Like many other towns along the Gulf Coast, Gulfport has a long stretch of pristine white-sand beach—6.2 miles long, to be exact. Fort Island Gulf Beach If you’re looking for a beach on the white-sand shores of the Gulf of Mexico, head for Fort Island Gulf Beach, which is 27 miles west of Inverness. Pier 60, a long fishing pier with a snack bar and nightly live performances, is another favorite spot in Clearwater. You are reading "22 Best Gulf Coast Beaches - Florida, Texas, Alabama & Mississippi this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips Aside from the stunningly gorgeous sunsets, the best Gulf Coast beaches are said to have the softest sand, the clearest waters, the most fun nature trails and the best fishing. All rights reserved. Beyond the water, the small town has several championship golf courses, a range of amusement parks, and extensive opportunities for shopping. Perhaps the most famous feature of the town is City Pier, a popular fishing pier complete with both a café and bait store on the premises. When it comes to Tampa Bay, picturesque scenery and an average of 361 days of sunshine each year create an ideal setting for those ready to explore and discover new treasures. Bonita Springs is a southwestern Florida city, part of which lies on Little Hickory Island, a barrier island situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay. Scallopers can harvest shellfish from boats or along the shoreline, and those seeking out beautiful shells along the sand need not search long to find unique Cape San Blas treasures. Even museum fans can get their fill here, as the town is home to venues such as the National Museum of Naval Aviation and the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum. To take the fun up a notch, many head to Corey Avenue, a street lined with small shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s there, waiting for you to explore it. 10. Because the park is a protected territory, it contains a number of coastal habitats such as dunes, wetlands, and of course, beaches. Madeira Beach, Florida has quite the reputation; legend has it that the first settler of this small town outside St. Petersburg was in fact a pirate by the name of John LeVique. Things to Do in Gulfport, "22 Best Gulf Coast Beaches - Florida, Texas, Alabama & Mississippi" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways, Wedding Ideas close to me this weekend, honeymoon, anniversary Ideas, fun places near me Places to eat near me, coffee shops, flea, farmers market, tropical honeymoon trip finder, wedding venues near me, lunch, brunch, restaurant near me, RV camp, cruise, hotel, where to stay, sandy beach by car: West Coast vacations, Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells, Things to Do in Spokane, Things to Do in Marco Island, Things to Do in Eugene, Oregon, Things to Do in Oxnard CA, , Wheeling, Sullivan's Island, Things to Do in Las Vegas, Tahiti, Washington Island, Temple, Places to eat near me, coffee shops, flea, farmers market, tropical honeymoon trip finder, wedding venues near me, lunch, brunch, restaurant near me, RV camp, cruise, hotel, where to stay, sandy beach by car: West Coast vacations, Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells, Things to Do in Spokane, Things to Do in Marco Island, Things to Do in Eugene, Oregon, Things to Do in Oxnard CA, , Wheeling, Sullivan's Island, Things to Do in Las Vegas, Tahiti, Washington Island, Temple. Beaches in this region can be reached from most points in Missouri within 10 to 12 hours by car or within a few hours by plane. Although today Madeira Beach, fondly known by some as “Mad Beach,” sees many more tourists than pirates, it has not lost its sense of fun and adventure. Romantic resorts, dog friendly cabin, boutique inn, B&B, hostel, photos, maps, discounts, conference, couples retreat, shows, good food near me, things to do with kids near me, weather, airport, vegetarian, seafood, breakfast near me, indoor, outlet mall: Amarillo, WA, AL, College towns, MI, AL, MI, Romantic resorts, dog friendly cabin, boutique inn, B&B, hostel, photos, maps, discounts, conference, couples retreat, shows, good food near me, things to do with kids near me, weather, airport, vegetarian, seafood, breakfast near me, indoor, outlet mall: Amarillo, WA, AL, College towns, MI, AL, MI, You are reading "22 Best Gulf Coast Beaches - Florida, Texas, Alabama & Mississippi " Back to Top. Panama City Beach is a hopping beach town in the northwestern part of Florida known as the Panhandle. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © Courtesy of Robert Hainer - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of Jesse Kunerth - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of Edelweiss 086 - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of digi dream grafix - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of wade smith 22 - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of Fotoluminate LLC - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of Felix Mizioznikov - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of Ruth P. Peterkin - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of Javier C. Acosta - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of ArenaCreative - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of kellyvandellen - Fotolia.com, Gulf of Mexico Beaches: Bonita Springs, Florida, Florida Gulf Coast Beaches: Destin, Florida, Gulf Coast Beaches: Madeira Beach, Florida, Florida Gulf Beaches: Navarre Beach, Florida, Florida Gulf Coast Beaches: Siesta Key, Florida, Cover Photo: Courtesy of volga river - Fotolia.com. Long weekend getaways with friends near you, weather, best small towns, what should I do in for couples, cheap, with friends, nearby beach, fun things to do near me today: CO, From San Diego, VA, OH, WI, MI, IL, IL, VA, San Diego, TX, Long weekend getaways with friends near you, weather, best small towns, what should I do in for couples, cheap, with friends, nearby beach, fun things to do near me today: CO, From San Diego, VA, OH, WI, MI, IL, IL, VA, San Diego, TX. For those who prefer staying on dry land, the downtown area of the city is hopping with things to do. The community is home to two lighthouses and several historic homes and museums. 7. Gulf Shores prides itself on its stunning sands made of tiny grains of quartz from the more northern Appalachian Mountains. This palm-fringed island is located off of County Road 495, northwest of Weeki Wachee. Known less as a tourist hub and more as a pristine, natural beach, this 17-mile peninsula is popular for its calm atmosphere. Where should I go this weekend for fun, adventurous places to visit near me today, famous for, kid friendly, hotels open near me, what can you do in for free, beaches, resorts near me, time zone, best restaurants near me, natural wonders: FL, CA, Myrtle Beach, OR, New England weekend, Charlotte, Williamsburg, LA, PA, Where should I go this weekend for fun, adventurous places to visit near me today, famous for, kid friendly, hotels open near me, what can you do in for free, beaches, resorts near me, time zone, best restaurants near me, natural wonders: FL, CA, Myrtle Beach, OR, New England weekend, Charlotte, Williamsburg, LA, PA. As Gulf Coast beaches go, Clearwater Beach, Florida is more of a built-up resort town rather than a quaint and cozy village. We also have a zip code search to help you locate the nearest beach to you. Coast Radar provides an easy way for you to find your closest beach and give you all the details we think you need to enable you to answer any questions you may have; a description, interactive map, photos of the area, tide times, 7 day weather forecast, bathing water quality, details on facilities available, any beach awards, more nearby beach options and what if any dog restrictions may be in place on the beach. Its a bit of a drive but I prefer it to the east coast of Florida. The nearest beach to Tampa is probably the Ben T. Davis public beach, but it is on the bay, not the gulf. , popular for its vast stretches of powdery sand, tons of nearby shops and restaurants, nice hotels and a nearby aquarium, pier and downtown hub. Day trips from, guided vacations, essential facts, solo destinations, vacation spots for seniors, pictures, bar, what is open near me, good places, top 10 state park, prayer, lighthouse, shores, waterparks, state park, vegan, food around me, indoor pools, hike, black sand beach: Beaches near Charlotte, Texas Cabins, Beaches Near Atlanta, Beaches in Long Beach, Beaches in Fort Myers, Spring Lake, Toccoa, Redmond, Anderson. Tigertail provides access to the Gulf of Mexico, and it also has a small lagoon area known as Sand Dollar Spit, which creates a habitat for different species of wildlife such as horseshoe crabs, conchs, and needlefish. Florida's beaches along the Gulf of Mexico feature peaceful waters, white sands, and off-the-beaten path destinations for natural beach lovers. I live in Kansas and me and a couple friends are wanting to take a road trip to the beach. The nicest thing about this beach is that you can literally take the state road 528 toll and it will be a direct route. The island has several different beaches, with Tigertail Beach Park being one of its most visited. The island also has several outfitters who set guests up with paddleboards, jet skis, charter boats, and other rentals for making the most of the gulf’s sparkling turquoise waters. Still, Marco Island is relatively small at only six miles long, and it maintains a casual, cozy feel. A great family beach spot, the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer wonderful dining experiences. Resorts and rentals along the water provide convenient accommodation close to the action. The town is known for offering many water sports such as parasailing, waverunner rides, and kayaking, but the seven-mile coastline here is also great for a day of lounging on the sand. 4. One of the Gulfport’s major draws is its casino, which allows gamblers to enjoy both the slots and the sun all in one place. Siesta Key, a barrier island located between mainland Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, has earned its stripes as a great beach destination. Gulf Shores has many beaches and other activities. Cabins and campsites are available at the park as options for accommodation, and there is an educational ranger program that sponsors regular nature-themed events. Plus, Gulf Coast beaches have some of the most comfortable year-round water temperatures. Things to Do in Panama City Beach, Weekend getaways, top 10 things to do, places to visit near me, East, West, North, South, cheap family vacation activities for birthday, hot tub, whirlpool, public transport by train, local bus, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, relaxing parks, coffee near me: Best beaches in USA, Florida Keys Beaches, Colorado Wineries, Hayward, Rhode Island Parks, Manchester. This beach is one of the closest beaches you can get to from Orlando. St. Augustine. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. The closest saltwater beaches to Missouri are those in the northern Gulf Coast on the southern edges of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. If you arent considering the gulf as an ocean, that only leaves the Atlantic and the Pacific. Navarre, a compact beach community just east of Pensacola, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline, where visitors compare crossing Navarre Bridge to transcending paradise time and time again. Free things to do near me known for tourists & historical must see attractions for adults in April, May, June, July, August 2020, January, February, March, restaurants that deliver, take-out, drive-thru, swimming, last minute day trips, coast, lake, reservoir, kayaking near me, glamping, diner, kitchen, suite, public parks, outdoor activities near me, places to get married: ME, IN, Midwest, Weekend Getaways, From Myrtle Beach, Family, Summer Weekend, New England, Albany, Omaha, MN, Zoos, NYC, Greenville. Hilton Head Island, located off the coast of the state of South Carolina, can be found just past the state line of Georgia. In addition to 27 miles of sandy beaches, this city has two state parks, artificial reefs for scuba divers, and loads of fish just waiting to be caught. Beyond the pier and the sugar-sand beaches, the historic town center has an abundance of small shops and restaurants to enjoy. Things to Do in Naples, Places to eat near me, free points of interest, lakes near me, waterfalls, weekend getaways near me, 3-day foodie places to visit in September, October, November, December, RV, prettiest places, lodging, campground, hangout, where is, spas, holiday, museum, hiking near me, canoeing, hotels close to me, sushi, hikes, scenic spots: Detroit, Places to Visit in Indiana, Washington, Northern California beaches. Copyright © 2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Cocoa Beach. Crescent Beach Family Park is a 2.25-acre waterfront park in Fort Myers Beach. The region is also home to famous landmarks, like the Biloxi Lighthouse and Ship Island, an island 12 miles off the coast that not only serves as the site of historic Fort Massachusetts, but also has some of the loveliest beaches around. Galveston Island State Park is conveniently located about an hour outside bustling Houston, but the tranquil environs of this barrier island are a complete change from the big busy city. Things to Do on Marco Island, Top sights, 4 day road trip map, weather, 24 hour restaurants, 48 hours in, cheapest good restaurants for families with dogs, beaches near me, directions, events, spa resorts, elevation, summer, nice pools, healthy, romantic restaurants, forest, buffet, city, tree, dinner, rentals, tent, flight, upscale, under water, pools: Dog-friendly Gulf Coast beaches, Pet friendly beaches near me, Dog-friendly beaches in Florida near me, Dog-friendly NJ beaches, Bay Area Dog-Friendly Beaches, Gulf Coast, Glowing, Beaches in Oregon, Naples is another hot Gulf Coast destination in southwest Florida. Things to Do in Sarasota, You are reading "22 Best Gulf Coast Beaches - Florida, Texas, Alabama & Mississippi" Back to Top or More weekend getaways, what to do near me, must see attractions, stuff to do near me This beach is located within convenient walking distance of the primary Orange Beach condominiums. In addition to gorgeous sand and surf, Destin is known for its world-class fishing, wonderful golf offerings, and Destin Harbor Boardwalk. And as an added bonus, this area is famous for its shelling; fossilized shark teeth are easy to find burrowed in the sand here. In addition to its sugar-sand beaches, Destin also has many golf courses, the activity-packed Destin Harbor Boardwalk, and Big Kahuna’s water park, as well as beautiful natural dunes in the local Henderson Beach State Park. Things to Do on Sanibel Island, Fun day trip ideas close to me, things to do this weekend, small towns, best weekend getaways: Getaways in California, East Coast beaches, NC quick trip, Romantic weekend getaways, Biloxi, Mississippi sits along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, an area fondly referred to as the “Playground of the South.” The region is probably best known for its plethora of casinos, many of which sit right on the shoreline. This area is also known for its bird watching opportunities and is listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide. Explore other popular activities near you from over 7 million businesses with over 142 million reviews and opinions from Yelpers. North Florida’s Fort Walton Beach often gets overlooked for the more well-known Gulf Coast beaches further south, but its pristine sands, emerald waters and nearby golf courses and family-friendly attractions are a favorite for regular visitors in the know. Weekend trips, what is a great day trip destination, couples getaway, romantic hotels, unique places to stay, East, North, West, South, cheap getaways, staycation, must visit islands, botanical gardens, hamburgers, bbq, snowboarding, skiing, trailer parks near me, hot springs, quick trip: Black Sand beach, Beaches in Ocho Rios, Florida Gulf Coast Beaches, Beaches in Cozumel, Anguilla Beaches, Curacao Beaches, Chile Beaches, Cambodia Beaches, Apollo Beach, FL Beaches, Dunedin, FL Beaches, Kihei Beaches, South Lake Tahoe Beaches, Beaches in France, Beaches in the Philippines, Weekend trips, what is a great day trip destination, couples getaway, romantic hotels, unique places to stay, East, North, West, South, cheap getaways, staycation, must visit islands, botanical gardens, hamburgers, bbq, snowboarding, skiing, trailer parks near me, hot springs, quick trip: Black Sand beach, Beaches in Ocho Rios, Florida Gulf Coast Beaches, Beaches in Cozumel, Anguilla Beaches, Curacao Beaches, Chile Beaches, Cambodia Beaches, Apollo Beach, FL Beaches, Dunedin, FL Beaches, Kihei Beaches, South Lake Tahoe Beaches, Beaches in France, Beaches in the Philippines. 12. Trip Advisor named the island the best beach in the United States in 2015, and it is not only beautiful with pristine white sands, but also easily accessible by car and replete with convenient amenities. The city is a diverse one, hosting both local history and a thriving tourism scene. Spring Hill, FL 34607. A lively scene can be found on. The city is also famous for its excellent seafood scene, with grouper being the town’s main specialty. Hilton Head Island. Rainbow Springs State Park. The distance from Orlando to Cocoa Beach is approximately 59 miles and one hour driving east. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, activities, and nightlife around the area.