8 Adorable Small Towns on the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast of the United States is renowned for its stunning beaches, rich history, and charming small towns. Along the Gulf of Mexico, there are five states with shorelines in the coastal region: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Each state offers a unique blend of culture, historical significance, and diverse landscapes to the area.
From the pristine beaches of Port Aransas, Texas, to the historic fishing town of Apalachicola, Florida, the Gulf Coast offers perfect getaways for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs. Travelers can take a stroll through Fairhope, Alabama’s historic downtown, explore the John Gorrie Museum in Apalachicola, Florida, and view local art in the Beach Boulevard Historic District in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Here are eight adorable small towns in the Gulf Coast that offer old world charm, fresh seafood, and stunning views of nature.
Apalachicola, Florida
Apalachicola is a historic fishing town located in the Florida Panhandle. Nestled along the Apalachicola River, its historic district features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and charming streets. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the town’s Historic District and view more than 900 homes and buildings, some of which were built in the early 1800s. The charming town also offers a unique experience for history buffs. You can explore the John Gorrie Museum and learn more about John Gorrie’s patented ice-making machine.
Since the town is known as a fishing village, Apalachicola hosts the annual Florida Seafood Festival in November. The event celebrates the area's rich maritime culture with an oyster shucking contest, blue crab races, and plenty of delicious seafood to enjoy.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Located along the Mississippi Sound, Bay St. Louis offers a relaxed, artsy atmosphere to visitors. Named after King Louis IX of France, the town’s French connections are still evident today in the cuisine, friendly atmosphere, and local art. The town boasts several art galleries, including Clay Creations and the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, which is located on the top floor of the Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot. The depot is also a great place to learn about the coastal town’s Mardis Gras history.
For a unique look at the town’s heritage, you can take a historical ghost tour on boat or on foot year-round in Bay St. Louis. You can also view historical architecture in the town’s Beach Boulevard Historic District. The area encompasses nearly two miles and features colorful bungalow cottages from the 1940s, a 1799 Spanish Customs House, and Greek Revival style architecture.
Cedar Key, Florida
With a population of only 700 people, Cedar Key is a small, tranquil island town on the Gulf Coast of Florida. One of the oldest ports in the Sunshine State, the town’s old-world charm is evident in the historic downtown area. With few traffic lights, mom-and-pop stores, and fresh clams, Cedar Key offers a relaxed vibe for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
The area is home to Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, which showcases local artifacts dating back to 1842, when the second Seminole War ended in the town. Another great area to learn about the seaside town’s history is at Cedar Key Museum State Park. Visitors enjoy birding, geocaching, hiking, and paddling in the 18-acre park. For history buffs, the park is home to the St. Clair Whitman Museum, which features collections of seashells and Native American artifacts.
Fairhope, Alabama
Situated on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Alabama, Fairhope is a picturesque town renowned for its historic downtown and beautiful bayfront parks. North Beach Park offers stunning views of the bay, paved walking trails, and a white sandy beach. The town is also known for its charming history, which is best viewed by taking a stroll in Fairhope’s walkable downtown. History buffs enjoy learning more about the town at the Fairhope Museum of History, located in a 1928 historic Spanish Mission style building.
The town also boasts events year-round, including Fairhope’s Mardis Gras Parades in February, the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival in March, and the Taste of Fairhope Tours that take place throughout the year on Fridays and Saturdays. The unique food tours allow guests to learn more about the culinary history of Fairhope.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
The only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana, Grand Isle is a hidden gem located along the Gulf of Mexico. Although the town is known for its beautiful beaches and excellent fishing, Grand Isle is also a historic beach community. Europeans began to settle the town in the 1780s, and pirates explored the area in the 1800s. If you visit Grand Isle State Park in the northeast corner of the island, you can hike the 2.5 mile nature trail, swim in the Gulf, and view Fort Livingston. The fort was built in the 1830s and occupied by Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War.
The town also has a long fishing history and holds fishing rodeos throughout the year. At the events, anglers enjoy trying to catch the most or largest fish when participating in these fishing competitions.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Often referred to as the "City of Discovery,” Ocean Springs, Mississippi, offers a blend of art, history, and natural beauty. The historic downtown is a haven for artists and home to the Ocean Springs Art Association, which represents over 300 local artists. Art lovers and history buffs enjoy viewing exhibits at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, showcasing works by the museum’s namesake. The town’s historic district also showcases the Charnley-Norwood House from the late 1800s. Visitors can take a tour of the modern home built by Louis H. Sullivan, known as the “Father of Skyscrapers” and a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright.
Ocean Springs is also home to Old Fort Bayou, a 13-mile nature preserve that offers pristine water for canoeing and kayaking. Nature lovers can view beautiful longleaf pines while exploring Mississippi's Old Fort Bayou Coastal Preserve.
Pass Christian, Mississippi
Pass Christian, known as “The Pass” to locals, is a Mississippi coastal gem that boasts a rich history and vibrant present. Although the town was settled in 1699 by French-Canadians, Native American settlements and mounds in the area show that “The Pass” was inhabited long before the 1600s. Today, visitors can explore books and artifacts about the town’s history at the Pass Christian Historical Society. Pass Christian also has a rich history of music and literature, and jazz and blues musicians, such as Captain John Handy, called the town home.
For a picturesque view of the town’s history, take a self-guided tour along Scenic Drive Historic District. The oak-lined street boasts historic homes and buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries overlooking pristine beaches. Visitors can also take a scenic walk downtown of its boutique hotels, shops, and local parks, such as War Memorial Park.
Port Aransas, Texas
Located on Mustang Island in Texas, Port Aransas is a charming island town that offers a laid-back coastal vibe, vibrant arts community, and maritime history. The town is home to Farley Boat Works, which is best known for building the first fishing boat for catching tarpon. Today, the town’s boating history, culture, and architecture is on display at Port Aransas Museum. The museum also manages and offers tours of the Chapel on the Dunes, built in the 1930s by Poet Laureate, Aline Carter. Inside the chapel are beautiful Biblical murals painted by artist John Patrick Cobb.
Port Aransas is also home to the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture, which includes 1,217 acres of diverse coastal land designed to protect wildlife. The park offers guided nature walks, yoga in the park, and birding along the boardwalk.
These eight adorable small towns in the Gulf Coast offer a blend of old-world charm, historic significance, and natural beauty. They provide the perfect place for a relaxing getaway and a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these towns offer a slower pace of life. Whether you want to explore local history, art, or simply enjoy the serene coastal views, these towns have something for everyone.
