Is a Gulf Coast highway journey in your listing of thrill-seeking US adventures? Buckle up for an epic 9-day loop by Alabama and Mississippi exploring beachside wonders and historic cities – every vacation spot extra distinctive than the final.
Southern hospitality is famous within the Deep South, and I can unequivocally verify this to be true. Not a day glided by with out somebody saying, “I may take heed to your English accent all day,” earlier than proudly providing tips about what to see and the place to eat.
In 9 days alongside the Gulf Shores, you’ll be able to discover sugar-white seashores, picturesque state parks, energetic waterfront cities, and cultural landmarks that spotlight the deep-rooted heritage of the Gulf Coast. Get able to munch on recent seafood, uncover lesser-known locations and discover the various pure fantastic thing about the area – this itinerary will information you thru a wonderful journey throughout two charming Southern states: Alabama and Mississippi.
Gulf Coast Highway Journey Planning
So, you’re prepared to begin planning your Gulf Coast highway journey! I kicked issues off by mapping out key locations utilizing the Roadtrippers app, which helped me discover driving ideas, gasoline stops, and fascinating sights to discover alongside the way in which.
Take into account one of the best time to go to — spring and autumn delivers wonderful climate with fewer crowds, whereas winter is bustling with “snowbird season.” For my English pals, this time period refers to folks from northern states and Canada who migrate to Florida and the Gulf Shores to flee the winter chill.
If you happen to’re touring throughout peak occasions, you’ll want to guide lodging prematurely, whether or not you favor beachfront resorts, cosy cabins, or RV parks, relying in your automobile. Lastly, pack for a wide range of actions, from enjoyable seaside days and simple hikes to discovering historic websites.
Fast Hyperlinks Gulf Shores Highway Journey
2 Days in Gulf State Park Alabama
I started my journey in Panama Metropolis Seashore, Florida, driving alongside the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf State Park, which takes roughly 2.5 to three hours. After reaching Pensacola, it’s simply one other hour’s drive west, crossing into Alabama through the Perdido Move Bridge.
About The Lodge at Gulf State Park
Spending two days at The Lodge at Gulf State Park is the sustainable getaway I hoped for. The design and development of The Lodge maximises vitality effectivity, and its Gulf-front eating shines a highlight on recent, regionally sourced elements. Finish every day with a sundown view out of your balcony, realizing your keep helps an award-winning mannequin of sustainable tourism.
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What To Do On The Gulf Shores Alabama
With rest and out of doors journey on the playing cards, you can begin your mornings with a stroll alongside the white sand seashores, the place conservation efforts assist defend native dunes and sea turtles. Lease a motorbike or take a guided eco-tour alongside the Backcountry Path, a fantastic community winding by 9 distinct ecosystems, and stopping to observe the bald eagles and red-bellied woodpeckers.
They are saying “On a regular basis’s a faculty day” so I put that principle to the take a look at with eco-class on the Gulf State Park’s Studying Centre, a net-positive constructing that educates guests on native wildlife and eco-friendly practices. I beloved making a pure bathtub bomb utilizing Gulf Shores salt while studying concerning the significance of salt and its origins.
DeSotos Seafood Kitchen ought to be in your listing of locations to eat on Gulf Shores. Keep away from the lengthy queues and get there early for a feast of royal reds, Southern mac ‘n cheese, fried inexperienced tomatoes, and home made lemonade. After an energetic day, unwind on the Perch Restaurant at Gulf State Park, which celebrates regional flavours with minimal waste. And no go to to Alabama’s Seashore is full with no evening at Flora-Bama — dubbed “America’s final nice honky-tonk” — the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in spine-tingling dwell music and sip on their signature Bushwacka.
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Gulf Grouper
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Bald Eagle
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Guided Bike Experience
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Marshes at Gulf State Park
3 Days in Ocean Springs Mississippi
The drive from Gulf State Park, Alabama, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, relying on site visitors. Probably the most direct route is through Interstate 10 West, passing by Cell, Alabama, earlier than crossing into Ocean Springs,
About Ocean Springs Mississippi
Based in 1699 by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, Ocean Springs is among the oldest settlements on the Gulf Coast. The town was linked to Biloxi in 1930 by the Battle Memorial Bridge and rebuilt a number of occasions after hurricanes.
Quick ahead to the present day, Ocean Springs is greatest identified for its artistic group, largely because of the legacy of its most celebrated artist, Walter Anderson. With its mom-and-pop cafés, unbiased boutiques, and artwork galleries, the town of Ocean Springs exudes a laid-back small city ambiance, and is the proper base for exploring close by Biloxi and Pascagoula.
What To Do In Ocean Springs MS
Ocean Springs Mississippi
Ocean Springs is a quintessentially quaint southern metropolis alongside the Gulf Coast, and well-worth a go to in your Deep South highway journey.
I kicked off my go to by heading to the Davis Bayou Space inside the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore, a must-see for anybody who loves birdwatching. I hoped to identify an osprey as soon as I sighted the nest however it wasn’t my fortunate day. Able to discover one other nature oasis, I took a stroll alongside the Fontainebleau Nature Path — a fantastic stretch by moist pine savanna. It’s a great place to search for the elusive Mississippi Sandhill crane, an endangered species that calls this space residence. If you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly get a glimpse of one among these uncommon birds.
Exploring Ocean Springs by e-bike was one other spotlight. I rented an e-bike and cruised by the city, stopping on the Walter Anderson Museum of Artwork to admire the gorgeous works impressed by the pure fantastic thing about the Gulf Coast. Not removed from there, I popped into Shearwater Pottery, the place I fell in love with the intricate ceramics impressed by the area’s wildlife. Because the day wound down, I made my method to East Seashore, the place I watched the birds roost and hunt at sundown.
When starvation struck, I discovered some improbable spots to fulfill my cravings. Vestige was an memorable preset eating expertise, with its Asian-Southern fusion. For breakfast, Buzzy’s was a neighborhood favorite, and the shrimp and grits set me up for the day. I finished by Keg and Barrel for hen wings and craft beers. And in the event you’re craving a curry repair, Indian Delights hit the spot with their scrumptious dishes.
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Pascagoula Mississippi
Begin by exploring Downtown Pascagoula, the place the historic buildings and native outlets create a nostalgic ambiance. Don’t miss the enduring spherical lighthouse, which stands as an emblem of the realm’s maritime historical past and, for a small price, they opened the doorways to I may climb to the highest!
The legendary “drunken, Caribbean rock n roll” musician, Jimmy Buffett, was born in Pascagoula and I rolled as much as his childhood residence to see the place he spent a part of his early years. The La Pointe-Krebs Museum is one other important go to, set on a web site that dates again to the 1757 making it the oldest construction in Mississippi Valley. This museum explores the realm’s French colonial historical past and Native American heritage.
My ultimate expertise was an eco-boat tour alongside the decrease Pascagoula River. The tour weaves by the cypress swamps and salt marshes that feed into the Gulf of Mexico trying out osprey nests and looking herons – I’m at all times completely satisfied for the possibility to identify native wildlife and take within the tranquil panorama.
Biloxi Mississippi
Biloxi could also be identified for its bustling casinos, but when, like me, that’s not your scene, there are many different methods to take pleasure in this coastal Mississippi metropolis. I opted for a wellness day on the Beau Rivage Spa, which ranked No. 5 in Spas of America’s High 100 Spas of 2024, and it didn’t disappoint. The aromatherapy therapeutic massage was pure bliss —precisely what I wanted after lengthy hours on the highway. Feeling refreshed, I indulged in a basic Southern lunch at Salt & Ivy, savouring a wealthy bowl of gumbo and a shrimp po’boy earlier than heading out for a brisk seaside stroll.
The recent Gulf air was the proper reset earlier than diving into the town’s highly effective civil rights historical past. Standing the place African Individuals as soon as fought for equality through the Biloxi Wade-In protests, which sought to desegregate the town’s seashores, was a sobering expertise.
To spherical off the day, I turned to Biloxi’s rising craft beer scene at Fly Llama Brewing, the place the brewmaster’s seasonal creations push the boundaries with collaborations from native companies. Their rotating faucet listing retains issues thrilling, and their branding is effortlessly cool.
With Biloxi’s historical past because the “Seafood Capital of the World” in thoughts, dinner at Catch 110 was a no brainer. The crab au gratin paired with a beet and burrata salad was the proper light-yet-indulgent alternative—particularly since my Southern meals adventures have been beginning to take a toll on my waistline.
2 Days in Hattiesburg Mississippi
The drive from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, takes roughly 1.5 hours through Interstate 10 West and US-49 North. Alongside the way in which, I made a cease in Gulfport to see the world’s largest rocking chair. Although it’s a unusual roadside attraction, you’ll be able to’t really sit in it, in case you have been questioning!
About Hattiesburg Mississippi
Hattiesburg, positioned in a longleaf pine forest, was based in 1882 by civil engineer William H. Hardy, who named the town in honour of his spouse, Hattie. It shortly grew right into a affluent centre for the timber business, incomes the affectionate nickname “Hub Metropolis.” In 1868, Hardy envisioned a railway to move lumber, and development of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad lastly started in 1882.
Hattiesburg performed a big function within the Civil Rights Motion, with key websites alongside the Mississippi Freedom Path commemorating its legacy within the battle for equality. The town additionally holds a particular place in music historical past as Mississippi’s deep blues roots helped form rock and roll. The Mississippi Jook Band made their mark once they recorded in Hattiesburg in 1936, method earlier than the scene blew up in Memphis.
Right this moment, Hattiesburg is residence to the College of Southern Mississippi (USM), a number one establishment driving innovation and analysis within the area. The town exudes a progressive vitality, one thing I shortly picked up on throughout my brief time in Hattiesburg.
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Finest Issues To Do in Hattiesburg MS
With just one evening in Hattiesburg, the itinerary was jam-packed, and actually, I want I had extra time to spend there. Listed here are a number of the highlights you gained’t wish to miss!
Hattiesburg is on a mission to turn into the “Metropolis of 100 Murals,” and the fervour for this purpose shines loud and clear. Begin your go to by exploring the Hattiesburg Public Artwork Path, a self-guided tour that showcases vibrant murals and installations. Every bit conveys a message concerning the metropolis’s historic victories and struggles, delivered to life by the artistic spirit of native and regional artists.
One other modern must-visit is the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, a hidden downtown out of doors gallery stuffed with whimsical micro-exhibits, avenue artwork, and quirky surprises tucked into the pipes and brickwork of the alleyway.
To discover Hattiesburg’s historical past, take the Freedom Summer time Path — a self-guided audio tour visiting key websites from the 1964 Freedom Summer time, a historic motion devoted to registering Black voters in Mississippi. To study concerning the state’s navy heritage, go to the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby.
Bringing the previous tracks again to life, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy mission in 2000 created Longleaf Hint, a scenic 44-mile rail path making the outside extra accessible for residents and vacationers. I rented a motorbike for the pine-lined trails and handed many joggers, hikers, and even rollerbladers.
I’m not an enormous fan of buying, however this modified the second I set foot in The Fortunate Rabbit – it’s an actual treasure cave of classic finds and pop-culture nostalgia. Head to T-Bones Information & Café to browse vinyl with a espresso in hand.
The foodie scene in Hattiesburg is fairly particular, with tons of homegrown culinary expertise. With over 200 regionally owned eateries in Hattiesburg, this was a breath of recent air in comparison with the quick meals giants. I acquired fortunate with my selections: Birdhouse Cafe, which has a health-first method to residence cooking; Huge Bother, a Southern-Asian fusion spot; and The Midtowner, a basic group diner owned by Robert St. John, chef, creator, and restaurateur.
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2 Days in Cell, Alabama
The drive from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Cell, Alabama, takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours through US-98 E and Interstate 65 S. This route affords a direct and scenic drive by southern Mississippi and into Alabama, bringing you to Cell.
About Cell Alabama
Based in 1702 by the French, Cell, Alabama, is among the oldest cities in america and has been formed by French, Spanish, British, and American influences. Initially a part of the French Louisiana territory, it was transferred to Spanish management in 1780 earlier than changing into a part of america in 1813. Cell has lengthy been a strategic port and commerce hub and likewise a key level of entry for enslaved Africans delivered to america.
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Finest Issues To Do in Cell AL
The town is completely satisfied to indicate off days passed by, and there are a number of experiences I beloved that ought to be added to your Cell itinerary. The Historical past Museum of Cell paperwork the town’s evolution as a serious port, its function within the slave commerce, African American heritage, and the Civil Battle.
Mardi Gras Park commemorates the birthplace of the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration, whereas the close by Carnival Museum preserves the historical past of Cell’s Mardi Gras festivities, displaying intricate costumes, images, and artefacts from the enduring parades and celebrations.
A strong expertise I extremely suggest is Clotilda: The Exhibition in Africatown. It shares the story of the final identified slave ship to reach in america, which illegally introduced enslaved Africans to Cell in 1860. It options voice recordings, private testimonies, and historic context concerning the survivors, a lot of whom established Africatown, the place they preserved their tradition regardless of immense hardship.
While I didn’t have time to go to, these fascinated by maritime historical past ought to try the Nationwide Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, the place you’ll be able to step aboard a WWII battleship and submarine.
Cell is residence to some culinary treasures; The Noble South salutes Southern-inspired dishes, whereas Squid Ink Eats serves up modern takes on Southern classics alongside handcrafted cocktails. To cowl extra floor on Cell’s meals scene, be a part of Bienville Bites Strolling Tour to devour oysters, gumbo and beignets throughout the town.
Craft beer is mostly on my listing of issues to do lately, so I used to be delighted to find Braided River Brewing. Not solely is it a improbable place to seize a drink, however it’s additionally making an actual distinction for the setting, utilizing biodegradable cups, repurposing grain sacks, and donating proceeds to assist native environmental efforts. A brewery with a goal is even higher!
For a style of the good outdoor, go to the Audubon Chicken Sanctuary on Dauphin Island, the place scenic trails wind by majestic dwell oaks and pine timber, resulting in restored dunes — simply maintain an eye fixed out for the resident alligator within the swamp. Alternatively, discover the wildlife-rich Cell-Tensaw River Delta, typically known as “America’s Amazon,” the most important river delta and wetland in Alabama.
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Cell Carnival Museum
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Braided River Brewing
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Cell Saenger Theatre
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Audubon Chicken Sanctuary
PIN For Your Gulf Coast Highway Journey
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