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

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Right here at Travel Off Path, we’re proud to have the perfect of the newest journey traits. The reality is, 2026 is a game-changer as increasingly more vacationers are scoping out the lesser-known as an alternative of family names.

On this case, at the same time as Florida continues on a record-setting tear, it is not simply Orlando and Miami anymore main the way in which.

Conversely, neighboring states are plucking vacationers away as effectively, with Gulf Shores’ pretty new airport and Mississippi’s rise to stardom as a high 5 most visited state (sure, actually!).

However the place are folks actually going?

One such metropolis is perhaps 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 inform you this isn’t only a springboard — it’s the vacation spot.

The Gulf’s Most Handy White-Sand Escape

Like crowds? That query at all times ends with a tough “no”.

That is certainly one of many the reason 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 motive to maintain Gulfport on the down low anymore (do children nonetheless say down low?).

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

Gulfport, although? It is largely disregarded for neighboring seaside cities, but it presents nearly crowd-free seashores, impeccably recent seafood eats, a number of casinos, and extra metropolis vibes with an underrated arts scene like Fishbone Alley.

Straightforward to achieve and arguably extra gratifying since you possibly can snag a seat at a slot machine or a barstool at a local-favorite seafood shack, you possibly can 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 Will not Dent Your Financial institution Account

Regardless of your career, Gulfport is a worthwhile trip that may be budgeted for all revenue 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?

Each downtown parking and seaside parking are fully free!

Have you learnt what number of quarters I’ve burned by?

However that is solely scratching the floor. Regardless of when you go to certainly one of downtown’s quite a few museums, dine at a hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurant like top-rated Shrimp Basket, or e book a room below $100 at Gulfport’s posh Island View Casino Resort, you possibly can breathe a sigh of aid figuring out vacationing is feasible with out sticker shock.

Based on the professional group at Islands, they crunched numbers and located:

• Lodging common $123 to $146
• Meals prices 4.6% under the nationwide common
• Transportation prices 7.7% under the nationwide common

Moreover, Gulfport’s value of residing is considerably decrease than the remainder of the nation, simply in case you’re keen on this metropolis a lot and turn into tempted to pack up a U-Haul and transfer right here.

What Are Gulfport’s Seashores Like?

by now, Gulfport boasts stunning white sand that makes your photographs pop, however what in regards to the water circumstances?

That is the lone detrimental mark for Mississippi’s sprawling coast.

There isn’t any seaside 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, lots of Gulfport’s seashores nonetheless obtain rave critiques. A beachgoer from final spring said, “Completely attractive. This was my first time visiting Gulfport, and I’ll undoubtedly be again. The seashores listed below are beautiful, and the view is dreamy.”

Whereas brackish waters aren’t precisely a promoting level, there’s one exception in March: Ship Island.

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

Sam Sears

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