8 Incredible Gulf Coast Beaches to Visit and Reasons They Make the List

The Gulf of Mexico is famous for its warm, gentle water and white sand beaches. Families and frolickers alike flock to more than 450 miles of Gulf Shore beaches from Ft. Morgan to Marco Island.  

With all these options, you might have a hard time choosing the perfect beach vacation, but we have you covered with the best of the best beaches along the Gulf Coast. 

8 Incredible Gulf Coast Beaches to Visit and Reasons They Make the List

Forget the best beaches in Florida; Siesta Key consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in America. Do you want to know why? The secret to Siesta Key beach is in the sand. 

1. Best Sand: Siesta Key

2. Best Beach Town: Clearwater

Time and time again, Clearwater Beach gets ranked as the best beach town in Florida. Its beaches are nearly as lovely as Siesta Key and still earn the moniker “Sugar Sand,” but the city sets this destination apart. 

Self-Guided Tours

Spend your days exploring Caladesi Island, playing at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or lying on the soft sugar sand.

3. Best Beach Adventures: Alabama’s Beaches

Alabama’s Gulf Coast boasts 32 miles of pristine beachfront with over 15 public-access beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Gulf State Park sits between these two cities, with over 26 miles of bike trails.

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Find out the rest of the best beaches along the Gulf Coast!