Staycation Ideas in Your Own Beachy Backyard
If you live on the Gulf Coast you know there are 62 miles of gorgeous coastlines, 12 charming seaside towns, and a myriad of eclectic boutiques, cutting-edge culinary, world-renowned artworks, and once-in-a-lifetime open-air adventures.
But have you ever sunk your toes in the 26 miles of warm sandy beaches and felt the waves glide from underneath your feet, melting the sand away while you watch the honey-streaked sun dive into the Mississippi Sound?
If you answered no, you are probably due for a staycation and there are so many amazing coastal treasures right in your own beachy backyard. So, spend a little downtime getting to know the glorious parts of the gem-filled Gulf Coast that you might not have caught a glimpse of in the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Here are a few amazing staycation adventures to enjoy on your time off from work, or maybe for just a weekend.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
You’ll find the William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Ocean Springs, with its headquarters in the Davis Bayou area. This homegrown adventure has many fun-filled opportunities including fishing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Don’t forget to pack a picnic basket and make plans to watch the sunset.
Golfer’s Paradise
For some aficionados, the Gulf Coast is known as a Golfer’s Paradise. And with 17 award-winning, challenging greens surrounded by picturesque landscapes, it’s easy to see why. Anyone can pick up a new pleasure sport to further connect with family members or colleagues. Several resorts and casinos offer weekend golf package options and book golf outings at Shell Landing Golf Club and Grand Bear Golf Course, among others.
Booming Culinary Scene
Step out of your comfort zone and try a new restaurant or café. The Coast has a huge variety of eateries with everything from beach shacks serving the freshest Gulf seafood, to fine dining, and fusion cuisine. You, your family, and your friends will find something to please everyone’s tastebuds.
Island Fun
Explore the six sun-drenched barrier islands that sit just miles off the Coast. With white-sand beaches and beautiful Gulf waters, the islands of Cat, Ship, Deer, Horn, Round and Petit Bois are an ideal day trip. While all of the barrier islands offer something unique that is worth exploring, Ship Island is the most accessible to island goers. Its ferry service runs out of Biloxi and Gulfport– and you might even see a dolphin or two playing on the way.
World-Renowned Art
Get your culture fix at the world-renowned Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi or discover the beautifully eccentric world of the illustrious Anderson family of artists at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art or Shearwater Pottery’s showroom and workshop in Ocean Springs. And Bay St. Louis boasts a wonderfully walkable downtown amongst a canopy of ancient live oaks peppered with art galleries and feature many local artists.
To the Moon
And to get there, start on the Gulf Coast. The INFINITY Science Center and Museum is NASA’s official visitor headquarters for the John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County. The leading-edge test operations and research facility offers an eclectic blend of sciences about the earth and space and is seasoned with innovative programs in engineering and technology. It’s an experience you will not find anywhere but the Gulf Coast.
Now, your staycation adventures await, and be sure to pretend like you’re a tourist and enjoy a couple of well-earned days of rest, relaxation, and maybe a new adventure or two.
