img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}You may have heard this week that Mississippi may be the wrong place to swipe right on Tinder, but there’s no denying “The Magnolia State” is the Gulf’s booming hotspot this summer.
Last month, we at Travel Off Path revealed a surprising report showing tons of vacationers opting for Mississippi’s sprawling white-sand coastline over far more popular beach destinations.
If there was a claim to fame before its sudden rise, is has to be the vibrant town of Biloxi. Home to flashy casinos, luxurious hotels, and gleaming white shores, it’s here that you’ll find the biggest crowds.
As such, there are numerous small town getaways scattered around the coast between the Louisiana and Alabama state line that are largely overshadowed, and these crowd-free hideaways offer an unmatched sense of serenity, small town charm, and summery weather stretching all the way to Thanksgiving.
Pascagoula: New Amtrak Puts Unsuspecting Beach Town On The Map
Pascagoula couldn’t be happier to say “welcome back, Amtrak”.
Jimmy Buffett’s hometown is set to become a lot more popular this month…
As you may have heard, Amtrak’s most exciting new route in years (Mardi Gras) is set for launch, covering numerous Mississippi beach towns as well as New Orleans and Mobile — Pascagoula being the least-known of the bunch.
Downtown is a delight to explore, especially the vibrant Flagship District. With everything from down-home eateries, boutique shops, and believe it or not, lore of Roswell-esque UFO sightings, there’s no shortage of ways to bide your time perusing the delights of this small coastal community.
Pascagoula is one of your best bets to avoid beach crowds. Pascagoula Beach Park and Buffett Beach should be your go-to spots.
Though the beach is not the only aquatic fun to have here, as this unsuspecting town is home to the nation’s largest free-flowing river, where you can kayak or book a scenic eco-tour.
And seafood lovers will love the affordably priced fresh catches at local favorite, Bozo’s.
Waveland: Biloxi’s Best Alternative
Like I said, if there’s a Coastal Mississippi town to draw crowds, it’s undoubtedly Biloxi.
The good news is there’s a perfect alternative close by, and you likely haven’t heard of it before.
Waveland, Mississippi is perhaps the state’s most underrated beach town.
Why? For starters, there’s a city ordinance preventing commercial buildings along its vibrant beachfront.
Biloxi certainly can’t say that.
Plus, if you do want to crank slots in hopes of winning big, Waveland is home to a hotel and casino of its own — Silver Slipper Casino Hotel.
Road trippers should know it’s very RV-friendly, offering its own RV park along the shoreline.
Waveland is great for the whole fam, living up to the ‘Wave’ in its name with Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, offering a wave pool and zig-zagging slides.
But you’d better act fast, as the park closes from September 1 to May. Also, make sure to bring your own inner tube.
Once the park closes, there’s no need to fret. Just hit up a nearby beach instead!
Waveland Avenue Beach holds the top rating on Google, where one beachgoer claimed, “Some love to drive a lil’ farther to Gulfport for the beaches. I love Waveland…not as crowded, beaches are clean and the water is awesome!”.
One attraction you shouldn’t skip is the Ground Zero Hurricane Museum, providing an insightful look into the devastation that Mississippi’s coast suffered from Hurricane Katrina, which was largely overlooked by mainstream media.
Long Beach: Mississippi’s Laid-Back Paradise Vacationers Seem To Skip
Ever heard of Long Beach? No, not that Long Beach. That’s definitely not the city Dr. Dre rapped about…
Long Beach, Mississippi is a secret hideaway on the flip side of Gulfport away from the bustle of Biloxi.
Expect to find friendly locals happy to see you (and probably surprised!) since most opt for the glitz of nearby casinos and hotels.
Long Beach is where quintessential small town charm meets blissful beaches — literally, there’s a Waffle House on the coast intermixed with higher-end dining.
People here enjoy a slower pace, which is a nice break from the city life. You can easily find a spot on one of numerous beaches to lounge around, go for a swim (though Mississippi isn’t known for the clearest water), or opt for a fishing excursion, which are very popular all along the Gulf.
The Inn at Long Beach is your best bet for a comfortable waterfront stay and overlooks spacious white-sand shores.
If there’s one thing you have to do here, it’s pig out on seafood. According to Islands, Long Beach is a driving force for Coastal Mississippi’s production of 70% of America’s oyster and shrimp supply.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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