7-Day Gulf Coast Shoestring Budget Road Trip

Day 1: Beach Bliss

Gulf Shores, USA on June 8, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kitty's Kafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kitty's Kafe to fuel up for a day of relaxation by the beach.
Drive to Gulf State Park Beach, it's a 10-minute drive from the cafe.
$10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Beach Time at Gulf State Park Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying the pristine white sand beaches of Gulf State Park.
Relax and enjoy the beach.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Hangout

Head to The Hangout for a fun beachfront dining experience and try some local seafood dishes.
The Hangout is a 15-minute drive from Gulf State Park Beach.
$15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Gulf Shores Public Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Gulf Shores Public Beach and enjoy the sunset views.
Gulf Shores Public Beach is a short walk from The Hangout.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe

End the day with a delicious dinner at Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe, known for its casual beach vibe and tasty seafood.
Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe is a 5-minute drive from Gulf Shores Public Beach.
$20, 2 hours
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Day 2: Coastal Exploration

Gulf Shores, USA on June 9, 2024

9:00AM

Visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Start your day with a visit to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to explore the diverse coastal habitats and spot wildlife.
Drive to the refuge, it's a 20-minute drive from Gulf Shores.
$5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Picnic Beach

Enjoy a casual lunch at Picnic Beach, a local favorite known for its delicious BBQ and laid-back atmosphere.
Picnic Beach is a 15-minute drive from the wildlife refuge.
$10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Orange Beach Waterfront Park, a scenic spot with beautiful views of the water.
Drive to Orange Beach, it's a 30-minute drive from Picnic Beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Steamer & Baked Oyster Bar

Indulge in a seafood feast at The Steamer & Baked Oyster Bar, known for its fresh seafood and cozy atmosphere.
The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from Orange Beach Waterfront Park.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 3: Island Paradise

Perdido Key, USA on June 10, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Jellyfish Bar

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Jellyfish Bar, known for its unique menu and beachfront views.
Drive to Perdido Key, it's a 30-minute drive from Gulf Shores.
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Perdido Key Beach

Spend the morning unwinding at the stunning Perdido Key Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sands.
Enjoy the beach at Perdido Key.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Sunset Grille

Head to The Sunset Grille for a beachfront lunch with fresh seafood and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Perdido Key Beach.
$20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Big Lagoon State Park

Discover the natural beauty of Big Lagoon State Park with a leisurely walk along the trails and birdwatching opportunities.
Drive to the state park, it's a 15-minute drive from The Sunset Grille.
$5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fisherman's Corner

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Fisherman's Corner, a local seafood restaurant known for its casual atmosphere and fresh catches.
Fisherman's Corner is a 5-minute drive from Big Lagoon State Park.
$15, 2 hours
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Day 4: Coastal Charm

Destin, USA on June 11, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Donut Hole

Start your day with a sweet breakfast at The Donut Hole, a local favorite known for its delicious pastries and coffee.
Drive to Destin, it's a 1-hour drive from Perdido Key.
$10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Henderson Beach State Park

Spend the morning relaxing at Henderson Beach State Park, a beautiful coastal park with emerald waters and sugar-white sands.
Enjoy the beach at Henderson Beach State Park.
$5, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Back Porch

Head to The Back Porch for a beachfront dining experience with fresh seafood and Gulf views.
The restaurant is a 5-minute drive from Henderson Beach State Park.
$20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Destin Commons

Explore the shops and boutiques at Destin Commons for some retail therapy and unique finds.
Drive to Destin Commons, it's a 10-minute drive from The Back Porch.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dewey Destin's Harborside

Enjoy a seafood dinner at Dewey Destin's Harborside, a local gem overlooking the harbor with a laid-back atmosphere.
The restaurant is a 15-minute drive from Destin Commons.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Seaside Serenity

Destin, USA on June 12, 2024

9:00AM

Visit Crab Island

Embark on a boat tour to Crab Island, a popular sandbar destination with clear waters for swimming and water activities.
Join a boat tour to Crab Island for a unique experience, tours depart from Destin Harbor.
$30, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar

Enjoy a casual lunch at AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, a waterfront eatery known for its seafood baskets and Gulf views.
AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar is located near Destin Harbor.
$15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at James Lee Park Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding at James Lee Park Beach, a serene spot with calm waters and white sands.
Drive to James Lee Park Beach, it's a 20-minute drive from Destin Harbor.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

Indulge in a seafood dinner at Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House, a waterfront restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House is a 15-minute drive from James Lee Park Beach.
$20, 2 hours
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Day 6: Sun, Sand, & Fun

Panama City Beach, USA on June 13, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery, known for its tasty pastries and coffee.
Drive to Panama City Beach, it's a 2-hour drive from Destin.
$10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at St. Andrews State Park

Spend the morning at St. Andrews State Park, a nature lover's paradise with pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Enjoy the park's facilities and beach areas.
$5, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Schooners Beach Club

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at Schooners Beach Club, a laid-back spot with fresh seafood and ocean views.
The restaurant is located within St. Andrews State Park.
$20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Shell Island

Explore the natural beauty of Shell Island on a boat tour, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Take a boat tour from St. Andrews State Park to Shell Island.
$25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Capt. Anderson's Restaurant & Waterfront Market

End the day with a seafood dinner at Capt. Anderson's, a local institution known for its fresh catches and waterfront dining.
The restaurant is a short drive from St. Andrews State Park.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Beach Farewell

Panama City Beach, USA on June 14, 2024

9:00AM

Morning Beach Yoga

Start your day with a rejuvenating beach yoga session to relax your mind and body before heading back home.
Find a peaceful spot along the beach for your yoga practice.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Brunch at The Sandbar Seafood & BBQ Joint

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at The Sandbar Seafood & BBQ Joint, a local spot with a laid-back atmosphere and tasty dishes.
The restaurant is located near the beach.
$15, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend your last few hours in Panama City Beach relaxing on the sandy shores and soaking in the sun.
Find a cozy spot on the beach to unwind.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Departure

Gather your belongings and bid farewell to the beautiful Gulf Coast as you head back home with cherished memories of your shoestring budget road trip.
Drive back to your starting point or chosen departure location.
Variable, N/A
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