This affordable beach town is the South’s most underrated spring break destination

Share the article

Here at Travel Off Path we pride ourselves on having the best of the latest travel trends. The truth is that 2026 will be a game-changer as more and more travelers explore the lesser-known rather than the household names.

In this case, it’s not just Orlando and Miami that continue to lead the way, even as Florida continues on a record-breaking tear.

Conversely, neighboring states are also poaching vacationers, with Gulf Shores’ newish airport and Mississippi’s emergence as a top 5 most visited state (yes, really!).

But where are people Real to go?

One such city may be confused with a gateway, but it is truly a haven, as it is the only commercial airport along Mississippi’s gleaming white coastline, anchored by flashy Biloxi among up-and-coming, charming coastal towns.

To get here, you have to fly there Golf harbour (GPT) and hop aboard Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras route – and we’re here to tell you it’s not just a springboard – it’s the destination.

The most convenient escape to the white sands of the Gulf

Like crowds? That question always ends with a hard ‘no’.

That’s one of the many reasons why Gulfport is so attractive.

Now that GPT (not AI) connects numerous major US airports and is a major stop for Amtrak, there is no longer any reason to keep Gulfport low (kids still say low?).

There are budget airlines like Breeze and Sun Country (now owned by Allegiant) and all the big dogs in the industry that fly here, likely taking passengers to nearby Biloxi or even Mississippi’s newest waterfront resort in little-known Pass Christian.

Still Gulfport? It’s largely overlooked by neighboring beach towns, but it offers virtually crowd-free beaches, impeccably fresh seafood, multiple casinos and more of a city atmosphere with an underrated arts scene like Herringbone alley.

Easy to get to and perhaps more fun because you can snag a seat at a slot machine or a bar stool at a local favorite seafood restaurant, you can put Siesta Key and Destin in the rearview mirror and give Gulfport a try with its own miles of expanses of vibrant coastline.

Gulfport won’t dent your bank account

Regardless of your profession, Gulfport is a worthwhile vacation that can be budgeted for all income levels.

With low-cost airlines to get here, Amtrak fares starting at $15, and affordability upon arrival, this city is truly a gem in terms of value.

Want to know what I’m most jealous of as a Californian?

Both parking in the center and parking on the beach are completely free!

Do you know how many quarters I’ve burned through?

But that’s just a superficial comment. No matter if you visit one of the many museums downtown, dine at a hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurant just like the high-end Shrimp basketor book a room under $100 at chic Gulfport Island view casino resortyou can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that vacation is possible without sticker shock.

According to the expert team of Islandsthey crunched numbers and found:

• Accommodations average $123 to $146
• Food costs are 4.6% below the national average
• Transport costs are 7.7% below the national average

Plus, the cost of living in Gulfport is significantly lower than the rest of the country, in case you love this city so much and are tempted to grab a U-Haul and move here.

What do the beaches of Gulfport look like?

By now you know that Gulfport has beautiful white sand that will make your photos stand out, but what about the water conditions?

That’s the only negative figure for Mississippi’s vast coast.

There is no beach here that can rival the Caribbean blue or emerald green waters of Florida, as it has more tea-colored tones, but is still suitable for swimming and on sunny days for relaxing in a sun lounger.

That said, many of Gulfport’s beaches still get rave reviews. A beachgoer from last spring said, “Absolutely beautiful. This was my first time visiting Gulfport, and I will definitely be back. The beaches here are breathtaking and the views are dreamy.”

Although brackish water is not exactly a selling point, there is one exception in March: Ship island.

One of Gulfport’s most popular excursions takes travelers ferry about 12 miles offshore to a barrier island managed by the National Park Service for even whiter sand, clear water, and historic tours of Fort Massachusetts.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.