7 Delightful Towns to Visit on the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast of the United States, which stretches from Florida to Texas's southern border with Mexico, is among the most sought-after areas of the country in terms of vacation spots. Its generally beautiful weather, extensive beaches, natural beauty, and fun-filled towns and cities are enough reasons for most to travel to this region as a way to truly decompress, relax, and ultimately escape the colder climates up north.
A number of major cities call the Gulf Coast home, like Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, Tampa, and a few others, but today, we will focus on the smaller towns here that are well worth a visit. See what makes these seven destinations so delightful!
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope sits along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, just a short drive from the Mobile metro area. Established in 1894, this small town has become known for its laid-back attitude and robust arts, exemplified by galleries like the Eastern Shore Art Center. Events held here throughout the year, including the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, further draw artists and tourists alike.
Fairhope features a healthy collection of picturesque parks and green spaces within its downtown core, such as Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park, giving you great views of the bay. The pier, a popular spot for fishing and going on walks along its pathway, extends over 1,400 feet into the water, also making it an ideal place to watch the sunset. Spend a day at the beach at one of many spots nearby, including North Beach Park and Magnolia Beach.
If the summer heat is starting to feel oppressive, be sure to visit the Fairhope Museum of History. This former city hall building houses exhibits filled with artifacts.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
One of the oldest towns in the United States, let alone the Gulf Coast, having been founded in 1699, Ocean Springs serves not only as a resort town but also as a place that is rich with historical significance. Top museums like the Ocean Springs Historical Society Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved building, and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, are highly recommended to learn more about Ocean Springs's past and artistic legacy.
Natural attractions are also a big draw here, with the Davis Bayou Area Gulf Islands National Seashore at the southeast end of the town limits. This collection of islands and untouched swamplands is full of walking paths and boat launches, each allowing you to explore this wonderful nature preserve in-depth. Camping is also available here at the Davis Bayou Campground, for those looking for a fun place to stay the night close by.
Apalachicola, Florida
Apalachicola, in Florida’s Panhandle, was once a bustling port that has since preserved its character, with over 900 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places within it that continue to be preserved. The town’s downtown area is filled with these beautifully restored, mainly 19th-century, structures that now house unique shops, fresh seafood restaurants, and hotels that you can stay that night in.
The Apalachicola River, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico, plays a central role in the town’s identity. It is a place where locals and visitors can embark on boating, fishing, or simply exploring the surrounding wetlands. The town is also famous for its oysters, and you can enjoy fresh, locally harvested seafood at many of the waterfront eateries like the renowned Up the Creek Raw Bar.
Learn more about this Florida town at the John Gorrie Museum State Park. This landmark honors the town’s most famous resident, Dr. John Gorrie, the inventor of the first ice machine, whose work laid the groundwork for modern air conditioning. Any visit to the Gulf Coast in the summer will show you the importance of this vital technology.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
With roots dating back to the 17th century, Bay St. Louis is a haven for history enthusiasts with its still-standing collection of historic homes and churches, many of which have been carefully restored. Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church is a fine example, its structure standing for almost 100 years as of 2024. The Old Town district is the heart of Bay St. Louis, featuring an array of businesses and other amenities, many of which are housed in the noted old buildings.
As with many towns on this list, a standout attraction here is the town's main beach, that being the Bay St. Louis Beach in this case. For some great views of town and the surrounding area, the nearby Bay Bridge, which connects Bay St. Louis to neighboring communities, offers a panoramic sightline of the coastline and is a popular spot for walking and cycling.
The annual Bay BridgeFest and Second Saturday Art Walk add to the town’s appeal, bringing together residents and visitors for music, art, and all-around celebration of what this area has to offer.
Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas sits on Mustang Island off the coast of Texas, a spit of land jutting out into the ocean in front of the city of Corpus Christi. Accessible by ferry or bridge, this town is a popular destination for those seeking a laid-back beach experience in southern Texas, its main draw being its 18 miles of unspoiled beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, or simply basking in the sun.
Birdwatching is an incredibly popular activity here, with the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center being a must-visit for those interested in the pastime. This natural area at the north end of Port Aransas is a peaceful setting that is perfect for observing a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Make sure to stop off at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture in order to get a 360 view of the protected wildland. Additionally, the nearby Mustang Island State Park is full of places to go hiking, camping, and boating.
Cedar Key, Florida
Enjoy an island escape in one of Florida's best coastal towns. Cedar Key is a hidden gem known for tropical beauty and relative isolation from the rest of the state. Established in the mid-19th century, Cedar Key was once a thriving port and even a railroad hub. Today, it’s a peaceful retreat where you can step back in time and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Gulf Coast.
Cedar Key has a notable district that features museums like the Cedar Key Historical Society, and tasty restaurants serving only the freshest, locally caught, seafood. No trip is complete here without a visit to Steamers Clam Bar & Grill, a classic eatery near the water. The Cedar Key Museum State Park, at the extreme north end of the key, contains pathways along the forested shores, a curated museum, and a restored home from the 1920s as well.
The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is yet another excellent destination for birdwatchers, kayakers, and those interested in exploring the area’s delicate ecosystems.
Port Isabel, Texas
Port Isabel is at the southern tip of Texas along the Gulf Coast. Established in the early 19th century, the town’s historical significance is highlighted by landmarks such as the Port Isabel Lighthouse, which has been guiding mariners since 1853. You can climb the lighthouse for some of the best views of the town of the Gulf and the surrounding area.
Museums, including the Port Isabel Historical Museum, showcase artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s dependence on the ocean and settlement by both the Spanish and, later, Americans in times past. Next door, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum is more child-friendly and has a greater focus on notable shipwrecks that took place nearby.
Port Isabel is also the gateway to South Padre Island, which is renowned for its beautiful beaches and abundance of activities, including theme parks like Gravity Park and Beach Waterpark.
Find Delight on the Gulf Coast
You would be hard-pressed not to find a delightful little town on the Gulf Coast. Between the numerous pristine beaches, cultural landmarks, and excellent weather, dozens of other places in this region could have easily made this list. These seven towns are among the best and cover multiple states along this idyllic shoreline deep in America's south. Regardless of where you go, the many travel destinations mentioned above are sure to make your next trip here a memorable one.
