7 Most Inviting Towns On The Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast is the portion of the USA that falls along the Gulf of Mexico, a beautiful saltwater area full of coral reefs, thousands of underwater species, and bright turquoise waters. It touches the US states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Florida. Connecting to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico is a popular destination for cruise ships, fishing charters, and diving teams. It is also home to some of the most stunning resort towns and white sandy beaches. So whether you're looking to work on your tan, shop some adorable boutiques, indulge in local cuisine, or participate in dozens of family-friendly activities, the Gulf Coast has the resort town, quaint village, or oceanfront campsite for you.
Grand Isle, Lousiana
Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle, is a two-hour drive from New Orleans. It is a laid-back community with tons of opportunities for fishing, birding, and beach lounging. Tour the Elmers Island Wildlife Refuge, which also connects to Elmers Island Beach. Swim, jet ski, beach comb, and tan at Grand Isle Beach, located right in town.
At Grand Isle State Park, you can take advantage of the public fishing pier, or if you require a more accessible area, you can fish off the handicap-dedicated pier at Smith Lake. Choose from over a dozen fishing charters if you want to get out on the water. The island is home to over 280 fish species, leaving no shortage of impressive catches. The town also has a kayak launch, where you can explore the shorelines and journey out to the Fort Livingston Fortress to the east.
For dinner, indulge in some delicious seafood, and if you really want to embrace the state, get it served up cajun style. Looking for a place to spend the night? There is no shortage of rental cabins, bed and breakfast joints, motels, and even an RV park. And getting around town couldn't be easier with its taxi service as well as the ability to rent golf carts, which are allowed as a means of transport to anywhere you want to go.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Known as one of the oldest communities in America, Biloxi was established in 1699 and has since become a coastal resort town full of activities. It also has no shortage of museums that cover various topics, including the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art and the Coastal Mardi Gras Museum. Spend the day at the beach at the Mississippi Gulf Coast, or get up close to friendly sea creatures at the Ocean Adventures Marine Park. Here, you can swim with dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions.
Want even more water fun? Take the short drive to the Gulf Islands Waterpark with giant slides and spray parks. Want to keep it lowkey? Play some golf at the Bay Breeze golf course, or visit one of the many casinos within town. If you wish to explore even further, cross the Biloxi Bay Bridge into Ocean Springs, which has its own beaches, museums, and parks.
South Padre Island, Texas
Located near Port Isabel, South Padre Island has a vast array of activities that cover all the bases, whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush, a new hobby, or a line off your bucket list. A resort town, it has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, from oceanfront hotels with swimming pools to beach houses and condo rentals. Keep your stomach happy with seaside grills, oceanfront cafes, cajun kitchens, and oyster bars. Get your fruit fix in the morning with delicious smoothies and acai bowls.
Now, let's get into the massive list of activities South Padre has to offer. Pet and snap some photos with wild dolphins on a dedicated tour, or see some new species at the birding center. Climb aboard a pirate-themed cruise or ride the tiki bar boat. There are also dozens of fishing charters, snorkeling tours, and sightseeing excursions. Near the beach, experience some thrills by trying out flyboarding, kiteboarding, or parasailing. Want to touch the sky? Sign up to go skydiving or tag along on a helicopter tour.
On land, head to the Beach Park at Isla Blanca. Ride the gigantic waterslides, play in the children's waterpark, buddy up on the tube rides, zoom across the park on the ziplines, or relax at the swim-up bar. You can also visit Gravity Park, which offers giant swings, both children's and adult go-karting, including a multi-level track, as well as mini golf, a Ferris wheel, trampolines, and a climbing wall. Another option is the Island Adventure Park, which has horseback riding, a petting zoo, banana boats, ziplines, and even an on-site massage parlor. If you happen to arrive near a launch time, experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of watching a SpaceX rocket take off at the Texas launch site, located under an hour away from town.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach takes amusement to a whole new level. A coastal resort town right next to the town of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach is a family-friendly paradise catering to everybody. Come around Mardi Gras and be a part of the parades, or come for the Festival of Art. Swim at the Gulf Shores beaches and learn to surf, waterski, parasail, and dive. Visit the Wharf, an open-air walkway featuring a Ferris wheel, ice cream, shopping, and movie theater.
Further inland is the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where you can hang out with giraffes, lions, kangaroos, and more. Play some mini golf at two major locations. At Jurassic Golf, you can play the indoor glow-in-the-dark dinosaur-themed course. Or you can go to Adventure Island near the beach, which not only has an outdoor course but also go-karts, bumper boats, and games. If waterslides are your thing, take a trip to Waterville USA, which also has a trampoline park, arcade, and bowling. Back in town, have a picnic at the Orange Beach Waterfront Park, which is home to fantastic playgrounds and lots of play areas. Want to get out on the water? Take a dolphin sightseeing cruise or hire a fishing charter. When you're hungry, take advantage of the many restaurants and bars, including seafood, Mexican, and Southern cuisine.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Enjoy the beauty and heat of Florida without the large crowds and expenses. Fort Walton Beach is the perfect sandy getaway and is next to Okaloosa Island and Destin. It has plenty of water activities, whether you are looking for a peaceful afternoon or an exhilarating rush. Take up snorkeling and scuba diving with lessons. Jet ski, parasail, and kiteboard on the waves, or learn to surf. Get out on the water with a party boat, go on a glass bottom cruise that is perfect for ocean life viewing, or sail aboard a pirate ship. You can also rent a pontoon boat and spend the afternoon fishing.
Want to get up close with the local marine life? Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, watch a dolphin or sea lion show, or tour Gator Beach, which offers interactive alligator exhibits. For curious minds, tour the Emerald Coast Science Center, offering hands-on learning opportunities. Once you've spent your adrenaline, walk the Okaloosa Island Pier and stop in at the boardwalk, where you can find lots of dining and shopping options. Back in Fort Walton, sample some BBQ, seafood, and craft beer. Wake up feeling refreshed at one of the many hotel options, and even get in a game at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
A laidback town, Bay St. Louis is also next to the community of Waveland, combining the two's endless activities. Visit the Buccaneer State Park, where you can play disc golf, fish, and swim, as well as spend the afternoon at the waterpark, which offers a wave pool, slides, and spray park. Enjoy the picturesque bay by taking a sunset cruise or a daytime boat tour.
The streets of Bay St. Louis have nothing but charm, especially Old Town, which is home to art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Check out an antique store, a gift shop, a children's boutique, and artisan spaces. In the summer, dine at the Waveland Food Truck event, hosted every Friday. On every second Saturday, enjoy the Art Walk, featuring vendors, displays, and performances. Don't worry about packing anything extra, as the town rents just about anything, from kayaks to golf carts, bikes, and beach accessories like chairs and umbrellas. Looking for a place to stay? The massive Hollywood Casino has its own golf course, as well as a spa, pool, lazy river, and event space that hosts dozens of concerts and shows.
Naples, Florida
Naples is a luxury vacation at its finest. Experience world-class shopping, beaches, and resorts. Located between Tampa and Miami, Naples offers just as many things to do, from animal exhibits to golfing and water sports. Visit Naples Beach and tan on the sand or fish off the Naples Pier. Spend the afternoon at the Naples Botanical Garden, featuring guided tours, live music, and art displays. At the Naples Zoo, interact with monkeys, alligators, and kangaroos, or visit Wonder Gardens, where you can see flamingos, peacocks, and dozens of reptile species. Take a tour of the swamp sanctuary, or go ocean sightseeing for dolphins and manatees. Want to see Florida from above? Splurge on a plane tour. Back on land, take advantage of the many spas, pools, and fine dining options. Naples is also home to seemingly endless golf options, including the Quail Creek, Palmira, and Royal Poinciana courses. Want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Book a private tour of the Shy Wolf Sanctuary, which rehabilitates wolves, raccoons, foxes, and more.
While the US portion of the Gulf of Mexico only represents a portion of it, there is no shortage of vacation hotspots and adventures to be had. Accompanying various budgets and desires, you'll surely find your next getaway, whether it be to surf, suntan, beach comb, fish, or sightsee.
