The Third Coast, USA (climate, snow, hot, warm)

[tom77falcons]

I just returned from the northern Gulf Coast. It is really nice. The weather was beautiful with temps in the mid to high 60's and sunny. The beach was amazing. The sand was as white as snow and the water was clear blue. The beaches went on for miles and miles in each direction with no end in sight. The water temp was about 65 and there were a bunch of people swimming. I asked about it and it turns out they were a bunch of Canadians. Too funny.

This country always amazes me as to how many beautiful places we have to visit and vacation in. Anything from blazing deserts to snow capped mountains and then beautiful white sand beaches. We are very lucky. It really is cool to think of how many varied climates and terrains we have. Those beaches there were more beautiful than beaches I've seen in Barbados, Dubai, and Spain. Not far to the east of this location was an area with not a building or a person on it for as far as the eye could see. I'm sure Australia has some really nice beaches too.

[jasper12]

Yes, I agree. I like travelling in the US, I don't like long plane trips, and here you can be skiing within one short plane trip from being at the beach. Nothing beats skiing in Utah, and laying on the warm beaches in Texas or California. And going to New England in the Fall is something everyone should experience. Along with Springtime in D.C. When the cherry trees are in bloom.

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by tom77falcons

I just returned from the northern Gulf Coast. It is really nice. The weather was beautiful with temps in the mid to high 60's and sunny. The beach was amazing. The sand was as white as snow and the water was clear blue. The beaches went on for miles and miles in each direction with no end in sight. The water temp was about 65 and there were a bunch of people swimming. I asked about it and it turns out they were a bunch of Canadians. Too funny.

This country always amazes me as to how many beautiful places we have to visit and vacation in. Anything from blazing deserts to snow capped mountains and then beautiful white sand beaches. We are very lucky. It really is cool to think of how many varied climates and terrains we have. Those beaches there were more beautiful than beaches I've seen in Barbados, Dubai, and Spain. Not far to the east of this location was an area with not a building or a person on it for as far as the eye could see. I'm sure Australia has some really nice beaches too.

Alas the '''red neck riviera'''' it's the best part of the '''south in
my opinion'''''......

[wavehunter007]

Originally Posted by tom77falcons

I just returned from the northern Gulf Coast. It is really nice. The weather was beautiful with temps in the mid to high 60's and sunny. The beach was amazing. The sand was as white as snow and the water was clear blue. The beaches went on for miles and miles in each direction with no end in sight. The water temp was about 65 and there were a bunch of people swimming. I asked about it and it turns out they were a bunch of Canadians. Too funny.

This country always amazes me as to how many beautiful places we have to visit and vacation in. Anything from blazing deserts to snow capped mountains and then beautiful white sand beaches. We are very lucky. It really is cool to think of how many varied climates and terrains we have. Those beaches there were more beautiful than beaches I've seen in Barbados, Dubai, and Spain. Not far to the east of this location was an area with not a building or a person on it for as far as the eye could see. I'm sure Australia has some really nice beaches too.

As a nomadic beach bum who spends a lot of time on the coast …I can tell you the Gulf Coast is is one of my favorite areas of the USA coastline too. Although Florida still has the best beach climate in the USA in terms of sea surface temps and beach weather … the Gulf Coast is easily number two if you’re looking for clear powder white sand, warm turquoise waters, and hot sunny weather. With all the resort development in Florida, the lower East Coast, and the lower California coast in the last 60 years…the Gulf beaches are really the last coastal area in the Sunbelt region that can be developed. Some of the newest places seem to be constructed with an ecological sense and respect for the environment in parts of the Florida Gulf Coast and places like Orange Beach, AL, Dauphin Island…etc. With highs in March around 70 F…not a bad place to hide from winter (lol).

Your right about the sand and the water! On all the beaches I have been on in the Caribbean, Florida, the Mexican Pacific, and the Bahamas…the sand the Gulf coast beaches is still the most amazing I have ever seen – polar white and like soft powder! I haven’t gotten much further west than the Alabama coast (except New Orleans)…but hopefully I will soon. I don’t have many pictures…but here are some of spots I have been too on the eastern Gulf Coast:


Panama City, FL:







Orange Beach, Alabama (stayed at both these places):






I also stayed on Dauphin Island, AL once for just a one night many years ago. A freind was stationed in Fort Benning, GA, and we headed down to see the area. It was really nice, and uncrowed, the beaches where polar white. Next, I would like to see the following:

Galveston Island:








...and South Padre Island:








...I guess I have to keep saving my pennies