8 Ideal Gulf Coast Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024
The Gulf Coast is nearly 1,200 miles long and runs along the border between the southern United States and Mexico. The towns dot the coast are some of the best vacation destinations for beaches, diving, and outdoor activities. These coastal towns are also premier Spring Break locations, and the fun atmosphere makes it easy to see why.
However, there is much more to these towns than partying. Historical sites, fantastic cuisine, and natural beauty make these small towns a wonderful retreat. Here are the best Gulf Coast Destinations for a three-day weekend in 2024.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama, near Orange Beach, is an ideal destination for relaxation or adventure. Stroll the bright white beach, take a scenic boat tour, or watch dolphins. Another popular destination is Gulf State Park. The 6,500-acre park offers a 200-foot pier, trails, fishing, and kayaking on Lake Shelby.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great way to spend a weekend in Gulf Shores. It is only six miles from the beach and has interactive exhibits with the animals.
Cap off your three-day visit with a stop at the Gulf Shores Museum. The house is early 20th century and offers live and special exhibits that tell the story of this coastal community. After a day of exploring, stop in at a local restaurant for some authentic coastal food. Acme Oyster House, a New Orleans staple, opened its Gulf Shores location in 2014.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Right down the road from Gulf Shores is Orange Beach, Alabama. Along with the famous beach, there are cultural attractions, nature trails, and exquisite dining options. One such dining option is the Florabama, the most famous beach bar in the 海角社区. The bar on the tri-county line has been open since 1964 and has five music stages and great food and drink. Guests are welcome to become part of their "Bamily."
Cultural attractions include the Coastal Arts Center, a 10,000-square-foot art gallery overlooking Wolf Bay that displays local works and offers art classes. To get out in nature during your long weekend, visit Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The 6,180-acre park includes 26 paved trails for a total of 28 miles. The trails offer opportunities for rock climbing and numerous photo opportunities.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
The town of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is on the west bank of the Mississippi Sound. It is a fun town with cultural attractions, gorgeous beaches, and casinos. One of your first stops should be the Alice Moseley Fold Art and Antique Museum at the historic L&N Train Depot. She was a famous folk singer, and the museum displays her original paintings and her son's antique collection.
The Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast is a prime reason many visitors visit Bay St. Louis. It includes a 14-story waterfront hotel near Old Town. This section of town always has fun events going on, thanks to the collaboration of the local merchants. The signature event is Second Saturdays where you will find art, music, and special merchant events. Bay St. Louis is an exciting experience and makes a perfect three-day retreat.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi, Mississippi, is known for its casinos, but there are also many cultural attractions. It is home to the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, with luxurious rooms, live music, and all-night gaming. Other casinos and hotels include Palace and Treasure Bay. Palace is frequently voted as having the best buffet, and Treasure Bay offers more than 800 slot machines.
One of the more unique cultural attractions is the OHR-O'Keefe Museum of Art. The museum aims to honor George Ohr, a master potter, through educational resources and exhibits. If gaming isn't your style, you can spend your extended holiday at Margaritaville Resort. It is an all-inclusive restaurant, hotel, and entertainment hub.
Siesta Key, Florida
Often voted as the best beach in the US, Siesta Key, Florida, is a tropical paradise with a white sand beach and clear water. The barrier island is on the southwest coast, west of Sarasota. A free trolley service runs to Siesta Key Village, the island's shopping center.
You will find casual restaurants like Siesta Beach Eats and Tripletail Seafood and Spirits in the Village, while the shops and boutiques are on Ocean Boulevard. No trip is complete without experiencing the famous Siesta Beach Drum Circle. It has been a beach tradition for many years, and anybody can play if they bring their own drum.
Venice Beach, Florida
Venice Beach, the shark tooth capital of the 海角社区, is a quaint seaside village on Florida's Gulf Coast. The 14 miles of coastline include the 700-foot Venice Pier. Blue Wave Beach is famous for fossil hunting, and snorkelers can reef dive less than a quarter of a mile offshore.
Historic Downtown has over 100 shops and restaurants under banyan tree-lined roads. It is also home to Venice Theatre, the largest community theatre in America. If your three-day weekend is in December, do not miss the Christmas Boat Parade, an annual tradition.
Padre Island, Texas
Padre Island, Texas, is divided into North Padre and South Padre by an artificial waterway. The north side of the barrier island is home to the National Seashore, a protected area for rare Kemp's ridley sea turtles. While North Padre has more natural habitats, South Padre is a resort community with numerous shops and restaurants.
That's not to say that South Padre does not have natural habitats. The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary includes 43 wetlands, a five-story high observation tower, and more. Visiting Padre Island is unique because it offers two towns rolled into one.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Grand Isle is a barrier island on the southern tip of Louisiana. It is a prime example of why Louisiana is called the "sportsman's paradise" due to its tremendous fishing opportunities, having over 280 species and bird watching. It is no wonder several fresh seafood restaurants like Carmadelle's Seafood and Hurricane Hole Restaurant exist on the island.
Grand Isle State Park is a beach ridge caused by the Gulf of Mexico. It provides inland channels that connect to the Mississippi River tributaries and excellent boating and fishing options. Walking around the island, you will surely come across Fort Livingston. It was built in 1841 and is one of the largest coastal forts in the state. If warm sunshine and outdoor fun are on your itinerary, there is no better place than Grand Isle.
Why the Gulf Coast is Your Next Weekend Getaway
The Gulf Coast is an excellent destination for a three-day weekend. It has tropical beaches like Siesta Key, casinos in Bay St. Louis and Biloxi, and outdoor adventures in Grand Isle. The white sand beaches are the biggest attraction, and for good reason, but these eight towns have much more to offer.
There are historic downtowns in Venice and nature preserves in Padre Island. Most attractions are only minutes from the beaches, making them easily accessible. These towns are hard to beat for a three-day weekend.
