2025's Most Underrated Towns In Gulf Coast
While many associate the Gulf Coast with Florida cities like Destin, there is so much beauty beyond the region’s renowned resorts. From Alabama to Texas, the Gulf is home to a wealth of underestimated towns, each more charming than the last. Despite their immaculate beaches, state parks, and coastal landmarks, these Gulf Coast towns continue to fly under the radar in 2025. Whether located off the beaten path or overshadowed by trendier cities, they remain unknown to mainstream travel crowds. Nonetheless, these are some of the most underrated towns on the Gulf Coast, inviting visitors to enjoy seaside splendor with smaller crowds.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Over in Mississippi, Ocean Springs is a Jackson County town known for its spirited art scene, small-town atmosphere, and scenic beaches. While it is by no means unknown, the town is often overshadowed by nearby Biloxi, a popular casino city. Ocean Springs, on the other hand, is great for simple pleasures, like gallery hopping, shopping, and family-friendly beach days.
After strolling through the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, smaller galleries like the Pink Rooster are a great follow-up. Heading north on Washington Ave, the unofficial main street is also teeming with fun antique shops, like Ocean Springs Mercantile and Coastal Magpie. Afterward, make sure to leave plenty of time for Front Beach, a family-friendly shore with white sands and mild waves.
Redington Beach, Florida
Redington Beach, a serene Gulf Coast town in Florida, is paradise for beachgoers seeking solitude. Located on the barrier island of Sand Key, the coastal community is largely residential and just 1 square mile in size. As a result, you will not find the usual array of boardwalk attractions and tourist traps. Instead, visitors are invited to embrace Redington Beach’s slower pace, quiet shores, and gorgeous Gulf Coast scenes.
After a short drive across the Tom Stuart Causeway, travelers can make their way to Gulf Boulevard. The coastal main street boasts 5 public access points along Redington Shores Beach along with beachy restaurants like SeaBreeze Island Grill. Alternatively, Redington Beach Town Park is a charming picnic spot nearby, offering shaded tables and a break from the sand.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Serenity and solitude are also hallmarks of Grand Isle, a Louisiana beach town home to under 1,000 residents. Much like Redington Beach, Grand Isle’s barrier island setting gives it a self-contained feel, sheltered from the rest of the world. As Louisiana’s only remaining barrier island with permanent residents, your time in Grand Isle is that much more special.
Grand Isle State Park is the town’s greatest treasure, showcasing the Gulf Coast’s wild side. Open year-round, the park features a 900-foot fishing pier, a 2.5-mile nature trail, and a beautiful 2-mile beach. Whether camping in the park or booking a stay at a cozy locale like Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages, make sure to sample some Louisiana seafood at local spots like the Starfish Restaurant. Alternatively, you may prefer to take home your own catch with Capt. John's Fin-tastic Charters.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
About an hour’s drive from Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis blends seaside beauty with Old Mississippi charm. Much like Ocean Springs, the beach town is often overlooked in favor of Biloxi. However, it is well worth the detour. Overlooking the Mississippi Sound, Bay St. Louis Beach is known for its soft sands and sheltered waters, making it a safe and laid-back swimming shore. The Bay St. Louis Beach Trail also offers picturesque Gulf views for when you want to stretch your legs on land.
With a history dating back to 1699, the town is equally enchanting for travelers who love a blend of old and new. At the heart of it all, the Old Town historic district welcomes a slow stroll past 19th-century buildings. Inside these old-fashioned storefronts, visitors can find an array of chic boutiques and restaurants, like the Shops of Century Hall and Mockingbird Cafe.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Affectionately dubbed “Alabama's Version Of Miami Beach” by The Travel, Gulf Shores is perfect for vacationers seeking postcard shores without the crowds. Although the Alabama paradise is popular with locals, it is vastly underrated on an international level. While many assume sugar sands and clear waters are limited to Florida, this Alabama town proves otherwise.
Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and sandcastle-building are just some of the classic beach activities enjoyed at the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Alternatively, for a more active day outdoors, Gulf State Park offers 28 miles of hiking trails through the 6,150-acre park. Paddling Lake Shelby at its center is equally popular, with on-site kayak rentals available at Coastal Segway Adventures. But if the beach beckons you back, Gulf State Park also boasts over 3.5 miles of pristine and spacious beachfront skirting the Atlantic.
Port Isabel, Texas
Despite its coastal charms, Texas is another state not everyone associates with the Gulf, which is why Port Isabel remains so underrated. Encompassed by Laguna Madre Bay, the striking Cameron County town is known for family-friendly beaches like Isla Blanca Park. It is also a gateway to South Padre Island, a barrier island with 34 miles of stunning white-sand beaches and the Queen Isabella State Fishing Pier.
Back on the mainland, Port Isabel offers its own maritime culture and attractions. At the center of its town square, the Port Isabel Lighthouse is an impressive sight, surrounded by coastal restaurants and attractions. Nearby, the Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier is a fun place to cast a line, or you can dine on fresh seafood next door at the Pirates Landing Restaurant.
Discover These Underrated Gulf Coast Towns In 2025
While popular Gulf Coast towns are popular for a reason, these underdog towns are equally worth seeing. Whether planning a family beach vacation, a romantic weekend away, or a girl’s trip to leave your worries behind, these underrated Gulf Coast towns have all you need to make your 2025 the best it can be. From solitude and sunshine in Redington Beach to main street strolls in Ocean Springs, summer fun awaits at every corner, inviting visitors to embrace simple pleasures and make exciting memories.
