By Alyssa Ochs
Last updated August 13, 2020
When most travelers think of visiting the U.S. coast, the Pacific or the Atlantic come to mind. However, there’s a third coast worth visiting here too that has beautiful beaches and lots of southern flavor to make them truly unique. The Gulf Coast, which runs along the Gulf of Mexico, stretches along the southern border of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The region boasts a subtropical climate, a friendly vibe, and fun shopping and restaurant districts.
This is an accessible and affordable getaway spot with bed & breakfast spots, casino hotels, and beach resorts to suit couples, families, and groups of friends. One of the best ways to see the Gulf Coast is on a road trip with several beautiful beach towns along the way! These are some of the best resorts along the Gulf Coast to maximize your beach time and discover the American South in a whole new way.
THE GRAND HOTEL GOLF RESORT & SPA — FAIRHOPE, AL
The massive The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa spans nearly 600 acres and has lovely views of the bay. Guests who stay here can experience the restaurant and nightlife scene of Mobile and also the quaint town of Fairhope. Borrow a bike to explore Fairhope on two wheels and a fishing pole to try your luck at the nearby pier. There are two golf courses to play at the Lakewood Golf Club, a 20,000-square-foot spa, and 10 tennis courts here, as well as the Bayside Grill that specializes in steak and seafood.
PORT INN — PORT ST. JOE, FL
The Port Inn has cozy rooms and is located about 20 minutes from Apalachicola and Mexico Beach, which is one of Florida’s underrated beaches on the Gulf Coast. It’s also conveniently located close to St. Joseph Bay and Frank Pate Park, which have fishing charters, boat launch facilities, and waterfront dining opportunities. A hub for ecotourism, this area is known for birding and scalloping in the Gulf waters. It’s designed in the style of a 1920s Florida beach inn and was restored in 2002. Grab a cocktail at the Thirsty Goat Lounge and buy a Florida fishing license to experience the enduring tradition of this barrier peninsula. The port cottages are pet-friendly for guests traveling with four-legged friends, and there’s a swimming pool along with grills for hanging out.
PEARL SOUTH PADRE RESORT — PADRE ISLAND, TX
A long-time favorite destination in Texas, Padre Island is along the coast and has a truly retro beach vibe. Pearl South Padre Resort has oceanfront rooms and a palm tree-bordered pool that overlooks the ocean waves. There are elegant guest rooms, suites, and condos with private balconies here, as well as a 6,000-square-foot pool and swim-up bar. This is a great place for beachside dining and watching the Gulf of Mexico waves at Beachside Bar & Grill, which has a menu of fresh seafood and karaoke nights. The Sapphire Spa offers massage, hydrotherapy, and aesthetic treatments every day of the week to soothe your pains and worries away. Pearl is family-friendly and there’s even a summer kids’ camp offered to youngsters here.
FRONT BEACH COTTAGES — OCEAN SPRINGS, MS
Ocean Springs, Mississippi is known for local art and music, and it’s also surrounded by the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a great place for spotting birds and wildlife. The Front Beach Cottages are a great place to stay in this area to experience the laid-back local vibe. Take your pick among the Key West Cabana, NOLA Cottage, Bellano Cottage, and Lagniappe Cottage and you’ll be within walking distance of some great downtown restaurants and live music venues. The beach is just a block and a half away from the cottages and is a great place for volleyball, bonfires, fishing, biking, and running. Biloxi is right across the bridge, where you can find the casinos with gaming and entertainment.
