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 with regards to premiere seashore holidays, however it is time to take the highlight again and permit their southern neighbors to take middle stage.

If wherever 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 Island

What is held near the vest is Mississippi’s gorgeous 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 vibrant white sand and much fewer crowds than Florida’s busy seashores.

Make Your Base In Biloxi

Mississippi Gulf Coast sign on white sand

Mississippi would not get its due for a way a lot of a enjoyable seashore 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 might think about.

In truth, you might argue the vigorous city of Biloxi is likely one of the greatest alternate options to Las Vegas to let unfastened and neighboring Gulfport is gaining popularity by the day.

Picking between the 2 is one thing you will seemingly wish to do as Ship Island has no motels, however hey, that is all a part of the enchantment!

Biloxi Hard Rock

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

You have fairly seashores and among the prime family names for casinos and motels to select from, corresponding to:

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

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

Biloxi lighthouse along coast

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

Affordable Ferry To Mississippi’s Secret Slice Of Paradise

You could 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 stated, Ship Island is unmatched, which is why the ferry service is so well-liked amongst locals and vacationers within the know.

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

Ship Island - Gulf Island National Seashore sign

In truth, its solely inhabitants have fins, wings or 4 legs except that is the place Bigfoot has been hiding out all alongside.

While that is extremely unlikely, what it’s possible you’ll discover are dolphin sightings alongside the way in which as reported by current island-goers.

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

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

Clear waters of Ship Island

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

Tip: Ship Island’s designated Swim Beach is situated on the south aspect of the island (be sure that to deliver sunblock!)

Ship Island’s Fascinating Historical Site

The large shock is not simply the island exists, however the historic treasure awaiting you.

You do not must be a historical past buff to understand Fort Massachusetts, a masonry fort courting again to the 1850’s that performed a major function within the Civil War.

As it stands immediately, on the very least, it makes for superior photo-ops, however those that wish to take a deeper dive into its deeply rooted previous can go on a guided or self-guided tour offered by the National Park Service (NPS).

Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island

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

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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.



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