11 Amazing Gulf Coast Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive

Hundreds of miles across the five states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, the Gulf Coast is often attractive to tourists due to its subtropical climate and coastal environment. Dotted with big cities and international airports, there is access to just about every type of experience visitors could want, all within the city or a few hours' drive. From gardens and natural sceneries to museums and lively city centers, there are a plethora of day trips along the Gulf Coast.

Johnson Space Center (Texas)

Just south of downtown Houston, Texas, the Johnson Space Center is an incredible attraction for families or people interested in NASA and all things space travel. Named after former US President Lyndon B. Johnson, the space center offers a variety of experiences to explore. Visitors can take one of the tram tours and see the astronaut training facilities, historic spaceships, research labs, and even Mission Control.

After a tour, one can enjoy an immersive show at the Space Center Theater, walk through one of the many exhibits, like Independence Plaza, the Spacesuit Collection, and Mission Mars, or conduct a real experiment at the Science Deck. But don't forget to eat lunch at The Food Lab or stop at the gift shop for a souvenir.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park (Alabama)

For those interested in World War II and other military history, consider visiting the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which features a variety of naval exhibits. Resting on the coast of Mobile, Alabama, about an hour west of Pensacola, Florida, is the main attraction, the USS Alabama. She is a South Dakota-class battleship commissioned in August 1942, weighing over 35,000 tons. She served in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, earning her nine Battle Stars, giving her the nicknames the "Mighty A" and "Heroine of the Pacific". In addition to the famed battleship, parkgoers can also tour the USS Drum, a World War II submarine, wander through the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion, view various military artifacts, and pay a visit to the memorials honoring veterans of all wars.

The Ringling (Florida)

The coastal waters of Sarasota, Florida, were the home of John Ringling, one of the Ringling brothers from the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, which has been turned into one of the premier art and cultural collections in the US. In 1911, John and his wife, Mable, bought 20 acres of land in Sarasota, building a 36,000 sq. ft. mansion and an art museum, hoping to leave it all to the people of Florida. Today, there are 66 acres to explore. Guests can tour the home of John and Mable, known as Ca’ d’Zan, and learn about their life, the history of the home, and what it took to build it. Patrons of the arts can wander through the Museum of Art, which displays a vast and diverse collection of work. Lovers of the circus can immerse themselves in the history of the circus at the Circus Museum. Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful day getting lost in the Bayfront Garden, originally started by Mable, and admire the beauty of it all. Lastly, there are live performances or films at the historic Asolo Theater, originally built in Italy but purchased and moved to the grounds in 1949.

French Quarter (Louisiana)

Searching for a day in the city, visit the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana's oldest and most well-known neighborhood. Sightseers can take a walk down some iconic streets like Bourbon Street or Royal Street, listening to music and admiring the historic architecture. For those interested in food, try delicious beignets at Café Du Monde or head to Brennan's for their famous Bananas Foster.

Tours can also be taken at museums like the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and the Historic New Orleans Collection. Tourists can shop till they drop at the French Market. Looking for something to do with the little ones? Check out the Audubon Aquarium. From good food and neat hangout spots to fun activities and cultural experiences, the French Quarter offers a variety of excursions.

Gulf Island National Seashore (Mississippi and Florida)

Gulf Island National Seashore offers plenty of outdoor adventures to choose from, over 160 miles across two states of beautiful beaches, barrier islands, historic forts, and diverse marine habitats. Roughly 40 minutes east of Gulf Shores, Mississippi, is the Davis Bayou area, where visitors can explore hiking trails, fish off the pier, or wander the boardwalks observing the wildlife. There are also five barrier islands in the Mississippi side of the park that are only accessible by boat, but between March and October, attendees can board a ferry to Ship Island and explore the historic Fort Massachusetts.

On the waters of Pensacola, Florida, and the surrounding areas, lie six different areas to visit. Most areas offer scenic hiking trails and beaches, perfect for swimming or fishing, as well as historical forts to explore. In the Fort Pickens area, guests can take a tour of the fort with a park ranger or by themselves, as well as see all the concrete batteries. At the Fort Barrancas area, there are three historic fortifications, hiking trails, and exhibits, but do plan accordingly, as some things in this area are only open on certain days.

Moody Gardens (Texas)

Moody Gardens Attractions Theme Park is a family fun educational destination on Galveston Island, about an hour south of Houston, Texas. Between their three main pyramids and all of the other indoor and outdoor activities, there is much to explore. With over 1,700 plants and animal species, learn about the rainforest of Asia, Africa, and the Americas in the Rainforest Pyramid.

Discover the world's oceans through the 1.5 million-gallon aquarium and meet penguins or feed stingrays in the Aquarium Pyramid. In the Discovery Pyramid, experience educational exhibits or participate in the interactive Audience Recognition Theater. In addition to the pyramids, there are 3D and 4D theaters with a variety of shows to choose from, a ropes course and zip line, access to the white sandy beaches of Palm Beach during the summer months, and even a public golf course.

Bailey Matthew's National Shell Museum & Aquarium (Florida)

Bailey Matthew's National Shell Museum and Aquarium is a shell lover's dream, found at a premier shelling spot, Sanibel Island, just southwest of Fort Myers, Florida. With almost 600,000 shells and over 60 species of marine life, there is so much to learn and see. Explore the Great Hall of Shells and learn about global biodiversity, shapes and colors, and time and evolution.

Wander through the Living Gallery of Aquariums and discover the different ecosystems of the ocean, like the Pacific coral reefs, or stop by the touch pools to interact with mollusks. Throughout the day, guests are welcome to attend talks and lectures, take beach and nature walks, as well as tour special exhibits that are changed periodically.

Key West (Florida)

At the southernmost point of the continental US is Key West, an island town off the coast of Florida. While accessible by car, the island does have a convenient international airport. With its quirky atmosphere and lively nightlife, the island hosts a number of interesting sights to see. Stop by iconic landmarks like the Southernmost Point Buoy or the Key West Direction Sign.

Visit the home of popular author Ernest Hemingway and maybe stop by one of his favorite hangouts, Sloppy Joe's, which is on Duval Street, where Key West comes alive. Other exciting attractions include Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, the Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters, Truman Little White House, and the U.S. Coast Guard Ingham Maritime Museum.

The Strand (Houston)

In the heart of Galveston, Texas, about an hour south of Houston, is the Historic Strand District. Lined with 19th-century buildings, The Strand is a National Historic Landmark filled with a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, and more. Tourists can find something sweet at La King's Confectionery and try their saltwater taffy, or browse the vast selection of beef jerky at the Beef Jerky Outlet for something more savory. Interested in a museum, head to the Galveston Railroad Museum or the Texas Seaport Museum. There are also plenty of tours around The Strand, like a horse-drawn carriage ride or the Ghosts of Galveston walking tour.

Biloxi Lighthouse (Mississippi)

At the heart of Biloxi, Mississippi, about 30 minutes east of Gulfport, Mississippi, stands the Biloxi Lighthouse, one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South, with over 175 years of history. Established in 1848, the lighthouse was cared for by lighthouse keepers until 1939, when the responsibility was overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard.

In 1968, the City of Biloxi was given ownership and opened it to the public shortly after. Ascend the 64-foot-tall lighthouse, climbing 57 steps and an eight-rung ladder through a trap door, taking note of the water lines of past hurricanes, like Hurricane Katrina, whose storm surge submerged a third of the lighthouse. The Biloxi Lighthouse is also right next to the Biloxi Visitor Center, where guests can learn more about the lighthouse and Biloxi, and across the street from the beach, so vacationers can enjoy some time in the sand and sun.

Naples Botanical Garden (Florida)

In Naples, Florida, about an hour south of Fort Myers, Naples Botanical Garden is one of the few tropical gardens in the US with 170 acres to explore. Their mission is to conserve the nature of the tropics while teaching others and demonstrating its beauty. There are thirteen gardens and spaces to view, ranging from the rainforest of the world to the local flora of Florida.

The Naples Botanical Garden also offers tours daily, as well as other educational programs, both for adults, like garden workshops and bird watching, and kids, like nature play areas and the W.O.N.D.E.R. program. There are also exhibitions and events happening all year round, from music and art to cultural celebrations, so be sure to check the website to plan for something special.

Final Thoughts on Gulf Coast Day Trips

The Gulf Coast is a popular destination, often known for its warm climate, coastal environment, and remarkable attractions, which offer a vast array of exciting day trips, both in the city or a short drive away, that are worth taking. Whether it is an outdoor adventure, a cool spot in the city, or a fun learning experience, there is something for everyone on the Gulf Coast.