7 Cutest Small Towns In The Gulf Coast For 2025
The Gulf Coast has been a frequent vacation favorite for many years. As time goes by and towns become larger and more densely populated, it can be challenging to find those true gem small-town charmers. Old Florida is not obsolete; Florida is not the only state with wonderful little towns along the Gulf Coast, and small-town charm still exists. This article will focus on seven of the cutest small towns to visit on the Gulf Coast in 2025.
Venice, Florida
Venice is located just south of Sarasota and offers 14 miles of beaches and that small-town, old-Florida charm. Downtown Venice features local shops and eateries to explore. If you're craving sweets, Ciao Gelato is the place to be. It has various flavors and ingredients sourced directly from Italy. Prime Serious Steak is an excellent choice for dinner. They have a robust wine and steak selection for a night out. Venice is world-famous for finding shark teeth off its shores. Before trying out your luck at Caspersen Beach, you can head to Shark Frenzy Inc. for their unique sifter equipment. Venice Beach is perfect for watching sunsets or joining morning yoga.
Orange Beach, Alabama
White sands and delicious coastal cuisine await visitors in Orange Beach. Parasailing over the 32 miles of sugar-sand shores is a vacationer’s favorite around town. Orange Beach Parasail has affordable flight and photo packages, and Alabama Girl Fishing Charters offers a family-friendly fishing charter environment. They offer up to four hours out on the water, all gear included, along with filleting and cleaning your catch to take home. Orange Beach has a myriad of festivals throughout the year. Orange Beach Freedom Fest in September and the National Shrimp Festival in October draw thousands of visitors.
Apalachicola, Florida
The port town of Apalachicola has long been a favorite of locals and travelers looking for a small, friendly experience. It is 90 minutes southwest of Tallahassee and has some of the best oysters in the U.S. at places like Dockside or The Station Raw Bar. For history lovers, the Historic District houses more than 900 Victorian homes dating back to the 1830s. Visitors can access a self-guided walking tour through this district to stroll through the town’s history or head to John Gorrie Museum State Park. In November, Apalachicola hosts the Florida Seafood Festival, the only place for the freshest seafood.
Seaside, Florida
Seaside is a small community on Florida’s Gulf Coast designed to be walkable and encourage people to be outside. The town was constructed in the 1980s and has a mini population of 1,228 (including cats and dogs). Grayton Beach State Park is a wonderful place to camp or visit for the day. In the heart of town, the Seaside Amphitheater regularly features live music. Visitors can enjoy the savory array of menus at nearby “Airstream Row”. It's a collection of vintage trailers turned gourmet food trucks. For some added exercise, the Timpoochee Trail is an 18-mile path ideal for bicycling.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Known as the City of Discovery, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is a historic beauty. It’s a town well known for its art and festivals. Visitors can enjoy the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center of Arts & Education, or Shearwater Pottery. Ocean Springs has 62 miles of coastline, so you can enjoy a beach day or hop on a tour. For family fun, head to Ocean Adventures Marine Park. They offer visitors an up-close encounter with dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. Gamblers will love the selection of casinos in Ocean Springs. Beau Rivage, Scarlet Pearl, and Hard Rock all offer resort services alongside their casinos.
Dunedin, Florida
The homey town of Dunedin (pronounced done-EE-din) charms even the least likely tourist. It is home to Honeymoon Island, one of Florida's best beach day destinations. Visitors can explore nature trails and enjoy an unspoiled view of the Gulf Coast. The Toronto Blue Jays host spring training in Dunedin so locals and tourists can catch a major or minor league game. Beer enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Dunedin is home to 8 craft brewers. Many visitors do a “pub crawl” to experience all of them within one day. Dunedin Brewery is the oldest microbrewery in Florida.
Fairhope, Alabama
With views of Mobile Bay and the French Quarter, Fairhope is a sweet town with southern charm. Visit the Fairhope French Quarter to see the oldest crape myrtle in the South. Travelers love the Fairhope Municipal Pier. It is a ¼-mile pier with swimming, rose gardens, walking trails, and a restaurant. Spend a day with Making Waves Charters. They offer scenic cruises, sailing, and saltwater fishing. The best local ice cream spot can be found at Mr. Gene’s Beans. It has been a Fairhope favorite for over 25 years. Grab a Fairhope Float consisting of frozen yogurt, coffee, and whipped cream.
The small towns that make up the Gulf Coast are notable. Each one feels worlds away from the larger cities they surround. "Old Florida" is alive and well! These towns are full of history, festivities to celebrate their corners of the world, and mom-and-pop shops handed down by generations. A trip to any of these cute Gulf Coast towns is sure to be memorable and enjoyable for families, couples, or solo travelers.
