Overlooking the downtown streets of Orange Beach, Alabama.

9 Towns on the Gulf Coast That Have the Best Main Streets

The stunning Gulf Coast of the United States of America, also sometimes known as the Gulf South or the South Coast, is the popular coastline along the Southern United States, where it meets the amazing Gulf of Mexico. The coastal states, or Gulf States, which share a shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, are Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the extremely popular tourist destination Florida. However, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are also extremely high-quality tourism options that offer luxurious resorts, turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and loads of culture and delicious food. Dive into these small beach communities with outstanding main streets which prioritize walkability, architecture, and culture.

Most Charming Cities In The Gulf CoastVisit any one of these enchanting Gulf Coast cities, or take a road trip to hit a few along the coastline.

1. Destin, Florida

Destin Harbor Boardwalk at sunset with shops — Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Image credit jovannig via stock.adobe.com

Destin is an exciting Gulf Coast community renowned for its sand beaches adorned with translucent turquoise waters one would anticipate seeing in the Caribbean, all on the beautiful Gulf Coast of the tropical-feeling southern state of Florida. One of the best features of Destin is the town's thriving downtown. It features Spanish-style buildings constructed upon easily traversable streets, with unique bars and tasty restaurants offering outdoor seating among tropical palm trees dappled along Main Street. When visiting Destin, some must-see destinations include the famous Fudpucker's Gator Beach, where tourists can watch gators in their natural habitat and even have the chance to feed them! Henderson Beach State Park is another exquisite destination famed for its crystal clear blue waters and white sand shores. If visitors are more excited about water parks, Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park is perfect for families visiting Florida's beloved Emerald Coast.

2. Gulf Shores, Alabama

An Aerial view of little lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, Alabama — Downtown streets of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Quieter than other large and bustling beach towns, Gulf Shores in the underrated state of Alabama is home not only to amazing beaches but an exciting downtown for visitors to indulge in local nightlife, shopping, and cuisine. Walkability is extremely important for downtown, and downtown Gulf Shores has picturesque pedestrian-only streets. The main street of Gulf Shores offers amenities for accessibility, such as wi-fi, and is wheelchair accessible, a huge relief for individuals who use a wheelchair. Some popular main street establishments include restaurants such as The Hangout Gulf Shores, Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores, and Lauria's By The Beach. When strolling through the stunning and walkable downtown of Gulf Shores, ensure to stop by local bars such as The Cove, Bar 45, Pink Pony Club, Cohiba Dunes, and Live Bait!

3. Orange Beach, Alabama

Aerial view of Orange Beach, Alabama at sunset — Overlooking the downtown streets of Orange Beach at sunset.

Renowned for being a water sports hub, Orange Beach offers visitors the experience of either paddleboarding through clear, turquoise waters under the hot Alabama sun along the stunning Gulf Coast, or relaxing upon a comfy beach towel placed on the smooth white sands of one of the many gorgeous beaches in Orange Beach, Alabama. But one of Orange Beach's underrated features is its amazing main street. Some notable establishments to stop by when walking along the colorfully illuminated walkable downtown streets of Orange Beach include The Avenue Pub, Pour Smart Bar, O'choppers, and many more exciting locations to check out in this exhilarating Gulf Shore beach town of about 8,000 people.

4. Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach, Florida, view of Front Beach Road at sunrise — Front Beach Road at sunrise.

Panama City Beach is a beautiful resort town in Bay County, Florida, United States, on the Gulf Coast. This community of 18,000 people is often dubbed "The World Most Beautiful Beaches" This is primarily regarding the sparkling and soft white sands along the emerald-toned waters of the town's coast, which on average experience 320 days of sunshine a year. Due to the prevalence of tourism in Panama City Beach, its main street is vibrant, packed with local pubs, bars, diners, restaurants, and boutiques.

Some downtown attractions include The Martin Theatre, Panama City Centre For The Arts, Panama City Marina, Pit Stop BBQ, The Place Downtown, Axe Throwing PCB, and The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar! When visiting the great Panama City Beach, the communities beach of the same name, is a must-stop destination. World-renowned and locally beloved, the sugary sands of Panama City Beach will never disappoint tourists. Other sensational yet relaxing spots include St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach Winery, Pier Park, ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory, Shell Island, Shipwreck Island Water Park, and Swampy Jacks Wongo Adventure!

5. Mexico Beach, Florida

Traveling easterly on U.S. Route 98 in Mexico Beach, Florida. — US Route 98 in Mexico Beach, Florida. Image credit Royalbroil via Wikimedia Commons

Renowned for an "Old Florida Feel" and "chill" atmosphere, Mexico Beach is an astounding destination, offering a relaxing and fun family vacation. Mexico Beach, which is home to just 1,060 residents, is a small community adorned by beautiful beaches. But one key aspect not always mentioned is this lovely town's strip of shops, restaurants, and inns, such as Mango Marley's, Killer Seafood, and Caribbean Coffee & Cafe. While visiting the gorgeous town of Mexico Beach, make sure to make a stop by the famous Mexico Beach, Left Bank Art Gallery, Canal Park, Shell Shack, and Panhandle Adventures, or you may rent a kayak or paddle board with Barefoot Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals!

6. Fort Walton, Florida

Aerial city view. Fort Walton, Florida — Overlooking downtown, Fort Walton, Florida.

With a picturesque downtown graced with cute and colorful stucco buildings, home to classic small businesses, and not far from the relaxing beach and exciting attractions, Fort Walton has much to offer as an excellent tourism town of 20,800 residents! Some delicious food spots in Fort Walton's downtown include The Boardroom Pub and Grub, Taste Tapas Wine & Bar, Bay Café French Restaurant, and many more locally beloved restaurants dually popular with newcomers and tourists. Some unique and exciting attractions include the Air Force Armament Museum, the stunning white sandy beaches of Okaloosa Island and its Pier, the Indian Temple Mound and Museum, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, and the excellent Wild Willyès Adventure Zone!

7. Grand Isle, Louisiana

Aerial view of Grand Isle, Louisiana. — Overlooking Grand Isle, Louisiana.

On a narrow barrier island in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico is the small beach town Grande Isle, French for Big Island, with 1,003 residents. This picturesque coastal town, known for its ravishing beaches, trails, and relaxing campsites, has an alluring main street as an underrated feature. Spots to grab food in this beach town include local establishments such as Starfish Restaurant, Lighthouse Restaurant, Cisco's Hideaway Lounge, Yum's, and many more. After a delicious bite to eat, visitors may take a refreshing stroll along the sturdy Pier in Grand Isle State Park as waves crawl upon the sandy shores of Grand Isle's majestic beaches such as Grand Isle Beach. After a picturesque walk along the shore, check out The Butterfly Dome, a sanctuary home to native butterfly and plant species.

8. Biloxi, Mississippi

Cloudy blue sky above the city of Biloxi on the Mississippi Gulf Coast — Overlooking downtown Biloxi on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Image credit George Dodd III via Shutterstock

The town of 49,241 residents, Biloxi, Mississippi, has gorgeous sandy beaches, superb seafood, and numerous attractions and resorts—an excellent destination for a seaside getaway. Once known as the seafood capital of the world, foodies will be in paradise when visiting Biloxi. This coastal beach town is famous for its shrimp! The town of Biloxi offers numerous attractions in relation to shrimp, such as shrimping boat tours, to experience how they are caught and the best ways to cook and eat them. If that is not enough for seafood lovers, then the Seafood Museum will be a pleasure for seafood enthusiasts! For visitors not into seafood, do not fret! Biloxi has a plethora of casinos, museums, hotels, resorts, beaches, and restaurants.

9. South Padre Island, Texas

Aerial View of South Padre Island Texas — Downtown streets of South Padre Island, Texas.

Located on the picturesque barrier island of South Padre Island is the small resort town with the same name, hosting around 2,000 people who get to wake up every morning to the majestic sunsets along the Gulf Shore in this quaint yet exciting Island Community. This lovely town is on an iconic barrier island along the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast, accessible via the Queen Isabella Causeway from the town of Port Isabel. One great quality of this community is its booming downtown, with towers scattered between quaint and smaller buildings with classic Texan architecture. South Padre Island's downtown is a perfect spot to spend the day. Amusing establishments include Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill, Harry's Bar, and Clayton Beach Bar & Event Venue.

Most Underrated Towns On The Gulf CoastThe beautiful Gulf of Mexico, with soft white sand beaches and exciting offshore wildlife, is dotted with many underrated towns to set base and explore.

The Gulf Coast is an undeniably beautiful region with some of the warmest and bluest waters in the United States of America. Tourists flock to these small towns due to their charm and maintenance of the beaches which they settled upon. These outstanding beaches, paired with exciting tourist attractions, culture, and well-preserved downtowns and main streets, make the perfect destinations for any traveler of any age and background. The Gulf Coast continuously pleases all visitors who pass by to take a dip in the region's warm waters, solidifying the coast's strong reputation for being a mini paradise in the United States of America.

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