Things to do in Gulf of Mexico

Activities, attractions and tours

The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico surround Civil War Historic Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas
The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. #nature
This is where wild manatees come to spend the winter months. You can even go swimming with them!
This "Before I Die..." Wall has lots of good bucket list ideas!
Dry Tortugas Island is 70 miles west if Key West. famous for its birds and marine life as well as legends of sunken ships....
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Top places to visit

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is an African-themed adventure park featuring more than 2,000 exotic animals, roller coasters, thrill rides, shows and exhibits. The 335-acre (135-hectare) site is divided into eight themed areas. Each area has its own attractions, and animals living in natural-style habitats.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay showing rides

2. Canal Street

Come to Canal Street on the first day of your visit to New Orleans to get a great sense of what the city has to offer. Rich with history and full of interesting stores, theaters, museums and other attractions, this street offers enough to keep you busy for hours. And when you are ready to see another part of the city, Canal Street’s central location means you will be able to walk to many of the other highlights of the French Quarter and beyond.
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Canal Street which includes railway items, street scenes and a city

3. Bourbon Street

Located in the middle of the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, Bourbon Street saw the growth of jazz as a new and individual music genre. It was here in the early 1900s that local musicians such as Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver experimented and developed a sound now known as jazz. Off-beat and full of energy, Bourbon Street has come to embody the qualities this music is famous for the world over.
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Colorful neon signs illuminate Bourbon Street's vibrant nightlife in New Orleans during twilight hours

4. Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Beach has earned a reputation of being among the most beautiful in the United States. The beach is known for its crystal-clear water and powdery white sand, made almost entirely of pure white quartz. The soft, clean sands are reflective so it’s never too hot underfoot, despite the warm Florida sun. Siesta Key’s public beach is equipped with all the amenities necessary for a full day of relaxing on the soft sands and splashing around in the clear, shallow water.
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Southwest Florida featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people

5. Duval Street

Coming to Florida’s Key West and not experiencing Duval Street is missing one of the area’s most important commercial roads. It’s the main street on the island. Visit at any time. At the end of the day, when the heat abates and beachgoers have packed up, the street truly comes into its own. Being bored on Duval Street is a rarity.
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Duval Street featuring signage

What to do in Gulf of Mexico

Popular places to visit

Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Gulf Shores Beach

5/5(1 review)

Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Gulf Shores Beach, a popular beach in Gulf Shores. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this relaxing area.

Gulf Shores Beach
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay showing rides

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Exotic animals and thrill rides all on the one site at this theme park and zoo designed for the whole family.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Aerial photo Port of Tampa Florida

Port of Tampa

4/5(19 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Tampa with a trip to Port of Tampa. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Port of Tampa
Canal Street which includes signage

Canal Street

4/5(122 reviews)

Start your exploration of New Orleans with the many attractions on this buzzing pedestrianized street, which is located right in the heart of the downtown area.

Canal Street
huge cruise liner stands off the coast of Vancouver Canada Place flag flying over the Pacific Ocean sails a beautiful view of the city on the water Canada 2023

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal

4/5(2 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Galveston with a trip to Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
Bourbon Street which includes street scenes and a city

Bourbon Street

3.5/5(120 reviews)

The birthplace of jazz is a vibrant city boulevard where the history and music of New Orleans comes to life.

Bourbon Street
Southwest Florida featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people

Siesta Key Beach

4.5/5(33 reviews)

The soft, white sand on Siesta Key’s award-winning family-friendly beach is perfect for relaxing under a sun umbrella and taking part in a game of volleyball.

Siesta Key Beach
Lifeguard lookout post at Navarre beach Florida

Navarre Beach

Head over to Navarre Beach, a favourite beach in Navarre to enjoy the surf and sand, along with fishing. Wander the seaside or discover the sunsets in this relaxing area.

Navarre Beach
Duval Street featuring signage

Duval Street

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

Duval Street

Areas of Gulf of Mexico

Beach Living at Rosemary Beach, Florida; Shutterstock ID 432580411; Purchase Order: -

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Alys Beach or Rosemary Beach.

Rosemary Beach
R3YH4J Vacation townhomes, Seacrest Beach, Florida, USA

Seacrest

Seacrest is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach.

Seacrest
French Quarter showing heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

French Quarter

4.5/5(151 area reviews)

One of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods is popular for an ecclectic blend of romantic history, stunning architecture, jazz and black arts.

French Quarter
Fort Walton Beach showing a sunset and a sandy beach

Seagrove Beach

5/5(1 area review)

On this shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico you’ll find a wonderful beachside hamlet and plenty of spots to play and relax.

Seagrove Beach
Okaloosa Island showing a sandy beach

Okaloosa Island

The perfect place for a romantic getaway or a family weekend retreat, this is an unforgettable shoreline delight.

Okaloosa Island
Seaside showing general coastal views and a coastal town

Seaside

Sit at a seafood restaurant overlooking the white-sand beaches and speak with friendly locals in the lively farmers market.

Seaside