Best Places to Vacation on the Gulf Coast this Spring

As spring dances on the horizon, there is no better place to escape to than the shimmering shores of the Gulf Coast. Renowned for its sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, this region offers a unique landscape and wide variety of experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the United States. Whether you are seeking a little R&R or a thrilling adventure, the Gulf Coast guarantees to fulfill the needs of the entire family. From Fort Morgan, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida, the pristine coastline is peppered with quaint beach towns that each boast their own unique charm. Let’s explore some of these areas so that you can decide where to vacation on the Gulf Coast.

Fort Morgan, AL

Known for its historical significance and natural seclusion, Fort Morgan is one of the most under-rated vacation spots on the Alabama Gulf Coast. With stunning views and direct access to both the Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this beach town in Alabama is perfect for those who prefer quiet beaches, natural attractions and history. Don’t forget to check out the Fort Morgan State Historic Site, a preserved 19th century military fort, or the Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest! 

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Gulf Shores, AL

Vibrant, family-friendly, and fun are a few ways to describe Gulf Shores, Alabama. Located approximately one hour southeast of Mobile, Gulf Shores is the perfect getaway for the family that seeks both relaxation and adventure. With a vast selection of gulf-front vacation rentals overlooking picturesque beaches, incredible restaurants serving fresh seafood and a variety of activities for the whole family, this Alabama beach town offers the ideal blend of beachfront bliss in a family-friendly atmosphere. 

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Orange Beach, AL

The gateway to Florida and one-half of the infamous Flora-Bama shore, Orange Beach is a laid-back paradise. Nestled between the bayou and the gulf, this Alabama beach town offers the best of both worlds and is perfect for those who want to relax on the beach or explore the in-shore waters on a fishing charter. Make sure you head over to Flora-Bama to see the Alabama-Florida State Line!

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Perdido Key, FL

The gateway to Alabama, and the other half of the infamous Flora-Bama shore, Perdido Key offers a similar laid-back vibe to Orange Beach, but with Florida charm. With large areas of protected land, like Perdido Key State Park and Johnson Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key offers natural, untouched beauty and coastal serenity. For a luxury vacation rental in Perdido Key, check out our new Viviana properties – a selection of upscale two-story gulf-front homes. 

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Pensacola Beach, FL

Pensacola Beach, Florida, strikes a harmonious balance between liveliness and tranquility, captivating vacationers with its stunning serene seashore and cool, vibrant ambiance. Enjoy untouched natural beauty at Gulf Islands National Seashore, or indulge in fresh seafood, famous Bushwacker cocktails and modern attractions at the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and Boardwalk. With our wide selection of Pensacola Beach vacation rentals, from luxurious condo beach resorts to classic gulf-front and bay-front homes, this Gulf Coast beach town is an idyllic vacation spot for the whole family.

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Navarre Beach, FL

Known as “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” Navarre Beach is a small beach town nestled between two large, protected areas of Santa Rosa Island. It is widely considered a hidden gem of the Emerald Coast due to its secluded location and long stretches of unspoiled, uncrowded pristine shoreline, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. With amazing restaurants serving fresh seafood and attractions, like the longest fishing pier in Florida, this coastal oasis is perfect for the family that seeks relaxation and natural beauty.

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Fort Walton Beach, FL

Located directly west of Destin, Fort Walton Beach’s Okaloosa Island offers a blend of pristine natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. Whether you want to sunbathe on the sugar-white sands directly in front of your gulf-front vacation rental, or check out the variety of land, water and marine life adventures within walking distance, this under-rated beach town presents a coastal experience unlike any other.

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Destin, FL

Destin, Florida is like the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to Gulf Coast beach towns. With the same serene white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Destin boasts a vibrant atmosphere and offers everything you could want on a beach vacation. With natural wonders like the infamous underwater sandbar, Crab Island, and an abundance of outdoor activities, like offshore fishing, parasailing, diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and golfing, this gulf-coast paradise has no shortage of opportunities for exploration. Exquisite dining and upscale shopping round out Destin to be the ultimate gulf coast getaway.

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Miramar Beach, FL

Home to numerous luxury beach resorts, shopping, fine dining, and renowned golfing, is Miramar Beach, Florida. This small beach town offers its own unique, lavish atmosphere, while sharing many of Destin’s natural attractions and outdoor experiences. Its stunning shoreline remains mostly unobstructed, but also offers a variety of gulf-front homes and condo beach resorts. With world-class amenities, spectacular scenery, and a sense of exclusivity, Miramar Beach stands out as a premier destination along the Gulf of Mexico. 

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30A, FL

30A, a scenic highway along a remote stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast, is the home to an eclectic mix of exclusive, upscale beach towns that each offer their own unique coastal charm. The emphasis on sustainability, preservation, supporting local businesses, celebration of art and farm-to-table dining contributes to its authentic, community-driven atmosphere. Natural attractions like Point Washington State Forest and rare coastal dune lakes invite locals and visitors alike to explore the outdoors. Secluded and intentionally designed, 30A offers a more intimate experience and slower pace of coastal living. It is this unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that makes 30A a standout destination.

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Panama City Beach, FL

There is a reason Panama City Beach, Florida is known as one of the top beach vacation destinations. Sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico waters make Panama City Beach the perfect exotic backdrop for rest and relaxation, unlike anywhere else in the United States. With an abundance of attractions and activities, like fishing, watersports, diving and snorkeling, amusement and marine life parks, golfing, boat excursions, there is no shortage of fun for the entire family. Whether you want a luxury condo beach resort or a gulf-front home, the opportunities are endless in Panama City Beach, Florida.

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The soft white sands and crystal-clear gulf waters make coastal Alabama and Northwest Florida beaches a paradise unlike any other vacation destination in the United States. Its array of beach towns, each boasting their own unique charm, characteristics, and amenities, allow you to craft the perfect Gulf Coast beach vacation for your family. Explore these areas further by checking out all of our sweet Southern Gulf Coast vacation rental destinations!

Looking for pet friendly vacation rentals at the beach? We've got you and your furry friend covered with our pet friendly Gulf Coast vacation rentals. Already picked your favorite spot in the sand? Be sure to check out our Gulf Coast promos for sunny savings on your next beach escape!