Gulf Shores Named One of Most 'Eccentric Towns' On Gulf Coast

OBA Staff • November 27, 2024

World Atlas Magazine names the most eccentric towns

Gulf Shores Public Beach

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Oxford Dictionary defines eccentric as "unconventional and slightly strange." That may fit our cherished beach community on some occasion, but one outlet has ranked Gulf Shores in the top 6 "Most Eccentric Towns" on the Gulf Coast.


World Atlas stated "The Gulf Coast offers unique towns with their own traditions and surprises. Each place tells a story through its events, local foods, and landmarks. From a giant omelet celebration to a beachside music festival, these towns invite visitors to explore and experience something new."


When specifically discussing the Gulf Shores area, World Atlas added "Whether you are unwinding by the sea or treating yourself to fresh ocean food, Gulf Shores offers a special kind of fun. One of those interesting stops to see is the Flora-Bama Lounge. Straddling the state line on the Florida side of the border, this famous roadhouse is part dive bar and part cultural icon. Known for its annual events like the “Interstate Mullet Toss,” the bar is as quirky and entertaining as it gets."


The TOP 6 towns included: Gulf Shores-Alabama, Seabrook-Texas, Gautier-Mississippi, Cedar Key-Florida, Abbeville-Louisiana and St. Pete Beach in Florida.


The article ends with very good advice about these eccentric locations:  They reflect the culture and history of this coastal region that keeps drawing in people over and over again. So, if you are looking for truly distinct spots to visit, look no further. Circle these towns on your map and make your way as fast as possible.

Share this article w/ Friends...

2026 Halloween Events on the Gulf Coast
By K. Cooper • October 23, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Communities along the Alabama Gulf Coast have lined up a full week of Halloween activities stretching from Elberta to Perdido Key. The events include charity paddling, outdoor movies, museum celebrations, and a 5K. Organizers from multiple cities, nonprofits, and local businesses are coord
Waterway Village Gulf Shores
By K. Cooper • October 23, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Waterway Village in Gulf Shores will host the Shrimp Festival Art Walk Pop-Up this weekend. The Waterway Village Merchants Association is organizing the event. Visitors can explore local artwork, enjoy food and drinks, and listen to live music. Several participating businesses will also air
Foley Public Library Book Sale
By OBA Staff • October 23, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Community Library will expand its programs and services after the Foley City Council accepts several financial contributions. The donations and grants will fund education, staffing, and other public opportunities. Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the community members and organizations that
New Roundabout Opens On SR-161 North In Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff • October 22, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A new roundabout on SR-161 North in Gulf Shores is now open to traffic. The roundabout sits south of Gateway Boulevard, also known as County Road 8, and gives drivers traveling through the area more ways to get where they are going. The opening marks a major step in a broader effort to impr
Songwriters at Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
By K. Cooper • October 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival is bringing a special Veterans Day performance to Orange Beach this fall. The event will be held at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, 26389 Canal Road. Two acclaimed Nashville songwriters will perform their award-winning music. The
Orange Beach New Medical Building
By K. Cooper • October 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is moving ahead with plans to bring more specialized healthcare to the area. The city is renovating its old Finance Building, located just north of the Municipal Complex on Orange Beach Boulevard. The project will transform the building into Orange Beach Medical Center South.
Sand in My Boots 2025
By Rod Peevy • October 21, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores is preparing to welcome back Sand In My Boots after a yearlong break. The beachside music festival is expected to draw thousands of fans to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Its return will bring more customers to local hotels, restaurants and shops ahead of the summer tourism season.
Skydio x10 Drone
By OBA Staff • October 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is advancing a new public safety initiative that places drone technology on the front lines of emergency response. The Foley City Council approved a program authorizing the Foley Police Department to deploy drones as first responders. The department has partnered with Skydio, th
N. Cedar Street at W. Peachtree Ave
By OBA Staff • October 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Local contributions are helping Foley continue extending sidewalks on Cedar Street. The Foley City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with a developer to fund sidewalk extensions on Cedar Street, offering a practical alternative after sidewalk construction at the development site on B
Max Griffin Park
By OBA Staff • October 20, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The city of Foley is moving forward with a new round of improvements at Max Griffin Park, including a new indoor Aquatics Center. The Foley City Council recently approved plans to upgrade lighting at the softball fields and remove overhead power lines. The Aquatics Center will also include exterio
Show More