7 Serene Gulf Coast Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are the "Gulf States" along the US's southern coast. From the crowdless Nature Coast in Hernando Beach to southern vibes in Alabama, these idyllic Gulf Coast slices host a sheltered-from-the-world atmosphere. The Gulf of America is replete with lush nature and wildlife. Enjoy easy access and unobscured views.

The alluring oceanfront meets your gaze, and an itinerary forms seamlessly in the salty air. Explore untouched dunes at Orange Beach or mangroves with manatees on Marco Island. Longboat Key has a high-end feel to indulge in a romantic or well-deserved weekend escape. It feels like winning in life and having done something right for your loved ones to be sharing these lasting impressions.

Grand Isle, Louisiana

Grand Isle, the only inhabited barrier island in the state, is nearly a two-and-a-half-century-old destination hidden within Louisiana’s expansive shoreline. The remote oasis offers miles of beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and boundless wildlife. Washed over by the Caminada Bay and the endless Atlantic, Grand Isle is perfect for a serene escape in the moody surf. Comprised of two parts, enter from Hwy 8 via LA-1 right through Elmer's Island. No city sounds reach over the wildlife and water barriers, so leave the daily grind behind the tranquil gulf views and dive in. Go birding and relax along the sands at the Wildlife Refuge and Beach to the north and south, respectively.

The overseas highway connects to the main island, home to downtown, beaches, a kayak launch, and the Grand Isle Marina. Tipped by Grand Isle State Park, explore the breakwater beach with wildlife, fishing, swimming, and hiking along the 2.5-mile trail. Known as “Sportsman’s Paradise,” take a fishing trip with Reel Screamers Guide Service. Replete with inns, cabins, and cottages, Bridge Side Cabins and Marina is budget-friendly and nearest to the Grand Isle Bridge. Coupled with southern hospitality, Hurricane Hole Restaurant is that place from your mind's eye—an island haunt on stilts. Enjoy unblemished views of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) with a cone in hand from Meagan's Snowball Stand.

Hernando Beach, Florida

Just an hour from Tampa and two from Orlando, Hernando Beach flies under the radar on the Nature Coast, along with its streaky, bubble gum sunsets and tantalizing blue waters. South of Homosassa, it is a low-key spot near the Weeki Wachee River and Springs, a perfect alternative to the more hyped places along the Gulf Coast. Explore the linear Shoal Line Blvd. with treasures from Chief Aripeka Travel Park next to a park/garden in the south to Sterling Marina at the northernmost point. Turn onto Gulfview Drive for a stroll along the canal with beautiful residences. Angling Adventures has earned itself a name as a charter go-to, while sea excursions offer a spin around the gulf.

Exemplary in canal life, this shrimping hamlet offers boat access to Hernando Flats, a swimming basin amidst the ocean. The hungrier you get, the better, since Hernando's culinary scene rivals that of a city. Drop by the casual Hernando Beach Tropical Grille with a hung terrace or indulge in fine dining at Brian's Place, which serves from an innovative/elegant Latin/Italian menu. Weeki Wachee Preserve is a wildlife park for leisurely strolls and hiking through the preserve with multi-use trails, birdwatching, fishing, and boating. A few minutes north or a quick bike ride, Linda Pedersen Park feels drenched in serenity for tranquil fishing and boating along its waterways, plus trails and a playground.

Longboat Key, Florida

Just west of Sarasota, Longboat Key is one of the most accessible, serene island towns along Florida's Gulf Coast. Often considered a high-end or special occasion destination, it is perfect for a weekend escape. Whether you're looking to indulge in resort-style or from Arbors by the Sea, everything is oceanfront to explore local dining, shopping, and adventures for every group. Take the over-nine-mile-long Longboat Key Bike Trail for breathtaking gulf views. Maison Blanche is a minimalist-chic restaurant renowned for French cuisine pairings with fine wines. Starting at the kid-friendly Blue Dolphin Cafe, spend a family day at Whitney Beach on the northwestern tip.

Accessible via Bradenton Beach to the north, Longboat Key feels even quieter than its popular neighbor. Entering south via Hwy 789, stop by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium at Lido Shores with a stingray touch tank and shark tank, plus the nearby mammal center. Cross right over; Quick Point Nature Preserve is secluded and rich in wildlife, where fishers come out for game. Stroll to Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, one of the cheapest high-end fares with a deck next to a beautiful golf club. Joan M. Durante Community Park is a protected island with public access and boardwalks, perfect to get in tune with nature amid its native wetland and mangrove forests in a serene coastal hammock.

Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island feels like a serene haven, drowning out the noise from Naples on one side and the deafening silence of Everglades National Park on the other. Popular among retirees, its easy access attracts families on a getaway. The sprawling white beaches and boat access to the Ten Thousand Islands make the island rife with the outdoors. Explore the waterfront neighborhoods to Marco Island Historical Museum, a showcase of regional history, from indigenous Native American to modern. The next-door Mackle Park features a playground, a dog park, and sports courts, while the Center for the Arts runs monthly exhibits, artist receptions, and classes for all ages.

Families love Tigertail Beach Park with a playground, boardwalks, food, and amenities. Don't miss Snook Inn, away from downtown bustle, to chill out and indulge in seafood waterfront with live music. Winterberry Park features the unique Calusa Park Butterfly Garden, while top hotels crowd around South Marco Beach. It isn't cheap, but Marco Island Lakeside Inn is a real deal off-season, and many vacation rentals are oceanfront for budget travelers. From here, it is all about waterfront pursuits, like jet skiing, kayaking, or trailing past the manatees through the mangroves. Dolphin Explorer offers to join their survey crew studying dolphins—what an opportunity.

Miramar Beach, Florida

Tucked on Florida’s Northwest Coast, Miramar Beach is not just another white-powdered coastline lapped by the turquoise surf. It is one of the South Walton area’s most diverse beach communities with unique activities like parasailing and snorkeling at the Dolphin Reef. Cut by the highway, a rented bike gets you cruising in the fresh ocean breeze down the three-mile Scenic Highway 98 Trail. The Village of Baytowne Wharf is an enticing hotel tucked into the wilderness, while Geronimo RV Park is top-rated so that everyone can enjoy the perfect weekend escape. Spend on what you desire—the opportunities are limitless, from four championship golf courses to antiquing and boutiques.

It's always free to get some vitamins "sea" and D on a stroll with a picnic basket along the soft sands or play beach volleyball and relax until the spectacle at sunset. Between all the stores and restaurants of Grand Boulevard, overlooking the tranquil surf will stick as the most sensually vibrant memory. Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort boasts five clay tennis courts and pickleball courts. Catch a flick or opt for a live show at Emerald Coast Theatre Company. Pompano Joe’s Seafood House serves a variety for all palates, while The Craft Bar gastropub and Vin’tij Food & Wine encourage bookending your days on a hoppy note. Meanwhile, double the fun and visit Destin, just around 15 minutes west.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Picture a quaint, cottage Main Street community lapped by the warm Gulf in coastal Mississippi. This historic coastal town amongst centuries-old live oaks blends its artistic flair into the lush landscape in the salty air. Known as the City of Discovery, it is colorful and sophisticated with art studios and shops. Charnley-Norwood House was designed in 1890 by the iconic Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. Inner Harbor Park is a dog-friendly waterfront at the heart of town. Ocean Springs enjoys sharing its nature's gifts and local talents during the state's largest fine arts festival. Drop by Ocean Springs Art Association, which represents over 300 artists at the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival.

Over 200 independent shops, galleries, and restaurants capture the laid-back side of this beachfront town. The kid-friendly Fort Maurepas City Park & Nature Preserve with a picnic pavilion is next to the beach. Known for its walkability and year-round good vibes, there are three entertainment districts to meander with “go-cups.” Otherwise, a haven for the art-inclined, historic churches adds to the allure. To the east, take the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge Fontainebleau Nature Trail or visit Biloxi across the iconic bridge. The town's perseverance after Hurricane Katrina makes it nostalgic to leave. Front Beach Cottages and Beatnik are top accommodation choices.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Rather overlooked along the Gulf Coast among its popular Florida cousins, land a foot on Orange Beach, and you'll never want to leave. Extending its warmest welcome from behind Wolf Bay, it offers all the culture and food to indulge in double the scenery and half the crowds. Explore the three waterfronts, including Portage Creek, where the top-rated SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf feels luxurious without the hefty price tag for a special weekend escape. Sam's Bait & Tackle stocks everything from swimsuits to underwater cameras, frisbees, and even picnic supplies, plus a deli in the back for a hot-off-the-grill breaky.

Cotton Bayou Beach is central, while Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a real gem, making this town not just serene but perfect for a family- and dog-friendly escape. Relax in its leafy embrace with picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, a playground, and a fishing pier. SanRoc Cay Marina is full of shopping, dining, and rentals, including boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. There are cruises departing to Robinson & Bird Islands with summer weekend entertainment. Some 18 miles up via Perdido Beach Boulevard reveals a secluded spit, rife for exploration and self-reflection along the white powder sand, untouched dunes, and gentle turquoise surf. The public Gulf-front beaches permit canned beer.

Alabama tends to be overlooked as a beach destination, with pristine sands at Orange Beach for an atypical serene weekend escape. Ocean Springs unites southern charm and artistic flair during the largest fine arts festival in Mississippi. Whether you are after resort vibes or experiences, there's a serene Gulf scenery that whispers to you in serenity.

Overlooking the serene oceanscape, feel the tension leave your neck and shoulders, dig your toes, and stretch your back along the sands. From the Sunshine State to Alabama, see the gulf in a new light from one of the island towns. The many Florida towns boast great year-round weather to soak up the sun, with pet- and kid-friendly spots to hike and unwind.