I took this trip in 2025, but it still feels like yesterday. In an attempt to visit all 50 US states, I let my credit card and membership perks guide the adventure — using every last benefit before it expires, which I usually combine with travel offers and points.
This trip was planned 2 months prior, sparked by my partner’s casino stay offers. A few calls and clicks later, we were booked and on our way.
July 3, Day 0: Red-eye flight from the Bay Area
We took a 10:25 PM flight from San Jose with a 2.5 hours layover in Atlanta (where we were able to use the Centurion Lounge for breakfast and relaxing). We had points to cover our first class flights so we were kind of comfortable on a wide, extra reclining seat with snacks and drinks offered on the flight.
July 4, Day 1: Mississippi and Alabama
9 AM – Touchdown Gulfport, MS ✈️
We landed at Gulfport (GPT), grabbed our rental car, and officially kicked off vacation mode. The drive to our first hotel (Beau Rivage Resort & Casino) was only about 25-30 minute away — unfortunately, we were too early for check-in (and they didn’t have early check-in available). We explored the property instead and fed the slot machines for a bit!
Since we had another hotel comped in the area, we decided to head out there — Harrah’s Gulf Coast. Thanks to my partner’s Caesars Rewards perks and his Diamond status, we were able to do an early check in and relax before the July 4th festivities begin.
12 noon – “We’re only an hour away…” 🚙
It was still the midday and Mobile, Alabama is just about an hour’s drive away. Of course we said: Why not?
Mobile, AL
Mobile happens to be where the very first Mardi Gras took place — and since we were heading to New Orleans the next day, this felt like a fitting historical warm-up. The drive was quick, and we explored the park and surrounding area.
Surprisingly, the city was quiet. Streets were empty, businesses were closed, and it felt almost eerie… but in a peaceful way. Probably a holiday thing. Still, it was a pleasant detour and a fun little history lesson.
4:00 PM – Back to the casinos 🏨🎰
Biloxi, MS
By late afternoon, we headed back to Harrah’s Gulf Coast. Hunger had officially set in, so we grabbed our first proper meal of the trip. The food and drinks were decent enough to rescue my empty stomach.
With energy restored, we made our way to feed the slots… because when in a casino, one must try their luck!
8:00 PM – Fireworks anticipation 🎆🎇
Fireworks were scheduled at 9PM but by 8PM, we were already done gambling. So we went back to the room to relax… or so we thought.
About 15 minutes before showtime, we heard loud commotion in the hallway. At first, we assumed it was a group of party people headed to some epic July 4th room bash. Turns out—everyone was going to the rooftop.
There was a staircase on our floor with rooftop access, and suddenly the mystery made sense.
9:00 PM – Plan change (Again — in a relaxing way)
We debated joining the crowd but decided against it. Instead, we remembered that our other hotel—the Beau Rivage—had a much better ambiance. So we packed up, headed to the car, and drove to the rooftop to watch the rest of the fireworks display. Ten minutes in, we decided to drive around and enjoy the fireworks along the way to the Beau Rivage.
Convertible + Fireworks = Core Memory ✨
Best. Idea. Ever.
The main street and garage entrance were blocked, but we arrived just as they reopened it. Perfect timing. It was around 9:30 PM, and fireworks were still going strong at the stadium right by the hotel. They had fireworks after the game ended… and we had a front-row seat.
10:00 PM – Late Night Stroll & Open-Container Fun 🍹
Since we were only in town for one night, we went back down to walk around and soak it all in. Fun fact: certain parts of the street allow open alcohol, so naturally, we stopped by Fat Tuesday for a drink.
Fireworks, a spontaneous road trip, casino hopping, and a convertible moment — Not a bad way to kick off a July 4th getaway!
July 5, Day 3: Mississippi and Louisiana
With no warning at all, it started downpouring as soon as we finished breakfast at Waffle House. Good thing we put the convertible top back up before we went in… otherwise, our seats would have been soaked, making for a very uncomfortable drive to Louisiana!
The largest store in the state of Mississippi was conveniently on the way to New Orleans—and who can resist a stop at Buc-ee’s?
3:00 PM – Crossing the state line 🛣️
About 30 minutes after crossing the state line, we arrived in central New Orleans (NOLA). We used points for an overnight stay at The Westin New Orleans, which turned out to be a good redemption… in the heart pf the city and by the French Quarter.
We did try to use our free nights at Caesars Palace New Orleans, but since we booked a weekend booking in Gulfport, it didn’t allow us to have overlapping booking. Lesson learned!
4:00 PM – Settled in 🛀
We were upgraded to a corner suite and in the room by 4 PM. The room was gorgeous with the view of the Mississippi River. Naturally, we took a short rest (okay, maybe an hour-ish) before heading back out to explore.
5:30 PM – Riverwalk and Casinos 🛍️🚏🎰
We got our steps in strolling through the Riverwalk shopping plaza before heading to Caesars Palace to test our luck.
After a little bit of gambling, we made our way back to our room for room service and try some local delicacies… they weren’t bad!
Bourbon Street is known for being the busiest and liveliest part of the French Quarter, so it was a must. After recharging, we headed back out and took an Uber to Café du Monde for some beignets.
From there, we walked back through the French Quarter, passing right by Bourbon Street.
I’ve been here during Mardi Gras season, and since it was summertime, I assumed it wouldn’t be as busy. I was very wrong. The street was buzzing with energy, and bead throwers were still leaning over balconies like it was parade season.
We got a few drinks and just like Biloxi, open-container is allowed on the streets. With some refreshing slushies in hand, we made our way back to the hotel.
It was definitely an eventful night. We even witnessed paramedics performing CPR on a sidewalk along busy Bourbon Street—an intense reminder of just how wild the area can get.
Just like that, we were back at the hotel by midnight.
July 6, Day 4: End of the Long Weekend 😎
There wasn’t a direct flight back home with a late afternoon departure time and reasonable fare, so we opted to take Southwest with a layover in Phoenix.
The Sazerac House was on the list to visit before leaving, but with morning sprinkles and zero motivation to go anywhere besides the hotel room, we decided to skip it.
We had brunch at the hotel before checking out. Since our flight was at 6:45 PM, we checked out around 3:30 PM to allow enough time to get gas, return the car, and check our luggage.
I was surprised to see that Cafe Du Monde has an airport location in New Orleans (MSY).
Our layover in PHX was only 40 minutes, which meant sprinting from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4. We heard our flight announcement calling for the last remaining passengers—apparently us.
We finally made it to our seats, completely out of breath, only to find out the flight crew hadn’t even arrived yet. So yes… we absolutely could have skipped the cardio.
Overall, this was a fun mix of planned and unplanned adventures—and a trip we won’t forget anytime soon!
Recap and Important Things to Note
- Maximize your perks 🤩
- Have some flexibility — list the things you want to see and don’t feel bad if you don’t make it ✅
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes 🌦️
- Be prepared for delays and wear comfortable shoes in case you need to run to your gate 😅
Live well. Eat well. Travel well. 