These 8 Towns in Gulf Coast Have The Best Main Streets
The Gulf Coast of the United States stretches across five states from Florida through Texas. The beach towns that make up the coast are known for their exceptional beaches with white sand, clear blue water, and laidback charm. However, many towns also have vibrant downtown areas with bustling Main Streets. These main drags have unique offerings, fabulous dining, and lively nightlife.
The downtown area is vital to any town because it is usually where the town started. The shops and eateries there are often a microcosm of the community as a whole. The local goods for sale, festivals, and live events reflect the community's values and beliefs. These eight towns on the Gulf Coast have bustling Main Streets.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Front Beach Road, also known as the Strip, is the main road in Panama City Beach, Florida. This is the central entertainment district, and it starts jumping during Spring Break when college kids swarm the beach. Live music venues include Margaritaville, Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill, and Boon Docks. Along with live venues, there are many cultural attractions on Front Beach Road.
Gulf World Marine Park is a family-friendly aquarium with interactive exhibits where visitors can swim with dolphins, harbor seals, or other mammals. Just off Front Beach Road is Pier Park, an open-air shopping mall with over 120 shops and restaurants. Front Beach is ideal for its choice of entertainment options and its proximity to the beach.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
The resort town of Rosemary's Main Street is lined with brick sidewalks, elegant shops, and the town square. The village centers around the Town Center, and Main Street is in the middle of the fun. The colorful three-story buildings encircle the downtown area, which contains lodgings like The Pearl and the Rosemary Beach Inn, boutiques, and restaurants.
Meandering paths and cobblestone streets branch off Main Street, leading to parks, the Post Office, and the Town Hall. The street is always alive with activity and winds past European-styled buildings. Charlie's Cafe and other restaurants include outdoor seating so guests can have a front-row view of the Main Street attractions.
Seaside, Florida
County Road 30A is the main road through Florida's Emerald Coast and the main strip through the designed town of Seaside. The road leads past pastel-colored houses to the town center. The brick-lined roads end in a roundabout with a graceful gazebo.
The many boutiques, shops, and eateries around 30A make Seaside one of the most coveted shopping centers on the Emerald Coast. Shops include Seaside Style and Sundog Books. Airstream Row is a collection of retro-fitted gourmet food trucks. 30A is one of the best roads in town because it is convenient to the beach and points of interest.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope Avenue is the main road in Fairhope, Alabama. The charming road is lined with eateries, galleries, and boutiques. There are many things to do and see around Fairhope Avenue, like the famed Fairhope Pier and the Eastern Shore Art Center. Many notable restaurants surround the main strip, like the Pearl.
In the historic district, the Pearl is popular for its chef-inspired menu and frequent menu tastings. Fairhope leads to many landmarks, including the historic district. Downtown, there are many historic structures, like the Fairhope Museum of History, which is housed in a 1928 Mission-style building.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a laidback coastal town with a fun attitude. Beach Boulevard runs right by the beach and is in the heart of the entertainment district. Restaurants like The Hangout and Lauria's By The Beach are two popular choices. The Hangout also has a live music stage and is the place to be for concerts. Gulf Shores has many cultural interests, such as hiking in Gulf State Park and fun-filled attractions.
Waterville USA is a family-friendly water park on 20 acres of fun-filled property with slides, tubes, and a Top Golf facility. The Original Oyster House Boardwalk is a beach shopping center initially opened in the 1970s. Gulf Shores has many natural attractions and live venues, making it one of the best towns on the Gulf Coast.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach, Alabama, is a popular vacation spot because of the beach and numerous entertainment venues like the Flora-bama. The Flora-bama is one of the most famous beach bars in the world and has an incredible five stages for live music. Main Street is the main strip through The Wharf, an entertainment complex unlike any other.
The complex includes a shopping center, seaside dining, and a marina. The Wharf Amphitheater hosts many live acts throughout the year, including a Ferris Wheel. Things get fun at night with the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience show. The Wharf is like being at the fair 365 days a year, and it all centers around one of the best Main Streets on the coast.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Main Street in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, runs through the historic downtown, which features museums, shopping, and dining. The Pink Rooster Fine Art Gallery showcases work from over 37 artists, and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art is nationally accredited. Shopping includes the eclectic Buddyrow, a converted house selling vintage clothes, art, and jewelry.
Visitors work up an appetite with all there is to do in downtown Ocean Springs, and there is a wide range of restaurants to fill the void. Pleasant's BBQ, established in 1982, is the oldest restaurant, and Knuckleheads serves authentic Southern cuisine. It is incredible how much is packed into downtown Ocean Springs, and it has one of the most bustling Main Streets on the Gulf Coast.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island, Texas, has a laidback surf culture, conservation concerns, and great entertainment off Padre Boulevard. Padre Boulevard is the de facto Main Street on the island and runs the whole length. It winds past points of interest like Isla Blanca Park and Sea Turtle Inc., a sea turtle sanctuary. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is another nature preserve with a five-story watchtower for bird watching.
The small island is also known for its shopping opportunities. There are several shops off Padre Avenue, such as Charmed and Island Native Surf Shop. The diverse culinary scene includes Blackbeards and Padre Island Brewing Company. The island also has a vibrant nightlife at Louie's Backyard and the Quarterdeck.
The Gulf Coast is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the US. Seaside and other coastal towns have extraordinary downtown areas with unique shops and venues. The historic and shopping districts are near the beaches, adding to the charming atmosphere.
Downtown Ocean Springs has enough attractions to fill up three itineraries, while towns like Seaside are more subtle but just as lovely. Fairhope Avenue in Fairhope, Alabama, offers fine dining, casual restaurants, and a historic district within a short distance. These vibrant downtown areas exude the best of their town and coastal region by offering unique sites and a pleasant atmosphere.
