Looking for a unique getaway with beautiful coastal waters? We’ve drawn up a list of great travel destinations along the Gulf Coast—from beachfront paradises to amusement parks and entertainment options galore. A road trip along the water is perfect for anyone seeking hidden travel gems, including beaches and a variety of ocean-inspired, southern cuisines.
Here are 6 stops worth exploring.
Galveston, Texas: Soak Up an Unexpected Island Paradise
Ride a Ferris wheel overlooking the Gulf at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
As a barrier island off Texas, Galveston Island brings Gulf Coast road trippers a range of options for waterfront fun. Relax in the coastal outdoors with a hike along the trails of Galveston Island State Park. If you decide to camp, be sure to book passes early as the beach side is closed for renovations until 2022 and space is extremely limited on the gulf side, which continues to remain open. For more family-friendly experiences, plan a ride on the Galaxy Wheel overlooking the Gulf at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Get an extra dose of fun just 20 minutes up the coast at Moody Gardens with an aquarium, a premier public golf course and a full-scale water park all in one easy stop.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Experience a Not-So-Typical Night Out
Find an extra-friendly spot for cocktails, art galleries and installations along St. Claude Avenue.
Bourbon Street aside, New Orleans is home to dozens of major thoroughfares with countless options for visitors to enjoy the food and entertainment this vibrant Louisiana city has to offer. On Freret Street alone, you can find several delectable dining options, such as Ancora for pizza and Italian specialties, or the local hot dog vendor, Dat Dog. The Freret corridor is also host to eclectic, local cocktail bars, including Cure and Jazz Daiquiri Lounge, serving a variety of flavored drinks to enjoy on the go.
From Freret Street, hop on down to St. Claude Avenue, which is booming with new and exciting showcases of New Orleans’ underground bohemian culture. St. Roch Market boasts diverse local eateries serving up their best fare, including oysters from Elysian Seafood, Haitian street food from Fritai and Italian pastas and pizza from Doña. You can also find many of the city’s most captivating galleries, installations and street art along St. Claude Avenue.
Biloxi, Mississippi: Play Gulf Golf and Games
Biloxi weather is ideal most of the year for both beach-goers and golfers.
Mississippi’s Biloxi Beach offers prime beach weather most of the year, making it a great stop for a Gulf Coast road trip in any season. Take advantage of the area’s premier public golf courses, such as Sunkist Country Club or Bay Breeze on Keesler Air Force Base. Try your luck at the beachfront casinos dotting the coastline like Treasure Bay or Golden Nugget. Search for souvenirs and quirky art for sale at the nearby Coastal Magpie, a local shop that prides itself on not being “your average stuff antique store.”
Gulf Shores, Alabama: Enjoy the Beaches (and Bargains)
The sands of Gulf Shores are among the best on the Gulf Coast.
Another popular Gulf Coast road trip vacation spot—and one of our all-around favorite Gulf Coast beaches—Gulf Shores, Alabama, also benefits from nearly year-round optimal beach weather. Dig your toes into the sand at Gulf State Park, or search for turtles and seabirds at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. In need of retail therapy on your Gulf Coast road trip? Stop over at the Tanger Outlets in nearby Foley to grab a bite to eat while you browse deeply discounted deals at dozens of stores.
Tampa, Florida: Unwind While Exploring
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of attractions for the whole family, including a wildlife zoo.
Toward the end of your Gulf Coast road trip, hop out of the car and into Brew Bus Brewing, which offers beer lovers the opportunity to sample highly unique, locally made craft brews. You’re My Boy, Blue! is an all-natural blueberry wheat ale, Tangerine Splash takes the best Florida tangerines and melds them into a Belgian-style Witbier, and Hazelnut Spread not only tastes like a delicious Imperial Milk Porter, it also looks familiar to a jar of the famous hazelnut spread.
Tampa also has a heaping handful of thrill rides and entertainment options on deck at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. From roller coasters and kid-friendly rides to world-class experiences each day, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy. For an added bonus, check out the park’s accredited zoo with over 200 species of animals on display in their natural habitats.
Clearwater, Florida: Meet Marine Life and Get Back to the Beach
Visit recovering marine life at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Another Gulf Coast destination not far from Tampa is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where “Rescue, Rehab, Release” is their chief motto. Your family will love the pleasure of viewing magnificent underwater creatures during their rehabilitation at the aquarium, such as Winter the dolphin, star of the Dolphin Tale movie franchise.
Once you’re ready to get back to the beach, drive out onto Highway 60 from Clearwater to Caladesi Island State Park for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Then head to Pier 60 to photograph the sunset and enjoy the town’s nightly celebrations. With all the memorable experiences you’ll have, you’ll quickly understand why we consider Clearwater to be one of the best beach vacations in the U.S.