The South’s Secret White Sand Island: Swap Florida’s Busy Beaches For This Surprising Gulf Paradise

The South’s Secret White Sand Island: Swap Florida’s Busy Beaches For This Surprising Gulf Paradise


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Florida tends to steal the highlight in terms of premiere seashore 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 apart from 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 facet 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 sandMississippi Gulf Coast sign on white sand

Mississippi does not get its due for the 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 a number of the finest seafood you might think about.

In actual fact, you might argue the energetic city of Biloxi is among the finest alternate options to Las Vegas to let free and neighboring Gulfport is rising in popularity by the day.

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

Biloxi Hard RockBiloxi Hard Rock

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

You will have fairly seashores and a number of the high family names for casinos and resorts to select from, similar to:

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

Better of all, they’re all usually very inexpensive, providing unimaginable 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 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 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 mentioned, Ship Island is unmatched, which is why the ferry service is so fashionable amongst locals and vacationers within the know.

As I discussed, Ship Island affords no resorts 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 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 best way 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 will forgot all about Florida’s cramped seashores rather than the large 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 in the event you’re fortunate, ample wildlife sightings like sea turtles, quite a lot of birds, and those self same dolphins you’ll have seen in your journey right here.

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

Ship Island’s Fascinating Historical Website

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 courting again to the 1850’s that performed a big position within the Civil Warfare.

Because it stands at this time, 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 also lease seashore 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 writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.





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