If You Haven’t Visited These Beach Towns on the Gulf Coast, You’re Missing Out

Updated Dec 2021

From the east coast to the west coast, the U.S. is full of amazing beaches. But it’s hard to beat the white sand and aquamarine waters that you only find on the Gulf of Mexico. In this post, we’re exploring 10 of the beach towns on the Gulf that have tons of personality and plenty of ways to soak up the sun and aquamarine waters. Keep reading to discover what makes each coastal community unique, the best things to do in the area, and some quick stats to help you decide which one to visit first…

“Our oceans, waterways, and the life they contain are so much more than their ecological, economic, and educational value. They have vast emotional benefits. They make life on earth possible, but also worth living”

Wallace J. Nichols

It’s fascinating to think about how being near water affects us…

Did you know research has shown that contact with water makes us happier, healthier, calmer, and more creative?

(as if we needed any more reasons to take a beach vacation!?)

So let’s explore the Gulf of Mexico and all the adorable, small beach towns around every bend. Here’s what you’ll find in this post:

• The 10 beach towns I personally recommend
• Which town has the best beaches on the Gulf
• Where to find the clearest water
• Alligators? Sharks? (debunking a few common misconceptions)
• Tips for traveling cheap to a gulf coast beach
• And a few interesting facts about each coastal community…

Disclosure: Any tips or products shared are things I truly believe in. If you take action (ie make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some money which helps me continue creating travel content for you. Thank you for your support!

Best Beach Towns On The Gulf Coast

Listed below are 10 Gulf Coast beach towns to explore! We’ll move west to east on the map, starting with Texas, going through Alabama and ending in Florida. Here’s a quick glance at the “quick stats” to get some basic information on each town:

1. Padre Island, Texas

Padre Island is a small barrier island on the Texas coast. And by small, I mean tiny! The island is a mere 3 miles wide and home to less than 3,000 people. So if you’re looking for a low-key and quiet beach getaway, you’ll find it here.

What the island is most known for is the Padre Island National Seashore, which is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Besides being a beautiful coastline, it’s also the most important U.S. nesting beach for endangered sea turtles. If you time your visit right, you can even see a turtle hatchling release!

If you like fishing, check out the Sigsbee Deep, the deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico where over 272 varieties of saltwater fish can be caught. It’s a fisherman’s paradise and the water is absolutely stunning.

Padre Island is a great spot for camping, biking, beachcombing and more. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy nature. When you need supplies or want to go into town, the city of Corpus Christi is just across the bay and offers lots of dining and shopping options.

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2. Galveston, Texas

About 250 miles east of Padre Island is Galveston, Texas. Who knew Texas had so many great beach towns? If Padre Island felt a little too quiet and secluded, Galveston might be for you. It’s a bigger community with tons of history and things to do.

There are over 14 museums and historic homes open to the public for tours, more than 20 art galleries, and lots more to check out. Galveston is also home to Moody Gardens, a unique attraction that’s part aquarium, part water park and even has a golf course!

On your visit, be sure to check out the Seawall Boulevard, an urban park that spans 10 miles along the coast. It’s a great place to walk, grab food, and just enjoy being outdoors. It runs right alongside the Pleasure Pier, an amusement park and Galveston staple.

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3. Dauphin Island, Alabama

Dauphin Island, Alabama is another jewel to explore. This small beach town on the Gulf Coast is easily accessible from Mobile, but the best way to get there is by boat or ferry. The crystal clear water means you can see lots of jellyfish along the way!

The Dauphin Island Public Beach is a great place to stop, and you’ll find trails, parks, historical exhibits (and it’s pet-friendly!) In fact, if you love animals Dauphin Island has several ways to enjoy their company. Spend a day exploring the Audubon Bird Sanctuary or the Dauphin Island Sea Lab!

Another fascinating thing to do is explore Fort Gaines, a historic site that dates back to Civil War days and has fantastic views of the bay and Gulf of Mexico.

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4. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is a coastal city in Alabama with beautiful white sand beaches and lots of things to do! Located near Orange Beach, the two communities are only about ten miles apart and offer everything from water sports to coastal trails, tons of shopping and waterfront dining options and more. 

Be sure to visit The Wharf, which is an open-air dining, entertainment and shopping center on the bay. You’ll want to stay until the evening when they do a laser light show as the sun goes down. It’s gorgeous!

Another cool spot to explore is the Gulf State Park which is nearby but separate from the public beaches and features over 28 miles of trails and preserved natural beauty.

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5. Pensacola, Florida

Did you know Pensacola was America’s first settlement? Established in 1559 in Florida’s panhandle, Pensacola is a unique city with lots of culture and variety. If you’re looking for white sand, you’ll definitely find it in Pensacola! This beach town is beautiful, and one of the most affordable on the list.

Pensacola is a military town, and has even been called “the cradle of Naval aviation”. So don’t be surprised if you see or hear aircraft flying overhead. To learn more, you can check out the Naval Aviation Museum and speak to retired pilots about their experiences.

And you can’t visit Pensacola without stopping by Palafox Street, an iconic part of the city. You’ll find European influences, an eclectic mix of Spanish, French and British architecture, and lots of good food!

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6. Destin, Florida

Destin Florida is one of the most flocked to Gulf Coast beach towns for good reason! Not only do they have Florida’s signature white sand and bright blue water, but they’re also known for their amazing fishing charters, golf courses and family- friendly vibe.

To escape the crowds head to Henderson Beach State Park where you’ll find picnic pavilions, places to grill out, quiet beaches and trails.

No trip to Destin is complete without heading over to Crab Island which is actually a sandbar and one of the most popular gathering spots for boats and anyone looking to have a good time and let loose out on the water.

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7. Panama City Beach, Florida

About 45 minutes east of Destin is Panama City Beach, which you’ve no doubt heard of as the Spring Break Capital of the World. PCB is another gorgeous spot that’s really just a small-town situated on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. You can expect stunning white sand and gorgeous blue water and a laid-back, “let it all hang out” atmosphere.

One unique  thing that happens in Panama City Beach is sea turtle nesting which happens between March and October where sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. To see marine life up close and personal you don’t have to go very far! Whether it’s a visit to Gulf World Marine Park,  one of the many boat tours, or a visit to St. Andrews State Park your chances are good to catch a glimpse of a dolphin.

Another fun area to check out in Panama City Beach is Pier Park where you can get a tropical drink, have dinner  catch a movie or take a ride on the Skywheel. Want more help planning your trip to PCB? Check out my post The Best Time To Visit PCB (and 40 unique things to do!)

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8. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Often ranked one of the top beaches in the United States, Clearwater Beach is a must-see along the Gulf Coast. It also holds a world record for most consecutive days of sunshine (768 days!) This beautiful coastal community, located west of Tampa, will not disappoint.

It’s a gorgeous, well-kept and fun place to be, with an abundance of white sand and crystal clear water. One of the most fun things you can do in Clearwater Beach is boating and water sports. If nothing else, try the Clearwater Ferry. It really is a great way to see the city!

Be sure to check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, made famous in the movie Dolphin Tale and known for their marine life rescues. And stop by the Pinellas Trail, one of the most popular trails in the country and a great place to walk, jog or bike.

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9. St. Petersburg, Florida

St Petersburg, also called “St. Pete” by the locals is a coastal community about 30 minutes from downtown Tampa. Larger than most of the other Gulf Coast beach towns on this list, St Pete has the advantage of being near Tampa (not to mention Clearwater Beach) so there’s a much bigger area to explore.

The St. Pete area is home to several interesting and unique museums, nature preserves like the one at Weedon Island, and of course the beautiful coastline. You can also check out the Sunken Gardens, which are over 100 years old and feature 50,000 tropical plants and flowers.

One more thing to add to your list is the Saturday Morning Market held in downtown St Pete Beach. It’s a beloved event where you can to find the best produce, flowers, and other unique finds from local vendors.

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10. Sarasota, Florida

Wrapping up the list of best small towns on the gulf coast is Sarasota, Florida. This beautiful city is located 56 miles south of Clearwater Beach and has an average temperature of 72 degrees. Perfection!

Did you know that Sarasota is the only place in the world where you can explore the treetops of a subtropical forest? Check out the Myakka Canopy Walkway for a super unique experience. Their 85-foot long boardwalk (25 feet above the ground) is the first public treetop trail in North America!

Sarasota is just plain cool. The city even has its own official type of period architecture known as “Sarasota Modern”. And if art and architecture interest you, check out the The Ringling art museum and the Ca d’Zan Mansion.

To spend more time outdoors, you have no shortage of options. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Siesta Key Village, and Central Sarasota Farmers Market are all great ways to spend an afternoon.

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Best Beaches On The Gulf Coast

I know you’re wondering… which beach is the BEST? According to TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards… In 2021, St. Pete Beach is the #1 Beach in the United States! Also making the list are Pensacola Beach at #15 and Clearwater Beach at #18 . Out of 25 beaches across the U.S., 3 are on this list!

Now let’s start planning your trip! I love getting a good deal, and Cheapoair is a great place to find a flight deal. They have guaranteed low prices from trusted airline partners and 24/7 customer service to answer any purchase questions:

FAQs about The Best Gulf Coast Beaches:

What’s the prettiest beach on the Gulf Coast? (and where’s the clearest water?)

In my opinion, the prettiest beaches are in Florida! The sand seems to be the whitest and the water is gorgeous and clear. I live here, so I could be biased lol. Florida (and specifically the gulf coast) is blessed with super white sand, bright blue water , and beaches that are clean and well-maintained.

Hands down, the clearest water in the Gulf of Mexico is found east of New Orleans. This is because the Mississippi River empties into the Gulf, mixes with the salt water, and is carried west by the tide. So for some small beach towns on the gulf coast (like Galveston and Padre Island), the sediment gives the ocean water a “muddy” or murky look.

For the clearest water, head for Alabama or Florida beaches. That’s where you’ll find the clearest, most turquoise waters imaginable.

What’s the most affordable beach town in Florida?

From the gulf coast beaches on this list, Pensacola ranks as most affordable based on the average weekend hotel stay at $121/night. Of course, there are other factors to consider in terms of transportation and availability of free or low-cost things to do. St. Pete Beach is a close second at $126/night for a weekend hotel.

I would add that the Texas and Alabama coastlines are also pretty affordable and depending on where you’re traveling from, they may be easier to reach geographically. The TX and AL beach towns also tend to be less developed (and less crowded).

The good news is, a beach vacation doesn’t have to be super expensive. One of my favorite tips to save money is to travel during shoulder season. Also called the “off-season” or “off-peak”, beach destinations tend to be less crowded and you can find better deals. Looking for more ideas? Check out my post about how to travel cheap. You’ll find tons of ideas for how to save money, find travel deals, and spend less overall on your trip.

Is It safe to swim in the Gulf?

The safety of swimming in the Gulf is a common concern, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoiding Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico

There are sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. The ocean is their home, after all! According to statistics, Florida has the most shark attacks per year. But that doesn’t mean you need to avoid getting in the water. The odds of you being involved in a shark attack are around one in 4 million! Here are a few tips to stay safe in the water:

• Stay near the shore – most shark attacks are related to surfing and board sports
• Never swim alone
• Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or nighttime when sharks are more active and visibility is lower
• Don’t swim near people who are fishing

Crocodiles in Florida

While it’s very unusual, there have been instances where a crocodile or alligator will be spotted swimming in the Gulf. Not to worry! Since these animals typically thrive in freshwater lakes and ponds, it’s very unlikely you will encounter this on your trip to a small beach town on the Gulf coast.

When it does happen, it’s typically in Florida. So if you’re traveling to other states, it’s not a concern. If you do encounter one, the best thing you can do is keep your distance.

Other Beach Safety Tips

• Swim near a lifeguard tower
• If you can’t swim, don’t go in the water
• Pay attention to beach warning flags (and know what they mean!) In general a red or yellow flag indicates something of concern. Ask a lifeguard if you aren’t sure
• Check the weather beforehand
• Be aware of ocean life
• Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!

Consider Supporting The Blog (at no extra cost to you!)

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More Resources For Your Beach Trip

Before you go, here are a few of my favorite travel planning resources that I know you’ll love: