5 Reasons to Visit The Mississippi Gulf Coast

Have you been to the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Well, if you need a reason — here are five!

In This Mississippi Article You Will Discover:

Where To Golf
Where To Fish
The Best Dining
And More!

M-i-ss-i-ss-i-pp-i — we all know the state, but how many of you have been there? And specifically to the spectacular Mississippi Gulf Coast? When I research a vacation destination, I look for variety: specifically outdoor recreation, dining and freedom to explore. So that’s why the Gulf Coast (Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties) is so appealing — it offers all of the above and more, plus is a relatively short-haul flight for most North Americans.

Are you looking for reasons to head south to the Mississippi Gulf Coast this year? Here are five great ones:

1 Golf

There are about 20 golf courses in the area.

Whether you’re researching a bachelor party or great locales for family golf vacations, you need to check out what this area offers. How does this sound? The area features nearly 20 courses, some of which were designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III and other legends of the links. Don’t despair if you’re a duffer, though, there are courses to suit all budgets an handicaps — plus it’s short-sleeve weather year-round… just one more reason to try your hand at some Gulf Coast golf.

2 Fishing

Fishing is big business on the Gulf Coast!

I love fishing in the Gulf of Mexico — it is truly one of the world’s premier salt-chuck destinations. If you’re a hard-core angler like me, you’ll want to hire a charter and take to the Blue Water for some serious offshore fishing. Redfish, bonito, red snapper and even massive piscatorial predators like shark and marlin await! Are you a little more laid back in your angling style? Try one of about a dozen public fishing piers. (PS: children under 16 and seniors over 65 aren’t required to buy a licence.)

3 Road Trips

Road trips along THIS coast? Yes please!

Freedom on the open road — is there anything better? Whether on two wheels or four, blasting down an Oceanside highway with friends (or solo) is one of the best reasons to visit the Gulf Coast. There’s a great seven-day road trip itinerary on the Tourism Mississippi Gulf Coast website, outlining a trip from Memphis, Tennessee to the Gulf Coast with stops in between. But of course there’s more than that. How about a culinary or beach tour? Or a dual-sport motorcycle adventure tour? The possibilities are endless.

4 Beach Days

Beaches abound, like this one on the Barrier Islands.

Perhaps the quintessential aspect of this area is the 100 km of ocean shoreline, with almost half of that characterized with white sand beaches. A drive along Highway 90 will take you past beach after beach; many are secluded and rustic, offering your own private getaway. A barrier of offshore islands keeps the water calm and the scene tranquil. Or if you’re more like me, you’ll take the ferry 18 km offshore to West Ship Island, home to the area’s best surfing beach. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way!

Fresh oysters are one of the area's signature dishes.

5 Dining Out

As much as I love golf, fishing, beaches and road trips — I could probably just spend my whole time in the Mississippi Gulf Coast eating. French-Cajun delicacies, fresh seafood and real southern barbecue typify the culinary experience you’re sure to have, although there are restaurants of all types in the area. Catfish, gumbo, whole-hog bbq and oysters? Mmmm… I am getting hungry…

So what are you waiting for? Find out all the information you need above the above activities at Tourism Mississippi Gulf Coast.