Gulf of Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico surround Civil War Historic Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas
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!

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Where to stay in 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 a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

French Quarter

4.5/5(113 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in French Quarter. Check out top attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, and jump on the metro at Dumaine St Station or Ursulines Ave Stop to see more of the city.

French Quarter
Okaloosa Island which includes a sandy beach

Okaloosa Island

Okaloosa Island is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Wild Willy's Adventure Zone and Okaloosa Island Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Fort Walton Beach.

Okaloosa Island
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sandy beach and a sunset

Seagrove Beach

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

Seagrove Beach
Seaside showing a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

Seaside is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach West.

Seaside
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,091 reviews)
Very clean hotel! We will definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

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Kompose Boutique Hotel
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

4 out of 5
100 Coronado Drive Clearwater Beach FL
The price is AU$509 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$509
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Clearwater Beach. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,057 reviews)
Great beach view. Walking distance to many bars and restaurants. Staff was great!

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
6000 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$592 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$592
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,656 reviews)
Beach view was great. Staff was friendly. Food at the resort was very good.

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sailport Waterfront Suites

Sailport Waterfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
2506 N Rocky Point Dr Tampa FL
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Tampa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,933 reviews)
Great location. Enjoyed the pool. Could have used a notice of renovations in process.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Sailport Waterfront Suites
California Building

California Building

4 out of 5
1111 Tulane Ave New Orleans LA
Stay at this aparthotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Canal Street and Caesars Superdome are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (108 reviews)
There is not food in the hotel WiFi is poor water is horrible

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

California Building
Happy Travelers RV Resort

Happy Travelers RV Resort

3 out of 5
9401 E Fowler Ave Thonotosassa FL
Stay at this cabin in Thonotosassa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa and Busch Gardens ...
Happy Travelers RV Resort
See all properties in Gulf of Mexico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Aerial photo Port of Tampa Florida

Port of Tampa

4.5/5(2 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
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay showing rides

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

4.5/5(2 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
Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Gulf Shores Beach

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
Canal Street showing signage

Canal Street

4/5(72 reviews)

Get to the heart of New Orleans through Canal Street.

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

4.5/5(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 showing street scenes and a city

Bourbon Street

4/5(56 reviews)

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

Bourbon Street

Activities

Cheers to ...well any day on a tiki!

Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon

AU$76
per adult
Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon
CRUISIN’, SWIMMIN’, FLOATIN’, PARTYIN’. You decide!

Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar

AU$114
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar
Picture 2 for Activity Panama City: Sunset Speedboat Tour with Dolphin Watching

Panama City: Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching

AU$90
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Panama City: Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching
Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran

Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran

AU$70
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran
The Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience

AU$80
per adult
Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience
Picture 1 for Activity Panama City Beach: High-Speed Speedboat Thrill Ride

Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride

AU$92
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride
See all activities in Gulf of Mexico