The U.S. Gulf Coast stretches more than 1,600 miles across five states, from Texas to Florida. So when people go to book Gulf Coast vacations, they quickly realize how just how many options they have. But some places stand out, not just for their scenery, but for their other nearby attractions. Here's our list of the best Gulf Coast beaches, along with our suggestions for what to do while you're there.

Clearwater Beach | Clearwater, FL

Why it's great: It boasts 2.5 miles of picture-perfect white sand, earning it the title of "Best Beach in America" from The Huffington Post.

Featured hotel: Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key. Book now starting at $187/night.

While you're there: Plenty of people have surfed the waters here, but far fewer have surfed the sky. Sky Surfing Aviation takes guests soaring above the beaches during half-hour flights on aircraft that resemble motorcycles attached to hang gliders. Click to see our deal on a scenic sky-surfing intro flight. 

Pensacola Beach | Pensacola, FL

Why it's great: Listed as one of TripAdvisor's "Top 25 Beaches in the US", it boasts gorgeous blue-green waters that are famously walkable due to their shallow depths.

Featured hotel: Pensacola Grand Hotel. Book now starting at $139/night.

While you're there: Pensacola's a long way from Daytona, but you can still get a taste of speed with a visit to Rusty Wallace Racing Experience. You can either ride shotgun with an experienced driver or take the wheel yourself for a few laps on a professional speedway. Click to see our deal on racing experiences.

Sanibel Island Beaches | Near Cape Coral, FL

Why it's great: Sanibel Island was rated the best shelling spot in America by Travel + Leisure magazine. The casuarina trees along its shore ensure a comfortable stroll for beachcombers hunting false angel wings and other famously prominent shells.

Featured hotel: Holiday Inn Sanibel Island. Book now starting at $179/night.

While you're there: Head a little further from shore with a deep-sea fishing expedition from Pure Florida, which leaves from nearby Naples. Click to see our deal on deep-sea fishing trips for one or two.

Orange Beach | Orange Beach, AL

Why it's great: Orange Beach in Alabama has all the amenities of the major Florida Gulf Coast beaches, yet if you come during the offseason you'll have no trouble finding a secluded spot to yourself—probably because only about 5,000 people live in town permanently.

Featured hotel: Perdido Beach Resort. Book now starting at $249/night.

While you're there: Nature lovers will be hard-pressed to find a more thrilling experience than spotting dolphin pods in the wild. Fortunately the guides at Dolphin Tours know just where to look for them. Click to see our deal on two-hour dolphin watch tours.

South Padre Island | Near Brownsville, TX

Why it's great: South Padre Island may be best known as a wild Spring Break destination, but family-friendly features such as the quirky Sand Castle Trail and the ever-popular Kite Festival make this one of the best Gulf Coast beaches to visit the rest of the year, too.

Featured hotel: Pearl South Padre. Book now starting at $249/night.

While you're there: Grabbing a snorkel and heading out into the water is fun on its own, but Sail SPI takes the activity to the next level with BYOB snorkeling cruises complete with onboard grilling. Click to see our deal on three-hour snorkeling cruises.