Gulf State Park

Picture yourself nursing a daiquiri on white sand beaches under a royal blue parasol. You're not in Jamaica, but close enough. Gulf State Park boasts a two mile stretch of idyllic beaches and pavilions to satisfy your every whimsy. Zoom down one of the park's zip lines or try your hand on the 18-hole golf course. PGA pro staff mean you'll pick the right club to swing, and the snack bars mean you'll never go hungry. Hike one of 10 trails and keep an eye out for wildlife like bobcats, alligators, and even black bears. Fishing enthusiasts have 900 acres of fishing from the beach or dock of Lake Shelby, and with everything from camping to cottages, your budget shouldn't be a road block here. State park? More like resort.