Best Cheap Date Spots in Mobile, Alabama

**Note: the following suggestions come purely from the writer's personal experience living in Mobile, AL for the last ten years.

Let's face it guys. Planning a romantic evening out with your wife or girlfriend can be a punch in the wallet. Oftentimes the high prices of classy restaurants, moonlight dancing ballrooms and fine wine can be a little too much to handle financially. While these activities are nice on occasion, you can still enjoy quality time with your significant other, experience an enjoyable evening and all for a relatively affordable price. If you're ever in the Gulf Coast area, check out these affordable, romantic stops in the heart of the city of Mobile, Alabama.

1. Langan (Municipal) Park:
4901 Zeigler Blvd.

Nested in the beautiful historic districts of Mobile's Spring Hill Neighborhood, this gorgeous 720 acre park offers an array of lakes, ponds and natural spaces, many of which are free and open to the general public. The park, which is accessible on a 24 hr. basis year round, also extends to the Mobile Museum of Art, a favorite tourist site for visitors to the area. The park is perfect for romantic outdoor dates, as it features picnic areas, complete with tables and chairs, as well as several shaded groves of trees and bushes.

Families will enjoy the abundance of recreational children's playground areas, each consisting of slides, monkey bars and merry-go-rounds. Adult activity areas include tennis courts and the nearby Azalea City Golf Course, an 18-hole course known for its Champion Bermuda grass.

So if you're looking for a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the everyday, Mobile's Municipal Park is a great place to spread a blanket, cuddle up with your honey under the shade of a tree and enjoy a beautiful day together. And don't forget to pack a lunch!

2. Dauphin Island

Spanning the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Missippi Sound and Mobile Bay to the north, Dauphin Island is one of Mobile's most frequented local beach vacation spots. The island is home to several noteworthy historical attractions, including Fort Gaines, as well as scientific exhibits such as the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the Estuarium public aquarium. For more on these, see my article "Free & Fun Things to do in Mobile, Alabama."

However, the Island is also a fantastic spot to stroll the sandy beaches hand-in-hand with the one you love. Spread out a towel, lather on some tanning lotion and soak up the sunny rays. While on the island, be sure to grab lunch at one of these several notable restaurants.

a. Tequila Bay Bar & Grill

If it's Mexican food you like, check out this local stop featuring authentic Spanish interior, great Mexican food and service and all at an affordable price. The Tequila Bay Bar & Grill accepts all forms of debit/credit with food available for dine in or carry out.

b. Original Oyster House
701 Highway 59 S, Gulf Shores, AL

One of several locations in Mobile and the greater Gulf Coast area, this beloved sea food stop features shrimp, fish, lobster and a host of additional entrees, salads and sides. If it's the taste of the sea you crave, venture out from the island a bit and swing by this one-of-a-kind place for all the seafood you can eat!

3. Carmike Cinemas: Wynnsong 16 Movie Theatre
785 Schillenger Rd. South
Mobile, AL 36695

If it's dinner and a movie you're after, search no further for affordable movie tickets and a decent film-viewing experience than Wynnsong 16-screened theatre in Mobile. While many have complained of high-priced drinks and popcorn, the experience is well worth it to create some romantic date memories with your significant other. Wynnong 16 is also one of the few theatres to enforce absolute silence during each film so as to ensure an enjoyable movie-viewing experience for all who attend.

4. Springdale/Bell Air Mall: www.shopatbellairmall.com
3299 Bel Air Mall
Mobile, AL 36606
(251) 478-1893

While you may not have an endless supply of cash to fritter away on clothing or other nonessentials, strolling leisurely through the Springdale/Bell Air Mall can be a rather enjoyable experience for anyone. The mall is home to countless renowned name brand clothing stops, including Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale and Hollister. You'll also find larger department stores such as Sears, JC Penny, Belk and Dillard's.

Smaller specialty stores include Bath & Body Works, the Disney Store, Hat Shack, Dollar Tree, Radio Shack, Victoria's Secret and dozens more. There are no shortages of shopping options at Mobile's Bell Air Mall!

Indoor restaurants include Chik-Fil-A, China Gourmet Express, McDonald's, Starbuck's, Piccadilly Cafeteria and Ruby Tuesdays.

So if it's affordable romance you're looking for, look no further than the Gulf Coast city of Mobile, Alabama. The next time you're passing through with the one you love, why not take a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. From shopping adventures to long walks on the beach, there is something each and every couple to enjoy in the heart of Mobile!