This Affordable Beach City Is The South’s Most Underrated Spring Getaway

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Here at Travel Off Path, we’re proud to have the perfect of the most recent journey tendencies. The fact is, 2026 is a game-changer as increasingly vacationers are scoping out the lesser-known as a substitute of family names.

In this case, whilst 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 nicely, with Gulf Shores’ pretty new airport and Mississippi’s rise to stardom as a prime 5 most visited state (sure, actually!).

But the place are folks actually going?

One such metropolis may be confused for a gateway, however 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 should 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 Convenient White-Sand Escape

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

That’s one in all many explanation why Gulfport is so interesting.

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

There are finances airways like Breeze and Sun Country (now owned by Allegiant) and all the massive canine of the business that fly right here, probably whisking passengers to close by Biloxi and even Mississippi’s latest waterfront resort in little-known Pass Christian.

Gulfport, although? It’s largely omitted for neighboring seashore cities, but it presents 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.

Easy to succeed in and arguably extra pleasant since you’ll be able to snag a seat at a slot machine or a barstool at a local-favorite seafood shack, you’ll be able to 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 Won’t Dent Your Bank Account

No matter your career, Gulfport is a worthwhile trip that may be budgeted for all earnings 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 by way of worth.

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

Both downtown parking and seashore parking are fully free!

Do you know the way many quarters I’ve burned by way of?

But that is solely scratching the floor. No matter when you go to one in all downtown’s quite a few museums, dine at a hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurant like top-rated Shrimp Basket, or guide a room underneath $100 at Gulfport’s posh Island View Casino Resort, you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of aid figuring out vacationing is feasible with out sticker shock.

According to the skilled workforce at Islands, they crunched numbers and located:

• Accommodations common $123 to $146
• Food prices 4.6% beneath the nationwide common
• Transportation prices 7.7% beneath the nationwide common

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

What Are Gulfport’s Beaches Like?

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

That’s the lone destructive mark for Mississippi’s sprawling coast.

There’s no 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 mentioned, a lot of Gulfport’s seashores nonetheless obtain rave opinions. A beachgoer from final spring said, “Absolutely gorgeous. This was my first time visiting Gulfport, and I’ll definitely be back. The beaches here are stunning, and the view is dreamy.”

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

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

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.