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 known within the Deep South, and I can unequivocally verify 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’ll be able to discover sugar-white seashores, picturesque state parks, full of life 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 great thing about the area – this itinerary will information you thru a wonderful journey throughout two charming Southern states: Alabama and Mississippi.
Start of the Gulf Shores USA highway journey
Gulf Coast Road Trip 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 suggestions, gas stops, and fascinating sights to discover alongside the way in which.
Consider the most effective 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 folks from northern states and Canada who migrate to Florida and the Gulf Shores to flee the winter chill.
If you’re touring throughout peak instances, make sure you e-book lodging upfront, whether or not you like beachfront resorts, cosy cabins, or RV parks, relying in your automobile. Finally, pack for quite a lot of actions, from stress-free seashore days and simple hikes to discovering historic websites.
Quick Links Gulf Shores Road Trip
2 Days in Gulf State Park Alabama
I started my journey in Panama City Beach, 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 Pass 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 vitality effectivity, and its Gulf-front eating shines a highlight on recent, regionally sourced components. End every day with a sundown view out of your balcony, figuring out your keep helps an award-winning mannequin of sustainable tourism.
CHECK AVAILABILITY AT THE LODGE AT GULF STATE PARK | READ MY REVIEW OF THE LODGE
Sunset on the Gulf Shores, Alabama Beaches
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. Rent a motorbike or take a guided eco-tour alongside the Backcountry Trail, an exquisite community winding by 9 distinct ecosystems, and stopping to look at the bald eagles and red-bellied woodpeckers.
They say “Everyday’s a school day” so I put that concept to the check with eco-class on the Gulf State Park’s Learning Centre, a net-positive constructing that educates guests on native wildlife and eco-friendly practices. I cherished making a pure tub bomb utilizing Gulf Shores salt while studying in regards to the significance of salt and its origins.
DeSotos Seafood Kitchen must be in your listing of locations to eat on Gulf Shores. Avoid 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 Beach is full and not using a night time at Flora-Bama — dubbed “America’s last great honky-tonk” — the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in spine-tingling reside music and sip on their signature Bushwacka.
BEST DEALS ON GULF SHORES HOTELS + VACATION RENTALS
Gulf Grouper
Bald Eagle
Guided Bike Ride
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. The most direct route is through Interstate 10 West, passing by Mobile, Alabama, earlier than crossing into Ocean Springs,
About Ocean Springs Mississippi
Founded in 1699 by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, Ocean Springs is likely one of the oldest settlements on the Gulf Coast. The metropolis was related to Biloxi in 1930 by the War Memorial Bridge and rebuilt a number of instances after hurricanes.
Fast ahead to the present day, Ocean Springs is greatest recognized for its inventive group, largely due to the legacy of its most celebrated artist, Walter Anderson. With its mom-and-pop cafés, unbiased boutiques, and artwork galleries, town of Ocean Springs exudes a laid-back small city ambiance, and is the proper base for exploring close by Biloxi and Pascagoula.
Gulf Islands National 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 Area throughout the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a must-see for anybody who loves birdwatching. I hoped to identify an osprey as soon as I sighted the nest but it surely wasn’t my fortunate day. Ready to discover one other nature oasis, I took a stroll alongside the Fontainebleau Nature Trail — an exquisite 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 dwelling. If you’re fortunate, you may get a glimpse of one in all 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 Art to admire the beautiful 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. As the day wound down, I made my approach to East Beach, the place I watched the birds roost and hunt at sundown.
When starvation struck, I discovered some implausible 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 rooster wings and craft beers. And should you’re craving a curry repair, Indian Delights hit the spot with their scrumptious dishes.
BEST DEALS ON OCEAN SPRINGS HOTELS + VACATION RENTALS
Pascagoula Mississippi
Start 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 world’s maritime historical past and, for a small charge, 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 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 last 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 testing osprey nests and searching herons – I’m at all times completely satisfied 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 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 Top 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 proper reset earlier than diving into town’s highly effective civil rights historical past. Standing the place African Americans as soon as fought for equality through the Biloxi Wade-In protests, which sought to desegregate 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. Along the way in which, I made a cease in Gulfport to see the world’s largest rocking chair. Though it’s a unusual roadside attraction, you’ll be able to’t truly 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 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 Movement, with key websites alongside the Mississippi Freedom Trail commemorating its legacy within the combat for equality. The metropolis 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, manner earlier than the scene blew up in Memphis.
Today, Hattiesburg is dwelling to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), a number one establishment driving innovation and analysis within the area. The metropolis exudes a progressive vitality, one thing I rapidly picked up on throughout my brief time in Hattiesburg.
BEST DEALS ON HATTIESBURG HOTELS + VACATION RENTALS
Hattiesburg mural at T-Bones Records & Cafe
Best Things To Do in Hattiesburg MS
With just one night time in Hattiesburg, the itinerary was jam-packed, and truthfully, I want I had extra time to spend there. Here are a number of the highlights you gained’t need to miss!
Hattiesburg is on a mission to change into the “City of 100 Murals,” and the fervour for this aim shines loud and clear. Start your go to by exploring the Hattiesburg Public Art Trail, a self-guided tour that showcases vibrant murals and installations. Each piece conveys a message in regards to the metropolis’s historic victories and struggles, delivered to life by the inventive spirit of native and regional artists.
Another progressive 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 Trail — a self-guided audio tour visiting key websites from the 1964 Freedom Summer, a historic motion devoted to registering Black voters in Mississippi. To be taught in regards to the state’s army 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 Trace, 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 procuring, however this modified the second I set foot in The Lucky Rabbit – it’s an actual treasure cave of classic finds and pop-culture nostalgia. Head to T-Bones Records & 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 bought fortunate with my decisions: Birdhouse Cafe, which has a health-first method to dwelling cooking; Big Trouble, a Southern-Asian fusion spot; and The Midtowner, a traditional group diner owned by Robert St. John, chef, writer, and restaurateur.
|| YOU MAY LIKE TO READ MY GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO IN HATTIESBURG
Stone D Barefield Tunnel on the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg
2 Days in Mobile, Alabama
The drive from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Mobile, 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 southern Mississippi and into Alabama, bringing you to Mobile.
About Mobile Alabama
Founded in 1702 by the French, Mobile, Alabama, is likely one of the oldest cities within the United States and has been formed by French, Spanish, British, and American influences. Originally a part of the French Louisiana territory, it was transferred to Spanish management in 1780 earlier than turning into a part of the United States in 1813. Mobile has lengthy been a strategic port and commerce hub and in addition a key level of entry for enslaved Africans delivered to the United States.
BEST DEALS ON MOBILE HOTELS + VACATION RENTALS
Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, Alabama
Best Things To Do in Mobile AL
The metropolis is completely satisfied to point out off days passed by, and there are just a few experiences I cherished that must be added to your Mobile itinerary. The History Museum of Mobile paperwork town’s evolution as a serious port, its function within the slave commerce, African American heritage, and the Civil War.
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 Mobile’s Mardi Gras festivities, displaying intricate costumes, photographs, and artefacts from the enduring parades and celebrations.
A strong expertise I extremely advocate is Clotilda: The Exhibition in Africatown. It shares the story of the final recognized slave ship to reach within the United States, which illegally introduced enslaved Africans to Mobile in 1860. It options voice recordings, private testimonies, and historic context in regards to the survivors, a lot of whom established Africatown, the place they preserved their tradition regardless of immense hardship.
Whilst I didn’t have time to go to, these all for maritime historical past ought to take a look at the National 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.
Mobile is dwelling to some culinary treasures; The Noble South salutes Southern-inspired dishes, whereas Squid Ink Eats serves up progressive takes on Southern classics alongside handcrafted cocktails. To cowl extra floor on Mobile’s meals scene, be a part of Bienville Bites Walking Tour to devour oysters, gumbo and beignets throughout town.
Craft beer is usually on my listing of issues to do lately, so I used to be delighted to find Braided River Brewing. Not solely is it a implausible place to seize a drink, but it surely’s additionally making an actual distinction for the surroundings, utilizing biodegradable cups, repurposing grain sacks, and donating proceeds to assist native environmental efforts. A brewery with a objective is even higher!
For a style of the good outside, go to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island, the place scenic trails wind by majestic reside oaks and pine bushes, resulting in restored dunes — simply preserve an eye fixed out for the resident alligator within the swamp. Alternatively, discover the wildlife-rich Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, typically referred to as “America’s Amazon,” the biggest river delta and wetland in Alabama.
Mobile Carnival Museum
Braided River Brewing
Mobile Saenger Theatre
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
PIN For Your Gulf Coast Road Trip
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which implies I could obtain a small fee should you click on a hyperlink and buy one thing that I’ve advisable. It comes for free of charge to you. Thank you on your assist.