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As summer begins to fall, it’s high time for savvy travelers to look for underrated and off-road destinations that they can enjoy with fewer tourists.
Overseas hotspots like Mexico and the Caribbean will always be popular this time of year, and for good reason. The same goes for US locations like Florida.
These well-known places are great, and you can certainly avoid the crowds if you’re smart, but there are other options that can provide a perfect fall getaway off the beaten path that might surprise you.
One such place is the south coast of Mississippi, where the local tourism organization recently claimed it is fall the best time to visit.
To many it may be the name of one of America’s longest rivers, but the state of Mississippi has a lot to offer – including more than 90 miles of beautiful and lesser-known coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are six reasons why you should consider this underrated destination this fall:
A hidden gem on the Gulf of Mexico
Sometimes described as ‘the secret coast’, the Mississippi coast certainly has some undiscovered and charming locations.
Bay St. Louis has been described as “one of the coolest small towns in America,” while Biloxi has fantastic sandy beaches and is considered one of the country’s fishing capitals.
In Pascagoula you will find photogenic waterfronts with wooden piers, and in Ocean Springs you can immerse yourself in the art scene. This is also one of the cheapest beach resorts in the United States.
If that wasn’t enough, there are a number of idyllic islands just off the coast that you can visit for unique beach experiences and wildlife watching.
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A jam-packed calendar of events
The Mississippi coast comes alive in the fall with a myriad of festivals and events taking place along its sun-drenched shores.
The annual Mississippi Songwriters’ Festival is one of the most popular events; it will take place from September 21 to 24 at more than 10 different locations along the coast.
Arts and craft enthusiasts can enjoy events like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival in Ocean Springs from November 4-5, and the Mermaids Arts & Crafts Show in Bay St. Louis from November 11-12.
Captivating cuisine
Mississippi is known for its seafood, especially in this coastal area where the fish is freshest.
It is also known for good barbecue and one of America’s most famous desserts, the Mississippi mud pie.
To stay with the theme of events in autumn: for gourmets there is the 14e annual Taste of Long Beach event where local purveyors of the best Southern food will be on hand to share their cuisine with travelers.
There is also the Gulf Coast Shrimp Tasting Festival in Biloxi on October 14.
History and intrigue
There are a number of historic trails you can visit along the Mississippi coast, including one dedicated to blues music and another to country music.
There’s also the Mississippi Freedom Trail, which explores the stories behind the state’s role in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Affordable and easy to get to
The region is served by no less than three airports – Stennis International, Gulfport Biloxi International and Trent Lott International – so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a flight at a fair price.
This region is accessible by road via Interstate 10, which connects it to major cities such as New Orleans in Louisiana and Mobile in Alabama.
For money-conscious travelers, there are plenty of free things to do in this area to keep you entertained, including beaches, public art, museums, and parks.
Pleasant in winter
The southern part of Mississippi is the perfect place to enjoy the fall and winter sun, with temperatures averaging between 87F and 71F in September, and between 62F and 45F in December and January.
It’s a part of the country known for its short winters, meaning you can take part in great outdoor activities pretty much all year round – and without the crowds.
Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular pastimes in this part of the state, as is fishing. The Gulf of Mexico has some of the best saltwater fishing available in the United States.
Traveler warning: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
