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 most recent journey tendencies. The reality is, 2026 is a game-changer as an increasing number of vacationers are scoping out the lesser-known as a substitute of family names.

On this case, whilst Florida continues on a record-setting tear, it isn’t simply Orlando and Miami anymore main the best way.

Conversely, neighboring states are plucking vacationers away as properly, 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 individuals actually going?

One such metropolis is likely to be confused for a gateway, nevertheless it’s actually a getaway, as the one industrial airport alongside Mississippi’s gleaming white shoreline, anchored by flashy Biloxi amongst up-and-coming, charming coastal cities.

To get right here, you both need to fly into Gulfport (GPT) and hop aboard Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras route — and we’re right here to let you know 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 isn’t any purpose 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 large 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 Move Christian.

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

Straightforward to achieve and arguably extra pleasant since you may snag a seat at a slot machine or a barstool at a local-favorite seafood shack, you may 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

Irrespective of your occupation, Gulfport is a worthwhile trip that may be budgeted for all earnings 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 when it comes to worth.

Wanna know what I’m most jealous of as a Californian?

Each downtown parking and seaside parking are solely free!

Are you aware what number of quarters I’ve burned by?

However that is solely scratching the floor. Irrespective 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 guide a room underneath $100 at Gulfport’s posh Island View Casino Resort, you may breathe a sigh of aid figuring out vacationing is feasible with out sticker shock.

Based on the skilled staff at Islands, they crunched numbers and located:

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

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

What Are Gulfport’s Seashores Like?

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

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

There is no 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, a lot of Gulfport’s seashores nonetheless obtain rave opinions. A beachgoer from final spring acknowledged, “Completely attractive. This was my first time visiting Gulfport, and I’ll undoubtedly be again. The seashores listed below are gorgeous, and the view is dreamy.”

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

Certainly one of 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 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.