Is a Gulf Coast road trip on your list of thrill-seeking US adventures? Buckle up for an epic 9-day loop through Alabama and Mississippi exploring beachside wonders and historic cities – each destination more unique than the last.
Southern hospitality is legendary in the Deep South, and I can unequivocally confirm this to be true. Not a day went by without someone saying, “I could listen to your English accent all day,” before proudly volunteering tips on what to see and where to eat.
In nine days along the Gulf Shores, you can explore sugar-white beaches, picturesque state parks, lively waterfront towns, and cultural landmarks that highlight the deep-rooted heritage of the Gulf Coast. Get ready to munch on fresh seafood, discover lesser-known destinations and explore the diverse natural beauty of the region – this itinerary will guide you through a fabulous journey across two captivating Southern states: Alabama and Mississippi.
Start of the Gulf Shores USA road trip
Gulf Coast Road Trip Planning
So, you’re ready to start planning your Gulf Coast road trip! I kicked things off by mapping out key destinations using the Roadtrippers app, which helped me find driving tips, fuel stops, and interesting sights to explore along the way.
Consider the best time to visit — spring and autumn delivers glorious weather with fewer crowds, while winter is bustling with “snowbird season.” For my English friends, this term refers to people from northern states and Canada who migrate to Florida and the Gulf Shores to escape the winter chill.
If you’re traveling during peak times, be sure to book accommodations in advance, whether you prefer beachfront resorts, cosy cabins, or RV parks, depending on your vehicle. Finally, pack for a variety of activities, from relaxing beach days and easy hikes to discovering historic sites.
Quick Links Gulf Shores Road Trip
2 Days in Gulf State Park Alabama
I began my journey in Panama City Beach, Florida, driving along the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf State Park, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. After reaching Pensacola, it’s just another hour’s drive west, crossing into Alabama via the Perdido Pass Bridge.
About The Lodge at Gulf State Park
Spending two days at The Lodge at Gulf State Park is the sustainable getaway I was hoping for. The design and construction of The Lodge maximises energy efficiency, and its Gulf-front dining shines a spotlight on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. End each day with a sunset view from your balcony, knowing your stay supports an award-winning model of sustainable tourism.
CHECK AVAILABILITY AT THE LODGE AT GULF STATE PARK | READ MY REVIEW OF THE LODGE
Sunset on the Gulf Shores, Alabama Beaches
What To Do On The Gulf Shores Alabama
With relaxation and outdoor adventure on the cards, you can start your mornings with a stroll along the white sand beaches, where conservation efforts help protect native dunes and sea turtles. Rent a bike or take a guided eco-tour along the Backcountry Trail, a beautiful network winding through nine distinct ecosystems, and stopping to watch the bald eagles and red-bellied woodpeckers.
They say “Everyday’s a school day” so I put that theory to the test with eco-class at the Gulf State Park’s Learning Centre, a net-positive building that educates visitors on local wildlife and eco-friendly practices. I loved making a natural bath bomb using Gulf Shores salt whilst learning about the importance of salt and its origins.
DeSotos Seafood Kitchen should be on your list of places to eat on Gulf Shores. Avoid the long queues and get there early for a feast of royal reds, Southern mac ‘n cheese, fried green tomatoes, and homemade lemonade. After an active day, unwind at the Perch Restaurant at Gulf State Park, which celebrates regional flavours with minimal waste.
No visit to Alabama’s Beach is complete without a night at Flora-Bama — dubbed “America’s last great honky-tonk” — where you can enjoy spine-tingling live music and sip on their signature Bushwacka.
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Gulf Grouper
Bald Eagle
Guided Bike Ride
Marshes at Gulf State Park
3 Days in Ocean Springs Mississippi
The drive from Gulf State Park, Alabama, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The most direct route is via Interstate 10 West, passing through Mobile, Alabama, before crossing into Ocean Springs,
About Ocean Springs Mississippi
Founded in 1699 by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, Ocean Springs is one of the oldest settlements on the Gulf Coast. The city was connected to Biloxi in 1930 by the War Memorial Bridge and rebuilt multiple times after hurricanes.
Fast forward to the current day, Ocean Springs is best known for its creative community, largely thanks to the legacy of its most celebrated artist, Walter Anderson. With its mom-and-pop cafés, independent boutiques, and art galleries, the city of Ocean Springs exudes a laid-back small town atmosphere, and is the perfect base for exploring nearby Biloxi and Pascagoula.
Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs MS
What To Do In Ocean Springs MS
Ocean Springs Mississippi
Ocean Springs is a quintessentially quaint southern city along the Gulf Coast, and well-worth a visit on your Deep South road trip.
I kicked off my visit by heading to the Davis Bayou Area within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a must-see for anyone who loves birdwatching. I was hoping to spot an osprey once I sighted the nest but it wasn’t my lucky day. Ready to explore another nature oasis, I took a walk along the Fontainebleau Nature Trail — a beautiful stretch through wet pine savanna. It’s an ideal place to look for the elusive Mississippi Sandhill crane, an endangered species that calls this area home. If you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of one of these rare birds.
Exploring Ocean Springs by e-bike was another highlight. I rented an e-bike and cruised through the town, stopping at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art to admire the stunning works inspired by the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. Not far from there, I popped into Shearwater Pottery, where I fell in love with the intricate ceramics inspired by the region’s wildlife. As the day wound down, I made my way to East Beach, where I watched the birds roost and hunt at sunset.
When hunger struck, I found some fantastic spots to satisfy my cravings. Vestige was an memorable preset dining experience, with its Asian-Southern fusion. For breakfast, Buzzy’s was a local favourite, and the shrimp and grits set me up for the day. I stopped by Keg and Barrel for chicken wings and craft beers. And if you’re craving a curry fix, Indian Delights hit the spot with their delicious dishes.
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Pascagoula Mississippi
Start by exploring Downtown Pascagoula, where the historic buildings and local shops create a nostalgic atmosphere. Don’t miss the iconic round lighthouse, which stands as a symbol of the area’s maritime history and, for a small fee, they opened the doors to I could climb to the top!
The legendary “drunken, Caribbean rock n roll” musician, Jimmy Buffett, was born in Pascagoula and I rolled up to his childhood home to see where he spent part of his early years. The La Pointe-Krebs Museum is another essential visit, set on a site that dates back to the 1757 making it the oldest structure in Mississippi Valley. This museum explores the area’s French colonial history and Native American heritage.
My final experience was an eco-boat tour along the lower Pascagoula River. The tour weaves through the cypress swamps and salt marshes that feed into the Gulf of Mexico checking out osprey nests and hunting herons – I am always happy for the chance to spot local wildlife and take in the tranquil landscape.
Biloxi Mississippi
Biloxi may be known for its bustling casinos, but if, like me, that’s not your scene, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this coastal Mississippi city. I opted for a wellness day at the Beau Rivage Spa, which ranked No. 5 in Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2024, and it did not disappoint. The aromatherapy massage was pure bliss —exactly what I needed after long hours on the road. Feeling refreshed, I indulged in a classic Southern lunch at Salt & Ivy, savouring a rich bowl of gumbo and a shrimp po’boy before heading out for a brisk seaside stroll.
The fresh Gulf air was the perfect reset before diving into the city’s powerful civil rights history. Standing where African Americans once fought for equality during the Biloxi Wade-In protests, which sought to desegregate the city’s beaches, was a sobering experience.
To round off the day, I turned to Biloxi’s growing craft beer scene at Fly Llama Brewing, where the brewmaster’s seasonal creations push the boundaries with collaborations from local businesses. Their rotating tap list keeps things exciting, and their branding is effortlessly cool.
With Biloxi’s history as the “Seafood Capital of the World” in mind, dinner at Catch 110 was a no-brainer. The crab au gratin paired with a beet and burrata salad was the perfect light-yet-indulgent choice—especially since my Southern food adventures were starting to take a toll on my waistline.
2 Days in Hattiesburg Mississippi
The drive from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, takes approximately 1.5 hours via Interstate 10 West and US-49 North. Along the way, I made a stop in Gulfport to see the world’s largest rocking chair. Though it’s a quirky roadside attraction, you can’t actually sit in it, in case you were wondering!
About Hattiesburg Mississippi
Hattiesburg, located in a longleaf pine forest, was founded in 1882 by civil engineer William H. Hardy, who named the city in honour of his wife, Hattie. It quickly grew into a prosperous centre for the timber industry, earning the affectionate nickname “Hub City.” In 1868, Hardy envisioned a railway to transport lumber, and construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad finally began in 1882.
Hattiesburg played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with key sites along the Mississippi Freedom Trail commemorating its legacy in the fight for equality. The city also holds a special place in music history as Mississippi’s deep blues roots helped shape rock and roll. The Mississippi Jook Band made their mark when they recorded in Hattiesburg in 1936, way before the scene blew up in Memphis.
Today, Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), a leading institution driving innovation and research in the region. The city exudes a progressive energy, something I quickly picked up on during my short time in Hattiesburg.
BEST DEALS ON HATTIESBURG HOTELS + VACATION RENTALS
Hattiesburg mural at T-Bones Records & Cafe
Best Things To Do in Hattiesburg MS
With only one night in Hattiesburg, the itinerary was jam-packed, and honestly, I wish I had more time to spend there. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss!
Hattiesburg is on a mission to become the “City of 100 Murals,” and the passion for this goal shines loud and clear. Start your visit by exploring the Hattiesburg Public Art Trail, a self-guided tour that showcases colourful murals and installations. Each piece conveys a message about the city’s historic victories and struggles, brought to life through the creative spirit of local and regional artists.
Another innovative must-visit is the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, a hidden downtown outdoor gallery filled with whimsical micro-exhibits, street art, and quirky surprises tucked into the pipes and brickwork of the alleyway.
To explore Hattiesburg’s history, take the Freedom Summer Trail — a self-guided audio tour visiting key sites from the 1964 Freedom Summer, a historic movement dedicated to registering Black voters in Mississippi. To learn about the state’s military heritage, visit the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby.
Bringing the old tracks back to life, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy project in 2000 created Longleaf Trace, a scenic 44-mile rail trail making the outdoors more accessible for residents and tourists. I rented a bike for the pine-lined trails and passed many joggers, hikers, and even rollerbladers.
I’m not a big fan of shopping, but this changed the moment I set foot in The Lucky Rabbit – it’s a real treasure cave of vintage finds and pop-culture nostalgia. Head to T-Bones Records & Café to browse vinyl with a coffee in hand.
The foodie scene in Hattiesburg is pretty special, with tons of homegrown culinary talent. With over 200 locally owned eateries in Hattiesburg, this was a breath of fresh air compared to the fast food giants. I got lucky with my choices: Birdhouse Cafe, which has a health-first approach to home cooking; Big Trouble, a Southern-Asian fusion spot; and The Midtowner, a classic community diner owned by Robert St. John, chef, author, and restaurateur.
|| READ MY GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO IN HATTIESBURG
Stone D Barefield Tunnel on the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg
2 Days in Mobile, Alabama
The drive from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Mobile, Alabama, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via US-98 E and Interstate 65 S. This route offers a direct and scenic drive through southern Mississippi and into Alabama, bringing you to Mobile.
About Mobile Alabama
Founded in 1702 by the French, Mobile, Alabama, is one of the oldest cities in the United States and has been shaped by French, Spanish, British, and American influences. Originally part of the French Louisiana territory, it was transferred to Spanish control in 1780 before becoming part of the United States in 1813. Mobile has long been a strategic port and trade hub and also a key point of entry for enslaved Africans brought to the United States.
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Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, Alabama
Best Things To Do in Mobile AL
The city is happy to show off days gone by, and there are a few experiences I loved that should be added to your Mobile itinerary. The History Museum of Mobile documents the city’s evolution as a major port, its role in the slave trade, African American heritage, and the Civil War.
Mardi Gras Park commemorates the birthplace of the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration, while the nearby Carnival Museum preserves the history of Mobile’s Mardi Gras festivities, displaying intricate costumes, photos, and artefacts from the iconic parades and celebrations.
A powerful experience I highly recommend is Clotilda: The Exhibition in Africatown. It shares the story of the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States, which illegally brought enslaved Africans to Mobile in 1860. It features voice recordings, personal testimonies, and historical context about the survivors, many of whom established Africatown, where they preserved their culture despite immense hardship.
Whilst I didn’t have time to visit, those interested in maritime history should check out the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, where you can step aboard a WWII battleship and submarine.
Mobile is home to some culinary treasures; The Noble South salutes Southern-inspired dishes, while Squid Ink Eats serves up innovative takes on Southern classics alongside handcrafted cocktails. To cover more ground on Mobile’s food scene, join Bienville Bites Walking Tour to devour oysters, gumbo and beignets across the city.
Craft beer is generally on my list of things to do these days, so I was delighted to discover Braided River Brewing. Not only is it a fantastic place to grab a drink, but it’s also making a real difference for the environment, using biodegradable cups, repurposing grain sacks, and donating proceeds to support local environmental efforts. A brewery with a purpose is even better!
For a taste of the great outdoors, visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island, where scenic trails wind through majestic live oaks and pine trees, leading to restored dunes — just keep an eye out for the resident alligator in the swamp. Alternatively, explore the wildlife-rich Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, often called “America’s Amazon,” the largest river delta and wetland in Alabama.
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Mobile Carnival Museum
Braided River Brewing
Mobile Saenger Theatre
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
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