7 of the Most Charming Towns on the Gulf Coast
Often called the “Southern Crescent” due to the coastal shape spanning Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida, the US Gulf Coast has drawn people from far and wide for centuries. From the original Indigenous people who called it home to the settlers who sought refuge on its shores, the region quickly blossomed and transformed to later become one of the top tourist destinations in the nation.
With natural beauty and spirited local cultures, cities like New Orleans and Tampa are among the Gulf Coast’s most-visited places. But more and more, smaller coastal towns are beginning to share the spotlight. Promising breathtaking beaches, adorable downtowns, and unmatched southern hospitality, the 7 charming Gulf Coast towns on this list are some of the best this region has to offer.
Fairhope, Alabama
While many Gulf Coast towns are famous for their white-sand beaches, Fairhope promises a different kind of natural beauty, without the hassle of beach crowds. Sitting on bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay, waterfront scenes are a staple of the town. Whether grabbing dinner with a waterfront view at places like Sunset Pointe or strolling the Fairhope Municipal Pier for sweeping views of the Bay, duck ponds, and a prize-winning rose garden, postcard scenes are easy to find in this Gulf Coast town.
As for Fairhope’s downtown, visitors can expect some truly enthralling festivities and Old World charms. Every March the town’s population swells to a spirited 300,000 for their famous Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, but the rest of the year offers a more tranquil retreat. The cobblestone French Quarter courtyard is a must-see, home to Alabama’s largest crape myrtle tree and an array of New Orleans-inspired shops and restaurants like Panini Pete’s. Amidst the smooth jazz music (oftentimes performed by a live band), this adorable town center makes for a dreamy evening out on the town.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Alternatively, if white-sand beaches are on your radar in 2024, Gulf Shores is the Alabama town for you. Out of the state’s 32 miles of scenic shoreline, this Gulf Coast retreat has some of the prettiest. Gulf State Park is where the beach magic happens, offering 3 miles of sugar sand, warm waters perfect for swimming, and the newly-renovated Gulf State Park Pier which is expected to reopen by the end of summer in 2024.
Beyond its beaches, Gulf State Park is also home to the 900-acre freshwater Lake Shelby. Surrounded by picnic tables, grills, a playground, and 2 covered pavilions, the lake is a great change of pace for families with young kids. In addition to swimming, Shelby Lake features a boat and kayak launch (rentals available on-site) and easygoing lakeside hiking trails like the Gopher Tortoise path. Whether you visit Gulf Shores for a beach day, a day on the lake, or both, you will find excitement around every corner.
South Padre Island, Texas
On a barrier island of the same name, the Texas town of South Padre Island is a beach community with one-of-a-kind shores. At 66-miles-long, the Padre Island National Seashore is not only one of the only remaining coastal prairie habitats in the US but also the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. In addition to more classic beach activities like swimming, beach combing, and fishing, the park hosts special activities like their sea turtle releases from mid-June through August.
Elsewhere in town, South Padre Island Adventure Park offers horseback rides on the beach, zip-lines over the Atlantic, and parasailing. Dolphin cruises are also popular in South Padre Island’s surrounding waters with companies like The Original Dolphin Watch. Keep in mind, the island is a super popular spring break destination for students looking to party, but for those seeking a more laid-back, family-friendly experience, any time outside of March is the best time to visit. With reduced prices and mellowed crowds, for the remainder of the year, South Padre Island is a relaxing oasis of sunshine and sand.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Making our way to Mississippi, Biloxi boasts a charming blend of beach and nightlife, making it a great choice for families and solo-travelers alike. Daytime can be enjoyed relaxing at Biloxi Beach, a shore known for its sugar sands and calm waters that are sheltered by barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks to this natural shield, the waves in Biloxi are super peaceful and great for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Right next door, you can find the town’s star landmark, the historic Biloxi Lighthouse. Erected in 1848, the 65-foot lighthouse is famous for its history of female lightkeepers and the structure can be climbed for incredible Gulf views.
Sunset cruises aboard a Biloxi Schooner are another great way to see more of the Gulf. But even after the sun sets in Biloxi, there is still plenty of fun to be had. As the nicknamed “Seafood Capital of the World,” restaurants like The Reef, The Blind Tiger, and Fillin' Station are open well into the night for cocktails and world-class seafood. Biloxi is also home to a whopping 8 casinos, meaning there is endless entertainment, whether trying your luck at the slots or seeing a show.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Just 10 minutes from Biloxi and under 2 hours from spirited New Orleans, Ocean Springs is a great follow-up for those looking to see more of the coast. Named after the area’s mineral springs that first made it a tourist destination, the town’s natural beauty is still a magnet for visitors to this day. Contrasting Biloxi, Ocean Springs is more on the natural side, making it a better choice for those seeking a less commercialized Gulf Coast town.
Recently, USA Today rated Ocean Springs one of the best coastal towns in the country, complimenting the town’s cottage-lined Main Street, soft sands, and scenic bayous. Fort Maurepas City Park & Nature Preserve is the best place in town to enjoy peaceful shores while the nearby Davis Bayou Area is known for its wildlife spotting, boardwalks, and boat launches. But make sure to not overlook the town’s charming indoor attractions as well, like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
For those yearning for a more secluded beach retreat, the cozy town of Grand Isle is the perfect place to unwind. Located on Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, like other Gulf Coast towns, Grand Isle is famous for its seafood and stunning shores. Whether buying a fresh-catch from Camardelle’s Seafood market or hitting up a dockside eatery like the Hurricane Hole, this island town has some of the best seafood in the region.
In terms of beaches, Grand Isle’s landmark shore is definitely at Grand Isle State Park. The warm Gulf waters allow for swimming almost year-round and avid beachgoers can even set up camp right in the sand. As for other attractions, Grand Isle State Park features 2.5 miles of nature trails and Louisiana's only fishing pier to stretch into the Gulf. The 900-ft pier is where the park hosts its famous Tarpon Rodeo fishing tournament every July, and while the event just passed, the pier is a lively angling spot year-round.
Marathon, Florida
Finally, we have the underrated Florida Keys town of Marathon, a 10-mile-long community spread across 13 beautiful islands. Like Grand Isle, Marathon has some of the best fishing in the world, with locally owned charters like Marathon Lady Party Boats promising a fantastic time out on the water. Snorkeling and scuba diving to the surrounding reefs is another popular Marathon activity with companies like Starfish Swim And Snorkel.
Back on land, beachgoers can spend the day at Sombrero Beach to savor the sand, shaded park, and picnic pavilions. And while it is a turtle-nesting beach, the best way to guarantee sea turtle sightings is at Marathon’s Turtle Hospital. Here, visitors can learn more about their rehabilitation program and even feed some of the gentle creatures. Animal lovers will also love visiting Marathon’s Dolphin Research Center to explore the lagoons where these intelligent marine mammals live.
Final Thoughts
Out of the five Gulf Coast states, no two of its towns are exactly the same. While many certainly have overlapping features like white-sand shores and world-class seafood, each beach and restaurant still has something that sets it apart.
Beyond these overlapping attractions, each of these towns also has its own unique history, culture, and celebrations. From Fairhope’s famous Arts & Crafts Festival to Grand Isle’s riveting Tarpon Rodeo, there is so much to see and do beyond the beaches. Then again, with shores this spectacular, it is easy to see why they take center stage. But whether you visit these Gulf Coast towns for a beach day, a festival, or both, their charms will not disappoint.
