These Small Towns in the Gulf Coast Come Alive in Summer
Home to nearly 5% of the US Population, the US coast along the Gulf of Mexico attracts millions of tourists with its refreshing beach shores and sparkling waters. These visitors are attracted by the sugary soft sand beaches and diverse communities that offer rich cultural experiences through cuisine, music, and dance. These seaside communities transform from quiet villages to booming tourism towns every summer; as the sun gets hotter, the seaside becomes increasingly attractive for both city dwellers and those living in inland towns. Discover these stunning communities nestled along the Gulf of Mexico by reading this list of 'Small Towns in the Gulf Coast That Come Alive in Summer.'
Destin, Florida
With 4.5 million annual visitors, Destin in the popular state of Florida along the breathtaking Gulf Coast is the perfect option for this list. In the summer, this small seaside city experiences an extreme boom of tourism, creating a huge revival when it gets hot and skyrocketing business for local companies. Some delicious restaurants to dine at during a trip down to Destin include Aegean Greek Restaurant, Lulu's for outdoor dining and Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer for delicious local seafood. After grabbing a delicious bite to eat, envision enjoying the warm Florida weather and a refreshing gentle breeze as you watch alligators and other intriguing Florida wildlife wade through the waters of the notorious Fudpuckers Gator Beach!
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Imagine ziplining over gorgeous sand dunes alongside the amazing Gulf of Mexico in the exciting town of Gulf Shores in the truly underrated state of Alabama. This small resort city of 9,741 experiences a huge rise in tourism during the summer months with an insane number of 6 million tourists who visit Orange Beach and Gulf Shores every year to indulge in the warm waters and sandy beaches of Gulf Shores. With enticing tourist attractions perfect for all audiences such as Alabama Shores Zoo and beaches and parks such as Gulf State Park and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, it comes as no surprise that Gulf Shores is a must-visit summer destination, and truly solidifies the fact Alabama is an underrated road trip destination with so much to offer.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Take an adventurous yet relaxing boat ride in the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and encounter majestic dolphins swimming and jumping in and out of the sparkling gulf waters in the exciting beach town of Orange Beach, Alabama. Located on Wolf Bay, Orange Beach is perfectly placed along the Gulf Coast, nearby to Gulf Shores. When combined with Gulf Shores, the region receives almost 6 million tourists a year, causing a huge positive rift in tourism and the local economy, providing an unmistakable vibrance to the town. The 8,890 estimated residents and the many tourists who visit Orange Beach get to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Gulf State Park. Attractions are one of the main attractors of tourists in Orange Beach, aside from beaches, these wonderful attractions include Flora-Bama, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and many more memorable experiences!
Panama City Beach, Florida
Home to the breathtaking beach named St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach is a one-of-a-kind beach town in the lovely state of Florida that receives an impressive 4.5 million visitors annually. When tourists flock to the beautiful town of Panama City Beach, home to 12,018 people, tourists often rush to attractions such as the great shopping hub Pier Park or one of many beautiful beaches or activities. Some sought-after entertainment options in the town included Shipwreck Island Water Park, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, ZooWorld Zoological Park and Sky Wheel Panama City Beach! With loads of fun activities, miles of white sand beaches and warm, clear waters, it is no surprise why Panama City Beach sees so many happy tourists in the summertime!
Dunedin, Florida
Found in the popular Pinellas County which serves as host to 15.5 million annual tourists, the city of 35,949 people named Dunedin benefits greatly from tourism in the summer months, thanks to the city's impressive, pristine shorelines with exquisite beaches and enjoyable local attractions and activities. While taking a vacation in this fantastic seaside town, visitors must ensure they visit breathtaking beaches such as Caladesi Island State Park, which is a beautiful island located off the coast of Dunedin. One attractive feature of Dunedin is the islands off its coast such as Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, both accessible by bridge or boat! On Honeymoon Island is the beach with a magical aura, the gorgeous Honeymoon Island State Park. Other terrific attractions include museums such as Penny Lane Beatles Museum, Stirling Art Studios and Gallery, Dunedin Fine Art Centre as well as so much more to discover in this remarkable town!
Fort Walton, Florida
Known for soft, white-sand beaches and the gorgeous Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton on the Florida Panhandle is the place to be in the summertime! Discover the indigenous history, meet dolphins, penguins, and alligators and visit fascinating museums in this popular seaside destination on the stunning Gulf Coast. When a friendly community is situated around natural beauty paired with exciting attractions and a perfect climate, there is bound to be loads of tourism, and Fort Walton has gotten lots of it with an impressive 7.5 million visitors to Okaloosa County in 2021! The beaches in Fort Walton are fantastic, with Okaloosa Island Beach and it's pier, John Beasley Park being perfect examples of a gorgeous beach. Exciting attractions include Indian Temple Mound Museum, Emerald Coast Science Centre and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park!
Grand Isle, Louisana
Translating to "Big Island" in French, Grand Isle in the underrated state of Louisiana definitely receives a big boom in the summertime when this small community of 1,003 people sees 300,000 visitors a year rush over to take in the splendid beauty of this magnificent barrier island off the coast of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. A plethora of travellers come to this lovely island every year for the top-tier fishing experience of Grand Isle and the island's glistening waters. The island has a variety of companies offering fishing tours and charters. Not into fishing? No problem! Grand Isle can appeal to all visitors with spots such as the famous Grand Isle State Park, which is a very popular beach on the island. Stop for delicious food at Artie's Sports Bar and the beloved Hurricane Hole, all part of the amazing Grand Isle experience.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Sitting gracefully upon the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico is the splendid city of 49,241 residents, named Biloxi. Renowned for amazing seafood, superb beaches and entertaining casinos, Biloxi has no problem drawing in 3 million annual visitors. Next to the perfect Biloxi beach on the Mississippi sounds where gentle waves wash upon the soft sand, is Biloxi Lighthouse, an iconic landmark of the city. Some notable casinos and sites to visit include Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Beauvoir Historic Site, and Beau Rivage Casino. You cannot visit Biloxi without indulging in the delicious seafood culture of the area, visit local gems such as Half Shell Oyster House and Tarantos Crawfish.
South Padre Island, Texas
Climb into a ravishing 5 story watchtower which overlooks the majestic scenery of the impressive south coast of Texas and watch migratory birds soar through the skies in the popular town of South Padre Island. Being an underrated gem in Texas, South Padre Island is vibrant and fun in the summer months, drawing in over one million excited tourists every year. Take a relaxing boat ride or enter a touch tank into the warm and calming waters of the Laguna Madre with The South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center, where visitors get to encounter and learn about the local sea life. Visit rescued sea turtles at Sea Turtles Inc. or bird watch and stroll through relaxing trails at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center. No matter where you visit on South Padre Island, this fun-packed coastal town is sure to provide all visitors with memorable experiences.
With 6 idyllic states situated along the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the gulf coast was bound to have a flourishing tourism sector and has produced a variety of small towns which experience a summertime boom. Residents of the inland and big concrete cities flock to these small towns and their beautiful beaches for quite obvious reasons and will continue to flourish under the hot summer sun, drawing in visitors to experience the refreshing gulf breeze and the soft, white sands the breeze caresses.
