8 Romantic Getaways on the Gulf Coast

Water-loving couples will appreciate the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina. This four-star resort is located on Fort Meyers beach and San Carlos Bay in Florida, and guests can borrow kayaks and paddle boats for a trip down the beach. You can also rent a sailboat, if you know your way around a sail, and take a trip to nearby Estero Island and Estero Bay Preserve State Park.

Villas and suites are available and many are equipped with a kitchenette if you want to prepare a romantic dinner after a day out on the water. Breakfast is included with the stay, so it’s easy to grab a bite before heading out to the beach. Bathrooms and kitchenettes are recently renovated, and most rooms have balconies to enjoy the fresh gulf breeze when you’re relaxing indoors.

A short walk from the popular Biloxi Lighthouse, the newly restored White House Hotel has been completely renovated to provide an upscale resort experience in the heart of Biloxi, Mississippi. This beachfront hotel is an 1800s architectural gem that merges historic Southern charm with contemporary dining, as well as a modern selection of wine, bespoke cocktails and local craft beer.

Walk across the street to the beach, or beat the summer humidity by lounging next to the fountain sprayers at the hotel pool. In the evenings, head up to the rooftop terrace area and enjoy panoramic views of the beach and Biloxi. This is a popular location for weddings and events, and it’s close enough to area casinos that you can easily head over for a little gambling after a day on the beach.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good spa day, or even better, a couple’s spa day? The Watercolor Inn and Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is a large upscale beachfront spa on the edge of Grayton Beach State Park.

After a relaxing on-site treatment, hire a bike and explore trails, or lounge alongside one of the six swimming pools. Cabanas and beach loungers are available right on the waterfront only a few steps from the resort, and balcony suites are available to take in the sights without leaving the room.

The resort lobby and suites are filled with traditional beach-themed décor, including cool white wainscoting and sea colored accents and artwork. Get the full beach treatment with crisp white linens, sandy colored carpets and cozy furniture perfect for post-swimming naps. Everything you need is on the resort grounds, but the nearby town of Seaside and the Pensacola Beach Pavilion are a quick walk away.

Vacation rental properties are a great way to get away without dealing with resort crowds. The Crystal Tower by Wyndham Vacation Rental in Gulf Shores, Alabama is just a few steps from crystal sandy beaches and provides the privacy of a condo. The building has a private sky bridge that leads to a clubhouse with beach access, or you can take advantage of one of several pools and a lazy river on the condo’s grounds. If you’re looking to kick up the heat, a full gym with sauna and hot tubs are included in the rental.

Most units have a balcony for sitting outside to enjoy the beach view. Full kitchens and bathrooms are modern and well appointed, with towels and dishes available. There’s a home-away-from-home feeling in these condos, and covered parking is available for those who drive or rent a car. If you have a little extra time, local attractions like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Gulf State Park Fishing Pier are nearby.

Headed toward south Texas, The Lighthouse Inn at Arnasas Bay sits right on the water in Rockport. This hotel is a popular wedding location due to its beautiful waterfront views and romantic setting. With only 32 standard rooms and 42 suites, the Inn provides highly personalized service from a warm, friendly staff.

Balcony rooms are available to watch ships roll by in the distance, or have a seat next to the courtyard pool and take in the sunshine. From nearly any room, you’ll be able to hear the waves off the bay in the distance, and the spaces are comfortably appointed with upscale linens and furnishings. Kitchenettes are available in suites. Ask for either a bay view or courtyard view.

Be sure to check out the on-site bar and grill — it sits right on the waterfront and features freshly caught seafood and meals prepared with ingredients from local food providers. At sunset, take a walk down the pier and enjoy the view over the water.

Walking the sandy shores of Naples is like taking a stroll through finely grained bleached sugar. Crystal waters lap against the beach, making this a perfect getaway if you’re looking to relax on the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves.

Naples is home to some incredible seafood and steakhouse restaurants. Several museums and galleries make this a great place to enjoy local art when you’re not on the beach. Shuttles make it easy to travel through the town for dinner or a day of sightseeing.

Every room at the Bellasera Resort is a luxury suite, featuring Italian- inspired hardwood furnishings and rich tapestries in warm gold and rust shades. Balconies are available on request, or relax in a covered poolside cabana in this boutique hotel’s courtyard. With only 100 rooms, this upscale stay offers friendly, personalized service and the convenience of being located near the popular destination Olde Naples, art galleries and shopping.

Grayton Beach is home to a thriving and laid-back arts scene nestled between the Gulf Coast and Point Washington State Forest along the Florida panhandle. The area has picturesque white sands, just like the nearby resort towns of Panama City and Pensacola, but with a much more low-key and relaxed atmosphere. Casual dining and local shops are shaded by scrub oak and magnolia trees, providing a peaceful combination of beach and forest atmospheres.

The Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is a boutique bed & breakfast is located just a few minutes walk from the sugar sand beach or downtown restaurants. Known for delicious breakfast, good service, and quaint vintage rooms, a stay here is like visiting a friend’s house for the weekend. Have breakfast in the courtyard under the shade of coastal forest trees, then head out to the beach for a day of sunbathing.