A guide to Gulf Coast travel—what to eat, see and do when beach bound this summer
Toes in the water and a drink in your hand—you might not need many more reasons than these to head to the beaches, lakes and small towns along the Gulf Coast this summer. And chances are, you already have a getaway on the books. But just in case you need an extra bit of motivation to get out of town, or think you know everything there is to do in the region’s travel destinations, let us introduce you to a few hidden gems, new openings and spots worth a detour. Think: James Beard-recognized restaurants, recently renovated resorts, an underwater art museum and much, much more.
Grab your sunnies. Let’s hit the road. The coast is calling.
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Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Find world-class restaurants, boutique hotels and a rich arts scene in this Gulf Coast darling
Drive time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama
Sister vacation cities promise white sands, calming waves and tons to do
Drive time: 4 hours
Grayton Beach, Florida
Dune lakes, dog-friendly eateries and an art-driven culture are the draws of this beach village
Drive time: 5 hours, 15 minutes
Galveston, Texas
Take a westward beach getaway that’s full of history and unexpected treasures
Drive time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
No place like home
Get away without going too far at these in-state spots
Destination dining
Where to eat while you’re on the road
Who’s on aux?
The 225 staff’s road trip listens and favorite beachy tunes
Locals’ locale
Readers’ responses on their favorite Gulf Coast getaways
These articles were originally published in the June 2025 issue of 225 Magazine.
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