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Gulf Coast Cruise
A slow 5-day drive along the southern U.S. coast, leaning into beaches, bays, live oaks, seafood, and easy sunsets from Florida to Texas.
5days
19stops
Day 1: Pensacola to Mobile Bay
3 stops
Pensacola Beach
09:00
Gulf
11:00
Fairhope Municipal Pier
15:30
Day 2: Barrier islands and New Orleans
4 stops
Fairhope
09:00
Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou Area
11:30
Biloxi Lighthouse
14:30
French Quarter
17:30
Day 3: Bayous to Cajun country
4 stops
Depart: New Orleans
09:00
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Barataria Preserve
10:30
Avery Island
14:00
Vermilionville Historic Village
17:00
Day 4: Cajun prairie to Galveston
4 stops
Depart: Lafayette
08:30
Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point
11:00
Sea Rim
14:30
The Strand Historic District
17:30
Day 5: Island finish to Corpus Christi
4 stops
Depart: Galveston
08:30
Galveston Island
10:00
Rockport Beach
14:30
Corpus Christi Bayfront
17:30
Heads Up
- 1. Keep a small cash/parking buffer for beach lots and meters, especially in busy coastal towns.
- 2. Summer heat and storms can change the feel of a day fast, so morning beach walks and flexible afternoons work best.
- 3. Don't leave valuables visible in the car when you're stopping at beaches or trailheads.
- 4. Day 4: 5.5h driving — plan rest stops
- 5. Day 4: 5h 5m driving — plan rest stops