9 Most Scenic Drives On The Gulf Coast
From Texas to Florida and every state in between, America’s Gulf Coast is one of the prettiest seaboards in the world. Beloved for its subtropical climate, white beaches, lush islands, and majestic waters, it’s not hard to see why so many vacation here. However, if you want to travel beyond your beachfront hotel or skip the resort altogether, a scenic drive allows you to see and experience even more of the coast. Whether exploring as a local, visiting from out of state, or traveling from overseas, these 9 scenic Gulf Coast drives offer a sublime range of sights right from your car and experiences worth pulling over for.
Highway 399, Florida
Running through America's largest national seashore, Highway 399 is one of the best ways to explore the Gulf right from your car. Stretching 160 miles through Florida and Mississippi, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a treasure trove of sugar sands and crystal-clear waters. Highway 399, also called “Beach Drive,” runs right through the center of Santa Rosa Island, awarding travelers with ocean views on either side.
From mainland Florida, you can drive to Santa Rosa on the Navarre Beach Causeway from the east, or the Pensacola Bay Bridge from the west. From either end, the narrow barrier island offers breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf of Mexico (America). The seashore’s Santa Rosa Area also boasts 8 miles of glorious beachfront, including prized shores like Opal Beach. A beautiful place to swim, fish, picnic, and lounge in the sun, this pristine stretch of sand is a major highlight of the drive.
Scenic Highway 30-A, Florida
Hugging 28.5 miles of Florida’s Emerald Coast, the two-lane Highway 30A beckons travelers with its coastal charms and 50+ public beach points. Sandwiched between Panama City Beach and Destin, 30A’s shores are some of the prettiest in the state, standing out for their white sands and emerald-hued waters. Along the drive, travelers can also encounter 15 rare coastal dune lakes, including Camp Helen State Park’s 800-acre Lake Powell. It is the largest lake of its kind in North America and one of the few coastal dune lake settings in the world, making it a bucket-list-worthy stop.
The remaining drive also passes through some of Florida’s cutest beachfront communities and resort towns, like Rosemary Beach, Watersound, and Seaside. The latter is beloved for its sparkling shores and picture-perfect townscape, which once starred in the 1998 film, The Truman Show. Whether stopping for its gourmet food trucks on Airstream Row or recharging with a drink at Amavida Coffee Roasters, this pastel beach town is well worth the pitstop.
Coastal Connection Scenic Byway, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is equally stunning and full of fun stops on roads like the Coastal Connection Scenic Byway. Sprawling 130 miles through Mobile and Baldwin County, the coastal route offers a rich blend of scenic scenes, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions. Beginning in Grand Bay and ending in the city of Daphne, the drive can be as action-packed or laid-back as you desire, connecting you to some of Southern Alabama’s greatest parks and landmarks.
Nature lovers can enjoy points like Gulf State Park, a 6,000-acre slice of paradise with coastal beaches, pier walks, and 900 acres of freshwater lakes. Visitors can explore its 28 miles of trails or venture to the heart of the park, where Lake Shelby invites relaxation with swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Back on the byway, history enthusiasts can marvel at sites like Historic Fort Gaines, a fascinating Civil War landmark. After crossing the Dauphin Island Bridge, the site offers sweeping views of the Gulf and Mobile Bay. Guests can also explore the remnants of its past, including cannons, tunnels, a museum, and a blacksmith shop.
Bluewater Highway, Texas
For travelers looking to take things slow, the Texas Bluewater Highway invites its passengers to embrace coastal scenes at an unhurried pace. Stretching 40 miles between Surfside Beach and Galveston Island, the road’s low speed limit allows drivers to cruise the coast instead of racing through. As a result, the journey along this Texas stretch is just as glorious as its destinations. Turn on cruise control, roll your windows down, and let the crashing waves and salty air set the scene.
Amidst its pastel cottages and stilted beach homes, the Bluewater Highway has some of the state’s prettiest Gulf Coast beaches. Stahlman Park is a simple but popular stop in Surfside, featuring soft white sands, a crabbing pier, and a quaint gazebo for when you need a break from the sun. Continuing east, other public shores can be enjoyed in Freeport, including spots like Seahorse Beach and the Kelly Hamby Nature Trail. Finally, after crossing the San Luis Pass, the scenic route ends in Galveston with its beautiful San Luis Pass Beach Access point.
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Louisiana
Threading through one of America’s "Last Great Wildernesses,” the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road preserves the Gulf’s spellbinding wild side. Encompassing 180 miles of Louisiana prairie, marsh, and shore, this National Scenic Byway is teeming with wildlife and striking landscapes. Among its 26 miles of unspoiled beaches, shores like Holly Beach, "The Cajun Riviera," steal the heart of all who stop by. In place of boardwalk cafes and high-rise hotels, this rustic shore offers classic pleasures, including fishing, seashell collecting, and unobstructed sunset views.
As “Louisiana’s Outback,” much of the Creole Nature Trail is remote and rugged, although the road also leads to a variety of nature-centered attractions. The Peveto Woods Sanctuary is a gorgeous spot to see migratory birds and butterflies, while the 1.5-mile Wetland Walkway is a thrilling way to see gators in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Wild birds and alligators can also be viewed by exploring the Pintail Wildlife Drive, an epic extension of the All-American Road. Set in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, the picturesque 3-mile wetland loop is the perfect way to take in views without leaving the comforts of your car.
Sanibel To Captiva, Florida
Back in the Sunshine State, what could be cooler than cruising two enchanting Gulf Coast islands? Departing from mainland Fort Myers, the Sanibel Causeway is your gateway to this island adventure, with a $9.00 fee and priceless scenes. Stretching 3 miles out across San Carlos Bay, the narrow route offers ocean views on either side. You can make a beeline straight for Sanibel Island or stop along the way at Causeway Islands Park, a palm-bordered beach for swimming, fishing, and snapping the perfect photo.
From there, you have a few options. Sanibel’s Gulf Drive runs parallel to the water, bordering resorts and public shores like Sanibel Beach. On the other hand, if you follow Periwinkle Way to Sanibel-Captiva Road, you will pass exciting attractions like the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. A nature haven for manatees, sea turtles, and 250 species of birds, the refuge can be explored by kayak, on foot, or right from your car with their 4-mile Wildlife Drive. Afterward, if you keep on San-Cap Road, a short bridge across Blind Pass will finally lead you to Captiva Island. From there, the route turns into Captiva Drive, leading past shores like Turner Beach Park and Captiva Beach, each popular for its seashells and bewitching views.
Big Bend Scenic Byway, Florida
One of Florida’s best scenic drives, the Big Bend Scenic Byway invites travelers to “Explore Undiscovered North Florida.” The route’s namesake “Bend” describes the geographical curve on Florida’s Gulf Coast, harboring a gorgeous range of beaches, marshes, and forests. The 220-mile byway features a Forest Trail and Coastal Trail, each offering distinct sights and experiences, including 3 state forests and 9 state parks. The first route is anchored by rolling hillsides, wetlands, and lush woodlands, while the latter showcases some of the region’s best bays and beaches.
On the Forest Trail, hiking and sightseeing are wonderful additions to your drive. Travelers can access a range of natural attractions, including Silver Lake Recreational Area, parts of the Florida National Scenic Trail, and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, this National Natural Landmark is a highlight of the Forest Trail. As for standout attractions on the Coastal Trail, the route offers its own remarkable sights and attractions. Whether exploring charming port towns like Apalachicola or lounging on a beach at St. George Island State Park, the coastal section of the Big Bend Scenic Byway is a magical seaside escape.
Tamiami Trail, Window to the Gulf Coast, Florida
Winding along Florida’s west central Gulf Coast, the Tamiami Trail Window to the Gulf Coast byway offers a sensational blend of coastal beauty and arts and culture. Extending 70 miles, this scenic route makes up a portion of the 284-mile Tamiami Trail, a stretch of Highway Route 41 linking Tampa to Miami. This shorter “Window” passes through some of Florida’s greatest Gulf Coast cities, including Palmetto, Sarasota, Bradenton, North Port, and Venice. Along the way, waterfronts range from Sarasota Bay to the Manatee and Myakka Wild & Scenic Rivers, visible at sites like the Bradenton Riverwalk, Oscar Scherer State Park, and Myakka River State Park.
Notably, the byway also runs through Florida’s Cultural Coast, making it a popular drive for art lovers. At its heart, Sarasota stands apart from its surrounding cities, spotlighting a world-class arts scene year-round. For an eclectic mix of old and new, the John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art displays contemporary works as well as fabulous antiquities. As for its live performances, Sarasota’s venues also offer a mix of old and new, whether observing the classics at the Sarasota Opera House or catching a modern concert at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Gulf Coast Scenic Byway, Mississippi
Ending our journey in Mississippi, the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway is a short and sweet roadway whose entire 18-mile course runs parallel to the Gulf. With tons of family-friendly stops along the way, this straightforward stretch is a great route for drivers traveling with kids. Beginning in Pass Christian, Rickey Levy Memorial Harbor Park is a laid-back spot to watch boats sail by. Right next door, Shaggy's Pass Harbor is a top-rated seafood joint and the perfect prelude to your time on the road. Alternatively, Long Beach offers its own waterfront hotspots like Steve's Marina Restaurant, or you can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Gulfport Beach further down. Altogether, the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway may seem short, but its dramatic views and seaside attractions offer hours upon hours of fun.
Why Explore The Gulf Coast By Car?
While resort vacations and pre-planned itineraries are popular for good reason, there is something especially exciting about hitting the road to see where a path takes you. Although this guide is a great source of inspiration, keep in mind, it only scratches the surface of what these incredible routes have in store. Whether stumbling on a hidden cove, finding a new favorite waterfront restaurant, or creating a road trip tradition your family will follow for years to come, the thrill of exploring the Gulf Coast by car is unmatched. Better yet, these 9 scenic Gulf Coast drives can be explored at your own pace and your own agenda, whether staying in your car the entire way or stopping every mile.
