Best Beaches Along the Gulf Coast - Florida, Texas, Alabama & Mississippi
The Gulf Coast is one of the best shorelines in the U.S., and spend just a little time here and you’ll see why travelers keep coming back. With sugar-white sand, calm emerald waters, and a mix of lively beach towns and secluded hideaways, this stretch of coast truly has something for everyone. After years of traveling up and down the coast, I’ve collected my favorite spots that I can’t wait to share with you.
1. Fort Myers Beach, Florida
This historic Gulf Coast beach town really stood out to me. Once a small fishing village, it grew into a laid-back coastal getaway with colorful cottages, palm-lined streets, and that unbeatable Florida sunshine.
I loved how it felt both relaxed and lively, with a mix of beach charm and friendly, welcoming locals. Leaving my former stop in Naples, I drove about 1 hour north along the scenic Tamiami Trail and coastal roads to reach Fort Myers Beach and we stayed three nights at the 4-star Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach.
I spent a fun weekend exploring — lounging on the sugar-white sands of Estero Island, walking along the lively Times Square with its pastel shops and beach bars, strolling the iconic Fort Myers Beach Pier at sunset, and taking a boat tour through the back bay mangroves where dolphins and manatees made appearances!
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for smaller crowds
I think Fort Myers Beach is one of the best beaches along the Gulf Coast because of its natural beauty, many things to do and all kinds of accommodation options.
2. Bradenton Beach
Bradenton Beach had that weathered feel I always love—shutters faded from sun, walkways bleached pale, and laughter drifting over from somewhere nearby. I parked near a little ice cream shop and walked across the road to the sand.
It was about a 1-hour drive south from Tampa on I-75 and across the Cortez Bridge to Anna Maria Island, where I checked into Bali Hai Beach Resort for two days. I spent my time strolling the soft sand along Coquina Beach, fishing with my son from the historic City Pier, browsing quirky shops on Bridge Street, savoring fresh grouper sandwiches at waterfront cafés, and watching fiery Gulf sunsets that painted the horizon in gold and coral.
- Location: Map & Directions
3. Destin, Florida
Destin looked amazing with seafoam green water, white sand and plenty of sunlight. I walked out past the edge of the boardwalk, where families were already unfolding chairs and building moats.
It was about a 2-hour drive east from Pensacola to reach Destin, where I checked into The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach. I spent my time lounging on Henderson Beach State Park’s uncrowded shoreline, walking on the bustling Harbor Boardwalk, joining a dolphin-watching cruise, sampling fresh Gulf-to-table seafood at The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar, and snorkeling in the shallow, crystal-clear waters near Norriego Point.
- Location: Map & Directions
4. Galveston Island State Park, Texas
A day trip from my house near Austin, Galveston Island State Park is one of the best places in Texas to experience the Gulf Coast in its most unique, natural setting.
I still remember my first visit years ago. I entered the state park on the western end of the island, far from the boardwalk crowds, where the grass swayed taller than the dunes and the road felt like it might vanish into sand at any moment.
The beach was wide, wind-brushed, and quiet. The sky moved fast here—clouds shifting shapes like they were in a hurry. I walked past driftwood and little shells, the sand firm beneath my feet and littered with traces of earlier tides.
The sunsets over the bay are some of the best you’ll find in Texas. The stargazing (my son's favorite!) is equally unforgettable. That's why my family and I like to book a hotel nearby and stay awake as long as we can. There are great camping opportunities here as well!
- Location: Map & Directions
For me, it the best Gulf Coast escape in Texas, especially if you want nature, wildlife, and wide-open spaces.
5. Orange Beach, Alabama
If Galveston made me quiet, Gulf Shores made me smile. This stretch of Alabama coast has ong beaches, warm Gulf water, and a rhythm you could fall into without noticing.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two of the best beach destinations on the entire Gulf Coast. These two are easily among my favorite spots for a laid-back yet lively getaway! Alabama’s slice of the Gulf might be small, but it packs in some of the most unique experiences and stunning stretches of sand anywhere that completely won me over.
It was about a 1-hour drive southeast from Mobile on I-10 and the Baldwin Beach Express to reach Orange Beach, where I stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front for two nights.
What makes Gulf Shores and Orange Beach truly unique is the variety of adventures at your fingertips. You can explore miles of trails in Gulf State Park, see dolphins on a boat tour, or try out water sports (rentals are available along the beach).
- Location: Map & Directions
Add in the fresh shrimp and oysters (some of the best you’ll taste anywhere) and you’ve got a destination that delivers the full Gulf Coast experience.
6. Biloxi, Mississippi
When I visited Biloxi this month, I was reminded of its Southern charm, maritime history, and a breezy resort vibe. Hugging the Mississippi Sound, this Gulf Coast gem’s known for its sugar-white beaches, storied shrimping fleet, vibrant casinos, and cultural landmarks.
In less than an hour from New Orleans, I rolled into Biloxi and spent two leisurely days, overnighting at the historic Beau Rivage Resort, exploring the fascinating Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, wandering along Beach Boulevard, touring the restored Biloxi Lighthouse, and enjoying a sunset sail on the Gulf.
- Location: Map & Directions
I had a great lunch at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House and found out chatting with a local that it's one of the South’s oldest restaurants (in an 18th-century home). I loved the creole-inspired seafood, the cozy brick-and-beam setting, and their famous stuffed flounder!
7. Bonita Springs, Florida
Bonita Springs turned out to be a perfect Gulf Coast retreat, laid-back, scenic, and filled with natural beauty. Unlike some of Florida’s more crowded beach towns, when I visited this month, Bonita had a relaxed, small-community feel, yet offers easy access to pristine beaches, wildlife preserves, and great dining.
I think that Bonita Springs is one of the best hidden gems on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with a mix of unique natural beauty and relaxed charm that makes it feel like a true escape. It’s one of my favorite places to slow down and enjoy a more peaceful side of the Sunshine State.
We drove 35 minutes from Fort Myers to Homewood Suites by Hilton Bonita Springs where we stayed for two nights. Barefoot Beach Preserve is especially unique.
- Location: Map & Directions
I think Bonita Springs's among the best beaches in the country! Why? Because here you can spot wildlife, walk scenic trails, and enjoy a quieter atmosphere compared to busier Gulf Coast spots.
8. Cape San Blas, Florida
When I visited this month, I thought Cape San Blas was one of the most unspoiled, soul-soothing destinations on Florida’s Gulf Coast, a slender peninsula where sugar-white sand meets emerald waters, backed by towering dunes and pine forests. It felt far removed from the bustle of more commercial beaches, a place where quiet nature and wide horizons take center stage.
It was about a 2-hour drive southeast from Panama City to reach the cape, where we settled into Driftwood Inn for a two days on our romantic weekend getaway to the beach. We spent our time walking for miles along the undeveloped shoreline, climbing the 101-foot Cape San Blas Lighthouse, biking along the Loggerhead Trail, kayaking through the clear waters of St. Joseph Bay, and savoring seafood picnics on the sand while watching dolphins arc offshore.
- Location: Map & Directions
9. Clearwater Beach, Gulf Coast
Clearwater Beach is one of the best-known beach destinations on the Gulf Coast, and for good reason. It combines unique energy, incredible white sand, and some of my favorite ocean views in Florida!
I thought Clearwater Beach was pure Gulf Coast fun, a lively stretch of brilliant white sand and turquoise water, balanced by a festive boardwalk vibe and endless opportunities to play in the sun.
It was about a 40-minute drive west from Tampa, crossing the scenic Courtney Campbell Causeway before arriving at the island. I checked into Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key for two days and filled my time swimming in the warm Gulf, walking the palm-lined Beach Walk Promenade, browsing shops and cafés along Mandalay Avenue, joining the nightly Pier 60 sunset celebration (you can even upload your own photo after!), and hopping on a boat tour to watch dolphins leap across the waves.
- Location: Map & Directions
Conclusion
The Gulf Coast is packed with some of the best beaches in the United States, each offering its own unique vibe and unforgettable experiences.
What makes the Gulf Coast so special (and why it’s one of my favorite regions to explore) is the variety. You can go from quiet, untouched stretches of sand to vibrant boardwalks and beach towns, all within the same coastline. Add in the warm Gulf waters, incredible seafood, and those nightly sunsets that are some of the best you’ll ever see, and it’s easy to understand why I return year after year.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
