21 Best Gulf Coast Beaches

Pack your sunscreen and sandals and hit a beautiful Gulf Coast beach in Mississippi, Florida or Alabama. We'll tell you about great places to eat, stay and play.

By: Lynn Coulter

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Life Really is Better at the Beach

Kick off your shoes, let your hair down and take a relaxing trip to a beautiful Gulf Coast beach. The water's fine, and when you're ready to get out of the sun, there are great places to dine (think fresh seafood or Cajun-flavored steaks), stay (try a boutique hotel with a beach view) and play (go deep-sea fishing or catch a US Navy Blue Angels air show). Let our list of the 20 best Gulf Coast beaches in Mississippi, Florida and Alabama inspire you.

Before you go, check for possible closures at your destination. Hurricanes have damaged Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands and other areas, but they're working hard to recover and reopen.

Ship Island, Mississippi

You’ll need a boat to get to Ship Island, part of the beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore and about 11 miles off the Biloxi coast. Check the website for operating hours on the island. Ship Island Excursions runs a seasonal ferry; watch for dolphins as you cross the Mississippi Sound. There’s little commercial development here and no overnight camping, but you can swim in the clear water, look for shells, play in the white sand or walk to the western tip for a free guided tour of historic Fort Massachusetts (there’s no public transportation). Bring a picnic or buy food and sundries from the snack bar. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. When you're back in town, pop into Triplett-Day Drug Company, an area landmark since 1955, for a creamy milkshake.

Gulfport, Mississippi

Take a day trip to gorgeous Gulfport Beach. Parking is free and usually easy to find, and lots of restaurants, casinos and bars are nearby. Catch your dinner from the fishing pier, swim, lounge on 25 miles of soft, white sand or canoe down a water trail.

Book an ocean-view room at The Almanett Hotel & Bistro or stay at the upscale Grand Centennial Hotel; kids love its 950-foot-long lazy river and adults like the swim-up bar. Stay at Island View Casino Resort, named one of the Top 10 Casinos in the US by Yahoo, for live weekend entertainment, table games and slots. Pop into funky Fishbone Alley to see local art and murals and visit the Mississippi Aquarium, home to sharks, bottlenose dolphins and more. Meet a sea lion or snorkel with stingrays at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. When you're hungry, head to Captain Al’s Steak & Seafood, said to be the home of "The Original Surf and Turf" meal on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Order a cold beer at the Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, one of the stops on the Mississippi Brewery Trail.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi is home to eight upscale casino resorts, championship golf courses and a 26-mile stretch of beautiful beaches. The water is clean but has a caramel-tint because it's diluted by other waters draining into the sound from the Pascagoula and Pearl rivers.

Book a fun, educational Biloxi shrimping trip or inquire about sailing on an oyster schooner at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. Art lovers, visit the award-winning Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art with its contemporary and historic exhibitions. When you’re hungry, visit White Pillars Restaurant, co-owned by James Beard semi-finalist Chef Austin Sumrall, known as the "King of American Seafood." Don't miss the Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman and a world-renowned blues venue.

Rest your weary head at the Hard Rock Resort & Casino, an award-winning resort with spectacular views of the Gulf, 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, poker and a 1,500-person capacity entertainment venue. The Margaritaville Resort plans to add a Ferris wheel and waterfront roller coaster to its Paradise Pier Fun Park sometime in 2023.

Pass Christian, Mississippi

Pass Christian, aka "The Pass," boasts soft, clean sand and a laid-back vibe. Reserve a bonfire pit, swim or play volleyball at Henderson Point Beach or take the scenic drive into the Historic District to explore 119 historic homes and buildings, including antebellum mansions and cottages from the 1800s. The Enchanted Nature Trail is a fun, whimsical walk through the woods that takes you to a butterfly garden, a beautiful vine tunnel that leads to a storytelling area for kids and more. Grab a bite to eat at Robert's Place Cafe, named for the owner's sister, TV anchor Robin Roberts, or catch live entertainment at Bacchus on the Beach, a Cajun steakhouse. Golfers, check out The Oaks Golf Club, named one of the "Best Places to Play" by Golf Digest. Spend the night at Hotel Pass Christian, a boutique property overlooking the harbor, or the charming Oak Crest Mansion Inn, built in 1920.

Front Beach, Mississippi

Ocean Springs is home to Front Beach and nearby East Beach. Both are open to the public, but East Beach is more secluded. Front Beach boasts 2.2 miles of clean, powdery-white sand and warm water for swimming; you can often wade a long way out before the sand starts to slope. Parking is usually available, or you can use the lot at nearby Fort Maurepas Park, where you can also play volleyball, turn the kids loose on the playground or let them get drenched in the splash pads. For bikers, there's the 15.5-mile round-trip Live Oaks Bicycle Route. Golfers can visit The Preserve Golf Club designed by US Open Champion Jerry Pate.

Front Beach Cottages are restored, renovated fishing shacks from the 1940s; located on the beach, they're fun places to stay. For boutique lodgings, try The Inn or The Hemingway at The Inns at Ocean Springs. Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, currently under renovation, dates back to 1927 and has hosted such notables as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Al Capone. Local dining options range from The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint to Mosaic and The Beer House (a hip hangout with many wines, craft cocktails and beers) and more.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis, with its colorful bungalows, shops, restaurants and bustling casinos, has rebounded from Hurricane Katrina's damage in 2005. The beach sand is soft and white, the water is warm and the fishing is great. Book a room at the charming Bay Town Inn in Old Town, just steps away from shops, galleries and the beach. Gamers might prefer the Silver Slipper Casino & Hotel, a beachfront property with lots of casino and gambling action.

Make time to see historic 100 Men Hall, an African-American landmark on the Mississippi Blues Trail, and enjoy the scenery with a ride on the Betsy Ann Riverboat, an old-fashioned paddlewheel. Golfers, reserve your tee time at The Bridges Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer signature course voted one of the "Top 10 Courses in Mississippi" by Golf Digest.

Need to re-fuel? Dine at The Sycamore House, a National Register property from the 19th century that’s now a modern restaurant under the direction of chefs trained at New York's Culinary Institute of America. Try the fresh oysters, tender steaks and curated wines at Field's Steak & Oyster Bar.

Waveland, Mississippi

Known for its hospitality, Waveland is a small town and the only community on the Gulf Coast that doesn't allow commercial buildings on the waterfront. You'll find 343 acres of beachfront at Buccaneer State Park, along with a lovely nature trail and disc golf course. It's also home to Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, a 4.5-acre park that overlooks the Gulf. While you're in town, visit Studio Waveland Art Gallery, owned by local glass artists, and Waveland Ground Zero Hurricane Museum (don't miss the hand-carved carousel).

Pitch a tent or park your RV on one of the 206 premium campsites at Buccaneer State Park, book one of two Breezy Porches guesthouses or opt for a stay at Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi, about an hour away. Feast on Southern fare or fried catfish at Dat Kitchen Too or the po' boy sandwiches and steaks at J's Restaurant.

Long Beach, Mississippi

Bicycle-friendly Long Beach, in the Gulfport-Biloxi metro area, is a peaceful little town with a clean, white sand beach. It's laid-back and quiet, and the waves aren't very strong, thanks to the barrier islands. You can probably leave your surfboard at home; go fishing instead. Capt. Barry Decamp, who has more than 30 years of experience on the Gulf, runs 9-Ball Fishing Charter and knows where the fish hide inshore or off.

The town's economy once centered around radish farming, and today, the upscale Radish kitchen celebrates its agricultural history with dishes made from fresh Southern ingredients. Order a fried green tomato BLT, a fried fresh-caught fish sandwich or a house salad with local greens, heirloom carrots and — of course — radishes. Parrish's Restaurant and Lounge is a great place to dine and watch the sunset; try a specialty drink made with housemade syrups and infusions.

Stay at The Inn at Long Beach, just minutes from the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and across the street from the beach. Long Beach Towne Center is an open-air mall with a movie theater, shopping, entertainment and dining options. Be sure to stop by The Friendship Oak Tree, one of the most photographed attractions on the Mississippi coast. This beloved tree is over 500 years old and withstood Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and other hurricanes since then.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Two cities, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, share 32 miles of sugary-white sand in Alabama. Visitors come to swim, paddleboard, take dolphin-spotting cruises and sail. Others launch canoes or kayaks to explore four trails that make up the Back Bay Bluewater. Parasailing and pontoon boating are popular, too, but call ahead to reserve these options in the busy spring and summer seasons.

Gulf Shores is bike-friendly, and history buffs can explore Fort Morgan State Historic Site. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is here, too, with 28+ miles of paved trails you can walk, bike or travel by Segway. The public pier is a great place to drop a line. Boaters might prefer Orange Beach, with its public boat launches, marinas and large charter fishing fleet. It's home to more than 60 shops, restaurants and more at The Wharf, an entertainment district.

All kinds of lodgings are available in both places, from resorts to hotels, condos, beach houses, cabins and B&Bs. Stay at The Beach Club Resort and Spa or book a charming room at Magnolia Springs B&B. The Gulf Shores RV Resort, winner of a USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award in 2021, has affordable lodging options that include RV sites, glamping tents, cabins and cottages with upscale services and hotel-type amenities.

Boca Grande, Florida

Tranquil Boca Grand is a small, affluent town on Gasparilla Island, northwest of Fort Myers. Hit the beach at Gasparilla Island State Park to swim or snorkel; the shelling is especially good during the winter.

Learn about Calusa Native Americans at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and stay at the luxurious Gasparilla Inn & Club, built in 1911. Although it's currently closed due to hurricane damage, when nearby Cayo Costa State Park reopens, you can take a boat to explore its miles of untouched beaches. You’ll also need a boat to reach two other islands, North Captiva Island and Cabbage Key. North Captiva boasts five miles of stunning beaches; look for shells, bald eagles and dolphins or play tennis, hike and kayak. Cabbage Key doesn’t have a beach, but it’s a great place to walk the trails, see native flora and fauna and catch sea trout and redfish.

Captain Brian on the Water offers guided trips to North Captiva, Caya Costa and Cabbage Key. Captiva Cruises is currently running a limited schedule of cruises, again due to hurricane damage, but check the website for updates.

Destin, Florida

Bright green water, 24 miles of white-sand beaches and great fishing for grouper, amberjack and king mackerel make Destin a popular vacation destination. Camp or make a day trip to Henderson Beach State Park, one of Destin’s five beachfront parks, or take a short drive over Destin Bridge to family-friendly Fort Walton Beach, where the deep sea fishing is great and the sand is powdery-white. You'll see part of Gulf Islands National Seashore on the way. Back in town, play golf or hit the giant wave pool at Big Kahuna's. (Check the website for days and times of operation.) Fill up on grilled shrimp and Key lime pie at the Back Porch, feast on shepherd’s pie and corned beef at McGuire's Irish Pub (home to live, traditional Irish music and old-time favorites) or order seafood with a creole twist at Louisiana Lagniappe.

Clearwater, Florida

What’s the best beach in the US? TripAdvisor ranked Clearwater No. 1 in 2019; St. Pete topped the list in 2021. Both are family-friendly Gulf Coast playgrounds with the sugary-white sands and blue water you see on Florida postcards. Head to the beach to fish, play watersports and let the kids romp on one of the biggest playgrounds on the Gulf Coast. At the end of the day, watch street performers and musicians celebrate the sunset at Pier 60.

Stroll the trails and salt marsh boardwalk, play on the beach and look for endangered birds at nearby Sand Key Park. Later, chow down on a fresh grouper sandwich from Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. If you’d rather see the watery wildlife than eat it, visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Quench your thirst when you explore the aptly named Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail.

St. Pete, Florida

St. Pete has it all: world-class art museums and a 26-acre pier where you can dine, bike or catch a concert. You'll also find vibrant Black and LGBTQ+ districts and lots of beautiful sand and green water. Book a stay at the luxurious Don Cesar, also known as the Pink Palace, which has hosted famous guests like Lou Gehrig and President Jimmy Carter. Then slather on the sunscreen and hit the beach. Grab a drink from an open-air beach bar like Undertow or Swigwam.

Take a clear kayak tour to see the natural beauty of nearby Shell Key Preserve during the day or go at night and watch your kayak's color-changing LEDs illuminate the water below. Art lovers, catch the surrealistic art at the Dalí Museum and see collectibles from 1890 to 1930 at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement (MAACM). Watch glass blowers, sculptors and other artists do their thing in the Warehouse Arts District or explore modern art and a Chihuly glass collection at Morean Arts Center. SHINE, an internationally known street art and mural festival, returns to St. Pete each fall.

Pensacola, Florida

Bring the family and the dog to sunny Pensacola. It has dog parks and many trails, beaches and hotels that welcome your furry friends. The beach boasts 40 miles of brilliant white sand and emerald green water that's great for deep-sea fishing. Scuba divers come for the wreck diving and the USS Oriskany, a sunken aircraft carrier that’s been made into an artificial reef. Paddling is big in this area. Thrill seekers, ride the 389-foot zip rail that soars 40 feet above the beachfront at Laguna’s Adventure Park/Beach Bar and Grill.

Pensacola is rich in military history. Check with the National Naval Aviation Museum, home to aircraft and historical artifacts, to see if it's open to the public before you go. (At present, civilians can visit only if accompanied by a Dept. of Defense ID card holder.) Fort Pickens, used in the Civil War, is open to the public. The US Navy Blue Angels put on two yearly airshows and practice on select days.

If the beach isn’t your bag, enjoy the area's year-round festivals and ballet, opera and theater performances. Stroll historic Palafox Street, named one of the "10 Great Streets in America" for its shopping, restaurants, art scene and architecture, or wet your whistle at one of the local breweries.

Panama City, Florida

Panama City says it has the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches,” and we won't argue. Check out its 27 miles of shimmering sand when you swim, snorkel, jet ski or go parasailing. (Glance down and you might spot a dolphin.) It’s home to St. Andrews State Park, including Shell Island (catch the official Shell Island Shuttle--check the operating hours--to search for olive shells, periwinkles, whelks and other empty shells) and Camp Helen State Park, a day-trip park known for its prehistoric mounds and large coastal dune lake.

In the evening, grab a mic for karaoke at Ms. Newby’s or indulge in a late-night snack at a beach bar. Vacation rentals are plentiful here; choose from a condo, townhouse, beach house or book a budget-friendly hotel or motel. An annual Summer Concert Series runs from June to August, and local festivals celebrate everything from food and wine to car shows to pirates. Treat your taste buds to barbecue ribs and a daiquiri at Pineapple Willy's or a chargrilled amberjack sandwich at The Back Porch.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is practically a hidden gem 20 minutes from Bradenton. This small barrier island has sugary-white sand, blue-green water and old Florida charm, thanks to strict building regulations on its quaint shops and art galleries. Look for wild parrots in the trees and herons and pelicans around the fishing piers. Take a refreshing swim at Coquina Beach, stroll the walkway along the shore or bring burgers to grill at Manatee Public Beach.

Sunrise Garden Resort welcomes guests with pets; so does upscale Waterline Villas and Marina. Snap a selfie at the Rod and Reel Pier, popular with Instagrammers, and order shrimp skewers or fried clam strips while you're there. Have a tropical cocktail with your grouper tacos at The Ugly Grouper, or find your favorite ice cream from the 32 flavors at Two Scoops.

Blind Pass Beach, Sarasota County, Florida

Blind Pass is a strait that runs between Sanibel and Captiva islands, both hard-hit by Hurricane Ian. While many of the islands' businesses are still closed, you can visit Blind Pass Beach Park in the city of Manasota Key, located in Sarasota County. Blind Pass has approximately 3,000 feet of beautiful beach frontage and lets you access the bay from the Gulf.

There's plenty to do in the park. Launch a canoe or kayak, picnic, swim, fish, hike an unpaved trail or let the children explore the playground. 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa has reopened on Captiva. Another option: Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers, roughly 19 miles from Blind Pass Beach.

When it's time to eat, try Grayton Seafood Co., with its fishing shack vibe; Chiringo, for Spanish-style cuisine; or upscale Italian restaurant Borago in Santa Rosa. Borgao is primarily reservation-based at this time.

Venice, Florida

Venice, just south of Sarasota, is known for 14 miles of beautiful beaches that run from Casey Key to Manasota Key. Kids (and adults) love to sift through the sand for shells and prehistoric shark teeth in this "Shark Tooth Capital of the World." Bring your tackle or visit an outfitter to fish for redfish, pompano and jack from the fishing pier, or swim, sail and dive in the blue Gulf waters.

Get a workout when you bike the roughly 9-mile trail at Venetian Waterway Park. It connects to Caspersen Beach Park, a good place to picnic, look for birds and other wildlife, put in a canoe or kayak or let the littles enjoy the playground.

Sharky's on the Pier is a local landmark that's been voted "Florida's Best Beach Bar" multiple times. Pick up a pizza from Trattoria Da Mino to eat at sunset on the beach or dine in on traditional Italian cuisine at Cassariano Italian Eatery.

Choose a chain hotel here, like Hampton Inn and Suites or Holiday Inn, or consider the beachside Inn at the Beach or Tropical Villas of Venice Beach, where you're a short walk away from Venice MainStreet's bustling shops, eateries and the beach.

Siesta Key, Florida

The bright white beach at Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, consists mostly of fine quartz crystals that reflect the sunlight, so the sand feels relatively cool on your bare feet. TripAdvisor has called its public beach the "Best Beach in America" and the No. 11 beach in the world. Come for an eco-tour, play on your boogie board, kite-surf, swim, snorkel or take the trolley into town to shop and scope out the nightlife.

Hungry? Fresh-caught seafood restaurants are plentiful. Try the creative appetizers and craft beers at Captain Curt's Crab and Oyster Bar, Spearfish Grille or a scrumptious platter at Daiquiri Deck.

Stay at the Siesta Key Beachside Villas for the pool, hammocks and tiki huts. The villas are only a block away from the beach and town. Practice your serve at the Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club or let a management company help you with a vacation rental.

Cape San Blas, Florida

Minutes away from downtown Port St. Joe and located on a peninsula that wraps around St. Joseph Bay, Cape San Blas has been an under-the-radar destination for a long time. But it's a great place to visit, thanks to its pristine white sand and remote-island vibes. If you want to wade or go scalloping, head for the gentle waters on the bay side or enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and boating.

St. Joseph State Park, on one end of the peninsula, offers campsites and cabins. Some are currently being built or renovated, so check with the park before you go. You can also opt to overlook the turquoise waters of the bay at Cape San Blas Inn or book a vacation rental home.

At Skullly's Low Country Boil, try the namesake dish made with fresh shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob, new potatoes and Cajun seasoning. Order pulled pork, beef ribs, jalapeño pineapple sausage and other delights at The Smokehouse BBQ. Family-friendly Cone Heads serves tasty burgers, ice cream and local seafood.

South Walton, Florida

Set on Florida's Northwestern Panhandle, South Walton has 26 miles of white-as-sugar sand and crystal-clear water. Visitors come for its natural beauty and 16 unique beach neighborhoods such as Grayton Beach. Not all of them are open to the public, but Grayton Beach has many public access points.

Grayton is known for its natural beauty, blue-green water and a chain of surrounding freshwater dune lakes. The beach sits just south of Grayton Beach State Park, where you can boat, paddle, swim or fish on the lakes or in the surf; campsites and cabins are available. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and a good place to spot wildlife like deer and foxes.

Outside the park, rent a cottage, condo, beach house or bungalow or stay a bit further away in South Walton in Hotel Effie Sandestin or Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Back in Grayton Beach, stop for fish tacos at Grayton Seafood Co. or satisfy your cravings at Black Bear Bread Co., where breakfast is served all day.

21 Best Gulf Coast Beaches

Shop This Look

Life Really is Better at the Beach

Ship Island, Mississippi

Gulfport, Mississippi

Biloxi, Mississippi

Pass Christian, Mississippi

Front Beach, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Waveland, Mississippi

Long Beach, Mississippi

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Boca Grande, Florida

Destin, Florida

Clearwater, Florida

St. Pete, Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Panama City, Florida

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Blind Pass Beach, Sarasota County, Florida

Venice, Florida

Siesta Key, Florida

Cape San Blas, Florida

South Walton, Florida

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