Enjoy my suggestions of US Gulf Coast photo locations for fun selfies, Instagrammable spots, spectacular sunsets, and more great coastal shots. Let me know your favorite places for photos along the US Gulf Coast.
US Gulf Coast Nature Scenes
Can you think of anything more beautiful than a majestic US Gulf Coast live oak? I pored through 10,000 photos of oak trees to find the following gems. But, yes, there are thousands of other trees that make perfect Gulf Coast photo spots for your selfies.
Destrehan Plantation in St. Charles Parish Louisiana
I have said before that I would love a wall calendar of Destrehan Oaks. There are so many and they are phenomenal. See another property that has THREE oak alleys in New Orleans Plantations.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores Alabama
No doubt that the Alabama Beaches are gorgeous but the above spot is one of my favorite places in Gulf Shores. See more Things to Do in Gulf Shores.
Bayou Des Allemandes in Lafourche and St Charles Parishes Louisiana
Oak trees and oak alleys are not limited to land. I loved exploring this one in Bayou Des Allemandes. Later on the Arthur Matherne Airboat Tour, you may have the opportunity to touch and pose with a 14 foot gator. Depends if Big Al has eaten in the past few days or not. Now that is a spectacular Gulf Coast photo opp.
Hard to believe but the US Gulf Coast nature is more than just oak trees. We are blessed with the best beaches in the world, the best sea shells in the world, the most spectacular sunsets in the world, and so much more. Let me know if you want to see more and I might do a dedicated US Gulf Coast nature photo spots article.
Keewaydin Island Florida
Keewaydin Island is super popular on the weekends but visit during weekday mornings for tranquility and an abundance of pristine, intact sea shells. As you can see, I had the beach to myself and these were only the first three sand dollars I saw. Within five minutes, I found several dozen perfect ones. Too bad the nearby Naples restaurants did not accept them as payment.
Ocean Springs Mississippi
There are 1,900 miles of stellar coastline to catch spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets. One of my favorite US Gulf Coast sunset spots is in Ocean Springs, looking toward Biloxi. See more Coastal Mississippi Hidden Gems.
Naples Florida
Naples Florida has so many fantastic spots to watch sunset, including Vanderbilt Beach, Tigertail Beach (Marco Island), and the historic Naples Pier. My favorite Naples FL sunset spot is in Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park where the coastal trees make for a classic US Gulf Coast photo setting.
See more Sensational US Gulf Coast Sunset Spots
Padre Island National Seashore Texas
But US Gulf Coast sunrises are also magnificent, especially from the Texas Gulf Coast. One of the most Unique Gulf Coast activities is camping on the sand of Padre Island National Seashore and waking up to this sunrise view over the Gulf of Mexico.
See also Best Places to Watch Anna Maria Island Sunsets
US Gulf Coast Animals
Our US Gulf Coast wildlife friends are the most wonderful in the world. From manatees to roseate spoonbills to gators (and crocs!), dolphins, turtles, and sharks to flamingos, Gulf Coast animals make US Gulf Coast photo locations exciting and memorable.
Crystal River Florida
As the only protected manatee habitat in the world where people can swim with them, Crystal River is one of my favorite Cool Activities on the Gulf Coast. For an unforgettable Gulf Coast selfie, join a guided manatee tour in Crystal River and let your guide take you to their secret spots. Learn more at Fun Things to Do in Crystal River.
Everglades National Park Florida
While the American Alligator can be found all along the US Gulf Coast, they are most easily seen on a visit to the Everglades. See Fun Things to Do in the Everglades for more ideas for fun Instagrammable spots in natural Florida settings.
And two great places for gator sightings and experiences in Louisiana are Greenwood Gator Farm and Insta-Gator in Louisiana Northshore.
Islamorada Florida
The 105 mile stretch of The Florida Keys provides thousands of US Gulf Coast photo locations but my favorite fun one is the largest lobster in the world. Look for Betsy around mile marker 86 in Islamorada. See more Great Spots to Visit in the Florida Keys.
A fantastic Islamorada relaxed luxury resort to stay in is Casa Morada. Also in Islamorada, I love Florida Keys Brewing Company.
Biloxi Mississippi
A fun Instagrammable selfie spot for children (of all ages) is the giant shark mouth entrance into the Sharkheads souvenir gift shop in Biloxi Mississippi. See more of Fun Things On The Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Anna Maria Island Florida
After ordering one of the Best Grouper Sandwiches in Florida at Ugly Grouper, stroll over to the giant silver artwork and take your own fun Gulf Coast selfie. And when you post it online, make sure to include the #USGulfCoast hashtag so that I can see it and share. See more amazing Anna Maria Island Restaurants.
Homosassa Springs Florida
The giant manatee statue at the main entrance to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a favorite Gulf Coast selfie spot. This is a great spot to visit in winter to see dozens of wild manatees. See more Florida nature photo spots.
US Gulf Coast Wall Murals
Some of my favorite US Gulf Coast photo locations for fun Instagrammable spots are wall murals. The Gulf Coast has dozens of colorful and attractive public art murals and here are a few of my suggestions. Let me know if you want to see more and I might do a dedicated US Gulf Coast wall mural article.
Downtown Mobile Alabama
Located between the Mobile Saenger Theatre and Loda Bier Garten, the #HeartofMobile wall mural is a colorful backdrop for for a fun selfie or Instagram post. See my favorite Things to Do in Mobile Alabama
Beaumont Texas
Find this wonderful Beaumont Texas wall mural at Calder and First. See my favorite Things to Do in Beaumont Texas
Biloxi Mississippi
The Gulf Coast Shall Rise Again wall mural is found on the Beach Blvd side of the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. See my favorite Things to Do in Biloxi Mississippi.
South Padre Island Texas
Above is just a portion of the humungous and magnificent sea wildlife wall mural on the South Padre Convention Centre. After or before taking your selfies, make sure to enjoy the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. It is a sweet spot to see migrating birds and Laguna Madre Bay scenery.
See Fun Things to Do in South Padre Island
Anna Maria Island Florida
Visit Ginny’s and Jane E’s for magnificent breakfast treats (the cinnamon roll is phenomenal) and lunch sandwiches. Among all the quirky decor, find this amazing artwork on the side of the coffee area. See more Things to Do in Anna Maria Island Florida.
Other US Gulf Coast Photo Locations and Scenes
Phew, after wall murals, amazing animals, and nature spots, here are more US Gulf Coast Instagrammable spots.
Navarre Beach Florida
The Navarre Beach Pier is a favorite sunset spot along the Gulf Coast but is a wonderful setting any time. While on the pier, look for sea turtles and large fish, surfers, and that gorgeous emerald water. See also best Florida Panhandle Beaches.
Above Gulf Shores Alabama
Vertigo alert! I love having my feet in the softest beach sand on earth but an exhilarating and unique perspective is up above. Book a tour with BeachFlight Aviation in Gulf Shores to see the glorious Alabama Beaches from an open cockpit aircraft.
Lafayette Louisiana
We just had to mention Mardi Gras, as it is an essential aspect of US Gulf Coast life. Just like the other categories, there are thousands of photo opps during Mardi Gras. One of my favorite scenes is the chicken run at Courir de Mardi Gras (traditional French Mardi Gras). This was taken in a small community near Lafayette Louisiana, deep in the heart of Cajun country.
For more to do there, please see Things to Do in Lafayette Louisiana.
Where is your favorite place for Mardi Gras photos?
Hidden Gem in Sarasota, Florida
It is a thrill to kayak on South Creek in Oscar Scherer State Park in south Sarasota County. Sure there are gators and snakes and turtles and tropical birds. But I love the gorgeous live oak trees covered with Spanish moss hanging over the water.
Limiting my suggestions to only 22 places was very difficult but I hope you enjoy this and have received some inspiration when looking for future US Gulf Coast photo locations.
Let me know about your favorite Gulf Coast Instagrammable places. And also please include the #USGulfCoast hashtag on your posts so that I can see them and share with my audience.