Top Gulf Coast Beaches to Visit this Summer

A budget-friendly beach escape without the hassle of traveling overseas

Dreaming of an escape to paradise without the hassle of traveling overseas? You'll be surprised by the white-sand beaches, calm emerald-green waters, and endless sunshine you can find right here in the United States. Some of the best beaches in the country are along the Gulf of Mexico, making it no surprise it's ranked as a favorite among beachgoers. Plus, you'll find several Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations close to these Gulf Coast beaches, making them the best choice for a budget-friendly beach weekend getaway.   Check out the full list below.

Destin Beach Florida

Destin, Florida

  • Best for Families, couples
  • Activities: Deep sea fishing, parasailing, snorking, dolphin watching
  • Accomodation: Motel 6 Destin
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This is the perfect place fo ra fun-filled weekend for the whole family; whether it's visiting adventure parks, sightseeing or signing up for a few excursions, you'll find someting for everyone to enjoy. While deep sea fishing is one of the top things to do in Destin, other must-do watersport actitvities include parasailing, snorkling, and dolphin watching. Off the water, enjoy visiting one of many popular hot spots such as Destin Harbor, Destin Commons, and Sandestin Outlets for seafood dining, shopping, and entertainment. Stay at our Motel 6 Destin location conveniently located downtown and just two miles from the beach. 

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • Best for Families, couples
  • Activities: Dolphin watching, biking, spoting local wildlife, collecting sand dollars
  • Accomodation: Motel 6 Gulf Shores
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Gulf Shores offers a long list of activities to do on both land and sea. Take advantage of the diversity of marine life by going on a dolphin-watching tour or go biking to check out local wildlife at the Gulf State Park. If you would rather walk along the beach, take a bag and collect some of the sand dollars that wash up on shore. Visit our Motel 6 Gulf Shores is located just three miles from the beach, marina, and popular attractions. 

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Pensacola Beach, Florida

  • Best for Families, couples
  • Activities: Kayaking, fishing, shopping, museums
  • Accomodation: Studio 6 Pensacola
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Located at the western tip of Florida, this barrier island offers an extensive range of activities to enjoy. Pensacola Beach has crystal clear water and sandy beaches for watersport activities. In addition, there are plenty of museums, shops, and affordable dining restaurants. Stay at our fully renovated Studio 6 Pensacola location near the Pensacola Fairgrounds and Five Flags Speedway, just a short drive from the beach. 

Mustang Island, Texas

Mustang Island, Texas

  • Best for Families, couples
  • Activities: Kayaking, fishing, bird watching, golfing, shopping, museums
  • Accomodation: Motel 6 Corpus Christi

 

Located near Corpus Christi, Mustang Island offers plenty of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, swimming, and birding. When you're not at the beach, visit one of many seaside golf courses, restaurants, boutiques, or art galleries near Port Aransas. Stay at our fully renovated Motel 6 Corpus Christi location, which is close to downtown and to many famous attractions such as the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington, and Mustang Island Beach. 

Venice Beach Florida

Venice, Florida

  • Best for Families, couples
  • Activities: Sightseeing, shopping, fishing, museums
  • Accomodation: Motel 6 Venice
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The city gets its name from the waterways and canals that cut through it, much like Venice, Italy. The beautiful historic downtown architecture is ready to be explored, along with the sugar-like white sand beach gives you many reasons to want to visit the area. Make your stay in Venice much more affordable by booking a room at our Motel 6 Venice property, located less than two miles from Venice Beach. 

Manasota Key, Florida

Manasota Key has become one of Florida's best-kept secrets. This quiet, 11-mile barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast is located halfway between Tampa and Fort Myers. This less-crowded beach also offers many amenities such as free parking, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, grills, boat ramps, and paved trails. If you enjoy collecting different beach memorabilia throughout your adventures, you will find plenty of shark teeth along the shoreline! Just 4 miles from this gorgeous beach, we have our dual-brand Motel 6 Englewood and a Studio 6 Englewood property that offers a kitchenette, an outdoor pool, and free wifi. 

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

  • Best for Dog-lovers, families, couples
  • Activities: Sightseeing, watching sunset, shopping, dining
  • Accomodation: Studio 6 Ocean Springs
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Bring your four-legged friend along for this weekend's getaway. The beach at Ocean Springs is dog-friendly and popular for enjoying sunsets. Check out the scenic and artsy community known for its dining. Ocean Springs has a very pedestrian-friendly downtown with a variety of antique and vintage shops. Stay at our Studio 6 Ocean Springs location, located just 4 miles from the beach. We have rooms that offer a microwave, fridge, free wifi, and up to two pets stay free.

Galveston, Texas

  • Best for Families, couples
  • Activities: Amusement rides, shopping, museums
  • Accomodation: Motel 6 Galveston
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The island city of Galveston is under an hour away from Houston, with plenty of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. You can check out the Moody Gardens, a giant glass pyramid - which houses sharks, monkeys, and other wildlife animals. In addition, there are amusement rides and restaurants at the Historic Pleasure Pier on the South Shore. Motel 6 Galveston is located just under four miles from Galveston Beach and offers an outdoor pool, accessible rooms, and free wifi.