Since May 2025, Allegiant Air has launched six new non-stop flights to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama. A similar route to Destin, Florida has expanded to 38 cities in recent years. Historically, the Flora Bama Coast has attracted road trippers looking to maximize their family’s summer vacation. The new air route will undoubtedly attract a new type of visitors.
There’s no better place to discover hidden travel gems than the miles and miles of sugar sand between Mississippi’s secret coast and Florida’s forgotten coast.
This comes from places that boast many quirky events featuring topless turtle Jeep Beach Crawls, such as Florida Jeep Jam. However, there is also the famous annual Boratos of Flora Bama. This could be even worse if we found out that this refers to a genuine competition to throw dead fish into state lines rather than ubiquitous haircuts. A fun fact! Once the bollet toss is finished, Flora Bama will donate the fish to the Alabama Gulf Zoo or Alligator Alley for animal dishes.
But even if these events shape local perceptions, hidden gems are buried between the dunes of the Gulf Coast for discerning travelers looking for a luxurious getaway with white sand beaches and caught seafood.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Biloxi, Mississippi, is known as the “Place of the South” with eight world-class casinos. Nutrient-rich water from the mobile bay washes the sounds of Mississippi and inhabits the abundant marine life. More than a century ago, Biloxi was like that. It was called the world’s seafood capitalthere is an annual harvest of 5,988,788 pounds of oysters and 4,424,000 pounds of shrimp. Modern visitors can enjoy this bounty at historic white glove restaurants such as the casino buffet, Cora’s. Bulk shrimp At the dock from a commercial fisherman. They can also cruise the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a genuine replica of the Biloxi Oyster Schooner.
If you’re looking for golf and gambling, Biloxi has a room for you. Across the bay, the quaint coastal town of Ocean Springs is home to boutique hotels with different talent and flavours. Architectural Digest calls roostMost Beautiful Hotels in Mississippi. Stay at the roost, you are within walking distance of art galleries, boutique shops and local restaurants in the historic district. Scenic Live Oaks Bike Route.
Mississippi’s barrier island is offshore, but a boat trip from nearby Gulfport allows you to escape brackish coastal waters to the crisp beaches and clear green waters surrounding the four Mississippi barrier islands.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach, Alabama is more than a landing zone for incoming calls fish I threw across the Florabama line. That marina features around 100 commercial vessels offering fishing excursions, sunset dolphin cruises and dedicated trips to watch the Blue Angels practice aerial acrobatics from nearby Pensacola. Alabama is located on the clean side of the Mobile Bay basin, with 32 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches.
Gulf State Park is a crown jewel Alabama beach. The park is adjacent to downtown Gulf Coast and preserves nine unique ecosystems, including 3.5 miles of beaches. The 28-mile paved Hugh S. Branonn Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park allows visitors to explore each ecosystem by bike or foot. It was named USA Today’s 10 Best Reader Choice Award.Best Recreation Trails in the Country of 2025 – 3 years in a row!
It’s not just Orange BeachSouthern Living It is the highest rated beach on the Gulf Coast, but the Perdido Beach Resort is also available. “The perfect beach resort for a relaxing holiday” On the Gulf Coast. It is a full-service beach resort that includes premium bedding, luxurious furniture and a private balcony to enjoy the breeze from the Gulf air. On-premises restaurants include Voyager with a fine Gulf restaurant and Mrs Nancy’s lobby lounge, an intimate piano bar With live music every night.
Destin, Florida
Tourism is very good for Destin, Florida, earning the name “the world’s luckyest fishing village” and the country’s largest commercial fishing fleet. The warm and gentle waves of the Gulf Coast, as well as the fun of splishsplashing at the waters of Big Kahuna and the adventure park, are a great destination for families, but there is also the luxury side to waking up the traveler.
It’s the only other thing Gulf Beach Southern Living’s Best Beach List includes amazing natural areas like the untouched dunes of Okaloosa Island and the oak trees of Henderson State Park. The luxurious accommodation at Henderson Beach Resort and Spa offers direct access to Henderson State Park and full-service beaches and spa amenities. The resort offers five dining experiences to taste true bay-to-table cuisine served with classic southern hospitality.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is famous for its Bottle North Dolphins and offers plenty of opportunity to see these playful creatures. Dolphin cruises often stop at Shell Island, a natural playground filled with pristine beaches and towering sand dunes as they enter and exit St. Andrew Bay.
The beachfront features family-friendly apartments that suit customers well. Luxury travelers may consider heading five miles down the coast to Rosemary Beach and enjoying more finely with pearls. This property is a Forbes recommendation and is the AAA-Four-Diamond hotel named one of the best hotels in the world at Travel + Leisure. From cocktails at check-in to freshly baked sweets at bedtime, it’s a small thing to win these rave reviews. It’s close enough to enjoy everything about Panama City Beach, but this chic, adult-themed hotel makes you feel like you’re millions of miles away.
Every year, millions of families make annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Coast. Luxury travelers should remember that there are also places that cater to discerning tastes, from boutique hotels to gourmet restaurants and stunning natural areas. New air routes to Destin and the Gulf Coast extend beyond comfort days and offer $39 one-way non-stop flights in departure cities, including Boston, Las Vegas and Chicago. Whether on land or in the air, the Gulf Coast has some of the most luxurious offerings for visitors.
