This Reasonably priced Seashore Metropolis Is The South’s Most Underrated Spring Getaway

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Right here at Journey Off Path, we’re proud to have the very best of the newest journey traits. The reality is, 2026 is a game-changer as increasingly more vacationers are scoping out the lesser-known as a substitute of family names.

On this case, at the same time as Florida continues on a record-setting tear, it isn’t simply Orlando and Miami anymore main the best way.

Conversely, neighboring states are plucking vacationers away as effectively, with Gulf Shores’ pretty new airport and Mississippi’s rise to stardom as a prime 5 most visited state (sure, actually!).

However the place are individuals actually going?

One such metropolis could be confused for a gateway, nevertheless it’s actually a getaway, as the one business airport alongside Mississippi’s gleaming white shoreline, anchored by flashy Biloxi amongst up-and-coming, charming coastal cities.

To get right here, you both must fly into Gulfport (GPT) and hop aboard Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras route — and we’re right here to let you know this isn’t only a springboard — it’s the vacation spot.

The Gulf’s Most Handy White-Sand Escape

Like crowds? That query all the time ends with a tough “no”.

That is considered one of many explanation why Gulfport is so interesting.

With GPT (not AI) connecting quite a few main U.S. airports and being a significant cease for Amtrak, there is not any purpose to maintain Gulfport on the down low anymore (do children nonetheless say down low?).

There are price range airways like Breeze and Solar Nation (now owned by Allegiant) and all the massive canine of the business that fly right here, seemingly whisking passengers to close by Biloxi and even Mississippi’s latest waterfront resort in little-known Cross Christian.

Gulfport, although? It is largely omitted for neighboring seashore cities, but it gives just about crowd-free seashores, impeccably recent seafood eats, a number of casinos, and extra metropolis vibes with an underrated arts scene like Fishbone Alley.

Straightforward to succeed in and arguably extra satisfying since you may snag a seat at a slot machine or a barstool at a local-favorite seafood shack, you may put Siesta Key and Destin within the rear-view mirror and provides Gulfport an opportunity with its personal miles-long stretches of vibrant shores.

Gulfport Will not Dent Your Financial institution Account

Irrespective of your career, Gulfport is a worthwhile trip that may be budgeted for all revenue ranges.

With low-cost airways to get right here, Amtrak’s $15-and-up fares, and affordability on arrival, this metropolis is actually a gem when it comes to worth.

Wanna know what I’m most jealous of as a Californian?

Each downtown parking and seashore parking are completely free!

Have you learnt what number of quarters I’ve burned by means of?

However that is solely scratching the floor. Irrespective of if you happen to go to considered one of downtown’s quite a few museums, dine at a hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurant like top-rated Shrimp Basket, or e-book a room beneath $100 at Gulfport’s posh Island View On line casino Resort, you may breathe a sigh of reduction understanding vacationing is feasible with out sticker shock.

In line with the skilled staff at Islands, they crunched numbers and located:

• Lodging common $123 to $146
• Meals prices 4.6% beneath the nationwide common
• Transportation prices 7.7% beneath the nationwide common

Moreover, Gulfport’s price of residing is considerably decrease than the remainder of the nation, simply in case you like this metropolis a lot and turn into tempted to pack up a U-Haul and transfer right here.

What Are Gulfport’s Seashores Like?

You already know by now, Gulfport boasts lovely white sand that makes your pictures pop, however what in regards to the water circumstances?

That is the lone adverse mark for Mississippi’s sprawling coast.

There isn’t any seashore right here that rivals Florida’s Caribbean blue or emerald inexperienced waters, as they’re extra tea-colored hues, but nonetheless appropriate for swims and sunny days to unwind in a lounger.

That stated, lots of Gulfport’s seashores nonetheless obtain rave opinions. A beachgoer from final spring acknowledged, “Completely beautiful. This was my first time visiting Gulfport, and I’ll undoubtedly be again. The seashores listed below are beautiful, and the view is dreamy.”

Whereas brackish waters aren’t precisely a promoting level, there may be one exception in March: Ship Island.

Considered one of Gulfport’s hottest excursions carries vacationers by ferry roughly 12 miles offshore to a barrier island operated by the Nationwide Park Service for even whiter sand, clear water, and historic excursions of Fort Massachusetts.