The Best Small Towns in Gulf Coast for a Weekend Retreat

The Gulf Coast is a charming coastal destination for tourists and for valid reasons. Bordering the US States of Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, this coastal area is home to charming beaches, nature preserves, scenic islands, and historical attractions to explore. With such a myriad of features, a weekend in the small towns along this coast always promises to be enjoyable and satisfying. Without further ado, pick a weekend and head over to these best small towns on the Gulf Coast for a good time.

Grand Isle, Louisiana

Grand Isle is a scenic town in its namesake barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, where it meets Barataria Bay. Here, beach aficionados and adventurers alike will be spoilt with things to do, especially at the Grand Isle State Park. This park comprises a breakwater beach for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, and sunbathing, as well as a 2-mile nature hiking trail sprinkled with wildlife and birds. Meanwhile, across the water from the park on Grand Terre Island are the ruins of the 19th century Fort Livingston, where history lovers can immerse in a historic war era. For even more leisure and relaxation, the town hosts Grand Isle Beach, which offers seven miles of gorgeous shoreline. Enjoy a good time at this vast beach, and don’t forget to dine at Hurricane Hole seafood restaurant when you are hungry. Prime accommodations for a weekend stay in town include Hurricane Hole and Grand Isle Hotel.

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Dauphin Island is an outdoor paradise on the barrier island of the same name, where a weekend hideaway promises to be a blast. On a visit here, history buffs can begin their weekend by visiting Fort Gaines on the island’s east end, built in 1821 and reminiscent of the Battle of Mobile Bay in the Civil War. In the meantime, there are several beaches and parks on the island, like Public Beach, Dauphin Island Beach, and Cadillac Park, for outdoor adventures and seaside relaxation. Nature and bird lovers can explore the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which features a maritime forest, marshlands, iconic trees, dunes, and birds like egrets and herons. Meanwhile, artsy visitors are welcome to the Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council to see creative works from local artists, artifacts, and historic photos. Otherwise, the Arts of Dauphin Island is an alternate option for arts, pottery, crafts, and paintings. Be sure to stay at some of the town’s best accommodations, like the Dauphin Island Harbor House and the Inn at Dauphin Island, for a more pleasurable experience.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi is an enchanting town along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, filled with eccentric attractions promising a memorable weekend escape. Some of this town’s highlight attractions are historic, like the Ohr-O’Keffee Museum of Art, featuring rarified silver funky buildings designed by Frank Gehry and home to George Ohr pottery and regional art exhibits. While here, also check out the Maritime and Seafood Museum, with its impressive outdoor setting of colorful murals and interiors housing houseboat models, a shrimp peeling machine, and maritime exhibits. Next, head to Biloxi Beach to lounge under the sun, boat, fish, play, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and climb the Biloxi Lighthouse for epic Gulf views. Otherwise, stroll on the beach boardwalk to capture some of the most picturesque sunsets in Mississippi. White Pillar Restaurant is always a cool stop when it's time to dine. Meanwhile, the town hosts a lot of world-class hotels, some of which include - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Biloxi and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is a gorgeous barrier island on the Texas corner of the Gulf Coast, accessible via the Queen Isabella Causeway from Port Isabel. Once here, weekend visitors can begin the fun at Isla Blanca Beach, cruising on the ocean, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, parasailing, surfing, and promenading. Proceed to the island’s Birding and Nature Center to spot birds, alligators, and butterflies. Hikers can hit the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, which is a 1,500-foot boardwalk that traverses a large marshland where more birds can be seen. For history, visitors are invited to the nearby Port Isabel Lighthouse to ascend the 75 stairs to the top for oceanic views. After exploring, enjoy delicious meals at Blackbeard’s or Sea Ranch Restaurant and enjoy a good night's rest at Padre South Hotel, Holiday Inn Resort, or any other top accommodation in town.

Destin, Florida

Destin is a resort town on a peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s Emerald Coast. Typical of coastal towns, the beaches are highlights, and in Destin, some of the most gorgeous white sand beaches in the world await tourists. A few top ones include - Henderson Beach, Norriego Point Beach, and June White Decker Park. On and around these beaches, tourists can enjoy a myriad of activities, from strolling to building sandcastles, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, boating, fishing, sailing, surfing, and hiking. For more thrills, visit the top-rated Gator Beach to see and interact with hundreds of alligators and also enjoy shows. Afterward, proceed to roam the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and dine at restaurants such as Tailfins Waterfront Grill and Back Porch. Then, learn about the town’s history and fishing heritage at the Destin History and Fishing Museum. Lodge for the weekend at the Village Inn of Destin or Destin Inn & Suites.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis is a pretty small town on the Gulf Coast in Hancock County, ideal for a weekend retreat that blends history, arts, and beach fun. Once here, lodge at the Bay Town Inn, Pearl Hotel, or any other top accommodation in town, and then proceed to the Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot Museum to see train artifacts and over a dozen Mardi Gras costumes at the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum. Afterward, catch a show at Bay St. Louis Little Theater and dine at the Mockingbird Café with views of artworks. Explore more artworks at Gallery 220 and proceed to Bay St. Louis Beach to promenade, kayak, boat, and canoe on the water or fish at the Jimmy Rutherford Pier.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is one of the finest beach towns on the coast, perfect for a weekend getaway. Here, it’s impossible to ignore the nearby Gulf State Park, especially because of its adorable stretch of sugar-white beaches offering plenty of water-based recreation. Moreover, the park is home to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, which leads to Orange Beach and includes dunes, wetlands, alligators, forests, and creeks. Wildlife lovers are always welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in town to see hundreds of animals, including kangaroos, lions, monkeys, porcupines, tigers, and zebras. Before leaving, visitors can experience joy, music, and good food at LuLu’s and shop for gift items at Souvenir City after admiring its entrance, which is designed like the open mouth of a shark. Meanwhile, top accommodations in town to spend the weekend include Lodge at Gulf State Park and Best Western on the Beach.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Fort Myers Beach sits on Estero Island, one of the barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico, where it glows with picturesque beach charms and history. A weekend vacation here is sure to be entertaining, especially when visitors start with some water-based activities like kayaking and sunbathing at the beach. Next, visitors can head to the pier, which stretches 560 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, to fish, wine, and dine. Lovers Key State Park is another fun attraction worth visiting in town as it has a beach for more thrilling water sports. For a taste of history, one can kick back at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, featuring the two homes of two great men dating from 1885 alongside vintage cars and other antiques from the past. Elsewhere, art lovers will be delighted with the creative works at Alliance for the Arts. As for accommodation, Edison Beach House and Beach Shell Inn are excellent options.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach in Baldwin County is one of the most charming towns on the Gulf Coast that appeals to outdoor and seaside aficionados. This town boasts several beaches, such as Alabama Point East, Cotton Bayou, and Perdido Key beaches, where visitors can sunbathe, promenade, swim, fish, boat, surf, and enjoy picnics. For more adventures, visitors are welcome to The Wharf, the town’s commercial and entertainment capital by the waterfront, lined up with shops, restaurants, boutiques, a marina, an amphitheater for movies, and a giant Ferris Wheel for recreation. Hikers can always enjoy the town’s scenic charms by riding or hiking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, where dunes, coastal beauty, the ocean, wetlands, and wildlife are visual treats. More incredible attractions worth visiting in town include - the Orange Beach Museum (for the town’s Native American and fishing heritage) and waterfront restaurants such as GTS on the Bay and Tacky Jacks. Don’t forget to enjoy some more luxury by spending the weekend at top hotels like - Phoenix West and Paradise Beach Resort.

Final Thoughts on Gulf Coast Getaways

From Florida to Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, the Gulf Coast is blessed with small towns where the magic of the outdoors comes alive. With gorgeous beaches, plenty of historic attractions, great local businesses, and rich nature, these towns are perfect for weekend retreats. Step away from the larger cities and towns and visit these small towns on the Gulf Coast for relaxation and recreation. Whether you choose to spend the weekend basking in the sun, beach hopping, or enjoying water-based adventures, every moment spent in these towns promises to be worthwhile. Don’t forget to indulge in the culinary flavors of these coastal destinations and take beautiful pictures of the captivating coastal scenery.