9 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast is the land mass contiguous with the Gulf of America, from Florida to Texas, and is famous for its laidback charm, white sand beaches, and azure-colored water. The communities are tight-knit and welcoming to visitors, especially in the compact downtown section, where locals gather for morning coffee or live music at night.
The communities are what make these small coastal towns so unique. They embrace beauty and ruggedness with cheer and learn to be resilient when dangerous storms come and destroy the regions. This communal bond of resistance is what makes these close-knit towns among the best to visit.
Destin, Florida
Destin, on Florida's Emerald Coast, is famous for its pristine beaches, golf courses, and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Nature lovers enjoy the magnificent dunes of Henderson Beach State Park, while families frequent the waterfalls and pools of the Big Kahuna water park. This unique blend of attractions makes Destin a unique beach town to visit.
The coastal town features five beachfront parks with 12 public access points and beachfront rentals to soak up the best of Destin. It is also known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and draws sports fishermen worldwide for its record-setting offshore fishing and clear water. It is considered a top global fishing destination. The diverse fish species include Mahi-Mahi, Red Snapper, Amberjack, and many others, which is why the small community has such a big name among anglers.
Seaside, Florida
Seaside is an elegant, purposeful community on Florida's Emerald Coast. According to the Seaside Institute, the resort town is notable for its New Urbanist architectural designs, which emphasizes pastel colors, increased walkability, diversity, and other desirable, architectural aspects. Harvard Business School graduate Robert Davis, a national leader in designing new towns, invented New Urbanism.
Seaside is also known for its shopping center with cobblestone streets and local shops such as Seaside Style and Sundog Books.
The walkable downtown is tinged with salty air and summer breezes, making it a top destination on the Emerald Coast. Unsurprisingly, there are several notable restaurants, like The Shrimp Shack and Great Southern Cafe. The former is known for its peel-and-eat shrimp and lobster rolls, while the latter offers casual fare and curated drinks. Both are popular among residents and visitors for their ambiance, decor, and versatile menus.
Apalachicola, Florida
Apalachicola, Florida, is famous for its prominent seafood industry, primarily for oysters. However, there is also incredible history throughout town that can be experienced through historical sites, architecture, and markers. Historic Apalachicola centers around Water Street, and the historic district contains a stunning 900 homes and commercial structures, including the Trinity Episcopal Church, all of which are registered in the National Historic District dating from the early to mid-19th century, and the community hosts several walking tours so visitors can fully experience the iconic district.
Another historic treasure in this small coastal community is the six historic town squares: City, Chapman, Gorrie, Franklin, Madison, and Washington. The squares were part of the original town development, and commercial structures were oriented toward them on all sides. Washington Square is the largest, covering four blocks and entirely bounded by streets. It originally contained the courthouse, which was converted in the 1950s into a current hospital.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Grand Isle is a barrier island on the southern coast of Louisiana known as a "Sportsman's Paradise." Many visit the remote oasis for its pristine beaches, such as Grand Isle Beach, birding and walking the nature trails at Grand Isle State Park. The marshes on the back of the island produce an ideal landscape for wading for birds like the Great Blue Heron, Ibis, and Snowy Egrets.
The small community is friendly, and there are several restaurants where you can mingle with the residents. Grand Isle Restaurant serves Creole fare and fresh catch from the Gulf, while the Starfish specializes in other Cajun staples like gumbo and po'boys. This little island embodies the true spirit of Louisiana with its ambiance, culture, and Cajun activities, including live music festivals throughout the year.
South Padre Island, Texas
Padre Island is famous as a Spring Break destination, but this quaint barrier island town has much more to offer. The resort town on the southern coast of Texas is keen on nature preservation, as evidenced by the Birding and Nature Center, home to a 5-story watchtower with views of migrating birds. For ocean lovers, the South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center offers boat rides and eco tours exploring the importance of this coastal ecosystem.
The resort town has a close-knit community that is open and welcoming to visitors. It has plenty of family attractions, like Gravity Park, home to the world's only reverse bungee jump. Dining options include Coconut Jacks, where guests can fuel up for island adventures and serve as a watersports rental hub.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach is a popular party beach on the southern coast of Alabama. It is famously home to one of the world's best beach bars, the Flora-Bama, uniquely positioned on the Perdido Key, Florida, line. The bar features six stages for live music and showcases the best of Orange Beach's coastal vibe.
Natural and cultural attractions include Waterfront Park on Wolf Bay and the Orange Beach History Museum. The museum explores local Native American and fishing history spanning hundreds of years. The Wharf is a favored family destination with retail outlets and an amphitheater featuring live acts, especially during summer.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope is a quaint coastal town along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The community's closeness revolves around its artistic vibe, which has existed since it started as a utopian colony in the late 19th century. The walkable streets are lined with historic homes and oak trees, and the compact downtown area provides eateries like Panini Pete's and ample opportunities to mingle with residents.
One of the best ways to start your day in this scenic town is by visiting Provisions. Here, you can order seasonal coffee or tea, shop for gifts in the morning, and come back at night for craft brews and live music. Local culture is on full display at the Fairhope Museum of History, housed in a two-story 1928 Spanish Mission-style building that used to serve as City Hall. The museum showcases the region's Native American history and the town's founding.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis is on the western shore of the Bay of St. Louis, about 55 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana. Its beaches are a significant draw for many because of their white sand, tropical-colored water, and minimal crowds. There are several ways to explore the waters, including Mississippi Gulf Boat Tours or a Mimosa Mid-Morning Sail.
Anglers enjoy the bountiful pier-fishing opportunities, though Jimmy Rutherford Fishing Pier is a favorite place for most visitors to cast a line. Shoppers enjoy Old Town off of Beach Boulevard, packed with art galleries, beach boutiques, and museums like the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum, where visitors can pick up costumes and other memorabilia.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is famous for its cultural presence and artistic atmosphere. The "City of Discovery" offers several museums, such as the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which features artistic works from the Anderson brothers. The brothers are also celebrated at the annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, the largest fine arts gathering in the Magnolia State.
A must-see attraction is Fort Maurepas Park and Splash Pad. The park pays homage to Pierre LeMoyne, Sieur d'Iberville, who founded the area in 1699 with a life-size bronze statue. The historic park was also the French capital of Louisiana and has a storied history that tells the story of this scenic region. There are several other cultural venues to explore, like the GI Museum in this walkable town, and culinary delights, such as The Lady May, after a day of exploring.
These nine close-knit towns along the Gulf Coast are among the best to visit for their natural beauty, community pride, entertaining venues, and live events. The communities often have a strong sense of resilience, which is born from living in an area that always runs the risk of devastating storm damage.
These small communities embrace the true spirit of living in a beach town and are generally warm and inviting to visitors. The best places to mingle with the community are the local diners or compact downtown area, where there are often live events or music festivals. Towns like Orange Beach, Alabama, are frequented for their Caribbean vibe and party atmosphere and for being welcoming to visitors, which is one reason it is such a popular destination.
