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Look, we get it.

The Gulf Coast can be hit or miss, depending on where you’re at and when you visit.

That said, summer is primetime to experience much of Florida’s gleaming blue waters and various small coastal towns and island hideaways dotting the Gulf, not often touted as mainstream vacation spots.

If you ask locals, they’d love to keep it that way, but honestly, I wouldn’t be doing my job by gatekeeping some highly under-hyped sunny shorelines that are sure to draw you back if only you knew they existed.

Maybe just throw a couple extra bucks in the tip jar to keep locals happy and you’ll be welcomed with open arms as you lounge seaside and waste away with ‘frozen concoctions’ in some of the South’s most authentic escapes.

Here are Travel Off Path’s top 4 Gulf Coast beach destinations locals wish we didn’t know about:

4) Ship Island, Mississippi

As Mississippi continues its sudden rise to stardom, stealing vacationers away from Florida and Gulf Shores, there’s one hush-hush oasis even those flocking to Biloxi often skip.

That would be Ship Island, yes, an actually clear-water paradise in Mississippi and easily reachable from nearby Gulfport (where the Mississippi Coast’s airport is located).

Operating seasonally, but always running in summer, you can hop aboard a ferry to this sun-drenched island with wide-open beaches, but minimal shade (pack accordingly).

If you’re a history buff, take a tour from a park ranger and learn about the significance of Fort Massachusetts, the island’s historic brick fortress dating back to the Civil War era.

As even former no-name towns like Pass Christian begin to trend upward, Ship Island remains a rare escape from the mainland’s brown water and growing crowds, which is exactly why tourism officials want to promote it, and locals may think twice before sharing it.

3) Port Aransas, Texas

Texas and beaches aren’t always synonymous with each other, but that’s because the ones worthwhile (ahem, not Galveston) are a bit harder to get to.

For example, Corpus Christi has fewer flights than I do pickle jars in my fridge, which is the most common gateway to Port Aransas, a charming town on the barrier island roughly half an hour away.

Texans know and love “Port A” as they say, but outsiders in neighboring states don’t typically make the trek since a Lone Star State road trip can seem like it will never end, especially if you opt to stop at Buc-ee’s.

You may never leave one you get ahold of some Beaver Nuggets…

Road snacks aside, once you arrive in Texas’s most beautiful beach escape, don’t expect Galveston’s murky waters — quite the contrary.

Think clear waters on most days with the beach as your parking lot (as long as you obtain a beach permit).

And while you’re at it, double-check travel alerts and safety levels before your next trip.

2) Holly Beach, Louisiana

We know what you’re thinking: “Wait, Louisiana has beaches?”

Yep, it’s true.

There aren’t many to choose from, but there are a handful worth your while that don’t reflect the Bayou State’s, well, bayou backdrops as you might envision.

We’re not saying Holly Beach is the Maldives, but we are saying it’s Louisiana’s biggest surprise for a sunny vacay.

As someone who lives in California, I can’t keep up with how many health-conscious friends I know, but once you’re here, you won’t be able to fight your craving for soulful Cajun seafood fresh from the source.

This is Louisianans’ go-to for an in-state getaway, but as long as you’re respectful, support the local scene, and maybe exaggerate some fishin’ stories, they can handle some new faces.

1) Nokomis, Florida

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: Nokomis is Florida’s best-kept secret and the only East Coast beach haven that draws me away from the West Coast.

But locals here safeguard it as if they’re contracted by Fort Knox, as if they’re shooing you away to nearby Siesta Key and Clearwater with hopes you don’t realize Nokomis is just as great, if not better, for its authentic coastal vibes alone.

Here, tiki bars still feel like neighborhood hangouts, and finding front-row beach parking, even in the peak of summer, is no issue.

Nokomis’s shores boast white sand and snorkelable waters, especially along the jetty, where there have been occasional shark sightings, but that’s all the more reason to keep your toes in the sand and join in locally beloved drum circles on Wednesday and Saturday evenings to take in blazing sunsets.

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Finding calm during spring and summer can seem impossible without going to some far-flung destination, or one of those woo-woo retreats in the middle of the jungle.

We all know how those turn out…

But finding your Zen doesn’t require an investment in crystals or taking out a loan to reserve a “limited time” special for that very last spot on said retreat.

You can just keep it simple and go to The Gulf.

No, not that Gulf where every country seems to be under tight security alerts.

We’re talking about the South. And it turns out you don’t even have to go to Florida like everyone seems to do this time of year…

A local report claims Mississippi specifically is bracing for a busy spring season.

Being the South’s trendiest beach getaway, our expert team at Travel Off Path did some hefty digging to uncover 3 unknown beach towns waiting to be discovered, while the rest of the state is expected to be jam-packed with tourists, especially with fun events on the docket, such as the Clash Coastal Mississippi triathlon, Gulf Coast Grand Prix, and Truckin’ the South.

Pass Christian: Mississippi’s New Resort Destination

When we say the Mississippi Coast will be “jam-packed”, we largely mean Biloxi.

That said, with Amtrak’s surging Mardi Gras route, there’s a handful of Mississippi stopping points that have become more popular as well, such as Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula, Jimmy Buffett’s hometown.

But certainly not Pass Christian, though it has made headlines for its latest attraction.

The Pass Bungalows put Pass Christian on southern travelers’ radar as a brand new ‘coastal retreat’, though not the kind we just touched on…

There are no gimmicks, just scenic harbor views, steps from white sand, and a pool and tiki bar to die for when you’re not cozied up in your spacious room of this all-suite resort.

Before the bungalows had their fabulous grand opening, Pass Christian was largely a pass-through town along the waterfront Highway 90 on the way to Biloxi.

Not anymore. It’s the destination, yet it still flies under the radar.

Whatever you do, book a stay at Pass Bungalows, spend a day at Henderson Park, and make time to feast at Kimball Seafood (near-perfect Google rating!).

Long Beach: Mississippi’s Most Laid-Back Beach Town

You may know the Long Beach Dr. Dre rapped about, but even some Mississippi locals aren’t aware of this hidden gem next door to Gulfport.

As Amtrak has planted more small towns on the map, Long Beach is now the pass-through town Pass Christian used to be.

And they have no problem being a sleepy coastal town. While locals may claim “there’s not much to do here”, that’s part of the appeal, being so close to Gulfport, Biloxi, and other up-and-comers.

But if you’re craving a quiet beach day, whether to work on your tan in peace or cast a reel and let your stress melt away, Long Beach is just the place.

Plus, it’s a little quirky (aren’t we all?).

Its claims to fame have been one of America’s Friendliest cities and the world’s Radish Capital, even holding an annual Radish Festival (April 18, 2026).

I guess there’s something for everyone…

Away from its gleaming white shoreline, you’ll find a quaint townscape brimming with delightful shops and down-home seafood eats without the touristy vibes.

It may not be home to swank new bungalows, but it’s home to The Inn Of Long Beach, a serene waterfront hotel with rave reviews and affordable rates throughout spring.

Waveland: Family-Fun Waterparks & Crowd-Free Beaches

Perhaps Mississippi’s least-known beach is Waveland, a town that lives up to its name in more ways than one.

First, this town is all but guaranteed not to have a crowd in sight along its blissful coastline.

And that leads to our second point — because they’re all likely having a blast at Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, offering a wave pool and thrilling slides to cool off on a fun day under the sun.

The waterpark is currently closed but reopens late spring — May 23rd to be exact.

Located within Buccaneer State Park, there’s arguably no place better in the state to catch a sunset or find hidden coves all to yourself.

But the best beach spot in town is undoubtedly Waveland Avenue Beach. Just be aware many reviews mention shark sightings, so this is a place best enjoyed at a distance since the trade-off to most of Mississippi’s white-sand coast tends to be cloudier waters — with the exception of Ship Island.

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Last Updated 1 min ago

Cancun may have the all-inclusive hotels, Puerto Vallarta the golden sand beaches, and there’s truly no beating Cabo’s wellness tourism scene, but this season, it’s Veracruz that’s stealing the limelight in Mexico as one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.

Located on the Gulf Coast, it was formerly one of the most popular beach getaways in the country before slowly fading into the background, as the Mexican Caribbean and the Pacific resort hubs soared in popularity, but it’s now making an unlikely comeback.

As stated by Iván Martínez Olvera, Veracruz has broken a series of tourism records this year, with a 100% increase in the number of visitors, and an even-more impressive 470% growth in regional tourism investment and development.

Figures aside, this means tourists are flocking back to Veracruz after years of just blatantly ignoring it, and it’s time we looked into the reasons why.

Veracruz Is One Of The Cultural Capitals Of Mexico!

First of all, it may have something to do with the fact that Veracruz is one of the most culturally-significant cities in the country, as it is Mexico’s oldest and largest port, founded as early as the 16th century by the Spanish.

It has an architectural wealth to rival Mexico City and Merida, with a landmark-packed historic center playing host to grand plazas, left virtually untouched since the Europeans first settled the area, beautiful churches and pedestrian-friendly lanes.

Think the monumental Castle of San Juan de Ulúa, a European-style fortress guarding the entrance to the harbor, the Municipal Palace, dating as far back as the year 1608, or the historical Venustiano Carranza Lighthouse, a neoclassical building with a palatial design.

The whitewashed Cathedral of Veracruz, finished in 1731, is yet another of Veracruz’ top attractions, distinguished by its five naves, richly-decorated cupola, clad in tiles extracted from Puebla, a fellow colonial gem of Mexico, and a crystal candelabra-lit interior.

Sandy Beaches For Miles On End…

Aside from the obvious historical value, Veracruz straddles the bright-blue Gulf of Mexico, with the local malecón (the popular Mexican word for boardwalk) stretching for several long miles from the colonial center, all the way into the fringe areas of town.

It offers breathtaking ocean vistas, and the taco and tamales stalls, souvenir shops, and laid-back restaurants make it an incredibly lively area to stroll day and night, and if it’s unspoiled beaches you’re looking for, look no further than these:

• Playa de Chachalacas, a peaceful sandy strip hugged by the warm waters of the Gulf, with tall dunes and limited development along the shoreline
• Costa Esmeralda, an off-path beach strip lined with tall palm trees, with beachfront stays starting at a shockingly-cheap $52
• Playa Martí, a short drive from the city center, with clean sand and serene waters, often preferred by families with small children
• Playa Mocambo, one of the best-equipped beaches near Veracruz, boasting a wide range of amenities, from spas to camping areas to tourist-friendly restaurants
• Isla Sacrificios, an islet lying just off the city harbor surrounded by a colorful coral reef, with a handful of white-sand beaches

How Actually Cheap Is Veracruz To Visit?

If you’re wondering how much cheaper Veracruz is compared to other Mexican beach hotspots, we don’t have an exact average to present you, but we can say it’s for sure on the more economical side, especially when paired with Cancun:

It’s not yet been converted into a resort haven for Americans and other gringos arriving from abroad, and the majority of the clientele remains Mexican families escaping the overpriced, jam-packed Caribbean and Pacific coasts, so prices tend to reflect the local purchasing power.

Out of the seven 5-star hotels listed on Booking.com, Gran Hotel Diligencias on the Veracruz boardwalk is the most affordable this season, with double room rates set at $64, while the pool-featuring, beach-facing Camino Real Veracruz is a moderately-priced $129.

The most expensive option is Grand Fiesta Americana Veracruz, where a king-size deluxe room will set you back by $212 per night: with 2 pools, 3 restaurants, a fitness center, poolside bar, private beach access, and airport shuttle included, it’s the closest one to a Cancun-style stay.

Nonstop flights to trendy Veracruz are available from 2 U.S. airports this winter, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston Intercontinental, respectively with American Eagle and United Airlines, with one-way fares averaging $249 for the former and $317 for the latter.

When it comes to safety, the Gulf city is among the least-dangerous destinations south of the border, officially ranking as a Level 2 destination in the U.S. State Department Advisory, on a par with Cancun and Los Cabos, and having ‘moderate’ levels of crime as seen on Numbeo.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.