9 Overlooked Towns On The Gulf Coast Worth Visiting
The Gulf Coast stretches from Florida to Texas and is home to fun coastal towns. While some are more well-known than others, it is the little villages that are often the most interesting destinations. Many, like those in Florida, echo the state's traditions and simple living for which it was known. These are nine overlooked towns along the Gulf Coast that are worth visiting.
Although many are overlooked, each offers unique finds, friendly communities, and a beachy atmosphere that make it among the best places to visit. They also offer smaller crowds, so one can get a true sense of the coastal area. Sugar sand beaches and tropical water await those who do not overlook the smaller hamlets for an authentic coastal getaway along the Gulf Coast.
Grayton Beach, Florida
Grayton Beach, on Florida's Emerald Coast, is an overlooked town worth visiting. It is also notable for Grayton Beach State Park, a 2,000-acre playground for anglers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts. There is history to uncover here: it was one of Florida's first neighborhoods, and its bohemian atmosphere makes it one of the best beaches in Walton County.
The natural scenery has inspired many artists, giving the downtown area an artsy vibe. Collections at places like Saczynski Gallery, voted the highest-rated gallery in the county in 2022, showcase some of the best regional work. Eclectic dining options are another reason to visit, including Chanticleer Eatery, known for its lunches and fun atmosphere.
Port St. Joe, Florida
The fishing village of Port St. Joe offers visitors an "old Florida" atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. The bayfront town has much to offer for a relaxing getaway, including a walkable downtown with local shopping at places like Boutique by the Bay. There are also fun hiking opportunities on several trails, including the four-mile Port City Trail for all experience levels.
Taking a detour to San Blas Lighthouse not only sets the coastal tone for a visit, it also underscores the community's preservation efforts. Dining at local restaurants is an excellent way to immerse oneself in the community, and Port St. Joe has many singular options. Sister's Bistro is a local favorite, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional cuisine.
Cedar Key, Florida
Cedar Key is part of a large chain of barrier islands off of Florida's northwest coast, named for the cedar trees that inhabited the islands. The Cedar Keys National Refuge is the ideal place to discover this ecosystem, and it is only accessible by boat. There are also many indoor attractions along the main artery running through the town.
The Island has a low-key atmosphere and includes cultural and historical sites like Cedar Key Museum State Park, which explores local history with 18 acres and exhibits from the 1950s and 1960s from the University of Florida. When it comes to eateries, the small island has a diverse variety, including the favorite Prickly Palm for breakfast and a cozy ambience.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula is a classic maritime city on Mississippi's coast with enough fun attractions and educational sites to keep one busy during their stay. Round Island Lighthouse Maritime Museum and the Lapointe-Krebs House and Museum are two options that offer a comprehensive view of the city's diverse heritage. The lighthouse is home to the world's smallest museum at only 55 square feet and interprets Round Island's history.
The home, which is over 265 years old, has been lovingly restored and is open to the public for tours. Walking through historical homes tends to bring a city's past to life, opens doors to the region that cannot be seen anywhere else, and allows people to see the area through a historical lens. After catching up on this history, heading downtown and enjoying dinner at Hancock Rooftop Bar shines a different light on the coastal city that should not be overlooked for any trip through Mississippi.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs is an adventurous coastal town, known for its family-friendly and outdoor activities. Of course, the beach is the main attraction for many, centered around the Chester McPherson Pier. Around the pier are numerous fun things to do, like touring Fort Maurepas Park, which includes a splash pad for hot days and a boardwalk leading back to the dock.
There are also ample historical sites to see, including Searwater Pottery, established in 1928, which features a showroom and shop. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art should not be missed on any visit, as it showcases the Anderson family's acclaimed contributions to the art world. Foodies do not want to miss the opportunity to visit, as there are over 100 restaurants and nightclubs to explore, including the elegant Anthony's Under the Oaks.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
For those seeking an authentic beach getaway with small crowds, Dauphin Island should top the list. The family-friendly bayside town features several opportunities to explore the maritime habitat, including the notable Dauphin Island Sea Lab. It includes the Alabama Aquarium and features interactive exhibits that provide insight into the Mobile Bay estuary, the fourth-largest in the world.
This small island is also an excellent place to dine on fresh Gulf seafood at a variety of waterfront restaurants. Pirate's Bar and Grill features a selection of Southern favorites and fresh seafood, so patrons can try the best of both culinary worlds for which Alabama is known. History buffs will want to check out Fort Gaines, which protected Mobile Bay during the Civil War and played a prominent role in the battle for the waterway.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope is a vibrant town on Mobile Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of America. Its French Quarter is designed for walking, and is surrounded by local merchants like Sadies of Fairhope and many others. It is also home to the largest Crepe Myrtle in the South, which provides ample photo opportunities. The district also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the popular Fairhope Film Festival, which highlights the best of the area.
Outdoor attractions include biking the Eastern Shore Trail and visiting the Oak Hollow Farm. The trail is a corridor between Dauphin Island and Fairhope and provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life in a pleasant setting. The farm is a scenic, rustic 300-acre property that includes a tunnel of oak trees and a wedding venue under oaks hundreds of years old.
Surfside Beach, Texas
Surfside Beach is a small fishing community on the shores of Texas with a laidback atmosphere. Beachcombers will love the shelling opportunities as the local beaches are home to over 600 varieties. Learn about this heritage at the Surfside Historical Museum on the second floor of Surfside City Hall, and about other microhistories that give the area its ambiance.
Of course, Surfside got its name for its abundance of surfing, and it has a surfing culture. Explore this aspect of the town at the Surfside Surf Station and other surfing hotspots. Other fun things to do include trekking along the Blue Highway Trail, a collaborative funding effort by the tight-knit community that allows the trail to wind around the town for an all-encompassing view of the area.
Port Aransas, Texas
The small community of Port Aransas loves to play outdoors and have a good time, as evidenced by the outdoor attractions and booming nightlife. Known as the "Fishing Capital of Texas," there are many boat rentals and charters, like Deep Sea Headquarters, to get out on the Gulf for offshore adventure. The cultural side of this fun town showcases another angle of the community, including the Port Aransas Museum.
The museum interprets island life through exhibits and photos, and is also the steward for the integral Chapel on the Dunes. The tiny church is one of the most visited places on the island, located in the Old Town area. It was constructed in the 1930s by an astronomer and Poet Laureate on the highest point, facing the Gulf. Its walls are adorned with a vibrant color scheme and should not be overlooked by any visitor to Port Aransas.
From the Emerald Coast to the shores of Texas, the Gulf Coast is home to many overlooked towns that deserve a second glance when planning a beach getaway. White-sand beaches and azure-colored water beckon to a tropical destination without leaving the US. Another aspect of this region is the affable communities that call it home. Seeing these areas during festivals or other live events is the best way to mingle with locals and get an authentic feel for the place.
Small diners and historic districts add to each city's allure and pique the curiosity of many travelers. It is in these storied areas that a visitor can visibly see what makes the communities so special. Smaller hubs reflect the best characteristics of the Gulf Coast, and these historic hamlets complete the tale of the towns. Less crowded beaches and fun restaurants are notable in these overlooked towns, making each worth visiting.
