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The Gulf Coast, also known as the Gulf of Mexico, is a section of the Atlantic Ocean that is home to the shores of the US and Mexico. Here, you can find the American states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Known for hot weather, amazing fishing opportunities, pristine sandy beaches, and endless chances for outdoor adventures, the Gulf Coast is also populated with dozens of towns with thriving, locally-owned businesses such as cafes, shops, supermarkets, and restaurants. Whether you're looking for your morning cup of coffee, a new outfit for the beach, some picnic essentials, or the best place in town for dinner, you'll find the perfect stop here on the Gulf Coast.

South Padre Island, Texas

Head to South Padre Island for warm ocean waters, stunning beaches, and a vibrant community both during the day and at night.

Start the day off right with Milos, a surf-themed and cozy cafe perfect for that morning cup of coffee. Karma Coffee and Books is an adorable collaboration between a cafe and a bookstore, providing you with the perfect opportunity to sit down with a new book and a latte. Additionally, Sunrise Bakery not only has drinks but also serves fantastic macaroons, cinnamon buns, croissants, and more.

Visitors who love to shop can find the perfect gift for someone at Sugar Planet, a store selling candy and toys. Calypso has your beach day covered with shirts, shorts, bathing suits, sunglasses, and everything else you might need in the beachwear department. The Baked Bear keeps you cool on a hot day with custom ice cream sandwiches.

Run out of something important or just need the weekly essentials? Island Market is your one-stop shop for hardware items, non-perishables like canned items, coffee, and self-care items. Blue Marlin Supermarket has fresh produce, baked goods, packaged meats, and all the other grocery store essentials.

After a long day at the beach, you're bound to be hungry. Stop in for lunch at Sputnik Grill, where they have amazing pizza and wings. Lastly, dinner is easy with Blackbeards', a laid-back seafood joint where you can sample the freshest the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Come for the history of Dauphin Island, such as Fort Gaines and its ties to the Civil War, and stay for the sunbathing, beachcombing, and relaxing.

Sit down with a delicious iced coffee, a freshly baked cookie, and a take-home loaf of bread at Lighthouse Bakery, which features a front porch with seating. Foxy's Waffle Bar and Sugar Den not only has delectable, custom waffles but also frappes and smoothies. And Island Rainbow keeps you cool with ice cream, snow cones, and milkshakes.

Find a cute outfit for walking the beach or going out to dinner at The Hippie Fish, a locally owned boutique. Blu Rival Surf Shop has you covered in case you forgot your swimsuit or sunscreen. It also carries surfboards and boogie boards. And Beach Planet carries fun gifts, sandals, hats, sunglasses, and other beach novelties.

Those who are looking to host a picnic or BBQ can check out Skinners Seafood, which carries both fresh and frozen seafood items, such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and more, as well as spices and sauces to make your meal complete. Ship and Shore Supplies is an island supermarket with a produce section, bakery, meat department, and liquor store.

After a long day of shopping, be sure to check out Pirates Bar and Grill for some great food. This is located right off the main beach and has magnificent views of the ocean as well as fresh seafood dishes. Islanders Restaurant and Bar has seafood as well, but it also serves pasta, chicken, and other delicious dishes. They also have a wide range of fun cocktails.

Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island is the perfect getaway for watersports, luxury resorts, and all the fishing you can handle.

Anyone looking to start the day off right should grab a slice of cheesecake, a dessert square, or a muffin at Oris Bakery and Cafe. Dolce Mare has drinks, scrumptious gelato flavors, and chocolates. Empire Bagel Factory has beautifully crafted bagel sandwiches, soups, and refreshing iced coffee.

Didn't pack enough beach clothes, or just want to see what the town has to offer? Butterfly Beach carries stylish women's and children's clothing, as well as accessories, so you and your family can look your best. Bargain Basket is a thrift shop dedicated to keeping gently used items out of landfills. And Shore Goods is a one-stop gift shop where you can find the perfect souvenir, or gift for someone back home.

Stop in at the Marco Island Farmer's Market and meet the locals, as well as find fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, hand-crafted decor, and so much more. Italian Deli and Market has an attached restaurant and shelves full of imported Italian and European goods.

After a long day of hanging out in the sun and playing in the waves, it's time to sit down for some amazing eats. Sunset Grille is a laid-back sports bar with amazing ocean views, so you can enjoy your beer and watch the sunset. Kretchs Restaurant is a casual dining establishment with delicious seafood options.

Port Lavaca, Texas

Halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi, you'll find the relaxing, historic ocean town of Port Lavaca.

Enjoy a refreshing and sweet frappe while sitting on the oceanside patio at Anchored In Love - The Tipsy Bean. The Sanity Mug carries freshly made iced teas, hot beverages, iced lattes, and yummy cookies and muffins. Mad Batter Cheesecakes has your event covered, whether you're looking for a custom-made cheesecake or mini cheesecakes that are perfect for sampling.

After a delicious breakfast, visitors can prep for a day of fishing at Poor Boy Bait, which is a shack set up right near the Port Lavaca Fishing Pier that carries all the best bait. You can spend your afternoon casting a line. Gypsy Moon is a metaphysical shop with gems, stones, accessories, and books. Pojo's Liquor and Gifts has your vacation covered with all the popular spirits, wines, beers, and gift sets and ideas.

Be sure to sample the amazing seafood that the Gulf Coast waters have to offer! Millers Sea Food is the place to go for freshly caught meats like lobster, shrimp, crab, and oysters. May Asian Market stocks their shelves with imported goods from several Asian countries, including Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines.

The sun has set, and it's time to grab some drinks with friends and fill your stomach. Catch the latest game or meet with friends at Scully's Sports Bar and Grill and enjoy the views from their oceanfront patio. Don Julio's Mexican Restaurant carries all your favorites, including tacos, quesadillas, chips and salsa, and fantastic margaritas.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Known for its art scene, natural beauty, and humid climate, Ocean Springs is the place to be if you want to experience stellar galleries, markets, and weather that makes you feel like you're in the tropics.

Make a quick pit stop at Java Jo'z, a tiny drive-thru-only cafe, where you can grab a drink and head to your next adventure. Martha's Tea Room is an adorable spot for an event such as a bachelorette party, baby shower, or family reunion. Coffee Fusion serves up espresso-based drinks, hearty lunches, and fun bubble tea flavors.

Everyone loves to shop, especially when that means a refreshing ice cream cone as a reward. Kilwins Ocean Springs satisfies any sweet tooth with ice cream, candy, caramel apples, and chocolates. Buff City Soap has your self-care needs with handmade soaps in a variety of scents and colors. And Bella Rose Boutique carries the perfect outfit, so you can feel confident and beautiful.

If you're looking to stock up on your Airbnb or have some snacks for the hotel room, look no further! Five Seasons Whole Foods Market carries all the best organic snacks, non-perishables, and more, as well as kombucha. South Coast Seafood Company is a perfect place to grab some fresh seafood for your event, dinner, or BBQ.

If all you've had to eat is beachside fast food, sit down to dinner at one of these amazing restaurants. Italian Garden brings the flavors of Italy with gorgeous Tuscan decor and dishes such as pasta and pizza. The Crawfish House is a great place to get some genuine Gulf Coast seafood, such as oysters, crawfish, and fish tacos.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

When stopping in Bay St. Louis, make sure to explore downtown and take in its vast history, or head down to the sandy beaches for a day of play.

Fill up before you hit the water with these convenient cafes. Enjoy delicate macaroons, freshly baked scones, and delicious frappes at Coffee Culture. At Sunrise Cafe, sit down to an amazing breakfast alongside your cup of coffee. Mockingbird Cafe prepares amazing lattes, lemonades, and a delicious brunch.

Grab fun souvenirs, knickknacks, and treats with these fun stores. Popcorn Plus is a great stop for anybody looking for a sweet treat or a candy from their childhood, as their shelves are stocked full of candy, truffles, fudge, and of course, popcorn. Cafe BoneJour is an adorable pet boutique with great toys, pet care, and treats. Magnolia Antiques has lots of treasures in store, perfect for a gift or to fill that empty space at home.

If you're looking forward to cooking some fresh seafood for the family and making sure you have all the fixings, the markets in town have just what you need. TBT Butcher Shop and Seafood Market has dinner covered with a wide variety of options so you can keep everyone at the table happy and fed. Claiborne Hill Supermarket is in the attached community of Waveland and carries all the essentials without the crowds, and you get to support locals.

For some fresh seafood prepared by a local chef or even some bar favorites, check out Buoys Bar. This bar is located right off the Marina and has tasty pub food as well as several beers on tap. Thorny Oyster is perfect for lunch, and it not only serves seafood but also sandwiches, pasta, and salads.

Wherever you're vacationing or possibly considering moving to on the Gulf Coast, know that there are dozens of locally owned shops and restaurants with amazing food, clothing, candy, and toys. Find refreshing iced coffee, freshly caught seafood, beachwear, and more, all on the main streets of these oceanside towns.