Our Gulf Coast region is filled with hidden anchorages, scenic harbors, and charming waterfront towns. The destinations in this guide are a mix of national parks, resorts, and coastal communities among our favorites for making unforgettable memories in your boat. Get ready for diverse experiences and a touch of paradise right in our backyard.
Sorted: West to East
Moody Gardens, Texas (Galveston Island)
For Texas cruisers looking to spend a weekend with a mix of relaxation and entertainment, Moody Gardens on Offats Bayou is in a tier of its own. Dock at the Moody Gardens Marina, steps away from attractions like the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids, a 3D theater, and the Palm Beach water park. There’s something for every member of your crew to enjoy, between the golf course, tennis courts, spa, lazy river, and nearby Schlitterbahn. Your temporary slip will get you access to hotel accommodations, which we recommend supplementing with a resort day pass.
For refined seafood and prime steaks, head to the 9th floor of the Moody Gardens Hotel to Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks. You’ll enjoy fresh Gulf seafood and high-quality steaks with impeccable service and a stunning view of Galveston Bay. For a more laid-back experience, pop into Sonny’s Place, a local watering hole since 1944 just a short drive from your boat.
Horn Island, Mississippi (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
This 8-mile-long barrier island is about 8 miles off the coast of Mississippi and accessible only by private boat. Designated by Congress as a wilderness area back in 1978, it is one of very few undeveloped barrier islands on the Gulf Coast. Subsequently, there are no facilities whatsoever, providing visitors with a total escape from modern life and a true connection to nature. The island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a 160-mile-long string of islands, historic forts, and beaches.
Look near the western or central area along the north side with calmer, more protected water. Drop a hook and enjoy the untouched island beauty, just as generations of boaters have, from Jean Lafitte to Jimmy Buffett.
Wildlife: Horn Island features diverse wildlife with many complex and completely independent ecosystems all on the same island.
If necessary, it is easy to restock provisions in Biloxi, Mississippi, or up the Pascagoula River before making the final stretch of your cruise. Find slips and fuel close to Horn Island at Point Cadet Marina (Biloxi) or Mary Walker Marina (Gautier).
The island’s quiet, remote atmosphere lets you unwind and enjoy the simple beauty of the Gulf Coast in peace. This cruising destination is worthwhile by itself or in conjunction with the rest of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Fairhope, Alabama (Mobile Bay)
Nestled along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, Fairhope is a picturesque escape with a blend of natural beauty, southern hospitality, and small-town charm. This quaint Alabama town is a favorite for boaters who want to relax and explore local arts, outdoor activities, and waterfront views. With beautiful parks, unique boutiques, and delicious dining, Fairhope is perfect for a weekend getaway that might just convince you to stay indefinitely.
Fairhope Docks and Fly Creek Marina offer convenient access to the town, with options for fueling, dining, and enjoying the waterfront scenery.
A short walk away from the Fairhope Municipal Pier – their town square essentially – is Gambino’s Italian Grill, which offers an elegant take on fresh, local flavors in a cozy atmosphere electrified by nightly live piano.
Before you leave, it should be absolutely compulsory to explore Downtown Fairhope, highlighted by Tamara’s Wine Bar (which feels just as much of an art gallery) and Panini Pete’s cafe and surrounding “mini-French-Quarter”. If you get the opportunity, take a trip south to the Grand Hotel, an incredibly charming hotel predating the Civil War. The resort offers plenty for kids and adults with swimming, bike rentals, and water toys, as well as top-tier facilities for spa, golf course, and tennis/pickleball. Enjoy drinks and dancing at Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge or see how many chairs you can pull around their relaxing firepits just outside.
Destin, Florida (Panhandle)
The crown jewel of Florida’s “Emerald Coast,” Destin is famous for good reason. This lively coastal town offers picturesque sandbars, fresh seafood, and vibrant nightlife. Our power boat clients love spending the day anchoring near Crab Island, a shallow sandbar just north of the Destin Bridge – perfect for fishing, swimming, tanning, and socializing with other boaters.
TIP: Secure your spot near Crab Island early, as it gets crowded during peak season.
Be sure to check out the Destin HarborWalk and grab dinner at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar while you listen to that night’s live band. Kids will love The Track with its highly reviewed go-kart track, “bumper boats,” mini-golf, and arcade. Another mile west of this is Big Kahunas Amusement Park, known for its thrilling water slides and more relaxing lazy river.
Depending on the time of year, you may be able to get a transient slip at the Destin HarborWalk Marina (Emerald Grande).
It’s worth planning your trip to include Thursday night – as the HarborWalk features an incredible fireworks show during the summer, as well as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and New Year’s. Murray Yacht Sales chooses not to have an official position on Taylor Swift’s Florida, written about her version of Destin.
Egmont Key, Florida (Tampa Bay)
Egmont Key, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, is a beautiful island combining history and natural beauty. Accessible only by boat, this small island offers pristine beaches, clear blue waters.
Egmont Key has some of the clearest water on Florida’s west coast, making it ideal for snorkeling. You’ll see a variety of marine life, including fish, starfish, and sea turtles.
Our Team filmed a video for the Florida Debut of the Excess 14 Catamaran including much of Egmont Key – shown at the 1-minute mark.
As shown, this is a great, quiet spot to either relax or enjoy some action-verb boards.
Anchoring Tip: Drop a hook off the northern or eastern side for calmer waters. Be mindful of designated protected areas to preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem.
On the island, this Key’s biggest draw is the historic Fort Dade, built in the late 1800s. The remains of the fort, including gun batteries, old brick roads, and various ruins, give visitors a glimpse into the island’s military history as a bastion of the American Gulf Coast Defense during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. Even before this, the island was home to to what was, in 1848, the first lighthouse built on Florida’s western Gulf Coast.
A trend you might see online is eco-brutalism, a popular design style juxtaposing rugged concrete aesthetics with lush ecosystems. For some, Egmont Key is a cruising destination strictly to experience the unique, serene harmony found here.
Dry Tortugas, Florida (West of Florida Keys)
Our next featured cruising destination is in a class of its own (and yes, more closely related to the East Coast of Florida). We’ll call this spot a good training session for your future jump over to the Bahamas. The small, isolated archipelago of coral islands is almost 70 miles west of Key West. Consistently ranking among our clients’ favorite boating destinations, the Dry Tortugas is a beautiful, 100-square-mile National Park of mostly open water with seven small islands.
| Island | Dimensions |
| Loggerhead Key | 820 by 3,940 ft |
| Garden Key | 1,300 by 1,600 ft |
| Bush Key | 490 by 2,950 ft |
| Long Key | 160 by 660 ft |
| Middle Key | Impermanent – Approximately 20,000 square feet) |
| East Key | 330 by 660 ft |
Update 2024 – Fort Jefferson’s Moat wall is closed for Hurricane repairs until 2026
How to maximize your trip to the Dry Tortugas? First, make sure to check weather forecasts and time your trip appropriately. Due to the isolated nature of the park, provision your boat with enough food, water, fuel, and booze for you to be self-sufficient for your entire stay. There is no garbage service available, so plan ahead by removing any unnecessary plastic or cardboard in your provisions.
Note that all private vessels are required to check in at Garden Key Dock House. The entrance fee is $15 per person and is good for 7 days.
If you plan to go fishing there, check the National Park Service page for current fishing regulations inside the boundaries of Dry Tortugas National Park. Spearfishing and harvesting lobster are prohibited in the archipelago, and some areas strictly prohibit fishing altogether.
Plan your next adventure
Exploring the Gulf Coast offers endless possibilities for boaters eager to experience new waters, shores, and flavors. Each destination, from the bustling shores of Destin to nature’s reclaim of fort ruins, offers something unique that can change the way you see our Gulf of Mexico. So, step out of your comfort zone, chart a new course, and let these amazing spots inspire your next adventure. At Murray Yacht Sales, we’re here to support your journey with tips, gear, and the perfect vessel to make your boating experience unforgettable.