For families and travelers hunting a beach vacation that doesn’t require a plane ticket or a passport, the Gulf Coast has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the country — for a fraction of the cost.

The drive is doable from much of the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee, and the coastline stretches from Florida’s Panhandle west through Alabama and Mississippi, with distinct personalities in every town. Plus, summer crowds have died down, so you’re likely to find a deal on a hotel.  Here’s a state-by-state guide to nine spots worth your next trip.

Florida

Grayton Beach

This laid-back village is probably the most relaxed community along Florida’s famed Highway 30A. Flip-flops and sandy feet are welcome nearly everywhere, whether you’re grabbing a drink at the legendary Red Bar or browsing local art at The Shops of Grayton. Rooms book up far in advance for high season, but fall is a less popular time to visit, and often at a lower price. The Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is a quaint stay that’s full of Florida charm.

Fort Walton Beach

West of Destin on the Emerald Coast, this town shares 30A’s signature white quartz sand and turquoise water, but with a come-as-you-are, family-friendly vibe. Seven public beach access points mean free parking and easy spots to settle in. Rent jet skis, try kiteboarding or cast a line from the pier. Local mainstays like The Shack and Stewby’s Seafood Shanty dish out fried shrimp platters without the long waits common in 30A.

Dunedin

About 40 minutes west of Tampa, Dunedin (pronounced “dun-EE-din”) packs seafood shacks, coffee shops and taprooms into a walkable downtown — including Dunedin Brewery, the oldest continually operating microbrewery in the state. The real draw is nature: Honeymoon Island State Park has four miles of shell-strewn beach plus dog-friendly sections, and a short ferry delivers you to Caladesi Island State Park, a destination accessible only by boat that regularly lands on national “best beaches” lists.

Alabama

Gulf Shores

The beaches are gorgeous, but the real family draw is Gulf State Park, which packs trails, kayaking lakes, a swimming pool and a butterfly garden into one spot. The park has the state’s only public pier, open for fishing 24 hours a day. Stay at primitive or modern campsites, or book The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton hotel on the beach. Add a morning at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, home to 118 species.

Orange Beach

Best experienced in the off-season, this town packs a lot of vacation fun in a few miles. The area is a hot spot for anglers, with charters for every experience level. Don’t miss Flora-Bama, the rambling beach bar on the Florida-Alabama line famous for Bushwacker cocktails and live music. It’s open to families from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t miss The Wharf, a lively entertainment district with a boardwalk, ferris wheel, movie theater, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Fairhope

Perched on the bluffs above Mobile Bay, Fairhope is a bay town with a long municipal pier, waterfront parks and a walkable downtown of cobblestone streets and flower-filled planters. Independent boutiques, a bookstore that doubles as a bar, galleries and antique shops fill the streets. Sunset Pointe and Tamara’s showcase bay-to-table cooking built on Gulf shrimp, oysters and grouper. Gulf Shores is less than an hour south for a beach day.

Mississippi

Mississippi’s 62 miles of coastline — nicknamed the Secret Coast — offer a quieter, cheaper alternative to South Florida or Myrtle Beach.

Bay St. Louis

Spend an afternoon wandering Old Town, which is packed with shops and restaurants. Cast a line from Jimmy Rutherford Fishing Pier or book a fishing charter — there are many to choose from, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals. Nearby Waveland Beach offers white sand and few crowds. Boutique hotel The Pearl is a stylish place to stay that’s conveniently located downtown.

Ocean Springs

This small town has a dining and cultural scene that rivals many cities. Art fans get the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Shearwater Pottery and a cluster of galleries. Outdoorsy types get easy access to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Food lovers should book a table at James Beard-nominated and Michelin recommended Vestige, which serves tasting menus from a historic house. Rent a bike and roll through downtown under a canopy of giant oaks.

Pass Christian

If you’re seeking peace and quiet, this tiny town delivers. Surrounded by water on three sides, Pass Christian has knockout sunset views and a shoreline with clean, white sand. Golfers can play a round at Pass Christian Isles Golf Club, while vintage shoppers can go treasure hunting in the area’s antiques stores.

This story was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using McClatchy Media’s originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.