7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns on the Gulf Coast
Consisting of the long coastline of the Southern United States, some several million inhabitants call America’s Gulf Coast home. Spanning the States of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, the laid-back communities on or near the Gulf of Mexico are great places of relaxation, beauty, and charm. From fishing towns to colonial settlements, a visit across the Gulf States and its pleasant towns will definitely delight the young and old with their varied attractions. So wait no longer and come see America’s Gulf Coast across an exploration of some of its most laid-back towns, where splendid memories and a desire to return are never far away!
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Also known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” there is perhaps no better place in Louisiana than Breaux Bridge to enjoy truly authentic Cajun cooking. With a foundational history dating to the late 18th century, today, just under 7,500 residents call this exciting place home, where a vibrant cultural scene and natural beauty come together. Host to a number of popular annual festivals, guests will especially not want to miss out on the Crawfish Festival in early May. Here, delicious seafood, local vendors, live music, and entertainment for all ages truly delight you in this authentically Southern celebration.
In addition, time spent along the beautiful Lake Martin is always popular. Take advantage of opportunities to see some unique Louisiana wildlife, including herons and alligators, all while soaking up the hot sun and humid climate typical of the American Deep South.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Located on the barrier island of the same name, the town of Grand Isle invites all guests with its splendid natural setting along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Just under 1,000 residents call this charming community home, known for its hot summers and warm winters where scenic opportunities to go swimming, fishing, sailing, and even wildlife watching attract tourists from across the country. And of course even just simple sunbathing or strolling the beach side may be all that is needed for a most relaxing vacation outing.
From there make sure to visit the Bridge Side Marina for stunning Gulf Coast ocean views, while a fine assortment of tasty Cajun restaurants and other local shops fill out the landscape. Finally for those visiting in the early spring, be sure to take in the sights of the April Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival. Here stunning views of some of the State’s most beautiful birds make for quite the special set of memories, no matter one’s age.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
The southernmost town in Alabama, the beautifully scenic town of Gulf Shores, is located right on the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its very hot summer and warm winter temperatures, a modest population of just over 15,000 inhabitants calls this wonderful place home. Thousands of tourists arrive annually to enjoy the Gulf Shores’ climate, its splendid ocean vistas, and its pretty beach areas.
Go swimming, sailing, fishing, and sunbathing while a relaxing round of golf at any number of picturesque courses in the area makes for a most relaxing vacation. In addition, the whole family can enjoy excursions to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for some intimate encounters with a variety of animal and plant life. Add in great local shops, diners, and other businesses (many along the beachfront), and visiting Gulf Shores is definitely one of the finest holiday spots to experience in the American South.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Right in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, the splendid town of Dauphin Island is also known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama.” With its beautiful scenery and hot climate, it is easy to see what makes this such a special place to visit. Situated on the barrier island of the same name, the area was first permanently settled in the 16th century by Spanish and French colonists and today a humble population of just under 2,000 call it home.
A wonderful destination for both nature enthusiasts and history lovers, Dauphin Island offers the most memorable time for all ages. Relax on the beach, bask in the sun, take in the coastal breezes, and enjoy opportunities to swim and sail in the warm waters. Meanwhile amongst the historic attractions of note include Fort Gaines (1821), where the Battle of Mobile Bay was fought in 1864 during the Civil War. Finally, one can end one’s day at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Aquarium, which has varied displays featuring species such as alligators, turtles, crabs, and other sea life.
Pass Christian, Mississippi
Discovered by French colonists in the late 17th century, the beautifully scenic town of Pass Christian lies right along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast in Harrison County. Today, nearly 6,200 inhabitants call this most charming place home, and it is also affectionately known as “The Pass.” A popular destination for tourists, hot summers and warm winters characterize the town’s climate, and with a number of pleasing harbor areas and golden sandy beaches, spending time in Pass Christian is a delight throughout the year.
Meanwhile, make sure to experience the Pass Christian Scenic Drive Historic District, where many charming mansions, cottages, and other edifices from the 19th century line the street. From there, visit the Enchanted Nature Trail, where cute features like a butterfly garden and a fairy tale theme join with stunning nature to entertain and delight all ages of visitors!
Cedar Key, Florida
Though it has a population of around 700 permanent residents, Cedar Key remains one of Florida’s most pristine and beautiful destinations. Located along the Gulf Coast in Levy County, Cedar Key boasts truly stunning beach areas where activities like swimming, fishing, and sailing continue to be popular with tourists and locals alike. One can even admire a number of tropical bird species that reside in the area!
Additionally, Cedar Key’s historic character is also a charming part of its allure. Formally established in the 1850s, the is home to several landmarks that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Island Hotel (1861) and the Cedar Key Museum State Park, amongst others. At the Museum, one can get acquainted with island life in the 19th century, while the role of indigenous peoples in the very early settlement of the land can be appreciated at the Historic and Archaeological District.
Venice, Florida
Nicknamed the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World”, the beautiful town of Venice, Florida was named after the Italian city upon its establishment in the 1880s. Today just over 27,000 inhabitants call this beautiful Sarasota County town home, beloved for its awesome beach areas, hot sun, and splendid Gulf Coast breezes. With its golden sands and sparkling waters, the beaches of Venice attract many tourists throughout the year, who can also explore stunning coral reefs and dig up fossilized shark teeth in the sand, leading to the town’s nickname.
Furthermore, the cultural and historic allure of Venice is also worth noting, and a number of landmarks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the Venezia Park Historic District, the Triangle Inn (1927), as well as the Eagle Point Historic District, these spots are charming reminders of the past in a most breathtaking natural setting. With palm tree-lined streets all around, welcoming beaches, hot weather, and unique Italian-inspired architecture, Venice is one of Florida’s and the Gulf Coast’s most stunning places.
The Gulf of Mexico coastline of the Southern United States is one of the most naturally splendid places in the country, and with an area spanning some five States, there is never a shortage of beautiful destinations to visit here. The wonderful towns of this region may be located in different States, but all share stunning vistas, hot sun, beautiful beaches, and loads of welcoming charm for the young and old. So, when planning one’s next holiday, consider America’s Gulf Coast, where these fine towns are great places to start building vacation memories that will surely last for many years to come!
