AL/FL · Southeast
Gulf Islands & Gulf Shores
The whitest sand beaches in the US at some of the most accessible prices. Gulf Islands National Seashore has barrier island beaches (a $25 car pass covers 7 days in its Florida areas) and boat-in primitive camping. The water is genuinely turquoise and warm. Perfect for ATL, BNA, and BHM travelers on a strict budget.
- Whitest, finest sand beaches in the US. Genuinely rivals Caribbean water color
- Gulf Islands National Seashore's $25 car pass covers a full week, and camping is affordable
- Much cheaper than Miami, Destin, or 30A: the budget beach of the Southeast
- Good odds of seeing dolphins from a kayak. Let them come to you, and don't chase or feed them
- Fall shoulder season means warm water and empty beaches with no crowds
Camping
Gulf Islands National Seashore (developed campgrounds)
No free camping right here: campsites run about $25 a night. Want to sleep free? The apps below show free spots on public land, though the nearest may be a drive away.
Explore the area on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March
- April: best month
- May: best month
- June
- July: month to skip
- August: month to skip
- September: best month
- October: best month
- November
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$15 to $55
per day (food + transit)
Campsites: $25/night
Entry fee: $25
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
3 to 6
days · easy difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- You're going July–August. Temperatures 95°F + humidity make it miserable by noon
- You expect secluded wilderness. Gulf Shores proper is very developed