Driftwood on Ship Island

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 wherever within the South has a declare to fame for white sand seashores except for 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 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 facet is Ship Island, a surprising Gulf paradise boasting shiny 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 possibly can think about.

In actual fact, you possibly can argue the vigorous city of Biloxi is without doubt one of the finest 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 possible wish to do as Ship Island has no motels, however hey, that is all a part of the attraction!

Biloxi Hard RockBiloxi Hard Rock

Biloxi provides one of the best number of lodging, however Gulfport is one of the best place to depart for Ship Island, roughly 11 miles offshore.

You’ve fairly seashores and a number of the prime family names for casinos and motels to select from, equivalent 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 night time for last-minute stays in October.

Reasonably priced Ferry To Mississippi’s Secret Slice Of Paradise

Chances are you’ll 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 widespread amongst locals and vacationers within the know.

As I discussed, Ship Island provides no motels or trip leases, so this can 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 way in which as reported by latest island-goers.

Departing Gulfport are ferries operated by Ship Island Excursions. Costs vary from $38 – $44 and run by means of 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 vast open areas of this Mississippi gem.

Clear waters of Ship IslandClear waters of Ship Island

You will have at your fingertips lengthy stretches of gorgeous seashores to lounge at, scenic mountaineering and biking trails, and should you’re fortunate, ample wildlife sightings like sea turtles, a wide range of birds, and those self same dolphins you might 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 to deliver 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 big position within the Civil Struggle.

Because 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 Nationwide Park Service (NPS).

Fort Massachusetts on Ship IslandFort Massachusetts on Ship Island

Guests can even hire 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, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.





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