Honeymoons are an excellent chance to celebrate your relationship with the person you love, and often the most difficult part is picking where to go! There are so many incredible places in the US to choose from, but why not go somewhere a little different and explore a region that is often overlooked yet offers some of the best honeymoon experiences in the country. After all, everyone goes to Las Vegas or Los Angeles, so it’s time to think outside the box a bit! The Gulf Coast runs along the southeastern shoreline of the States, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Great weather, incredible beaches, and famous southern hospitality are just a few of the reasons why this beautiful area makes a great place for a honeymoon.
These are the top Gulf Coast destinations for any honeymooners and the top reasons why they’re so fun!
Why a Gulf Coast Honeymoon?
The gulf coast is an amazing area of the country with wonderful beachy vibes mixed with some of the most welcoming cultures and personalities you’ll find in America. From the lively music-centric New Orleans to the island of Galveston, on the Gulf Coast you can find everything you need to elevate your honeymoon on an epic scale.
Many of these Gulf Coast locations are also far more affordable than flying to the Bahamas or trying to make an Orlando vacation out of your honeymoon. You’re starting a life together, so don’t invest your life savings all on one trip!
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is an island off the coast of Texas that’s the perfect mix of vacation city and small town. Regardless of what time of year you show up, you’ll find excellent holiday rental options, affordable food, and beautiful beaches that let you swim and bask in the sunlight. This is an underrated vacation spot, so you don’t have to worry about competing with crowds, even in the height of summer.
There’s plenty to do on the island once you’ve had your fill of sun and sand. You can ride the rollercoasters at the Pleasure Pier, enjoy a dolphin watching boat trip in Galveston Bay, or stroll around the beautiful Moody Gardens and see the exotic plants and animals. There are enough attractions to keep you busy for weeks, so you won’t get bored.
The Texas southern charm is strong here, so don’t be surprised if you don’t want to leave once you arrive!
New Orleans, Louisiana
The “Big Easy” is one of the top honeymoon destinations globally, and for good reason. Not only is it a vibrant and incredible community to enjoy, but it’s also an awesome place to sightsee, lounge on the beaches, and take in some of the best food and music in the country.
There are lots of romantic activities to enjoy here, including taking a cruise on the Mississippi River by traditional steamboat, trotting around the French Quarter on a horse-drawn carriage ride, and venturing into the swamps on an airboat tour. Ghost walks are popular here too if you fancy a dose of the spooks!
Visiting will tempt you to consider looking at New Orleans houses for sale, and you might even think about starting your life here instead of going back home. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone – that’s how most people end up moving here!
Tampa, Florida
If you want your honeymoon to feel like a huge and incredible nonstop party, and you have a larger budget, consider taking it in Tampa! This city has some of the best beaches in Florida, as well as fantastic upscale dining, and tons of options for anyone who wants to cut loose and see a concert or go to an experience like meeting live gators.
Explore the museums, take a food walking tour, or say hello to the inhabitants of the famous Florida Aquarium during your stay. Or escape the city bustle with a hike in the beautiful Weedon Island Preserve where kayaking is also on the cards.
You can take day trips to Orlando, Miami, or even the Everglades if you fancy a change of scenery.
What to Pack
Regardless of what gulf city you end up in, you must pack carefully to deal with the heat, insects, sunlight, and any possible issues that could arise. Make sure you pack or purchase sunscreen with a high HV rating, bug spray if you’re planning or hiking away from the beach, an empty water bottle that you can refill throughout your trip, and lightweight clothing that can keep you cool during the day.
The Gulf Coast is a fantastic place to get lost in the beaches and enjoy celebrating a new beginning with someone you love: so make sure you’re prepared for anything that might happen while you’re there.
Your Honeymoon Should Feel Magical
Whether you’re planning a long or short honeymoon, this should be the trip of a lifetime. If you consider one of these gulf cities as your destination, and you really can’t go wrong!
