Every year, people from many different countries and the USA prefer to visit the Gulf Coast, which is famous for its pristine beaches and oceans.
Some states like the following are the most popular destinations for tourists during the summer:
- Texas
- Florida
- Alabama
- Louisiana
These coastal villages are ideal for every traveler’s itinerary, offering a great blend of natural beauty and seaside attractiveness.
If you are planning to visit any of the gulf coast destination, then you must contact Emerald Coast by Owner in advance to book your Gulf Coast vacation rentals. They specialize in vacation rentals along the Gulf Coast, offering a streamlined experience for owners and renters with a wide selection and easy comparison.
The Gulf Coast economy thrives on:
- Energy
- Petrochemicals
- Fishing
- Aerospace
- Agriculture
Major cities include the following:
- Baton Rouge
- Beaumont
- Biloxi
- Brownsville
- Corpus Christi
- Galveston
- Gulfport
- Houston
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Mobile
- New Orleans
- Panama City
- Pensacola
- Petersburg
Each of these cities is pivotal in their metropolitan areas with significant port facilities. However, in this post, we will discuss about few more locations, where you will not find so much of crowd like all these popular destinations.
A few less popular towns to visit while you are on the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast beckons with renowned beaches, vibrant marine life, and year-round favorable weather. Amidst these attractions lie towns rich in amenities and unique destinations, catering to diverse interests.
Discover eight lesser-known Gulf Coast towns offering natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural experiences for an ideal vacation away from the crowd.
1) Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Those of you who want to enjoy a peaceful vacation and avoid crowd may choose to visit Ocean Springs. This city is located in the Mississippi’s southern shore. As compared to Biloxi, this is much more peaceful area to visit.
In the surrounding Gulf Islands National Seashore, peaceful hiking and birdwatching are available, and kayaking and fishing amid verdant swamplands are encouraged at Davis Bayou. Explore the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and historic downtown for local culture and cuisine.
2) Surfside Beach, Texas
Another less crowded place to visit on the Gulf Coast is Surfside Beach, which is located on the Gulf Coast in Texas, the southern area of Houston.
You can spend your time in the following activities:
- Kiteboarding
- Surfing
In addition to above, many people prefer to go for fishing during vacationing here at Surfside Jetty Park. Few people prefer to book a reservation for exploring the deep sea such as Oilfield Outcasts Charters.
Seahorse Bar & Grill and other neighborhood restaurants provide delicious seafood and breathtaking views of the Gulf while the nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge offers beautiful paths and opportunities to see wildlife.
3) Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope, located on Mobile Bay’s eastern edge, provides a charming escape from nearby Mobile, Alabama, known for its art galleries and scenic parks. Hotels and lodging are conveniently near serene civic parks like Fairhope Municipal Park and the Rose Garden. Fairhope Pier offers bay views and fishing.
If you are one among the nature enthusiasts, then you may also choose to visit National Estuarine Research Reserve where you can trail through coastal habitats and try to explore the eco system of that area.
4) Port Aransas, Texas
Another place to visit in Texas is Port Aranas, which is in Mustang Island. This place is famous as an energetic neighborhood and shoreline of Mexico’s gulf coast.
Keep yourself busy with the following activities while you are here:
- Surfing,
- Swimming
- Tanning
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Bird watching.
Downtown, the University of Texas aquatic Science Institute has informative aquatic exhibits.
5) Apalachicola, Florida
Florida is one of the most popular destinations, however, in Apalachicola, which is located in Panhandle of Florida is less visited where you can enjoy seafood.
You can find many restaurants who will serve you different kinds of seafoods. You can also explore a few historic places here and also visit Raney House Museum.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve for biological insights, kayak the Apalachicola River, or visit St. George Island for beaches and animals.
6) Grand Isle, Louisiana
The only inhabited barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico belonging to Louisiana, Grand Isle, provides a singular coastal experience, noted for its world-class fishing and its historic Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo.
Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge boasts immaculate beaches and a variety of habitats, while Grand Isle State Park offers birdwatching and seaside camping. Savor regional seafood at eateries in the downtown area that highlight Louisiana’s well-known cuisine, such as Starfish Restaurant.
7) Punta Gorda, Florida
Fishermen’s Village, located on the northern border of downtown Punta Gorda, offers food options, boutique stores, entertainment at places like the Gulf Theater, and a marina. Discover the well-preserved late 19th-century structures of Punta Gorda History Park, which provides a leisurely stroll through the area’s past.
See the family-friendly displays and injured wildlife at the Peace River Wildlife Center. Nearby, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park offers hiking trails and kayak launches, with rentals at places like Punta Gorda Adventures. Enjoy the scenic Harbor Walk along the waterfront for walking, cycling, and harbor views.
8) Cedar Key, Florida
Those who are bird watcher and also interested to explore marine life may prefer to visit the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.
You can also spend your time by paying a visit to Cedar Key Museum State Park, where you will get the opportunity to see the works of St. Clair Whitman, who was a well-known local naturalist during the nineteenth century.
If you want to view closely dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species and be friendly with them, then you can explore with the help of Kayak from Kayak Cove.
If you are a foodie, you may explore a few well-known restaurants in Cedar Key and taste seafood. Every year in the October month, Seafood festivals are held.
Final word
Discover serene natural preserves, immaculate beaches perfect for hiking or sunbathing, and exciting paddling experiences by venturing outside of Gulf Coast cities. Check out these 8 suggested towns for a peaceful summer vacation. You can prefer to stay in any vacation rentals while spending a few days on the Gulf Coast.
