Fall in Love with the Gulf Coast with these 20 Instagram photos

Let’s face it, the Gulf Coast is a pretty spectacular place — from the quaint fishing towns of the Mississippi and Alabama coasts, to the historic settlements of West Florida, to the soft-as-sugar beaches of the national seashore or the crystal clear springs that induce you to get lost in nature. Whether you’re a native, vacationer, or virgin, these 20 incredible Instagram photos are sure to make you fall in love with the Gulf Coast all over again.

1. Because this is the perfect therapy. #UpsideOfFlorida

Pensacola Bay, Florida

The perfect afternoon therapy. #thesunsetspot

A photo posted by JBF4 (@jbf4) on Sep 8, 2015 at 5:12pm PDT

2. Miles and miles of pristine soft sugar-white sands to leave your foot (or paw) prints in. #LongWalksOnTheBeach

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi

Crystal clear water at @dauphinisland today! ?? #GSP #GulfCoast @southmobiletourism A photo posted by Kendall Grace Whitten (@kgwhitten) on Oct 11, 2015 at 9:53am PDT

3. Because this is our version of fast food. #MobileBay

Mobile Bay, Alabama

White Trout with the wife! #fishing #yellowmouth #whitetrout #fish #gulpshrimp #poppincork #alseafood #gulfshores #gulfcoast #alabama #tightlines #outdoors #artificial #shimano #spinningreels #girlsfishtoo #mobilebay @amanda_martiniere   A photo posted by Tanner Martiniere (@wtmartiniere) on Oct 10, 2015 at 11:18am PDT

4. Come here for the stunning beaches, stay for the little slice of European urbanism #RosemaryBeach

Rosemary Beach, Florida

Beautiful day for a stroll @rosemary_beachfl #30A #southwalton A photo posted by 30A (@hey30a) on Oct 11, 2015 at 12:43pm PDT

5. Because this could be your new favorite spot to take a rainy day drive… #MagnoliaSprings

Tunnel of Trees, Magnolia Springs, Alabama

Rain is no reason for adventure to cease! @maleygibbons   A photo posted by John Mark Leach (@johnmleach) on Sep 27, 2015 at 4:51pm PDT

6. Once you take your first steps in our emerald green waters, you’ll be hooked for life #EmeraldCoast

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Most beautiful day of the year. #??? A photo posted by JBF4 (@jbf4) on Oct 11, 2015 at 12:24pm PDT

7. Because we’re home to some of the oldest and most culturally-diverse settlements in America #History

Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama

Second stop on our antiques road trip: Mobile, Alabama! ☀️ A photo posted by The Distillery (@thedistillerymarket) on Oct 11, 2015 at 11:33am PDT

8. Our great cities will inspire you #Downtown

Downtown Mobile, Alabama

Mobile, AL   A photo posted by @randombackpacker on Oct 8, 2015 at 6:19am PDT

9. We’ve been guiding explorers to our harbors for nearly 500 years #Lighthouse

Port St. Joe, Florida

A photo posted by Pam Higdon (@higdonpam) on Oct 8, 2015 at 9:33am PDT

10. Because our driveways are a little more scenic. #ShrimpBoats

Boggy Bayou, Niceville, Florida

What a glorious morning!! #sundayfunday #shrimpboat #boggybayou #WilmaRee #bethankfuleverydayandtwiceonsundays   A photo posted by Willingham Seafood Company (@willinghamseafood) on Sep 13, 2015 at 7:03am PDT

11. …or at least a little more unique. #America

Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

‘Merica A photo posted by Megan Johnson (@megjo0217) on Aug 16, 2015 at 6:56am PDT

12. Our wake-up calls are the best #CoffeeOnTheBeach

Destin, Florida

Coffee on the Beach with my ?   A photo posted by Michelle (@momlashesanddashes) on Oct 11, 2015 at 7:31am PDT

13. Because sometimes older is better and we understand that. #BrickStreets

East Hill, Pensacola

Great weather for a morning walk with #charliethepharaoh #larua #pensacolafl #upsideofflorida #livinghistory A photo posted by Jamie Briggs (@jharoldbriggs) on Oct 11, 2015 at 6:07am PDT

14. Because everyday can be a new adventure #SailAway

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Beach time! #sailing #sunfish #sunset #beach #alabama #gulfcoast #beachlife   A photo posted by Roland maertens (@dribblepus) on Oct 10, 2015 at 6:54am PDT

15. Experiencing even nature’s smallest creations can make for big smiles #EconfinaSprings

Econfina Springs, Florida

Hey mister turtle turtle #LoveFL #roamflorida #purefl A photo posted by Ryan Alexander Winburn (@ryanwinburn) on Jul 23, 2015 at 4:35pm PDT

16. Our churches are testaments to the beauty of time #Palafox

Christ Church, Palafox Street, Pensacola, Florida

Starting to think we could dedicate a whole Instagram to the beautiful churches in the #UpsideofFlorida…   A photo posted by @thegoodcleanlivingteam on Sep 21, 2015 at 8:00am PDT

17. Walk centuries back in time to a different world #FortPickens

Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola Beach, Florida

In Defense of Pensacola Fort Pickens was built 181 years ago and still stands strong at the entrance of the City of Five Flags A photo posted by Drew Buchanan (@drewbuchanan) on Jun 21, 2015 at 7:59am PDT

18. Because you’ll be mesmerized by the views from homeplate #WahoosLife

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola, Florida

We love Pensacola.   A photo posted by Pensacola Pedal Trolley (@pedaltrolley) on Apr 25, 2015 at 6:41pm PDT

19. Because anytime is a perfect time to #GetLost

Blackwater River, Florida

The #bloodmoon didn’t make an appearance here in Florida because of cloud cover so I made some #tentglow with my @msr_gear #msr #hubbahubbanx 2 out on a #sandbar here on the #blackwaterriver . #fire was provided by local #driftwood! Shot on a #nikon #d3 for #hipcamp @hipcamp #camping A photo posted by Jeff Gammons (@gammonsjk) on Sep 28, 2015 at 4:08pm PDT

20. Because when your backyard has this view, what’s not to love? #BlueAngels

Pensacola Beach, Florida

HEYY HEYYYY HEYYYYYYY #fatalbert #blueangels #day3   A photo posted by JBF4 (@jbf4) on Jul 10, 2015 at 2:50pm PDT