4 Gulf Coast Destination Gems

The American Gulf Coast is dotted with many exceptional beaches from the Florida Panhandle all the way to Texas. Due to the Gulf Coast’s immense popularity, it can sometimes be hard for tourists to find cheap and secluded beaches to explore. Luckily for you, there are still plenty of hidden gems in the Gulf Coast offering exceptional sand & surf without the massive tourist crowds you’d find on Siesta Key or Panama City. Let’s take a look at four great destinations along the Gulf Coast.

Orange Beach, Alabama

When people think of the Gulf Coast they tend to only focus on the Florida Panhandle. While Florida’s beaches are undeniably beautiful, don’t write off Alabama! One world-class destination is Orange Beach, which is an hour’s drive from Mobile. Here you’ll find white sand beaches that rival the best in the Sunshine State as well as a wide array of entertainment venues and seafood restaurants. Orange Beach is also conveniently located next to another awesome Alabama beach: Gulf Shores. Whether you’re looking for family-fun or adult entertainment, a trip to Orange Beach won’t disappoint.

Waveland Beach, Mississippi

Waveland is a small town about a 30-minute drive west of Gulfport, Mississippi. While Waveland’s beach might not be as popular as the Magnolia State’s Biloxi, that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of your time. Guests in Waveland will enjoy plenty of seclusions. You’ll also find easy access to the dog-friendly Buccaneer State Park as well as the fascinating Waveland Ground Zero Hurricane Museum while in Waveland. Anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path vacation should definitely look into Waveland Beach.

Galveston Island, Texas

Located less than an hour’s drive southeast of Houston, Galveston Island is one of the top beach resort areas in the Lone Star State. Not only does this island offer visitors 30 miles of pristine beaches, there are also dozens of historic mansions and state-of-the-art museums to explore. Be sure to schedule a few hours at Moody Gardens, which is a massive botanical complex with movie theaters, a water park, and a golf course. Other hot attractions in Galveston include the Galveston Railroad Museum, Haak Vineyards and Winery, and Moody Mansion.

Destin Beach, Florida

For a picture-perfect vacation on Florida’s Panhandle, be sure to book a trip to Destin Beach. Located on the famed “Emerald Coast,” Destin Beach is well-known for its emerald-blue waters and its extremely soft white sand. Emerald Coast by Owner says, “sunny skies, beautiful white beaches, emerald-colored waters, countless activities, attractions, and dining opportunities make Destin the perfect vacation site.”

Besides taking long walks on the beach and boardwalk, Destin also has many nearby attractions sure to keep you and the kids entertained. Just a few of the best attractions in Destin include Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, the Destin History & Fishing Museum, and world-renowned golf courses like the Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club and the Indian Bayou Golf Club.

Of course, we’ve only scratched the surface of Gulf Coast beaches you could explore. All of the destinations listed above, however, will supply you and your family with memories to last a lifetime. FYI, travel experts recommend visiting these beaches between April and May for optimal weather and more affordable hotel rooms.

Learn more about any one of these Gulf Coast and Florida vacation destinations on our site today!