Those who have visited the tiny barrier island town of Dauphin Island likely know just how beautiful, charming and unique it is. Recently, international travel publication World Atlas took notice as well.

World Atlas listed the small Alabama town among its 7 Best Small Towns To Visit on the Gulf Coast. Here’s why:

Dauphin Island’s natural beauty ranks it among the best beach towns

Dauphin Island is traditionally referred to as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” and with good reason. The sunsets are stunning on this island, with its lack of high rise developments to obscure the views.

World Atlas pointed out that the island “boasts a collection of uncrowded beaches with a strong marine culture, a tiny population of about 1,300 residents, and a length of only 14 miles.”

With attractions like the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Fort Gaines, excellent little seafood joints and a 9-hole golf course, it’s no wonder folks keep coming back to this tiny island in Alabama.