3 Surprising Coastal Towns Named As The South’s Top Getaways

Yeehaw! Who is ready to venture deep into the South to discover the region’s top hidden gems?

Experts just revealed some the region’s top escapes and they’re all a far cry from what you’d expect.

You know — Florida’s typical beach locales or perhaps trendy up-and-comers lining the Atlantic.

Whatever you want to call The Gulf nowadays, experts say that’s the focal point this fall, showcasing a trio of little-known hideaways to soak up sun and enjoy sweeping coastal views without a crowd in sight.

For us at Travel Off Path, we say check, check, and check to all 3 of these delightful towns, each unique in its own right, ranging from hidden pockets of the Texas coast to Southwest Florida’s cluster of paradises.

Let’s start with the latter, shall we?

3) Port Richey, Florida

How about a different Florida experience for a change?

No smiley oversized rodents with screaming kids, no overly priced cocktails at one of South Beach’s posh bars, and ample parking away from the crowds of always-popular Siesta Key nearby.

Port Richey is teeming with waterfront charm, not just from the coast, but from the winding Pithlachascotee River (say that 5 times fast).

It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer not to waste away on Florida’s vibrant shores, sprawled out like a starfish, and get in on the action, like kayaking through scenic mangroves, for example.

While not super popular any time of year, this true hidden gem is even better to visit in the shoulder season.

Even locals don’t fill up barstools, and lodging rates tend to drop, not that Port Richey is expensive any time of year, however.

There are a handful of mid-tier chain hotels with affordable rates year-round. If you’re seeking luxury, you want to look elsewhere.

If you’re seeking crowd-free shores, tranquil waterways, and laid-back vibes where you’ll feel more like a local than another face in the crowd, Port Richey is just for you.

2) Pascagoula, Mississippi

Believe it or not, Jimmy Buffett’s hometown is one of the South’s trendiest coastal escapes right now — and no, it’s not because of a new Margaritaville resort here, which seems like a crime there’s not one, right?

While you can literally grab a ‘cheeseburger in paradise’ at Pascagoula’s popular Paradise Deli & Grill, it’s not the food scene garnering attention either — it’s the highly anticipated launch of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras route, which is already adding more seats due to the instant popularity.

Needless to say, Pascagoula is one of the lesser-known stops in comparison to Mobile and New Orleans.

Travelers have been quite impressed with this town’s charming Flagship District, laden with shops, local eats, and buzzing bars, and of course, white-sand beaches too often overlooked in the shadow of nearby Biloxi.

Additionally, Pascagoula was named America’s ‘most affordable’ beach destination this year, where your highest expense would likely be a $100 room at the town’s trendiest hotel, Hotel Whiskey.

1) Port Lavaca, Texas

Say so long to Corpus Christi and hello to Port Lavaca, close by.

Texas may not always come to mind for a beach vacation, but there are numerous towns ranging from the Mexican border near Matamoros all the way to the Louisiana state line.

Corpus Christi, of course, is one of the most notable names with places like Mustang Island and Port Aransas offering surprisingly beautiful beaches for a Gulfside retreat.

What’s overlooked are bayside towns like Port Lavaca, where crowds are virtually nonexistent and the seafood couldn’t be any fresher — plus, the menu is a lot more affordable than any flashy resort you may have considered booking.

Just south of town lies what feels truly untouched — Indianola Beach. If you want the exact opposite of most popular beach towns lined with vacationers and posh hotels, this is just the place for you.

Visitors can camp up to 14 days. Grab a hammock, enjoy the breeze, and the sunny, vibrant shores even most born-and-raised Texans (like me) have been missing out on.

Best of all, Port Lavaca is easier to reach than ever, even if you don’t travel by RV. Corpus Christ recently welcomed their first new flights in decades.