8 Most Idyllic Small Towns on the Gulf Coast
From manatees and leisurely swimming in iridescent waters to colorful masks during Mardi Gras, the Gulf Coast is many things to many people. Stretching from western Florida to where Texas meets Mexico, the Gulf Coast is home to amazing fishing, golfing, and food. Beyond the beloved cities of New Orleans, Tampa, and Galveston lie smaller towns, just as vibrant but where every face seems to be familiar. Modern-day adventurers and vacationers alike can enjoy these small towns, with activities from exploring Cajun culture to fishing in the gulf.
Perdido Key, Florida
Perdido Key, Florida, is an island center point for fantastic trips for singles, families, and all sorts of people with a traveling or vacationing bug. Perdido Key's population was just under 30,000 people during the 2020 census, making it both big enough for a community feel as well as small enough to feel like one is a little more "off the beaten path." Perdido Key boasts access to larger locales, a little over an hour from Mobile and less than 30 minutes from Pensacola, as well as the relaxed, amazing simplicity of its gorgeous sandy beaches.
For outdoorsy travelers, Big Lagoon State Park is only a short drive from Perdido Key, with activities ranging from hiking and paddling its marshes and forests. The park even started partnering with other organizations in 2011 for stargazing and educational events on select weekends.
Crystal River, Florida
For travelers looking for a serene beach experience, just over an hour's drive from Tampa, Florida, will get you there. Crystal River is home to less than 3,500 people, but stands out as being a great location for golfing and fishing.
Being outdoors is what draws people to Crystal River. Places like Salty Siren have tours for scalloping, scenic cruises, and sightseeing manatees in the azure waters of the Florida coast. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic location to take pictures, paddle, or go on tours.
For armchair historians, the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a 61-acre Native American ceremonial site with burial mounds, temple mounds, and a plaza, is a great location to explore 365 days out of the year.
After visiting the gorgeous natural and cultural locales in Crystal River, consider filling up on seafood, as the region is brimming with restaurants using freshly caught seafood. Despite the ironic naming choice, the nearby Freezer Tiki Bar is a fresh-caught-only location and a favorite among the locals. In this restaurant, though, a prepared traveler is a well-fed traveler, as the restaurant only accepts cash.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
About an hour from Mobile, Gulf Shores has a population of just about 16,000 people. It has a nice, relatively isolated beach with iconic white sand and warm temperatures.
Outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate the beauty of the Gulf State Park with biking, swimming, butterfly gardens, and more. There are even cabins and cottages in the park for those hoping to stay overnight with a view of Shelby Lakes in the park.
Historians should check out the local Gulf Shores Museum, with exhibits ranging from the art of the earliest fishing families to items in the locally uncovered time capsule. After visiting the museum, consider strolling through the butterfly garden and taking pictures of the stunning biodiversity.
After spending the morning visiting the beach or adventuring into the parks and museums, consider getting lunch at Amelia's Deli, the spot to find locals while eating food that has had 30 years to perfect. The menu consists of light meals from soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, a slightly different cuisine from the otherwise seafood focused town.
Marathon, Florida
Marathon is located on the Florida Keys, and it fits the stereotype of gorgeous waters and beautiful beaches. Marathon is about an hour from Key West and two and a half hours from Miami, making it both accessible while staying relatively quiet.
Marathon has gorgeous beaches, with a great place to relax being Sunset Park with pristine waters. Relaxing might continue with fish pedicures at Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Trails before birdwatching, kayaking, or snorkeling at the site. Visitors might also enjoy wandering the museum to see an old dugout canoe and pieces from pirate ships.
Continuing with the nature-focused theme is the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters with activities ranging from snorkeling to seeing a man-made nursery for the local species and interacting with baby fish, sharks, and more.
Lastly, visitors might enjoy the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Enjoy walking or riding bikes along the bridge, and visit for a picturesque sunset photo.
Port Isabel, Texas
Close to South Padre Island, Port Isabel is an intersection for the beautiful beach locations and history, as well as a place for the outdoorsman. Golf courses, fishing charters, boat tours, and sailing schools are along much of the coast, making the space accessible for lovers of the outdoors. Among the adventure-filled experiences is the Sea Turtle Hatchery on South Padre Island.
Port Isabel is a bit out of the way compared to other locations. Sitting near the border of Mexico, it is a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Corpus Christi and a four-hour drive to San Antonio. The Padre Island National Seashore is a fantastic beach escape for the whole family to enjoy among a social media worthy backdrop.
Port Isabel is also unique in that, the Port Isabel lighthouse is still lit nightly by the fresnel lens to create a soft glow in the evenings, making for potentially gorgeous pictures. The Port Isabel lighthouse is also accessible for tours during the day. Visitors can go onto the catwalk on nice days but are asked to not touch the lens, so that it is not damaged and can continue its nightly brilliance on the landscape.
Port Isabel has a local history museum with exhibits including a history of the Laguna Madre area and the oldest shipwreck found in the United States. The museum also provides fun for the whole family with the Port Isabel Lighthouse Keeper's Summer Camp to learn about shipwrecks, rescues, and a treasure hunt.
Houma-Bayou Cane, Louisiana
If the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast do not resonate with idyllic towns, the bayou of Louisiana can potentially help with that perspective. Houma and Bayou Cane are two small towns right next to each other in the Louisiana bayou.
Houma and Bayou Cane are about one hour from New Orleans, making it a fantastic location for a day trip to get out of the city and explore Cajun culture outside of NOLA. Houma and Bayou Cane have several older plantations, with Southdown Plantation and Museum giving tours of the grounds, plantation house, workers' cabin, and the former slave quarters. Not far from here, Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum focuses on the local wildlife and its impacts on local culture and industry.
A deeper look at Cajun history, or African American history in the area, calls for a visit to Finding Our Roots African American Museum, in a RV that drives between the two towns. Visitors can also call the number available on their website to learn when the RV will be at different locations.
Houma is also where the Regional Military Museum is located, preserving southern Louisiana's military history. The museum currently contains exhibits on WWI to the present but has been working to create exhibits for the American Revolution, War of 1812, and the Civil War.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs is one of the most beautiful small towns on the Gulf Coast for its artsy scene, with ever-changing exhibits in locations like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. This museum has great opportunities for adults or families with various painting workshops from still life to landscape and a summer camp in art for adults. Ocean Springs is also known for its sandy beach parks, variety of museums, and access to Biloxi. Gulfport is also about 16 miles away, so you can visit all three locations on the same trip.
Check out the Ocean Springs Museum locally or venture to Biloxi for more history museum options, like the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. Beyond history museums, Ocean Springs is almost fully surrounded by national wildlife refuges and nature preserves, allowing enthusiasts and outdoorsmen of all skill levels and interests to enjoy the region. For a day at the beach, visit Milo's Point, and a trip in nature can be found at the Davis Bayou Area Gulf Islands National Seashore. Overall, Ocean Springs is a great location for families, couples, and singles to enjoy the local art, take in the local nature, or relax on the beach.
Apalachicola, Florida
Last but certainly not least is Apalachicola, Florida, resting in the Florida panhandle. Apalachicola has gorgeous beaches as well as charter fishing in the region. Camera-worthy shots can be found in Historic Apalachicola or the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, the second largest Estuarine Research Reserve in the United States, with a local nature center also available to learn more.
Another location for beautiful lighthouses that illuminate at night is the Cape St. George Lighthouse Museum. The museum includes sunset and full moon climbs to the top of the lighthouse, so planning for the perfect opportunity can mean great night views of the local area.
Explore the Gulf's Idyllic Towns
Whether you put on your sandals to swim in the sapphire waves or find the best Cajun food in town, there is always something to do in these idyllic towns. Either flying in from New York or taking a weekend trip from Tallahassee means the opportunity to see beautiful sunsets, encounter amazing creatures, and visit the museums as an art connoisseur.
