USS Alabama is anchored. A self-guided tour gives a fascinating glimpse into the World War II vessel, which had a crew of 2,500. Anchored next to it is the USS Drum, a World War II submarine. Other exhibits include the B-52 bomber Calamity Jane.
