Beginning in Might 2025, Allegiant Air is opening six new nonstop flights to Gulf Shores/Orange Seaside, Alabama. Comparable routes to Destin, Florida, have expanded to 38 cities in recent times. Traditionally, the Flora-bama Coast has attracted roadtrippers trying to maximize their household’s summer season holidays. The brand new air routes will undoubtedly entice new varieties of guests.
There could possibly be no higher spot to find hidden journey gems than the miles and miles of sugar sand between Mississippi’s Secret Coast and Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
That is coming from a spot that also boasts quite a few quirky occasions, such because the Florida Jeep Jam, which options the Topless for Turtles Jeep Seaside Krawl, which sounds dangerous till you notice that topless is a Jeep time period for eradicating the roof. Nonetheless, there’s additionally Flora-Bama’s famed annual Mullet Toss, which is likely to be worse as soon as you recognize it does not consult with a ubiquitous haircut however a bonafide competitors to throw useless fish throughout the state line. Enjoyable Truth! As soon as the Mullet Toss is over, Flora-Bama donates the fish to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or Alligator Alley for animal meals.
However even when these occasions form your notion of the realm, there are hidden gems buried amongst the dunes of the Gulf Coast for discerning vacationers looking for a luxurious trip with white sandy seashores and freshly caught seafood.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Biloxi, Mississippi, is called the “Playground of the South” for its eight world-class casinos. The nutrient-rich water from Cell Bay washes by means of the Mississippi Sound, feeding considerable sea life. Over a century in the past, Biloxi was dubbed the Seafood Capital of the World, with annual harvests of 5,988,788 kilos of oysters and 4,424,000 kilos of shrimp. Trendy guests can nonetheless take pleasure in this bounty on on line casino buffets, historic white-glove eating places like Cora’s, or purchase bulk shrimp on the docks from business fishermen. They’ll even cruise the Mississippi Gulf Coast on an genuine duplicate of a Biloxi oyster schooner.
For those who’re searching for golf and playing, Biloxi has a room for you. Throughout the bay, within the quaint coastal city of Ocean Springs, you may discover boutique inns with a special aptitude and taste. Architectural Digest calls The Roost “The Most Beautiful Hotel in Mississippi.” Staying on the Roost, you are inside strolling distance from artwork galleries, boutique outlets, and native eating places within the historic district and proper on the scenic Live Oaks bike route.
Mississippi’s barrier islands are farther offshore, however boat journeys from close by Gulfport allow you to escape the brackish inshore water to unspoiled seashores and clear, inexperienced waters surrounding the 4 Mississippi barrier islands.
Orange Seaside, Alabama
Orange Seaside, Alabama, is greater than a touchdown zone for incoming fish tossed throughout the Florabama line. Its marinas are residence to virtually 100 business vessels providing fishing excursions, sundown dolphin cruises, and devoted journeys to observe the Blue Angels observe their aerial acrobatics from close by Pensacola. Alabama is on the clear aspect of the Cell Bay watershed with 32 miles of sugar-white sand seashores.
Gulf State Park is the crown jewel of Alabama’s beaches. The park is adjoining to downtown Gulf Shores and preserves 9 distinctive ecosystems, together with 3.5 miles of seashores. Gulf State Park’s 28-mile paved Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Path permits guests to discover every ecosystem by bike or foot. It was named USA At this time’s 10 Finest Reader’s Alternative Award for “Best Recreational Trail in the Country for 2025″ – the third yr in a row!
Not solely is Orange Seaside Southern Living’s highest-rated seaside on the Gulf Coast, however in addition they rank Perdido Seaside Resort because the “Best Beach Resorts For A Relaxing Getaway” on the Gulf Coast. It is a full-service seaside resort the place each room consists of premium bedding, luxurious furnishings, and a non-public balcony to benefit from the breeze from the Gulf air. On-premise eating places embody Voyagers, with Gulf-front positive eating, and Mrs. Nancy’s Foyer Lounge, an intimate piano bar with nightly reside music.
Destin, Florida
Tourism has been excellent to Destin, Florida, incomes it the moniker of “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” together with having the nation’s largest business fishing fleet. The Gulf’s heat, light waves and the splish-splashing enjoyable of Large Kahuna’s Water and Journey Park make it a first-rate vacation spot for households, however it additionally has a luxurious aspect for discerning vacationers.
It is the one different Gulf Coast beach on Southern Dwelling’s finest seashores checklist, with exceptional pure areas just like the unspoiled dunes of Okaloosa Island and the oak bushes in Henderson State Park. The luxurious lodging of Henderson Seaside Resort and Spa supply direct entry to Henderson State Park and full-service seaside and spa facilities. The resort presents 5 eating experiences to savor true Gulf-to-Desk delicacies served with traditional Southern hospitality.
Panama Metropolis Seaside, Florida
Panama Metropolis Seaside is famend for its bottlenose dolphins, with ample alternatives to see these playful creatures. Dolphin cruises usually cease at Shell Island, a pure playground stuffed with pristine seashores and towering dunes, as they make their approach out and in of St. Andrew Bay.
The beachfront is lined with family-friendly condominiums that swimsuit the clientele nicely. Luxurious vacationers might contemplate heading 5 miles up the coast to Rosemary Seaside to benefit from the finer issues at The Pearl. The property is Forbes Advisable and an AAA-4-Diamond resort named certainly one of Journey + Leisure’s World’s Finest Resorts. It is the little issues that garner these rave critiques, from cocktails at check-in to freshly baked treats at bedtime. It is shut sufficient to take pleasure in all the pieces about Panama Metropolis Seaside, however this stylish, adult-themed resort will make you’re feeling such as you’re one million miles away.
Yearly, tens of millions of households make an annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Coast. Upscale vacationers ought to bear in mind there are additionally locations catering to their discerning tastes, from boutique inns to connoisseur eating places and gorgeous pure areas. The brand new air routes to Destin and Gulf Shores prolong past a cushty day and supply nonstop flights for as little as $39 a technique with departure cities as far-off as Boston, Las Vegas, and Chicago. Whether or not you are coming by land or air, the Gulf Coast has luxurious choices for essentially the most upscale guests.
