Is a Gulf Coast highway journey in your listing of thrill-seeking US adventures? Buckle up for an epic 9-day loop by means of 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 affirm this to be true. Not a day glided by with out somebody saying, “I could listen to your English accent all day,” earlier than proudly providing recommendations on what to see and the place to eat.
In 9 days alongside the Gulf Shores, you may 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 varied pure great thing about the area – this itinerary will information you thru a superb journey throughout two charming Southern states: Alabama and Mississippi.
Begin of the Gulf Shores USA highway journey
Gulf Coast Street Journey Planning
So, you’re prepared to start out planning your Gulf Coast highway journey! I kicked issues off by mapping out key locations utilizing the Roadtrippers app, which helped me discover driving suggestions, gasoline stops, and fascinating sights to discover alongside the way in which.
Contemplate one of the best time to go to — spring and autumn delivers superb climate with fewer crowds, whereas winter is bustling with “snowbird season.” For my English mates, this time period refers to individuals from northern states and Canada who migrate to Florida and the Gulf Shores to flee the winter chill.
In case you’re touring throughout peak instances, you should definitely guide lodging prematurely, whether or not you favor beachfront resorts, cosy cabins, or RV parks, relying in your automobile. Lastly, pack for quite a lot of actions, from stress-free seashore days and straightforward hikes to discovering historic websites.
Fast Hyperlinks Gulf Shores Street Journey
2 Days in Gulf State Park Alabama
I started my journey in Panama Metropolis Seaside, 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 Go 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 building of The Lodge maximises power effectivity, and its Gulf-front eating shines a highlight on recent, domestically 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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Sundown on the Gulf Shores, Alabama Seashores
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 shield native dunes and sea turtles. Lease a motorcycle or take a guided eco-tour alongside the Backcountry Path, a lovely community winding by means of 9 distinct ecosystems, and stopping to observe the bald eagles and red-bellied woodpeckers.
They are saying “Everyday’s a school day” so I put that idea to the check 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 tub 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 green tomatoes, and homemade lemonade. After an active day, unwind at the Perch Restaurant at Gulf State Park, which celebrates regional flavours with minimal waste. And no visit to Alabama’s Seaside is full with out a night time at Flora-Bama — dubbed “America’s last great honky-tonk” — the place you may get pleasure from spine-tingling reside music and sip on their signature Bushwacka.
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Gulf Grouper
Bald Eagle
Guided Bike Trip
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. Essentially the most direct route is through Interstate 10 West, passing by means of 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 likely one of the oldest settlements on the Gulf Coast. Town was linked to Biloxi in 1930 by the Warfare Memorial Bridge and rebuilt a number of instances after hurricanes.
Quick ahead to the present day, Ocean Springs is greatest recognized for its inventive neighborhood, largely due to the legacy of its most celebrated artist, Walter Anderson. With its mom-and-pop cafés, impartial boutiques, and artwork galleries, the town of Ocean Springs exudes a laid-back small city ambiance, and is the right base for exploring close by Biloxi and Pascagoula.
Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore, Ocean Springs MS
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 throughout 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 lovely stretch by means of moist pine savanna. It’s a great place to search for the elusive Mississippi Sandhill crane, an endangered species that calls this space dwelling. In case you’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 means of the city, stopping on the Walter Anderson Museum of Artwork to admire the gorgeous works impressed by the pure great 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 strategy to East Seaside, 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 when 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 retailers create a nostalgic ambiance. Don’t miss the long-lasting spherical lighthouse, which stands as a logo of the world’s maritime historical past and, for a small charge, they opened the doorways to I might 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 dwelling 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 world’s French colonial historical past and Native American heritage.
My closing expertise was an eco-boat tour alongside the decrease Pascagoula River. The tour weaves by means of 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 happy for the prospect to identify native wildlife and take within the tranquil panorama.
Biloxi Mississippi
Biloxi could also be recognized for its bustling casinos, but when, like me, that’s not your scene, there are many different methods to get pleasure from 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 traditional 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 right reset earlier than diving into the town’s highly effective civil rights historical past. Standing the place African People 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 right light-yet-indulgent selection—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 may’t really sit in it, in case you have been questioning!
About Hattiesburg Mississippi
Hattiesburg, situated 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 rapidly grew right into a affluent centre for the timber trade, incomes the affectionate nickname “Hub City.” In 1868, Hardy envisioned a railway to move lumber, and building of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad lastly started in 1882.
Hattiesburg performed a major function within the Civil Rights Motion, with key websites alongside the Mississippi Freedom Path commemorating its legacy within the battle for equality. 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 after they recorded in Hattiesburg in 1936, method earlier than the scene blew up in Memphis.
At the moment, Hattiesburg is dwelling to the College of Southern Mississippi (USM), a number one establishment driving innovation and analysis within the area. Town exudes a progressive power, one thing I rapidly picked up on throughout my brief time in Hattiesburg.
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Hattiesburg mural at T-Bones Data & Cafe
Finest Issues To Do in Hattiesburg MS
With just one night time in Hattiesburg, the itinerary was jam-packed, and actually, I want I had extra time to spend there. Listed here are among the highlights you received’t need to miss!
Hattiesburg is on a mission to turn into the “City of 100 Murals,” and the fervour for this aim 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. Each bit conveys a message concerning the metropolis’s historic victories and struggles, delivered to life by means of the inventive spirit of native and regional artists.
One other modern must-visit is the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, a hidden downtown out of doors gallery crammed with whimsical micro-exhibits, road artwork, and quirky surprises tucked into the pipes and brickwork of the alleyway.
To discover Hattiesburg’s historical past, take the Freedom Summer season Path — a self-guided audio tour visiting key websites from the 1964 Freedom Summer season, a historic motion devoted to registering Black voters in Mississippi. To be taught 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 undertaking in 2000 created Longleaf Hint, a scenic 44-mile rail path making the outside extra accessible for residents and vacationers. I rented a motorcycle for the pine-lined trails and handed many joggers, hikers, and even rollerbladers.
I’m not a giant fan of purchasing, 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 Data & 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 domestically 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 dwelling cooking; Huge Bother, a Southern-Asian fusion spot; and The Midtowner, a traditional neighborhood diner owned by Robert St. John, chef, creator, and restaurateur.
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Stone D Barefield Tunnel on the Longleaf Hint in Hattiesburg
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 presents a direct and scenic drive by means of southern Mississippi and into Alabama, bringing you to Cell.
About Cell Alabama
Based in 1702 by the French, Cell, Alabama, is likely one of the oldest cities in the US 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 turning into a part of the US in 1813. Cell has lengthy been a strategic port and commerce hub and in addition a key level of entry for enslaved Africans delivered to the US.
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Mardi Gras Park, Cell, Alabama
Finest Issues To Do in Cell AL
Town is completely happy to point out off days passed by, and there are just a few 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 significant port, its function within the slave commerce, African American heritage, and the Civil Warfare.
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 long-lasting parades and celebrations.
A strong expertise I extremely suggest is Clotilda: The Exhibition in Africatown. It shares the story of the final recognized slave ship to reach in the US, which illegally introduced enslaved Africans to Cell in 1860. It options voice recordings, private testimonies, and historic context concerning the survivors, lots 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 with 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 may step aboard a WWII battleship and submarine.
Cell is dwelling 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 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 today, 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 surroundings, utilizing biodegradable cups, repurposing grain sacks, and donating proceeds to help native environmental efforts. A brewery with a goal is even higher!
For a style of the nice outdoor, go to the Audubon Hen Sanctuary on Dauphin Island, the place scenic trails wind by means of majestic reside oaks and pine timber, resulting in restored dunes — simply preserve an eye fixed out for the resident alligator within the swamp. Alternatively, discover the wildlife-rich Cell-Tensaw River Delta, typically referred to as “America’s Amazon,” the most important river delta and wetland in Alabama.
Cell Carnival Museum
Braided River Brewing
Cell Saenger Theatre
Audubon Hen Sanctuary
PIN For Your Gulf Coast Street Journey
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