The Gulf of Mexico - Best Beaches, Boardwalks + Bistros
Summer wouldn’t be the same without the soothing lull of the waves crashing against the shoreline, the cheers and shrieks of joy as children dash in and out of the ocean, and of course, the fresh seafood and salty breeze from the sea. We’ve scoured the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico for the best beaches, boardwalks, and bistros not to be missed this summer.
BEACHES
Whether it’s soaking up the sun, splashing in the surf or snorkeling through the sea, these lesser known Gulf of Mexico beaches offer a variety of activities for the whole family.
Dauphin Island, AL
Known as the Sunset Capitol of Alabama, the pristine white sand beaches, inspiring views, and historic sites make this island a favorite among tourists and locals alike. The 14 mile long barrier island is home to a quaint maritime town of the same name, providing the island with shops, restaurants, and modern amenities. The entire island is a dedicated Audubon bird sanctuary and thousands of visitors flock to marvel at the migration of ibises, gulls, plovers, wrens , and other neo-tropical birds. The island also offers prime opportunities for shallow-water fishing, beachcombing, swimming and surfing.
dauphinisland.org
Siesta Key, FL
With three distinct beaches located on the island, Siesta Key is prime example of the diversity and charm found along the Southern coastline. Siesta Beach offers gorgeous 99% pure quartz sand, which stays cool to the touch even in the heat of summer. With only one road to access it, the secluded Crescent Beach is home to azure coastal waters and fantastic coral reefs, making it ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. Turtle Beach offers more amenities like restaurants and shops and features a beach with a steeper incline and darker sand, perfect for beachcombers to find pristine seashells, shark teeth, and sand dollars.
siestakeychamber.com/home
Grand Isle, LA
Just two hours outside of New Orleans, Grand Isle Louisiana offers a respite from the usual swamps and marshes of the Mississippi River Delta. This barrier island features ten miles of coastal heaven, and thanks to the warm Southern climate, hopping into the ocean is nearly a year round activity. The state park is also home to migratory birds, a variety of fish, and ocean life, making it an exceptional spot for bird watching, fishing, and shell collecting.
townofgrandisle.com
Ship Island, MS
Only accessible to the public by ferry, Ship Island is a beautiful barrier island and a protected National Park, 11 miles off the coast of Mississippi. The finest beaches are located on the western side of the island and offer ample opportunities for swimmers, surfers, and sea shell collectors alike. Influential in the French settlement of the area, Ship Island was often referred to as the “Plymouth Rock” of the Gulf Coast. The island is also home to Fort Massachusetts, a preserved brick fortress from the 1860’s offering guided tours throughout the season.
msshipisland.com/
Port Aransas/Mustang Island, TX
This barrier island is 18 miles of uninterrupted, pristine, white sand beaches, and most importantly, it is open to the public. This State Park hosts visitors from all countries, and is a destination for kayaking, camping, bird watching, and surfing. Port Aransas, the only town on the island, is home to approximately 4,000 people making it a quaint and charming Southern hot spot.
portaransas.org
BOARDWALKS
Once, a prime component of Victorian ocean-front resort towns, the boardwalk has become more than just an elevated footpath for pedestrians. Featuring amusement parks, midway games, and family entertainment, these Southern selections are sure to please every family member.
Adventure Island (Orange Beach, AL)
Located in the heart of Orange Beach, Adventure Island is bound to astound and amaze. The park is home to miniature golf courses, laser tag, bumper boats and go karts, all of which is guaranteed to please the family. Adventure Island also offers guests the option to ride paddle boats in the lake, while their fully functioning five story volcano erupts behind you with fire, steam and sound.
adventure-island.com
Wonderworks (Panama City Beach, FL)
In the growing “edu-tainment” market, Wonderworks stands out as a leader in the field. With multiple locations throughout the nation, Wonderworks Panama City is home to more than 100 hands on exhibits, several interactive zones, including natural disasters and space exploration, a glow in the dark indoor ropes course, and a laser tag arena.
wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach
City Park (New Orleans, LA)
While in New Orleans, finding family friend activities can be a challenge. With a visit to City Park, every family member will be enthralled by the beauty, artistry, and history of the Crescent City. Carousel Gardens Amusement Park features a nearly hundred year old hand-carved carousel of flying horses and the 36 hole City Putt offers two courses for miniature golf aficionados. The Storybook Garden is home to 20 larger than life sculptures from classic fairytales and children’s literature, while the Train Garden gives visitors a glimpse in to the city’s layout and character of the early 19th century. City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the country, is also home to the Botanical Garden, Sculpture Garden, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
neworleanscitypark.com
Escape Family Entertainment in the Margaritaville Resort (Biloxi, MS)
Part arcade, part amusement center, the Escape Family Entertainment Center within the Margaritaville Resort is 55,000 square feet of unbridled fun. Home to a 48 foot rock wall, a boutique bowling alley, and over 200 arcade games, the center also features the nation’s first indoor cloud coaster- imagine a zip line course meets an indoor rollercoaster twenty three feet above ground.
margaritavilleresortbiloxi.com
Kemah Boardwalk (Kemah, TX)
Just twenty miles from downtown Houston, Kemah offers city dwellers a quick and convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle. Located near the Johnson Space Center, The Kemah Boardwalk is home to amusements rides, midway games, shops and restaurants. With events like Firework Fridays and interactive exhibits, such as Stingray Reef which allows visitors to feed and touch stingrays, everyone is sure to be delighted with the waterfront entertainment options available.
kemahboardwalk.com
BISTROS
Delectable dishes, with fresh and savory seafood, are paramount to dining out in a coastal town. And avoiding the usual chain restaurants with mediocre food becomes crucial to creating an unforgettable vacation.
Fin and Fork (Orange Beach, AL)
On the bay side of Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach, Alabama, this delightful eatery sources their meats and seafood locally, freshness being the key. The light and lively atmosphere created by the tasteful décor and nightly music performances allow guests to relax in the serenity of the southern coast. The restaurant also features daily lunch specials and a happy hour making it the perfect place to retreat from the heat.
finandfork.com
Fish Heads (Pensacola Beach, FL)
With Gulf views and a covered open air deck, Fish Heads is the perfect spot to step out of the sun, people watch, and enjoy a meal of fresh caught seafood. The colorful aesthetic and the ocean breezes extenuate the restaurant’s proximity to the water. The menu features a variety of tasty bites including tacos, burgers, and peel-and-eat shrimp by the half pound.
fishheadspensacolabeach.com
Tabasco Restaurant 1868 (Avery Island, LA)
Located on Avery Island, The Tabasco Restaurant 1868 features spicy Cajun eats and classic southern fare. Menu items like the Cajun crawfish nachos, the pirogue sampler, and the boudin po’boy give a nod to the area’s swampy roots, while a slice of Tabasco cake for dessert shows the restaurants innovation and creativity. The Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary bar allows guests to experiment with a variety of Tabasco sauces and products. A visit to the factory and museum completes the meal with a glimpse into the farm’s history, production and growth as the most famous pepper sauce in the world.
tabasco.com
White Pillars (Biloxi, MS)
Spearheaded by Mississippi natives and husband and wife team, Austin and Tresse Sumrall’s restaurant, White Pillars, is a staple in the area for the freshest, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes daily, with the restaurant’s primary focus is on fresh wild caught seafood and locally sourced meats and produce. The attention to detail and emphasis on Mississippi doesn’t end there; the dining room houses hand crafted oak tables by local craftsman, Mark Perrot, the dishes and serving plates are created by local artisan, Michael Satterfield of Satterfield Pottery, the front sign was forged by local metal sculptor, Greg Moran, and even the bathroom soaps are made by hand in Pass Christian, Mississippi.
biloxiwhitepillars.com
Glow (Rockport, TX)
A rustic bistro housed in a former sailboat repair shop, GLOW’s chefs/owners, Karey and Daivd Swartwout , focus on simple seasonal dishes, featuring fresh caught seafood and Texas wild game meats. Featuring bay front views, the restaurant’s covered porch overlooking the garden, is the perfect spot for a post-beach day cocktail. Understanding the importance of sustainability and ocean conservancy, GLOW has eliminated single use plastics in their restaurant, regularly donates to local non-profits, including The Texas Maritime Museum, and they even offer college tuition scholarships to local teens.
glowtexas.com
Dive in and discover all the charm, beauty and magic the Gulf of Mexico has to offer this summer. Whether it’s swimming, surfing or just listening to the sound of the ocean, savor the season with these exceptional shorelines, bustling entertainment options, and scrumptious eateries of the coastal South.
