11 Standout Main Streets on the Gulf Coast
If the Gulf Coast held enough appeal to spark the creative fire in Jimmy Buffett and set him on a path of wanderlust, surely it is worth visiting for all beach lovers. Sugar-sand beaches, tropical waters, and laidback atmospheres have a way of calling travellers to a simpler way of life, with beautiful seascapes and compact towns full of friendly locals. These 11 standout Main Street areas on the Gulf Coast complete the picture of a beach day for many.
Between vintage architecture, world-class dining, and fun venues, each of these towns is worth a visit at least once. Towns like Venice are postcard representations of the entire region with its architecture and appeal. Gulf towns in Alabama not only embody the beach lifestyle but also exude Southern charm, making for a potent combination. Check out these 11 standout Main Streets for the ultimate Gulf destination.
Venice, Florida
Downtown Venice captures the true essence of classic Florida, with 1920s architecture, walkable streets, and local boutiques. Venice Avenue is the main artery, but Tampa Avenue comes in at a close second. Here you will find historic buildings like the Hotel Venice and the Orange Blossom Garage, now the Venice Theatre, which came to prominence during the Roaring '20s.
Even with all the stunning architecture, the heart of the district is Centennial Park. The open-air space is a community hotspot for live events, and there is a MainStreet Kiosk with local information, ideal for a self-guided deep dive into the area. The area's proximity to the beach is another outstanding feature, so visitors are never far from the best aspects of the Sunshine State.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
Rosemary Beach is a gorgeous town on Florida's Emerald Coast, with European colonial architecture of the Dutch West Indies, New Orleans, and St. Augustine. The purposeful design gives the walkable town a sophisticated air, blending perfectly with the salt breezes and the Town Center. The center is the hub of the community, with two- and three-story buildings that encompass the walkable area.
Most restaurants offer outdoor dining so patrons can enjoy what makes this place so special, including the fine dining of Restaurant Paradis and the laid-back beachy vibes of Summer Kitchen Cafe. After breakfast, stroll through the many shops for unique finds at boutiques like Hissyfits Boutique. The intentional design of the town means no one is ever far from the beach, adding to the allure of this high-end shopping mecca.
Apalachicola, Florida
The historic fishing village of Apalachicola, known as "Oystertown", was designed around six town squares that are still among the best on the Gulf Coast. The six historic squares (City, Chapman, Gorrie, Franklin, Madison, and Washington) contain a fantastic collection of homes built during the town's heyday in the early 20th century. Each can be considered a Main Street area and offers distinctive scenes, like Chestnut Street Cemetery on City Square.
After exploring the squares, dinner with waterfront views is essential. Half Shell Dockside and The Station Raw Bar feature Gulf-to-table fare that Apalachicola is famous for. It is also recommended to walk the docks and watch the fishing boats come and go to get an authentic feel for this place and the sea bounty that brought it economic prominence.
Seaside, Florida
Seaside is one of the most picturesque towns on the Gulf Coast, so much so that it was the filming location for The Truman Show. The white picket fences and pastel colored homes lead to the shopping district, the hub of the community. Popular stops include Central Square Records, a bookstore that also carries records. It also has a coffee shop, for an all-in-one shop early in the day.
While there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, none are funkier or more fun than those on Airstream Row. This collection of retrofitted Airstreams now offers quick bites for visitors. Items range from grilled cheese at The Melt Down to killer barbecue at Barefoot BBQ. The atmosphere is just as fun as the food and shopping, making Seaside one of the best places on the coast.
Destin, Florida
Known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World" for its offshore adventures, Destin also has an incredible downtown area worthy of a visit on its own. The area centers on HarborWalk Village, a shopping and entertainment hub featuring an elegant fountain and a cobblestone sidewalk. Explore the colorful side of the region at True Colors Studio, featuring artist Kelly Pierre, who captures his love of the Emerald Coast on canvas.
While visiting the harbor, stop for dinner at the popular Azul Mexican Fusion before heading to Fish Heads Bar. The lively tiki bar offers an exciting way to end the day in Florida style with a coastal ambience and live music. The best thing about this main drag is that it is on the water, which is generally the point of visiting Destin.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope's French Quarter is the spot on the Gulf for authentic Alabama hospitality and beautiful streetscapes while remaining close to the beach. The compact district includes the South's largest Crepe Myrtle, a cobblestone courtyard, and 12 local shops and boutiques to pore over. Although small in size, the French Quarter is rich in attractions, and it is safe to say that Panini Pete's is a must-stop.
The favorite lunch spot specializes in classic sandwiches with in-house ingredients that have been featured on several prominent culinary sites. After lunch, stop at Page and Palette, a bookstore that has served the community for over 50 years and even includes a coffee shop. Wake up your inner child with a stop at Fairhope Sweet Shop for nostalgic treats and Frios Gourmet Pops.
Foley, Alabama
Foley's slogan is "Where the Gulf Begins," and it should be noted that it is not where signature Alabama hospitality ends. The Main Street area has a pleasant mix of commercial services, attractions, and dining options that are terrific for a coastal getaway. Make sure to find Cat Alley, a walkway-turned-pop-up art gallery featuring murals on its brick walls. The trick is to keep your eyes peeled for painted feline friends hidden in each mural.
A fun jaunt around the district can be had on the Charles Ebert Express II. The colorful cars offer free rides around Heritage Park. After you embark on a train ride you dreamed of as a kid, keep the dream alive by visiting Stacey's Drug Store. Opened in 1929, they still have a soda fountain with handmade milkshakes and malts, and self-serve coffee for only 10 cents a cup.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Downtown Ocean Springs is an artsy place, evident by the public murals and the array of galleries. It is also a fun place to walk around, window shop, and soak in the friendly atmosphere. Before setting out on your own, book a Slow Ride Pedal Tour to plan your route. No matter the itinerary, every visitor should visit the nationally accredited Walter Anderson Museum of Art to celebrate the renowned artist-philosopher and engage with the amazing works on display.
After a day of exploring the district, take your pick of restaurants and bars for an exciting night. Offerings range from prohibition-style bars like The Wilbur Bar or The Office Bar and Lounge. The Wilbur has an air of secrecy, photos of Al Capone adorning the walls, and a bar made from the original 19th-century wood of the historic building. The Office shows another side of the community, with a wide selection of craft beers and wine.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Old Town Bay St Louis on Mississippi's Secret Coast should be no secret for those seeking a lively district with coastal vibes. This is the place to be for an eclectic mix of entertainment, dining, and mingling with locals. Cultural venues include the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre, an award-winning community theater with deep ties to the neighborhood.
Another landmark not to be missed is the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. The gallery celebrates the life of the local folk artist who did not begin painting until she was 65, becoming a local folk hero. Nightlife is an adventure here, at notable places like Sycamore House and Hen House. The first is located in an antique house, offering a curated menu in an elegant setting. At the same time, the Hen House is a vibrant cocktail and wine bar with a speakeasy atmosphere.
Port Aransas, Texas
The little port town of Port Aransas on the Texas Coast is an excellent destination for maritime heritage and fun times. Port A has become a shopping destination of note, with boutiques like the BlueWater Cowboy Mercantile that blend sophistication with coastal vibes. Another draw is the community's cultural side, with museums like the Port Aransas Museum inviting guests to step back in time to see how the port town developed.
The museum also gives tours to the Chapel on the Dunes, the oldest consecrated church on Mustang Island, with incredible ocean views. All this exploring makes someone hungry, and Port A has this angle covered, too. Gulf-to-table fare is found at places like Castaways Seafood and Grill, while land-based fare is served at MacDaddy's Family Kitchen.
With an eclectic blend of Southern charm and beach vibes, these are 11 standout Main Streets on the Gulf Coast. From the clear waters of Venice, Florida, to the small village of Port Aransas, Texas, these towns exude the best qualities of the region while remaining singular in appeal. Each one is an ideal spot for first-timers to the Gulf Coast and for frequent flyers.
While everyone has their own views about the perfect beach day, these 11 towns have enough character to satisfy everyone. There is an incredible amount of entertainment venues and historical structures in these small towns, perfect for a night out after a day of exploring the local beach. Walkability and easy access to both the beach and the city are just some of the qualities that endear these towns to so many.
