Gulf Coast Regions Guide - overview

The Mississippi Gulf Coast was one of the hardest hit areas when Hurricane Katrina made landfall in August 2005, causing extensive flooding and damage. But travel through the sparkling Gulf Coast today and it's hard to see the evidence, apart from shocking postcards in tourist and trinket stores.

The area, centred on the resort towns of Gulfport and Biloxi, is once again the casino Mecca of the South and a popular vacation destination, brightly lit with neon colours, carpeted with over 20 championship golf courses and endowed with top notch cultural attractions such as the must see Ohr-O'Keefe Museum. Couple that with an impressive array of local restaurants and excellent childrens' facilities such as the Lynn Meadows Discovery Centre, one of the USA's top children's museums and you've got the perfect family destination.

For a change of pace, head along Mississippi's coastal road, boasting over 26 miles (42km) of unblemished white sand beaches and a year round temperate climate. Set a leisurely pace and watch the sailing yachts criss-cross the bay, while those feeling a bit more active may try their hand at fishing or windsurfing or take a stroll up to one of the animated beach restaurants and sample some of the regions renowned shrimp gumbo. The Mississippi Gulf Coast, the 'playground of the south' has finally returned to its former glory.Resorts: Fort Myers Beach | Marco Island | Naples | Sanibel and Captiva