Gulf Coast Beach Vacation Spots
Along the beaches of the Gulf Coast stretch some of the most beautiful, welcoming and best beach vacation spots in the US. I’ve been to a bunch of cities on the Gulf Coast and some amazing beaches along Florida’s Panhandle. Now that we’re into summer and you’re planning your next beach vacation, you might want to consider one of these cities for a great beach vacation spot.
Are you looking for a great Gulf Coast beach vacation spot near Houston? If so, this article is for you. From Galveston and Corpus Christi to Port Aransas and Seadrift, we’ve identified the top beaches to visit on your next trip. While building TreeBear Wellness Center, we wanted to be sure our guests were able to visit nearby beaches, where they could swim and enjoy nature’s wonders.
If you love sand between your toes and waves rolling in, the coastal Gulf Coast is a vacation destination for you. An interesting mix of city and beach life awaits you along this diverse area that stretches from eastern Texas to the Florida Panhandle. With plenty of ways to enjoy fresh seafood or roasting on the beach, this unique region has it all. But there are a few spots that are particularly popular with families looking for a tropical escape. Florida and Texas are the most popular states in America for beach vacations. The Florida beaches are the destination of millions of people, including those from Mexico, each year. The fun is never ending on the beaches of the Suncoast and Gulf Coast.
Gulf Coast Beach Vacation Spots
Top Gulf Coast Beaches to Visit
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Fill up the car and head to these coastal destinations for an affordable beach vacation.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful seaside escape or a beach with amenities like shops and water sports equipment rentals, the Gulf Coast – which spans Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida – offers it all. Plus, many Gulf Coast shorelines sit close to budget-friendly accommodations, attractions and dining venues, making them terrific choices for a cheap beach trip. Regardless of your budget and interests, these stretches of sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico serve as ideal settings for your next beach getaway.
When it comes to beach vacations there are plenty of places to choose from, like Daytona or Key West, but when it comes to truly stunning beaches that stretch for miles with glittering waters washing against the shore, the Gulf of Mexico is where you’ll want to be. But which Gulf Coast beach is the best? The beaches of the gulf coast stretch from the shores of Texas all the way across to the Florida panhandle and down to the Keys.
These beaches often offer a sweet reprieve from the bustling beach towns filled with tourists since most of the locations are close to residential areas and smaller towns. But that doesn’t mean there’s still not plenty to do. At each of these beaches, you can set up your beach chairs and towels for the day, hang out near the edge of the water looking for shells, or even try your hand at some water sports like surfing or kiteboarding. For answers to all your questions, like what’s the best Gulf Coast beach in Florida? Or Louisiana, for instance… check out our list of the best Gulf Coast beaches in the USA. Whichever one you choose to go to, the beach is waiting for you.
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Best Gulf Coast beaches
1. St. Pete Beach, FL
Soft white sands and rich blue waters greet visitors at St. Pete Beach. The beach is known for its extreme water sports like windsurfing and parasailing. Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular because the waters can be relatively calm some days. The beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico are only outshined by the warm sun that draws visitors out of their hotel rooms and onto the beach for the day. Just off the beach are some fantastic dining options, most of which are within walking distance of the sandy shore.
2. Anna Maria Island, FL
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on Florida’s gulf coast. The island is known for its expansive stretches of beaches that surround most of the island. The sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico make this a picture-perfect location for family getaways. There’s also an abundance of house rentals that allows for families and friends to gather all in one spot versus being spread across various hotels in the city.
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3. Gulf Shores, AL
While Alabama might be known for its college teams, notably the Crimson Tide of the University of Alabama, there’s another tide in Gulf Shores. The beautiful beach town is known for its state park of the same name, where stretches of beaches boast white sand and bright blue and green waters. This is a great location for friends who are traveling together since there’s ample nightlife and entertainment in the city after the sun goes down at the beach.
4. Gulfport, MS
Along the shoreline of Mississippi, travelers will run into Gulfport, which is the second-largest city in the state. The beach here is bright and clean, with a large fishing pier that goes out into the ocean. While at the beach you’ll likely see people jet skiing or swimming, but the beach has a very relaxed vibe that also lends itself to having a quiet picnic or lounging in a chair. Just a short drive away are the casinos of Biloxi, which are a fun way to spend an evening.
5. Panama City Beach, FL
When it comes to major tourist beaches, Panama City Beach is second only to Daytona. Families have been traveling to the area for decades to walk along Pier Park, which is the main shopping hub in the city. There are two nature preserves in the area that allow visitors to take in the natural wonders of Florida, including wildlife, and of course the beach. March and April are the most popular time at Panama City Beach because of spring break, so if you don’t want to be surrounded by college students plan to go at almost any other time of the year.
6. Seagrove Beach, FL
Seagrove Beach is a beautiful two-mile stretch of beach in the South Walton area of Florida. Because of its large size and the area’s underdevelopment, it’s easily one of the least crowded beaches in the area. This makes Seagrove Beach one of the best places to enjoy a quiet day with family and friends. The area is known for its magnolia and live oak tree groves that can be found just past the shoreline, and offer plenty of shade for the times you’re not at the beach.
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7. Padre Island National Seashore, TX
Padre Island National Seashore is known for being the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world, which makes its beaches pristine and desirable for folks visiting the area. Just about any type of activity goes here, from kayaking along the shore to windsurfing or just looking for shells. This is also a popular spot for nesting sea turtles, so if you’re lucky you may even see some hatchlings pop out of their nests and make their way to the ocean.
8. Orange Beach, AL
Compared to the party vibe of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach in Alabama offers a more laid-back beach vibe. Here you can do everything from lounge around to cast a line into the ocean for a little fishing. Be sure to visit the wharf at Orange Beach, which is where shops, restaurants, games, mini-golf, and more can be found for an afternoon or evening of fun just steps away from the shore.
9. Grand Isle State Park, LA
Along the east end of the barrier island of Grand Isle is Grand Isle State Park. The park has sandy beaches and a 400-ft long fishing pier that draws people in throughout the year. One thing that makes this beach unique is that you can enjoy overnight camping under the stars and just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. There are 45 spots in the main camping area, all of which have electrical and water hook-ups.