Mississippi vs Alabama, which deep south state has the best coastline/beaches?
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The panhandle of Florida is definitely "Deep South" and the coastline there is probably some of the whitest, most beautiful coastline in the world. However, if reference is to Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, it would be an easy choice. Alabama would take the prize. The Mississippi coast is very small and even though Biloxi is a popular resort, the beaches, etc. are only mediocre as it lacks the clear water and white sandy beaches. The same mosty applies to Louisiana.
Alabama easily. My favorite beach is Gulf Shores, AL. Orange Beach is also nice. The gulf coast beaches of Alabama and Florida Panhandle are absolutely beautiful. Mississippi is not known for its beaches.
To me, the best Alabama beach is out on Fort Morgan Road, that is if you like splendid isolation. No tourist traps to speak of, no traffic. Just pristine beach near the entrance of Mobile Bay.
I’ve been to both, I prefer the beach access in Mississippi but the water is brown and ugly like Texas beaches. Gulfport is an hour from New Orleans and there are casinos along the coast with Biloxi. BUT my choice would be Panama City Beach, I love that area. Beautiful beaches, easy to get around, easy beach access from almost anywhere and cool places to eat and shop. We live in South Alabama but Panama City has basically become a second home, we’re there all the time.
Mississippi does have beaches, however it also has a wide shelf that extends out into the gulf, so for many yards the water just off the beach is shallow and warm. That might be great for toddlers, but no so much for older swimmers.
Alabama's drop-off is more normal, and there are nice waves, strong enough when the tide is coming in that you can do some good body surfing.
PLUS Alabama's beaches are pretty uncrowded. Once you cross the Florida line, too, the prices on lodging and everything else goes up. Gulf Shorts, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach are very family friendly, the sidewalks roll up at midnight even on the weekends.
Both are low end for the South, but Mississippi doesn't really have good beaches. Alabama has a few, so Alabama easily wins (it's coastline is quite small though).
Both are low end for the South, but Mississippi doesn't really have good beaches. Alabama has a few, so Alabama easily wins (it's coastline is quite small though).
Floridas panhandle beaches have arguably the best beaches in the lower 48, Alabama's can't be considered low end, right?
Floridas panhandle beaches have arguably the best beaches in the lower 48, Alabama's can't be considered low end, right?
For the gulf/East Coast, you can argue between Florida panhandle, Florida gulf coast, TX gulf coast, and Carolina (NC beaches more rural on average than SC, SC more developed but still quite nice) IMO. West Coast, you have some great ones in CA/OR, but totally different feel.
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