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

If anyplace within the South has a declare to fame for white sand seashores other than Florida, it is Alabama’s stunning 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 aspect is Ship Island, a surprising Gulf paradise boasting brilliant 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 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 a few of the finest seafood you can think about.

In actual fact, you can argue the vigorous city of Biloxi is likely one of the finest alternate options to Las Vegas to let free and neighboring Gulfport is gaining popularity by the day.

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

Biloxi Hard RockBiloxi Hard Rock

Biloxi gives the most effective collection of lodging, however Gulfport is the most effective place to depart for Ship Island, roughly 11 miles offshore.

You could have fairly seashores and a few of the high family names for casinos and inns to select from, comparable to:

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

Better of all, they’re all sometimes 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 Onerous 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

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

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

As I discussed, Ship Island gives no inns or trip leases, so it will positively be a day journey.

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

In actual fact, 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 best way as reported by latest island-goers.

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

The journey takes about an hour to succeed in Ship Island’s pristine shores the place you may forgot all about Florida’s cramped seashores instead of the extensive open areas of this Mississippi gem.

Clear waters of Ship IslandClear waters of Ship Island

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

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

Ship Island’s Fascinating Historical Web site

The large 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 Struggle.

Because it stands right now, 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 supplied by the Nationwide Park Service (NPS).

Fort Massachusetts on Ship IslandFort Massachusetts on Ship Island

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

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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’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 submit.



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