The South’s Secret White Sand Island: Swap Florida’s Busy Beaches For This Surprising Gulf Paradise

Driftwood on Ship Island

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Florida tends to steal the highlight in the case of premiere seashore holidays, however it is time to take the highlight again and permit their southern neighbors to take heart stage.

If wherever within the South has a declare to fame for white sand seashores apart from Florida, it is Alabama’s lovely Gulf Shores, however that is no secret.

Driftwood on Ship IslandDriftwood on Ship Island

What’s held near the vest is Mississippi’s gorgeous barrier island off the coast of Biloxi, the state’s most notable coastal getaway.

Oddly sufficient, and fairly ironic given the horrific climate raging close by, Mississippi and Alabama have Hurricane Camille to thank within the 1960’s for splitting up a pair of islands, divvying them up between each states.

What’s left on the Mississippi aspect is Ship Island, a surprising Gulf paradise boasting shiny white sand and much fewer crowds than Florida’s busy seashores.

Make Your Base In Biloxi

Mississippi Gulf Coast sign on white sandMississippi Gulf Coast sign on white sand

Mississippi would not get its due for a way a lot of a enjoyable seashore vacation spot it may be.

The Gulf Coast between Louisiana and Alabama borders ranges from name-brand resorts (and casinos), white sand seashores, to among the finest seafood you can think about.

The truth is, you can argue the energetic city of Biloxi is among the finest options to Las Vegas to let unfastened and neighboring Gulfport is rising in popularity by the day.

Selecting between the 2 is one thing you may doubtless wish to do as Ship Island has no motels, however hey, that is all a part of the attraction!

Biloxi Hard RockBiloxi Hard Rock

Biloxi provides one of the best number of lodging, however Gulfport is one of the best place to depart for Ship Island, roughly 11 miles offshore.

You may have fairly seashores and among the prime family names for casinos and motels to select from, reminiscent of:

  • Margaritaville
  • Exhausting Rock
  • Harrah’s
  • Golden Nugget

Better of all, they’re all usually very reasonably priced, providing unbelievable worth in comparison with the identical properties in different cities.

Biloxi lighthouse along coastBiloxi lighthouse along coast

As a pattern measurement, the Golden Nugget and Exhausting Rock is as little as $130 per night time for last-minute stays in October.

Reasonably priced Ferry To Mississippi’s Secret Slice Of Paradise

Chances are you’ll really feel such as you’re shuffling round Mississippi’s coastlines, however the excellent news is it is all lovely, even the hidden gems surrounding Gulfport and Biloxi.

That being stated, Ship Island is unmatched, which is why the ferry service is so fashionable amongst locals and vacationers within the know.

As I discussed, Ship Island provides no motels or trip leases, so this can positively be a day journey.

Ship Island - Gulf Island National Seashore signShip Island - Gulf Island National Seashore sign

The truth is, its solely inhabitants have fins, wings or 4 legs until that is the place Bigfoot has been hiding out all alongside.

Whereas that is extremely unlikely, what you could discover are dolphin sightings alongside the way in which as reported by current island-goers.

Departing Gulfport are ferries operated by Ship Island Excursions. Costs vary from $38 – $44 and run by way of the tip of October.

The journey takes about an hour to achieve Ship Island’s pristine shores the place you may forgot all about Florida’s cramped seashores rather than the vast open areas of this Mississippi gem.

Clear waters of Ship IslandClear waters of Ship Island

You will have at your fingertips lengthy stretches of gorgeous seashores to lounge at, scenic mountain climbing and biking trails, and for those who’re fortunate, ample wildlife sightings like sea turtles, a wide range of birds, and those self same dolphins you could have seen in your journey right here.

Tip: Ship Island’s designated Swim Beach is situated on the south aspect of the island (be sure to deliver sunblock!)

Ship Island’s Fascinating Historical Website

The massive shock is not simply the island exists, however the historic treasure awaiting you.

You do not have to be a historical past buff to understand Fort Massachusetts, a masonry fort relationship again to the 1850’s that performed a big position within the Civil Warfare.

Because it stands right now, on the very least, it makes for superior photo-ops, however those that wish to take a deeper dive into its deeply rooted previous can go on a guided or self-guided tour offered by the Nationwide Park Service (NPS).

Fort Massachusetts on Ship IslandFort Massachusetts on Ship Island

Guests may hire seashore chairs, reserve picnics, and seize snacks and refreshments from the handy retailer operated by the NPS.

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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.



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