9 Most Beautiful Small Towns In the Gulf Coast You Should Visit
The coastal states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida rub up against the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, forming the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Spanning 1,680 miles, the Gulf Coast shoreline is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches, bays, and inlets. With a humid subtropical climate, many tourists visit this region for beach vacations, and with birds flocking to this migratory hotspot, people from all over the world follow to partake in the world-class birding. But the natural wonders aren’t the only reason to travel to the Gulf Coast. Located at the confluence of many cultures, heritage, and languages, the Gulf Coast offers many unique culinary and art forms you’ll find nowhere else.
Padre Island, Texas
Visit this unique and beautiful small town to get the best of coastal and island life. Padre Island, off the coast of Texas, is the world’s longest barrier island (an island parallel to the mainland), creating miles of sandy ocean shoreline on the island's west coast and protected saline wetlands between the east coast and the mainland. Sea turtles and dolphins are among many creatures that make their home here, but one of the main draws is the magnificent bird migration. Located at the convergence of several coastal migratory routes, this area and nearby Corpus Christi, the “birdiest city” 10 years running, will see literally millions of migratory birds, including raptors, shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl!
Destin, Florida
The photos of Destin, Florida, convey its beauty much more eloquently than words ever could. The turquoise water rolling up on the sparkling, white sand of this peninsula is an utterly spectacular sight to see. This small town is the perfect locale for a relaxing beach vacation. Simply lounge on the soft, sandy beach, do some casual beachcombing for sand dollars and sea glass, or splash around in the water while drinking a tropical cocktail and indulging in fresh, local seafood. If you’re feeling adventurous but don’t want to leave your creature comforts behind, you can rent a motorized floating tiki hut bar from Cruisin’ Tikis Destin and cruise around the open water.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Mississippi isn’t the first place people might think of for a sunny beach vacation, but the town of Biloxi gives the other coastal states a run for their money. With its plentiful opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and motorboating, this town offers all the best water activities. In addition to the sand and surf, Biloxi has a charming maritime influence and many fascinating historical features. Visitors should definitely take a tour of the Biloxi Lighthouse, a cast iron structure built in 1848 and maintained by female keepers for more years than any other American lighthouse! Another fascinating peek into history can be gleaned from a visit to the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum in Biloxi’s historic district, where you can experience the history of Mardi Gras through their collection of costumes, jewelry, and memorabilia.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Louisiana’s mosaic of wetlands, estuaries, and barrier islands make this state a venerable haven for marine life. Grand Isle is a barrier island that protects these valuable habitats, with its remote location and sparse human population making for a flourishing wildlife community. With almost 300 species of fish living here and thousands of migratory birds passing through each year, it's no wonder Grand Isle is also home to a thriving scene of fisherpeople and birders. Local seafood features heavily in the dining experience and is best paired with the famous daiquiris offered at Island Daiquiri or a sno-ball (finely shaved fluffy ice with flavored syrup) at Meagan’s Snowball Stand.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Just an hour east of Orlando, the golden sand and calm, consistent waves in the small town of Cocoa Beach offer the ultimate in relaxation, comfort, and stunning natural scenery without having to go too far. Not only is Cocoa Beach a fantastic place to learn surfing, but it's also home to Ron John’s – the world’s largest surf shop – and an impressive history of professional surfers, including 11-time world champion Kelly Slater. If you want to get on the water with a little less athletic prowess, rent a kayak and tour the open sea and through the tangle of mangroves, where you’ll see manatees, dolphins, and many bird species.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The charming coastal town of Ocean Springs is better known for its history and arts community than its beaches, but it's just as beautiful as the more flashy sun vacation destinations. With historic brick buildings and quaint cottages tucked amongst centuries-old live oaks, Ocean Springs exudes small-town charm and elegance. Appreciate the human-made art with a visit to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which showcases this artist's vibrant and colorful murals, some of which can also be found on buildings around town. Or take a tour of nature-made art by riding the 15-mile Live Oaks Bicycle Route to admire the trees, the town, and the ocean vistas.
Islamorada, Florida
Just over an hour south of Miami, the town of Islamorada, including five of the Florida Keys, is a must-visit destination on the Gulf Coast. Although it's known as the “Sportfishing capital of the world”, this collection of islands has much more to offer. Experience the finest snorkeling and diving in the US, where you’ll swim past exquisite coral reefs, colorful fish, octopuses, and dolphins. You can also appreciate the beauty of historical marine life with a trip to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, where you can search for fossilized remains of ancient coral and other marine species.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
A mix of beaches, marshlands, forests, and lakes, Gulf Shores, Alabama, is rife with stunning natural scenery and wildlife. The Gulf State Park, a 6,500-acre plot on the Gulf of Mexico, is a great place to start your exploration, hiking the nature trails or zooming across a zip line, keeping an eye out for herons, osprey, and the flamboyant pink Roseate Spoonbill. For even more exotic creatures, check out the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll have the chance to see armadillos, wild pigs, and bobcats! Turn your eyes to the sea and board a dolphin cruise ship in one of Alabama’s top dolphin-spotting destinations, where you'll surely encounter these playful marine mammals.
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
The ultimate in that one-of-a-kind Cajun culture, the town of Breaux Bridge is a hotspot of authentic cuisine, music, and history. Dance to live Cajun music that the locals cut their teeth on at Pont Breaux’s and savor old-fashioned classic cuisine at Glenda’s Creole Kitchen. Take in the local history with a walking tour in town, stopping by historic buildings from the 1800s and 1900s that feature architectural styles from Creole Acadian cottages to Queen Anne homes and old brick storefronts. A trip to small-town Louisiana wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the bayous and the swamps, so join the Bayou Teche Experience for a guided or self-led tour to see alligators by bike or boat.
A Gulf Coast Odyssey: Where Culture and Nature Unite
The call of the Gulf Coast is hard to resist, promising (and delivering on) white sand beaches and emerald waters, unmatched land and marine wildlife viewing, and a unique confluence of cultures, arts, and cuisine. This region is ever-changing with the tides and weather, and the towns are as adaptable as they are steadfast in their authentic ways of life. If you’re in need of a tropical vacation close to home, some spicy Cajun delicacies, or the slow southern pace of life, these beautiful Gulf Coast towns are sure to fill your bucket!
