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The Gulf Coast is one of the most beautiful areas in the United States. Spanning five states (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas), it鈥檚 the perfect place to soak up some sun and take in the sights. Bigger cities like Tampa or Biloxi have plenty of things to do but mask the coast's natural beauty.

If you want a relaxing weekend along the waterways without the crowds, there are so many hidden gems right outside the city limits. These towns offer incredible views, friendly locals, cozy accommodations, and some of the best local seafood you鈥檝e ever had!

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Want a mixture of beach and nature? Gulf Shores offers a little bit of everything! Spend an afternoon admiring the views on the beach, or go for a scenic walk down the Gulf State Park Pier. It鈥檚 a sleepy little town, but it has plenty of cozy hotels or B&Bs. Gulf Shores is a friendly little town that makes you feel like a local.

In the afternoon or evening, head inland to hike or check out one of their many museums. The downtown area of Gulf Shores is quaint and rustic and feels like stepping back in time. Be sure to check out the Gulf Shores Museum in the downtown area. It offers an in-depth dive into the history of the town and is perfect for the whole family. Don鈥檛 forget to visit one of their many shops and rustic cafes to keep you occupied all day!

Grand Isle, Louisiana

Grand Isle is the spot to go when you want to recharge your batteries. If you love the beach but hate the crowds- head to Grand Isle! It鈥檚 a cozy, narrow town on the barrier island. Everywhere you turn, it鈥檚 nothing but sandy beaches and ocean. For a real treat, stay at one of the Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages to wake up to beach views.

Take in the sights at the Grand Isle State Park at the very tip of the peninsula. Take an ocean-side hike, camp at one of their campsites, or just sit back and enjoy the view. On the other side of the peninsula, you can also check out the Grand Isle Birding Trail. Grand Isle is the perfect getaway destination if you love nature and hate crowds.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is one of those sleepy beach towns, but there are still plenty of things to see and do at a leisurely pace. It鈥檚 on a barrier island on the Gulf Coast and offers some of the most fantastic beach views on the coast. Spend the day on an uncrowded beach or walk along the historic Anna Maria City Pier, built in 1912. Fun fact: until the town built its first bridge, the pier was the only way to get on and off the island!

If you can take your eyes off the spectacular views, head into town for a bit of sightseeing. Be sure to check out the quirky Anna Maria Island Historical Museum to learn more about the history of this quaint seaside town. There are also so many local restaurants and local-owned shops to check out while you鈥檙e there. While it may be a small town, there are plenty of cozy beachside hotels and cottages.

Captiva, Florida

Want to curl up with a book on the beach and be left alone? Then Captiva, Florida, is the ideal beachside retreat. Captiva is a small island town in Florida with wide open beaches, quaint locally owned shops, and plenty of things to keep you occupied when recovering from a sunburn from Turner Beach! Depending on the time of year, you could potentially have the beach to yourself.

Captiva offers plenty of boat tours, cruises, and watersports rentals for the adventurous beachgoer. For an easier pace, you can head to 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa to recharge your batteries and then stop at The Mucky Duck Restaurant to round out your perfect day. When you want to flee the crowds and traffic, Captiva is one of the best-hidden gems in Florida!

Orange Beach, Alabama

Love watersports? Orange Beach, Alabama, is a water sports hub. They offer just about anything from boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing. If you want to stay dry, head to Alabama鈥檚 Gulf State Park for more leisurely activities like bird watching, hiking, or biking. If you love fishing, check out the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. It鈥檚 the largest pier in the Gulf of Mexico!

At night, be sure to check out The Wharf! It has quaint rides, local shops, and some of the best seafood on the coastline. While the excitement is high at Orange Beach, the crowds are low. Often, when you crave adventure, you have to head to one of the more crowded destination spots on the Gulf Coast. Orange Beach is the perfect marriage of high excitement without the bustle of a bigger city.

Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida, is one of the most beautiful cities in the Florida Panhandle. You can spend a lazy afternoon on the beach, go snorkeling, or take a boat tour. But Destin is so much more than a beautiful beach! There are tons of relaxing shops, museums, and parks to check out while you鈥檙e there. Shoreline Village Mall is the perfect spot to grab an ice cream cone and leisurely check out all the diverse local shops.

A trip to Destin isn鈥檛 complete without hitting up the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. The beachside offers fun and unique shops you can only find on Destin. Be sure to visit one of the many local restaurants like Brian's Boardwalk Grill! They offer outdoor seating with views of the ocean and offer up some fantastic fresh seafood! Is there anything better than enjoying fresh seafood with a view of the ocean?

Pack Your Sunscreen and a Good Book

These towns prove you don鈥檛 have to fight big crowds to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach. They have everything you want in a beach vacation: good food, low crowds, quaint attractions, and local shopping. Each of these towns has something unique to offer and is much more than spectacular ocean views.

Jump on a jet ski, take a leisurely walk down a pier, or just lay out a blanket and get wrapped up in the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. You鈥檒l soon discover why the Gulf Coast is one of the most spectacular areas in the United States!