9 Old-World Towns to Visit on the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast is a beautiful stretch of white sand and tropical-colored water stretching from Florida to Texas. The coastline is dotted with small, charming beach towns, many steeped in history. Old-world towns have histories dating back 5,000 years and are some of the most fun to visit.
Much of the town's history is maritime and military-related, but there is also a long history of pre-Columbian kingdoms with ties to the Aztecs. Native Americans lived along the coast for thousands of years, and many relics of their culture exist today. Here are nine Old-World towns to visit on the Gulf Coast.
Cedar Key, Florida
Cedar Key is a historic barrier island in the northern Gulf of Mexico off of Florida's Nature Coast. It is famous for its laidback appeal and "old Florida" atmosphere. It is also home to Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, a string of smaller islands with hiking trails and several species of native birds. There are also cultural and historical attractions on the main island that are a big draw for many.
The Cedar Key Museum State Park is housed in a historic Spanish fort on 18 acres of pine and oak trees. Naturalist John Muir visited the island in 1867, and a memorial plaque is dedicated to him. Cedar Key Historical Society Museum comprises two buildings—the Luttorloh and Andrews—built in the late 19th century and packed with historical exhibits and artifacts from the area. The best mode of transportation is a bicycle, which is available to rent to experience this unique Florida town fully.
Apalachicola, Florida
Apalachicola is a famously historic town in Florida's Panhandle, known for its oysters and authentic seafood restaurants. Six historic squares make for pleasant walks: City, Chapman, Gorrie, Franklin, Madison, and Washington. Architectural buffs enjoy 5th and 6th streets, filled with homes from the mid-1850s.
Another historic site that gives Apalachicola an Old-world flair is its Historic District. The district contains over 900 residences, cotton warehouses, and Victorian homes from the 1800s. Downtown offers scenic views of the bay and the John Gorrie Bridge. Several historic tours through the district introduce visitors to notable restaurants like Hole in the Wall Seafood.
Port St. Joe, Florida
Port St. Joe, Florida, is a popular fishing destination with an "old Florida" feel and a laidback atmosphere. The Historic District is easily walkable and leads past vintage structures with modern eateries like Krazyfish Grille and Sister's Bistro. No trip is complete without visiting the 19th-century lighthouse.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse was completed in 1849 and lost in a storm two years later. A brick structure was built a few years later and is Port St. Joe's landmark structure. Another noteworthy historic attraction is the Constitution Convention Museum. The museum showcases Florida's first constitution, drafted in 1838, eight years before the territory became a state. Port St. Joe is unique because it has an older feel and many historical sites but also offers numerous modern amenities and hip restaurants.
Grayton Beach, Florida
Grayton Beach is a historic village in Florida's Panhandle region. It is widely known for Grayton Beach State Park, which has 2,000 acres of pristine beaches, lakes, and trails. The Old-world flair comes from the historic cottages lining narrow roads with magnolia and pine trees as a backdrop and the vibrant art scene.
Walking the compact town, one cannot help but be enthralled by the local art displays. Grayt Wall of Art is a lovely mural painted by local artists, and works can be purchased at the Zoo Gallery or Andy Saczynski's Gallery. The quaint restaurants, primarily at Grayton Seafood Gallery and Chanticleer, add a touch of charm to the throwback feel.
Fairhope, Alabama
Charming Fairhope, Alabama, along the banks of Mobile Bay, has four distinctive historic districts. The Downtown Historic District, which displays beautiful structures like the Lebanon Chapel AME Church, is open for driving tours. The white brick building, with a three-layered, rounded entrance, was built in 1923 and still has an active congregation. There are also must-see homes designed like castles.
Sheldon Castle was the first one built in 1946 and includes an elegant brick spire and a low chimney. The owner's daughter married in the 1970s and built her own fairytale home, Mosher Castle, in 1978. The stone facing, timber, and other materials are local, and pieces of the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall of China go into this storybook residence. Fairhope is fun to explore, and discovering the other castles and historic sites makes for a memorable trip.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Grand Isle is a rustic barrier island in southern Louisiana, known for its state park and offshore adventures. The Old-world atmosphere stems from the natural surroundings and Grand Isle State Park. The park is a breakwater between the Gulf of Mexico and several tributaries feeding the Mississippi River that offers many fishing, birding, and outdoor activities.
The only inhabited island in Louisiana, Grand Isle has been inhabited since the late 18th century and was visited by infamous pirates in the early years. Unsurprisingly, there are several vintage homes, like the 1800s Demolle House. What makes Grand Isle different from other Gulf Coast towns is its accessibility to memorable fishing ventures and a classic Louisiana ambiance that centers around the natural surroundings.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula, Mississippi, is located along the Mississippi Sound and the mouth of the Pascagoula River. It has several historic districts, including Front Street, Krebsville, Orange Avenue, and the International Ship Building Company Employee Housing District. Besides Front Street, each district has many vintage homes, including from the 19th century.
The historic downtown has several quaint shops in the Downtown Pascagoula Shopping Plaza. Visitors can also tour the historic firehouse and City Hall Jail at Scranton's Restaurant, which has been open for over 30 years and is housed in a 1920s commercial building. There is 300 years of history to explore, and many businesses like Scranton's include preserved remnants in their decor.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island, Texas, is known for its nature preserves and small-town feel. It also has the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, a five-story tower offering panoramic views of migrating birds. Numerous historic sites, including a landmark seashore, give the island a distinctive Old-World atmosphere.
Padre Island National Seashore protects 66 miles of shoreline, which provides critical protection for several species of migratory birds and allows camping and fishing. South Padre Island Adventure Park offers a unique view of the island. Visitors can zipline or ride a horse to explore this beautiful and secluded stretch of coast.
Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas, Texas, on Mustang Island, has a 5,000-year-old history and many unique landmarks to explore. The Port Aransas Museum, housed in a 1920s building, offers an excellent opportunity to discover the town's history. The Lydia Ann Lighthouse, opened in the mid-1800s, is the town's landmark and can only be viewed by the waterway running next to it.
Several vintage inns are in this charming town, such as the Tarpon Inn. Built in 1886 from an old Civil War barracks, the inn overflows with history and quaint furnishings. The 200-foot-long porches provide a coastal respite after a day of exploring the town. Chapel on the Dunes is a quaint church perched on a dune overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. It is the oldest church on the island. Port Aransas is fun to visit because of its historic sites, cool breezes, and salty air.
The Gulf Coast is full of Old-world towns that should be visited. Funky coastal towns like Fairhope, Alabama, have a vibrant art scene to accent their vintage charm. Compact towns like Port St. Joe, Florida, are fun to explore on foot to soak in their historical significance. Most of the towns have a history dating back 5,000 years.
The historical structures are not the only thing that gives the Gulf Coast towns an old-world vibe. Towns like Grand Isle, Louisiana, and South Padre Island, Texas, offer tremendous nature preserves and fishing opportunities that are rare to find in larger cities. These nine towns are among the best on the Gulf Coast, and they all make for a memorable visit.
