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 terms of premiere seaside holidays, however it is time to take the highlight again and permit their southern neighbors to take heart stage.

If anyplace within the South has a declare to fame for white sand seashores other than 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 beautiful 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 facet is Ship Island, a surprising Gulf paradise boasting vivid 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 does not get its due for a way a lot of a enjoyable seaside 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 greatest seafood you possibly can think about.

The truth is, you possibly can argue the energetic city of Biloxi is without doubt one of the greatest alternate options to Las Vegas to let unfastened and neighboring Gulfport is gaining popularity by the day.

Choosing between the 2 is one thing you may doubtless need to do as Ship Island has no accommodations, however hey, that is all a part of the enchantment!

Biloxi Hard RockBiloxi Hard Rock

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

You’ve gotten fairly seashores and among the prime family names for casinos and accommodations to select from, akin to:

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

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

Biloxi lighthouse along coastBiloxi lighthouse along coast

As a pattern dimension, the Golden Nugget and Arduous Rock is as little as $130 per evening for last-minute stays in October.

Reasonably priced Ferry To Mississippi’s Secret Slice Of Paradise

You might 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 mentioned, Ship Island is unmatched, which is why the ferry service is so widespread amongst locals and vacationers within the know.

As I discussed, Ship Island affords no accommodations or trip leases, so this can undoubtedly 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 except that is the place Bigfoot has been hiding out all alongside.

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

Departing Gulfport are ferries operated by Ship Island Excursions. Costs vary from $38 – $44 and run by way of the top 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 instead of the broad open areas of this Mississippi gem.

Clear waters of Ship IslandClear waters of Ship Island

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

Tip: Ship Island’s designated Swim Beach is situated on the south facet of the island (be certain to carry sunblock!)

Ship Island’s Fascinating Historical Web site

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 major position within the Civil Warfare.

Because it stands in the present day, on the very least, it makes for superior photo-ops, however those that need 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 lease seaside 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, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.



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