Hi, we are trying to plan a low-key beach trip for July. Our group will include a toddler, very pregnant mom, and grandparents. We are driving from Arkansas. Gulfport is closer, but Dauphin Island looks really charming. If we are looking for an affordable, relaxing beach vacation that is family-friendly, can anyone recommend either Gulfport or Dauphin Island?

Thanks!

Of the two, definitely Dauphin Island. The beaches in Mississippi are not attractive. I would look at VRBO and get a nice beach house.

Thanks! If anyone has other suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I just don't think I want to drive much more than 8 hours with a two-year-old (especially since I'll be about 7 months pregnant at the time), so going further down into Florida isn't really an option.

I've never been to Dauphin but lived in Gulfport for 1.5 years. I'd choose Dauphin for sure.

The beach in Gulfport has US 90 running right next to it. City storm sewers drain into the ocean along the beach, at low tide you can see all the crud that gets deposited. It's really not a charming, relaxing family friendly kind of beach environment.