Traveling more frequently in the United States during the pandemic, we’ve often found ourselves surprised and delighted by the natural beauty, cultural complexity and excellent food to be found in some of America’s less obvious destinations. This was a recurring theme of a fascinating and relaxing visit to the Gulf Coast, from the Florida Panhandle to Mississippi. The trip offered a variety of friendly and comfortable hotels, each with a strong sense of place. And it was a pleasure to explore downtown pedestrian districts and local museums, in between spells of savoring the sea breeze in veranda rocking chairs.