Unless you want to gamble don't go to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I live in Mississippi and I just returned from a long weekend at the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Alabama area. I pass our own beaches and drive 1 to 3 hours farther to spend my time on the best looking beaches I have ever been to, the panhandle. None of my friends or family go to the Mississippi Gulf Coast unless they are going for the casinos or for a business meeting. I don't care if you choose Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Alabama, Destin Florida, or Panama City Beach Florida, any of these locations are a fantastic choice. Choose any one of these choices over the Mississippi coast unless you are on a mission to donate money to the gaming industry of Mississippi.