8 Undiscovered Small Towns on the Gulf Coast
From Brownsville, Texas, all the way to Naples, Florida, the country's Gulf Coast region runs along the Gulf of Mexico. The beautiful Gulf Coast encompasses everything from quaint towns to bustling cities, with miles of white sand beaches, fishing piers, and restaurants serving fresh, local seafood all throughout. If you are planning a summer family vacation or a winter weekend getaway and want to avoid crowds of beach-goers and tourist traps, consider setting up base in one of the Gulf Coasts' charming and undiscovered small towns.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Although Louisiana's stretch of the Gulf Coast isn't known for swimming beaches, Grand Isle offers much in the way of fishing, coastal nature and wildlife, tasty local restaurants, and a laid-back feel. The state's only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle, is revered for its expansive Gulf of Mexico views and unparalleled birding habitat. Louisiana is referred to as the "Sportsman's Paradise," and this charming coastal town is the perfect place to experience it.
Visitors can take a walk along the 7-mile-long island's coast, taking in the coastal scenery and local wildlife habitats. The water around Grand Isle is home to just under 300 species of fish, and anglers can test their luck with them by joining a fishing charter, such as Capt. John's Fintastic Charters or Fish Commander. Nature lovers won't want to miss the Grand Isle State Park, which has a fishing pier, birding trails, and a campground.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Named "One of the Coolest Towns in America" by Budget Travel, the beautiful town of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is worth checking out during your next trip along the Gulf Coast. The seaside town also made Coastal Living Magazine's "Top 10 Small Beach Towns" list. Even though it has earned these accolades, Bay St. Louis retains its quaint hometown feel, and typically isn't overcrowded during busy times of the year, such as spring break.
Arts and culture enthusiasts can stop by the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum, which is located in a historic train depot. If you are a gambler, you may be in luck at the town's Hollywood Casino, which also features the Bridges Golf Club. For more adventure, Shore Thing Fishing Charters takes anglers out on the Gulf of Mexico to catch local fish such as redfish and trout.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Another warm and welcoming community on Mississippi's slice of the Gulf Coast, pretty Ocean Springs is a historic town offering the ideal balance of exciting water adventures and a relaxing beachfront. Visitors come from all over to lounge on the town's sandy beaches, fish the Gulf of Mexico, and stroll the downtown district's vibrant streets under stately live oak trees.
Ocean Springs is located along the Mississippi Gulf Islands National Seashore and is known for its coastal beauty and diverse wildlife, as well as its cultural attractions and tasty seafood restaurants. Check out the Ocean Spring Art Association to immerse yourself in the local art scene, and visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education.
Fairhope, Alabama
Charming and historic Fairhope, Alabama, is the quintessential Southern seaside respite. Its quaint downtown is filled with locally owned boutiques, cafes, and eateries, and miles of scenic waterfront are also on offer. If you visit during March, don't miss the annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, which features more than 200 artisans, kid-friendly activities, and live entertainment.
No trip to this charming town would be complete without a stroll down the Fairhope Municipal Pier, which is home to a restaurant, a marina, and plenty of benches for taking in the Gulf of Mexico view. Other must-see attractions include the Fairhope Beach and Park, the Fairhope Museum of History, and the Fairhope Tea Plantation, which offers roaming peacocks and tea farm tours.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
A sweet bayfront town only accessible by a scenic 3-mile bridge, Dauphin Island feels like a real getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Just 45 miles from bustling Mobile, Dauphin Island feels like a world away, and beckons to visitors wanting a slower pace of life but with no shortage of interesting outdoor activities to take part in. Plan to spend a few hours, days, or even weeks at the Dauphin Island Public Beach, which boasts a sandy shoreline and crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico waters.
For history buffs, the Civil War-era Fort Gaines is a must-see attraction offering interesting exhibits as well as scenic bay views. Another place to explore local nature and wildlife is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and the family-friendly Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Navarre Beach, Florida
Dubbed "Florida's Most Relaxing Place," the serene small town of Navarre Beach is a water-lovers paradise no matter what time of year you visit. The charming seaside town claims 12 miles of some of the sunshine state's most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, yet somehow is able to retain a relaxing vibe. If you crave a calm, Old Florida-style waterfront vacation, Navarre Beach may be your new "home away from home."
Snorkelers and scuba divers will love touring the colorful reefs and unique marine life off of Navarre Beach, while anglers can sign up for a fishing excursion through a local charter company, such as Coastal Life Charters and Adventures. While you could easily spend all of your time on the sugar-sand beaches, the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and the Gulf Breeze Zoo are also worth exploring.
Cedar Key, Florida
Nestled on Florida's North Central Gulf Coast, the quaint fishing village of Cedar Key boasts a rugged and scenic coastline, some of the state's most exciting and rewarding angling adventures, and a highly walkable downtown. Set sail on a fishing charter or rent a kayak or other type of boat at a local outfitter such as Island Life Boat Rentals. Put the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge at the top of your "must-do" list, as well as Cemetery Point Park.
After experiencing all of the natural beauty Cedar Key has to offer, take a stroll through the charming downtown, sampling local seafood and other fresh fare from a variety of casual and gourmet eateries. The Prickly Palm sells smoothies and coffee in an authentic, island-style pink cottage, while Tony's Restaurant is known for its mouth-watering clam chowder and other waterfront delicacies.
New Port Richey, Florida
When visiting New Port Richey, another one of Florida's Gulf Coast gems, you won't have to choose between exciting outdoor adventures or eye-opening cultural attractions, as the small seaside town has it all. New Port Richey is known for its lively downtown, full of unique boutiques, gift shops, and an array of restaurants and cafes just waiting to be discovered.
Although it's just 35 miles north of Tampa, New Port Richey has a quaint beach town ambiance, as well as pristine nature areas, including the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. You can watch for dolphins on the 650-foot boardwalk at Robert K. Rees Memorial Park, and watch a live performance at the historic and beautiful Richey Suncoast Theatre.
No matter where you find yourself traveling along the breathtaking Gulf Coast in the United States' Deep South region, you will come upon a small town that promises waterfront adventures without the chaos of crowds and city traffic. If relaxing on miles of soft, sugar-sand beaches is more your thing, you are also in luck on the Gulf Coast, as there is no shortage of them from Texas to Florida and all of the beautifully unique states in between.
